Playbooks
HB Lead Dive out of the Power I Tight formation is a straight downhill run play built around a fullback lead blocker paving the way for the halfback through the interior. The offensive line executes a standard drive blocking scheme up front, with the fullback attacking the first threat past the line of scrimmage in the B gap area while the halfback presses the hole and reads the block. This is a pure run play with no play-action or RPO component, and the primary read progression is one cut: identify which gap the fullback seals, then decide whether to hit it downhill or bounce off the fullback's block based on linebacker fill.
Pre-snap, check safety depth, a single high safety shell often signals man or spy coverage which leaves light box counts vulnerable to the lead block. Look at defensive tackle alignment, if the interior linemen are shaded toward a 3 technique or 1 technique, that tells you which gap will be easier for the fullback to seal. Post-snap, key the mike linebacker's first step, if he steps up hard to fill the play side gap, cut back away from the fullback's block for extra yardage. This play struggles against stacked eight man fronts or heavy blitz packages with extra linebackers crashing downhill, since the fullback cannot account for numbers advantage. Watch for a user controlled defender flowing to the mesh point immediately after snap, this indicates a lurking linebacker who has read run and will blow up the play unless you bounce it outside.
Use HB Lead Dive on early downs in short yardage or when you need a positive gain to stay ahead of the sticks, since the fullback lead blocker gives you a built in advantage against base fronts.
Check the box count before the snap, if the defense shows six or more defenders in the box, consider audibling to PA Power O or PA FB Flat instead to punish an overloaded run fit.
Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if the mike linebacker is sitting shallow and flowing hard to the play side, user your fullback to redirect into the second gap for a cutback lane.
Pair this play with HB Toss and Power O in the same series to keep defenders guessing between inside and outside gap schemes, since all three share the same personnel and formation look.
Against aggressive user blitzers shooting gaps immediately, this play hits fast enough to beat delayed linebacker reactions, making it a solid short yardage and goal line call.