Mtn Counter Lt

Look for defensive ends and outside linebackers crashing hard down the line pre-snap, since overpursuit on the initial flow is exactly what this counter is designed to exploit. Identify if the defense is in a run blitz or heavy box look with eight or more defenders near the line, which can beat the counter to the point before blockers get set. Watch the play side linebacker's first step after the snap, if he reads counter quickly and flows opposite the initial line movement, the cutback lane disappears and the runner should look for a quick redirect. Check for a user controlled defender spying the backfield or sitting in the hole, since a disciplined user linebacker can blow up the counter timing by staying home instead of following the flow. Base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts with linebackers reading run late are the best matchups for this play, while nickel and dime packages with fast slot defenders squeezing gaps tend to shut it down.