Power O

Description

The Power O was one of Green Bay's most successful running plays in the 2003 NFL season. It's sheer power was more than most teams at the pro level are used to facing except in short yardage situations, and was the staple of the Packers' Elephant package. My U Bacon rendition is as close of an approximation as I can make to one of their more typical versions of this play. The extra tight end blocks down to seal the defensive line to the inside. The fullback follows with a crushing lead block. The left guard pulls to cleanup whatever's left at the point of attack. The halfback can either smash to the inside for tough yardage or bounce outside to try and break a long gain. In either case stopping this play is a formidable task for any defense.

Besides being extremely powerful in its standard form, Power O is also very versatile. With the right shifts and motions of the auxiliary blockers Power O can take on just about any defense successfully. If the defense overloads the right side hit the Playmaker to run left. Moving the FB to an I Form position helps out here without giving away your intentions. To force the play out wide instead of letting the defense dictate your target, move either the #1 TE or the FB out wide. This allows a greater chance of the defense penetrating the backfield, but puts a lot of pressure on the cornerback and outside linebacker to fight through bigger and stronger blockers, and improves the odds of breaking a long run.

Player Assignments

See the Madden Playbook Guide for a description of these symbols.

Blocking Assessment

The spread of the defensive line usually determines whether the play should go inside or outside. Most defenses will shift to their left to counter the heavily shifted power of the U Bacon formation. Despite all of the blockers to the right side, it is possible for a quick edge rusher to get by the FB in some cases. Trying to get outside in this case can be suicidal, so always glance to the edge right after the snap. When the back does head outside the key is to keep his shoulders squared (actually good advice when running inside as well). The blocking smashes open holes in the defense fairly quickly, so the back needs to hit the holes with speed and power. Use juke moves instead of turing to slide to openings while always keeping the back's legs churning forwards. Because of the sheer number of bodies involved the play depends a lot upon individual blockers. If the blocking does break down, keeping the back pounding forward is the best way to ensure no yardage is lost and at least minimal gains are made.

More often than heading outside, the shorter distance just off tackle behind the blocks of the TEs and FB are most attractive. Get behind these blockers and angle away from the defenders at the last instant. Aiming for the inside is also the best bet in critical short yardage situations. In these cases you may want to keep the play headed right but move the FB to an I Form lead position. This formation is suitable for dives to either side, keeping the defense honest, and will prevent any defender from blowing up the play in the backfield.

Analysis

Pros:

• Very powerful running play, excellent for short yardage situations
• Large number of motion options plus solid Playmaker makes play very versatile
• Can break occasional long gains both up the middle against unprepared defenses, or by getting to outside

Cons:

• Defensive overloads can cause a big jam of bodies that is impossible for anyone to run through
• Requires a lot of skill and practice to effectively counter defensive shifts