Single Back Power

Finding ways to run power with a single running back.

Today’s modern offenses often come with modern challenges, one of which may be finding creative ways to incorporate downhill, “old school”, smash-mouth football into a spread offense. Other times, there may be personnel hurdles that must be overcome or (bent-in-your-favor) to get the most out of both your players and the schemes you want to base your offense around. Today, we’re talking about running Single back Power from 11/12 Personnel.

Traditional “Power” typically looks like a Fullback/ Lead Back kicking out the end man on the line of scrimmage (EMOL), along with the Backside Guard (BSG) leading through the hole to clean up whoever is left. With the lack of true fullbacks in today's offenses (Don’t get me started) and the spreading of formations, a lead back is often not in the game plan. I-formation and those alike have been neglected of late and replaced with 3x1 Sets and multiple other Tight-end (Y)/ Receiver heavy formations.

One way to reach the end goal of a traditional Power scheme (Kick out block; followed by a BSG Lead) is to take advantage of favorable angles that already exist. Below is a cut-up from the (2024) Week 2 Preseason game, AZ Cardinals vs. INDY Colts.