Defending the RPO and Changing the Pitch Key

1. The Core Problem: Conflict Players

Fex teaches that RPOs work because they put second-level defenders in conflict.

Offense is reading:

• Apex defender

• Overhang

• Inside linebacker

• Safety fit player

👉 If that player is wrong, the offense is right.

Defensive mission:

Remove the gray area. Make every defender right.

2. Build “No-Conflict” Fits

Fex’s system starts with clearly defined run/pass responsibilities.

Key principle:

One player = run fit
One player = pass responsibility

Avoid dual-read defenders whenever possible.

Common methods:

• Box player fits run first

• Apex/overhang handles RPO window

• Safety fits late or rotates down

This reduces hesitation — the real killer vs RPO.

3. Apex Player Is the Key

Fex often highlights the apex defender as the most stressed player in modern football.

Coaching points:

• Align correctly (split the difference)

• Be decisive — no slow play

• Understand down & distance tendencies

• Know formation indicators

Rule of thumb Fex teaches:

Slow feet = completed slant.

⚙️ 4. Coverage Structure Matters

Fex is big on pairing fronts and coverages to protect the conflict defender.

Common answers in his philosophy:

✅ Quarters / Match

• Safety helps on RPO glance

• Allows aggressive box fits

• Good vs 2x2 teams

✅ Cover 3 Variations

• Overhang widens window

• Safety can spin down late

• Good vs heavy RPO teams

✅ Trap/Cloud Adjustments

• Take away quick game

• Force ball deeper

The goal is always the same:

Take away the first window.

5. “Close the Window” Technique

Fex stresses technique over scheme.

For linebackers:

• Collision #2 when possible

• Get hands in passing lanes

• Expand with the mesh

• Don’t vacate the window too fast

For overhangs:

• Midpoint leverage

• Trigger on run key

• But keep vision on QB

Coaching phrase:

Play slow to the mesh, fast to the ball.

6. Win on Early Downs

Fex repeatedly notes:

RPO teams hate 2nd & long.

Defensive objectives:

• Stop the run on 1st down

• Force true dropback situations

• Get offense out of rhythm

When offenses must drop back, the RPO advantage disappears.

7. Weekly Game Planning

Fex emphasizes opponent-specific prep.

Questions he asks weekly:

• Who is the read player most often?

• What RPO family do they major in?

• What down & distance triggers RPO?

• Where is the glance/slant window?

Great RPO defense is intentional, not generic.

Bottom Line (Fex Philosophy)

If you remember nothing else:

• Eliminate conflict defenders

• Define run vs pass responsibilities

• Protect the apex player

• Close the first window

• Win on early downs

• Force dropback football