Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA Power O out of Weak I Slot Flex sells the Power O run action to the strong side before the QB pulls and rolls into a play-action pass shot. Off the fake, the outside receiver runs a deep go up the sideline, the inside slot receiver runs a shallow out breaking into a corner route behind the run fake, and the backside X runs a vertical seam on an island. The primary read progression starts with the corner route breaking off play action since it develops fastest through the middle of the field, then works to the deep go for the shot play if the safety bites on run action, with the backside vertical as a hot outlet against soft coverage or blitz.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the strong safety or free safety is stacked close to the box, since that alignment confirms run support priority and makes this play-action shot more likely to hit deep. Check cornerback depth on the backside, off coverage invites the vertical route as a hot read while press man signals a quick breaking route instead. Post-snap, key the play side linebacker and safety flow, if they step up hard on the run fake before locating the corner route, that throwing window opens immediately. Watch for a user controlled defender sitting in the middle hook or curl zone, since that lurk threat can undercut the corner route if the quarterback stares it down. This play struggles against Cover 4 or two high shells that keep both safeties deep, since the deep go route gets bracketed and the play fake loses its impact on secondary run fits.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs like first or second and medium when defenses are geared up to stop Power O out of Weak I, since the run action tag is your leverage. Watch for safeties creeping into the box pre-snap, that is your green light to call this because they will bite on the play fake and open up the corner route and go route behind them. Hot route the backside vertical into a quick slant or drag if you see press man on that X receiver with no safety help over the top. Pair this in a sequence with base Power O and HB Gut to condition the defense to respect the run fake, then hit this shot play once they start crashing the edge or filling downhill on run reads. Against Cover 3 or single high shells, prioritize the corner route since it sits down in the void behind the flat defender and in front of the deep third corner.
