Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Power O out of the Power I Strong formation sells the Power O run action to the strong side before the QB pulls and rolls into a three level play-action passing concept. Off the fake, one receiver runs a deep vertical go route up the boundary as the clear out, a second receiver on the play side pushes vertical then breaks outside on a corner route, and a third route bends from the middle of the field into a shallow crossing route heading to the opposite flat, giving the QB a high low read to the play side plus a checkdown crosser. This is a play-action man beater at its core because the corner and crosser stress a single defender in man coverage, and it also holds zone defenders with the run fake, though the crosser gives you a built in answer if the zone squeezes down on the corner route. Primary read progression starts with the corner route, works down to the shallow crosser, and only looks to the deep go route if the safety bites hard on run action and leaves the top open.
Defensive Reads
Read the strong safety and linebacker depth pre snap, if they are sitting shallow and flowing hard toward run action after the snap it confirms man or aggressive run fits that this play action concept exploits. Watch for a single high safety shell, that usually signals man coverage underneath and tells you the corner route and shallow crosser will have favorable one on one matchups. Two deep safeties sitting back pre snap is the biggest warning sign, it means the defense is playing the pass first and the deep go clear out route will not create the space you need. Post snap, track any user controlled defender flashing down to jump the shallow crosser or lurking in the throwing lane, that user aggression is exactly what makes the corner route your primary answer. If the defense shows a delayed zone blitz with linebackers dropping late into the crosser's window, speed up your progression and get the ball out on the corner route before the pocket collapses.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs, especially first or second and medium, when defenses are honoring the Power I run threat and stacking the box with linebackers near the line.
Before the snap check for run fits, if the strong safety is creeping down into the box or the linebackers show a downhill blitz alignment, that is your green light because the play action will hold them and open the corner and crosser.
Hot route the deep go receiver into a shorter comeback or dig if you see two deep safeties pre snap, since the clear out route loses value against a true Cover 2 or Cover 4 shell.
Pair this with actual Power O and HB Lead Dive earlier in a drive so the defense keys run help and box down, then hit this play action shot once you see linebackers sitting on run reads instead of dropping to their zones.
Against man coverage with no safety help over the top, trust the deep go route on a double move or simply let it break the corner's cushion, but always check the shallow crosser first since it is the fastest developing throw and protects you from a late blitzer.
