The power scheme is not only a very effective way to move the football on a downhill run, it has flexibility in how it can be applied to a multitude of backfield actions and ball handling to attack an offense.

The Cleveland Browns have show a lot of creativity under first time offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens.  The have untiled the traditional one and two back power all season long.  Against the Panthers they utilized the power scheme on what very much resembled a play from a wing-t play book.

The hall mark of the wing-t offense is misdirection with the buck sweep series being a prime example of a play concept that threatens both flanks as well as the middle of the defense with its sweep, waggle, and trap.  The Browns effectively utilized that strategy with this play from a tight bunch set.

The tight end side flank is immediately threatened with jet motion and the receiver running full speed on a sweep course.  This threat helps the tight end secure the 9-technique outside of him.  That defender must set the edge and cannot be effective in stopping anything inside of the tight end by doing so.  This makes the tight end’s assignment of keeping him outside easy. 

The play side tackle, guard and the center have down blocks and can build a wall.  The backside guard is taking his normal pull on power coming up inside the hole created by the tight end blocking out and the wall being formed.  The lane in a traditional one back power to the tailback is nothing near the space created for the slot ball carrier Landry here.

The other flank is threatened by Chubb from the tailback position and a deceptive ball handling by Mayfield.  Mayfield makes a fake on the sweep and opens on what appears to be developing as a pitch to Chubb to attack the flank to the bunch side.  Now linebackers are flowing to stop the threat to the bunch side flank.

With both flanks being threatened, and great fakes by the sweeper, the quarterback and the tailback, the stage is set for a big inside run of the slot being led through the hole by the pulling guard.  The defense is out of position to stop the inside counter and a big play results.

BLESS’M!

Mayfield with a little trickery and Landry runs it 51 yards!!#CARvsCLE pic.twitter.com/VXt9u7WAuU

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 9, 2018

The misdirection strategy coupled with a play that the offensive line is running proves to be an explosive combination resulting in a touchdown play on the goal line and a 51 yard gain from the open field.  The creativity in using a concept already in the offense with formationing, personnel use, and backfield action is a formula that any team can use to get more out of what is already in place in their system.

Photo Courtesy: Scott R. Galvin/USA TODAY Sports