Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Power O sells the Power O run action out of Pistol Strong Slot before working a vertical shot play off the fake. Off the play fake, the outside receiver runs a deep corner/go route (red) that stems vertically then breaks toward the sideline, while the two underside receivers work a flat route and a shallow drag/out combo to hold the underneath defenders and give a checkdown option. This is a play-action shot play designed to punish run-fit aggression: the primary read is the deep corner route, working back to the flat and drag combo underneath if the safety stays deep or the corner sinks.
Defensive Reads
Read the single high safety at the snap. If he steps up on the run fake, the corner route behind him is open for an explosive gain. Watch for cornerback press or off alignment on the boundary receiver running the corner route. Off coverage with no safety help over the top is a green light. Identify man coverage by checking if defenders shift with receiver motion or align tight to the flat and drag routes. Man coverage struggles to leverage the corner route once the safety is frozen by play action. Zone shells with two deep safeties can take away the corner route, forcing the check down to the flat or drag underneath. Watch for edge blitzers or defensive ends selling run contain. Aggressive edge pressure that bites on the run fake creates a clean throwing lane for the play action rollout read.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs, ideally 1st or 2nd and short to medium, when the defense has shown run blitz or heavy box tendencies on tape.
Check the safety alignment pre snap. If you see one high safety cheating toward the box or linebackers creeping up expecting Power O, this is your shot call.
Sell the run fake fully with the stick before transitioning to pass so linebackers and safeties bite on the play fake, opening the deep corner route.
Pair this with HB Power O and HB Counter earlier in a series so the defense keys run and commits to the box before you dial up the play action shot.
If the corner route is covered, work the flat and drag combo underneath quickly since the pocket from play action rollouts can collapse fast against disciplined pass rushers.
