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Breakdown
Power O out of Weak I Slot Open is a gap scheme run play designed to pull the backside guard and kick out the point of attack with the fullback lead blocking through the hole. The diagram shows the offensive line blocking down at the point of attack while the HB takes a slight lead step before cutting downhill off the fullback's block, hitting the gap between the guard and tackle. This is a run play with no route combos to read, so the primary progression is a pre-snap gap read: identify the play side alignment of the defensive line and linebackers, then follow the fullback's block and cut off his lead through the hole he opens.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, count the box defenders and check linebacker depth. Stacked boxes with linebackers creeping to the line signal a run blitz that can blow up the pulling guard before he reaches his target. Watch for user defenders spying the fullback lead block. A skilled user player will shoot the gap behind the fullback to blow up the play before the hole develops. Odd or bear fronts with a defensive tackle shaded over the pulling guard's gap are the toughest matchup for this concept since they clog the exact lane Power O wants to hit. Cover 2 and Cover 3 shells with light boxes are ideal since it means fewer extra run defenders and better blocking angles for the offensive line. Post-snap, key the play side linebacker's fit. If he stays square and reads the fullback quickly, expect the tackle for loss unless you cut it back away from the flow.
Usage Tips
Use Power O on early downs like first and second and short to medium yardage to stay ahead of the sticks and keep the defense honest against your pass game out of Slot Open.
Check the box count pre-snap. If the defense has six or more in the box, consider audibling to a pass concept like Quick Slants or Corner Flat instead of forcing the run into a loaded front.
Manually control the fullback at the snap if you struggle with the CPU logic on the kick out block, since winning that block is the key to hitting the hole clean.
Pair Power O with HB Draw and PA Boot Slide from the same Weak I Slot Open personnel to keep linebacker run fits honest and set up explosive play-action shots later in the drive.
Against aggressive fronts that crash hard downhill, bounce the run outside off the fullback's block rather than forcing it back into the pulling guard's lane.
