HB Power O

Watch linebacker depth before the snap, if they are stacked tight behind the double team gap they are keying run and will fill fast, so consider a cutback if the backside is soft. Identify single high versus two high safety shells, single high alignments leave more numbers in the box and can clog the power lane, while two high shells often mean lighter fronts that this play exploits. Look for a nano blitz or edge crasher off the play side, since the pulling blocker needs a clean path, a fast defensive end penetrating before the double team sets up can blow up the entire concept. Track user defenders flowing hard to the play side pre-snap, a heavy user shift signals they have scouted the pull and you should bounce it outside or check to a backside cutback lane. Man coverage on the outside receivers with no safety help over the top means the defense is selling out against the run, so be ready to hot route a vertical release for a home run shot if the box gets too crowded.