Playbooks
Escort Power is a gap scheme run play out of Singleback 12 personnel that pulls a blocker (typically the fullback or offside guard) around the point of attack to lead through the hole while the offensive line uses down blocks to seal the front side. This is a power run concept designed to create a double team at the point of attack and a lead blocker for the linebacker, making it effective against light boxes and even fronts. The primary read progression starts with the playside guard and tackle double team, then the running back keys the puller to decide between hitting the hole downhill or bouncing outside if the edge is sealed.
Look for the puller crossing the formation before the snap, since if the defense shows a crashing defensive end or a blitzing linebacker filling the puller's lane immediately, this play can get blown up. Stacked fronts with a linebacker sitting directly over the center or an extra defender walked into the box are the biggest threat, since they clog the lead blocker's path and force a negative or minimal gain. Watch for user controlled defenders spying the mesh point or crashing down hard off the edge, since aggressive user play at the point of attack can diagnose and destroy the pulling lane before the back gets started. Favorable reads include base 4-3 or 4-2-5 fronts with linebackers playing at normal depth and no extra run support from the safety, since that gives the double team and puller a clean path. If the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 4 with safeties staying deep and no eighth man in the box, that is a green light to run Escort Power since the numbers favor the offense at the line of scrimmage.
Run this out of 12 personnel to keep an extra blocker on the field and disguise run versus play action intent, since PA Deep Cross and PA Deep Read live in the same formation.
Check the box count before the snap and only call Escort Power against six or fewer defenders in the box, otherwise you are outnumbered at the point of attack.
Use the fullback or puller as your visual key after the snap, following his shoulders to decide whether to hit the A or B gap or bounce outside the tackle.
Pair this play with Inside Zone Split and HB Dive earlier in a drive to condition the defense to bite on downhill run action, then hit them with PA Z Swirl or RZ Escort PA Crossers off the same look for a play action explosive.
This play works best on early downs or short yardage third and fourth down situations where you need a physical, controlled gain rather than a home run shot.