Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
95 Willie out of the I Form Slot with 21 personnel is a power run play designed to hit off tackle to the strong side. The fullback and pulling linemen lead through the hole to seal off edge defenders while the offensive line executes down blocks to create a wall, and the halfback follows his blockers on a north-south path just outside the tackle. This is a straightforward gap scheme run play, not a play-action or RPO, so the primary read is the halfback identifying the play side alley and pressing the hole created by the double team and lead blocker before cutting off the fullback's block.
Defensive Reads
Watch for linebacker depth at the snap since shallow linebackers who crash down early are the biggest obstacle to this play hitting for positive yardage. Look for a defensive end or outside linebacker who consistently sets the edge hard, since that forces the halfback to cut inside earlier than blocking design intends. Identify whether the defense is running a nano blitz off the edge, as an unblocked speed rusher can blow this play up before the fullback gets a chance to seal. Check safety alignment pre-snap, since a single high safety who reads run fast can fill the alley and limit this to a short gain. Post-snap, key on whether the play side linebacker fills downhill or flows laterally, because delayed pursuit from man coverage linebackers is what allows this run to break into the second level.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage when you want to establish tempo and set up play-action later in the drive.
Check the defensive front pre-snap and look for light boxes with six or fewer defenders in the box before calling this play.
If the defense shows a stacked box with eight defenders or heavy blitz indicators, consider audibling to Bubble Screen or HB Slip Screen to punish overpursuit.
Pair this play with PA Power O and HB Counter later in the series since they share blocking mirrors that will freeze linebackers who bit hard on 95 Willie.
User your fullback through the hole against man coverage teams that key on the lead blocker so you can cut off his shoulder into the second level.
