Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Power O opens with a play-action fake off the Power O run action to freeze the front seven before the QB works a three man route concept. The backside X runs a deep vertical up the numbers, the TE releases from the wing and runs an out and up breaking to the corner, and the inline slot runs a short crossing route sitting in the middle of the field as the underneath check down. This is a man beater built to attack safeties who bite on the run fake, with the primary read progression going from the crossing route underneath first, then the corner breaking route from the TE, and finally the deep vertical on the backside if the play fake pulls the safety out of position.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify single high safety alignment since that safety is the primary conflict defender on the play fake and the deep vertical route attacks his indecision. Watch linebacker depth at the snap. If linebackers stay shallow and do not bite on the run fake, the underneath crossing route will be contested and should not be the first target. Post-snap, track the flat or corner defender on the TE side. Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells put a defender in conflict between the flat and the corner break, so a hard outside jump by that defender opens the corner route. User lurk defenders sitting in the shallow middle zone can jump the crossing route if the offense telegraphs the check down too early, so vary the timing of that read. Man coverage with a blitz on the backside is the biggest threat to this play since it removes the play fake advantage and forces a quick decision before the deep route develops.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs, first and second and short, when the defense is stacked in the box expecting HB Power O or 26 Duo out of this same personnel.
Pre-snap, check for two deep safeties versus a single high safety look. Single high shells are more susceptible to the play fake because that safety often has run support responsibility.
Hot route the crossing route runner into a deeper dig or drag if you see man coverage with no underneath help, since the shallow route can get picked off quickly by an underneath zone defender who does not bite on the fake.
Use the TE corner route as your primary answer against Cover 3 or Cover 4, since the flat to corner defender has to respect both the run fake and the vertical stem before the break.
Sequence this play after running HB Power O or HB Ace Power a few times in the same drive so linebackers and safeties start keying run and step up before the snap, opening the play-action window.
