Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 95 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Power O out of Goal Line Offense uses run action to sell Power O blocking before releasing three routes into a play-action passing concept. The tight end runs a corner route from in-line alignment, an inside receiver runs a deep crossing route that clears out over the middle, and the backside receiver runs an out route toward the sideline. This is a play-action shot play designed to punish defenses selling hard on run fits near the goal line, with the crosser working as a man beater against tight coverage and the corner and out routes stretching zone defenders vertically and horizontally. Primary read progression starts with the corner route, works to the deep crosser, and checks down to the out route if the safety jumps the vertical shot.
Defensive Reads
Watch for a single high safety cheating toward the box pre-snap, since that alignment leaves the corner route in a favorable one on one matchup. If the defense shows two deep safeties in a Cover 2 or Cover 4 shell, the deep crosser becomes the primary target since the corner route will run into the safety's zone. Identify linebacker depth before the snap, shallow linebackers crowding the line of scrimmage confirm the defense is selling out against Power O and will bite on the fake. Post-snap, key any user-controlled defender flying downhill on the run fake, that is your signal the play action has worked and the crosser or corner route will be wide open behind him. This play struggles against disciplined zone defenses that keep linebackers at proper depth and safeties honest, since the short field limits vertical separation and invites tight coverage on all three routes.
Usage Tips
Use this play when the defense has shown heavy run support or an extra defender in the box on previous snaps near the goal line, since the play action freezes linebackers and safeties.
Check pre-snap for single high safety looks or Cover 0 blitz packages, since the corner route can win one on one against a safety who bites on the run fake.
Hot route the backside out route into a quick flag or comeback if you see man coverage with no safety help over the top, this turns the concept into a true man beater in the red zone.
Pair this call with Power O and HB Power G earlier in a series to condition the defense to load the box, then hit this shot play once they start crashing down hard.
Best used on second or third and short to medium inside the ten yard line, where defenses expect a power run and are most vulnerable to the play fake.
