Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Power O runs the Power O run action out of Pistol to sell the play fake before attacking downfield off two vertical routes and a check-down flare. Off the play-action fake, both the inline TE and the outside receiver break into deep comeback-style routes stemming vertical before angling back to the sideline, while the third route is a quick hitch out of the backfield area for a hot outlet. This is a play-action shot play designed to punish zone defenders who bite on the run fake and man corners who get beat on the vertical stem before the break, with the primary read progression going from the far outside comeback route to the tighter comeback route on the strong side, then checking down to the flare route if both are covered.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is showing a run-fit alignment with linebackers stacked tight to the box, since that tells you they are vulnerable to the play-action fake and the comeback routes behind them. Check safety depth and shell: a two-high shell with corners playing off will bait you into the comebacks but also gives cushion for a user lurk defender to jump the shallow break. Against single-high looks, key the free safety's run/pass conflict, if he steps up on the run fake, both comeback routes should be open for the primary reads. Man coverage on the outside routes is vulnerable to the comeback break, but be wary of a robber or hook defender sitting underneath who can jump the flare route or undercut the shallow comeback. Watch for a defensive line stunt or edge blitz designed to beat the Power O blocking scheme, since if the fake gets blown up quickly there is no time to work through the comeback progression and you must get the ball out on the flare immediately.
Usage Tips
Sell the run fake by holding the play-action animation and not immediately dropping back, since linebackers and safeties that respect the Power O run action will vacate space for the comebacks. Use this on early downs or in run-heavy personnel sets like 12 personnel so the defense is conditioned to expect HB Power O or Strong Power, then hit them with this shot play once they start selling out on run fits. Hot route the flare back to a deeper option or a drag if you are facing heavy zone drops underneath, since the built-in check-down is short and can be sat on by a spying linebacker. Pair this play in a sequence with HB Power O and Strong Power to establish the run look, then call PA Power O once safeties start creeping into the box on run downs. Look off the safety pre-snap by going through your read on the far side comeback first before working back to the strong side route, especially against single-high shells where the free safety has to choose a route to help on.
