Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Power O is a gap scheme run play out of Singleback Y Trips TE Slot that pulls the backside guard through the play side hole to lead block for the HB. The diagram shows the HB aligned offset behind the QB, taking a lead step and cutting downhill off the pulling guard's track while the offensive line downblocks to seal the point of attack. This is a run play designed to overpower a gap or one-tech defender at the point of attack, with the primary read being the play side double team and pulling guard's kick out or lead block on the first threat past the line of scrimmage.
Defensive Reads
Key the defensive tackle and play side guard matchup first, if the guard cannot get movement on a stout one-tech the play dies immediately at the mesh point. Watch the pulling guard's path, if a linebacker reads the pull quickly and fills downhill with force he can blow up the lead block before the HB gets to the hole. Identify whether the defense is in a 4-3 under or over front, an overloaded play side front with extra bodies stacked in the gap shuts this down fast. Check safety depth before the snap, a safety cheating down into the box as a run support defender can beat the puller to the alley and force a cutback. Look for user controlled linebackers spying the mesh point since Power O's pulling action is easy to key on and susceptible to a well timed A gap or B gap blitz that beats the puller to the hole.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs, especially 1st and 2nd and short to medium, when the defense shows a light box or a two high shell that signals fewer defenders committed to the run. Check the Mike linebacker depth and edge alignment pre-snap, if the defensive end is crashing hard down inside the pulling guard's lane will still be open outside. Use motion or a quick pre-snap look to confirm the defense is not stacking the box with an eighth man, since Power O struggles against heavy fronts and gap exchange blitzes. Pair this with HB Counter and HB Dive from the same set to keep the defense guessing on gap direction while showing the same backfield action. Sequence Power O early in a series then come back to PA Slot Cross or PA Slot Wheel later to punish linebackers who start creeping up after seeing the run.
