Playbooks
Breakdown
HB Power O out of the I Form H Tight set is a gap scheme run play designed to hit off tackle behind a pulling blocker. The FB leads through the hole with the guard pulling to kick out the edge defender, while the HB takes a slight aiming point outside the tackle before pressing downhill through the created lane. This is a run play, not a man or zone beater in the passing sense, and the primary read is the HB following his lead blocker through the hole, reading the down blocks and pull first before deciding whether to bounce outside or cut back based on the flow of the defensive front.
Defensive Reads
Watch the defensive front alignment pre-snap, an overloaded strong side with extra defenders in the box signals the defense may be sitting on this power run. Key the play side defensive end and outside linebacker, if they crash down hard on the pull the HB should bounce it outside for a bigger gain. User controlled linebackers who stack the point of attack and take on the FB lead block square are the main threat to shutting this play down, look to see if the CPU or user fills the gap fast. Look for safeties creeping into the box pre-snap, an eight man front with both safeties near the line of scrimmage is a strong indicator the defense is loading up to stop the run. If the defense shows a heavy blitz package with extra rushers off the edge, expect this play to get blown up quickly unless the FB and pulling guard win their blocks immediately.
Usage Tips
Check the defensive front pre-snap and look for light boxes with six or fewer defenders to maximize the numbers advantage for your lead blocker.
Use motion or a hard count to see if linebackers are keying run so you can audible to a play-action shot off this same look if they bite.
Let the pulling guard and FB do the work, do not rush your cut, press the hole and read the kick out block before committing outside or cutting back inside.
Pair this with PA Power O from the same set so the defense has to respect the run action, this keeps linebackers frozen and opens up play-action shots downfield.
Best used on early downs or short yardage and goal line situations where a physical, gap scheme run can control tempo and wear down the defensive front.
