Playbooks
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Power O out of Strong I Slot Flex is a gap-scheme run play designed to pull the backside guard through the hole while the fullback and playside blockers create a wall to the strong side. The diagram shows the HB taking a downhill angle behind the FB lead blocker, hitting the gap off the tackle's outside hip as the offensive line drives down and seals the point of attack. This is a power run play built to win with numbers at the point of attack rather than a man or zone beater through the air, and the primary read progression starts with the pulling guard's kick out block, then bounces to the FB lead if the alley is clogged.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check linebacker depth and alignment since stacked linebackers who are reading run gaps can beat the pulling guard to the hole and blow up the play. Watch for a strong safety cheating into the box, this signals a run blitz or extra gap defender that Power O struggles against. Post-snap, key the playside defensive end and outside linebacker reaction, if they crash down hard on the FB lead the HB should bounce outside for the cutback. User-controlled defenders flowing hard downhill to the strong side can be baited by the cutback lane if the backside defensive end gets sealed. Against a 46 front or heavy blitz packages that stack the box, this play loses its numbers advantage and should be countered with Counter Weak or a quick pass to exploit the vacated coverage.
Usage Tips
Use Power O on early downs when you want to establish tempo and set up play-action shots off the same look later in the drive.
Check the defensive front pre-snap and if you see a 6 or 7 man box with the strong safety crashed down, consider a pre-snap audible to a passing concept instead since the numbers favor the defense.
Hot route the FB to adjust his kick out angle if the defense shows an overload blitz to the play side, this keeps the lead block clean and prevents a free hitter in the backfield.
Pair Power O with PA Power O later in the series once the defense starts keying on the run action, this forces linebackers to hesitate and opens up throwing lanes off the same backfield look.
Run this on short yardage or goal line situations where the extra gap created by the pulling guard gives the HB a clear crease against base fronts.
