How to use RPO (Run Pass option)
RPO has become an incredibly popular term over the past few years, with some people even jokingly turning how often advertisers say the term into a drinking game. Madden 21 was naturally expected to have RPOs again this year, as they will continue to be a force this coming season.
The Run Pass option is exactly what that means, a game that gives the quarterback the option of throwing the ball themselves, passing the ball to a running back, or passing the ball depending on how defense is defined and the way he reacts to the snap. . There are three types of RPOs in the game, categorized as Peek, Alert, and Read, each working a little differently.
RPO overview
The RPO Peek is the first of the RPO choices, which has two parts. At the start of the game, the running back will run past the QB, with you having the option of pressing X on PS4 to deliver it to them. If you don't press X, you'll keep the ball and very quickly have to decide where to throw it. This decision has to be made based on how the linebacker reacts to the game. If you see him crashing into defense you'll want to throw him, but you can throw him if he stays behind. You have to be careful not to hold the ball too long during a throw, as you could end up with an ineligible man down penalty.
Alert RPO
RPO alert games play out pretty much the opposite way to RPO Peek, as running back is the first option here. Once you've slammed the ball, you'll automatically return it to the ball carrier if you don't press anything. However, if you press a button on the receiver before the ball carrier gets the transfer, you'll end up throwing it. It works well for very fast tilts or other types of play that quickly get the ball out of the QB's hands.
RPO reading
Finally, we have the RPO Read, which is the toughest of the trio. Indeed, three options are available for each room instead of two. In RPO reading, you can either hand the ball to the running back, throw the ball with your QB, or throw the ball with your QB. This means that there are more defenders that you have to watch before and after the snap to see how they react to decide what you want to do. As before, you can hand the ball over to the RB by pressing X as they run through the QB. If you pass over it you're default to pass after that, but you can take off by pressing R2 to scramble and run for a few yards.
RPOs should still be a big deal in Madden 21, so learning how to perform them, as well as how to defend them, will be critical to your long-term success online this year.
