Playbooks

HB Counter Lead

Shotgun·Bunch TE·11

Counter Run Play Power Run

Play diagram for HB Counter Lead from Shotgun Bunch TE in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetBunch TE

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 3 playbooks

Benkert OffenseOffense Redskins OffenseOffense NFL Live Redskins OffenseOffense

Breakdown

HB Counter Lead out of Shotgun Bunch TE is a gap scheme run play that pulls the backside guard and lead blocker through the hole to kick out the edge defender and lead up into the second level. The bunch alignment with three receivers stacked to the left and the tight end attached to the line creates natural misdirection, drawing flow away from the play side before the ball cuts back. This is a run play designed to attack overaggressive linebackers and gap-shooting defensive linemen, with the primary read being the puller's block: key the kickout on the edge, then follow the lead blocker into the alley based on how the linebackers flow.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, check linebacker depth and alignment, since linebackers cheating toward the bunch side pre-snap open up the cutback lane on the counter action. Watch for a hard edge crash from the defensive end or outside linebacker, since that is exactly what the kickout blocker is designed to handle, but a disciplined edge that sits and reads can blow up the pull. This run beats defenses that flow hard to the initial backfield action, including man coverage shells and aggressive 4-3 fronts that key the fake direction. It struggles against gap sound defenses that stay home and disciplined edge players who do not bite on the counter step, as well as heavy blitz packages that get penetration before the pullers arrive. Post-snap, key the second level linebacker fill, if he overruns the play chasing the fake flow, cut it back hard behind the puller for a big gain.

Usage Tips

Run this out of second and short or first and ten to keep the defense honest and avoid predictable passing situations.

Check the box count pre-snap, if the defense has six or fewer in the box, this play has a numbers advantage and should hit fast.

Use the misdirection to your advantage against defenses that key hard on backfield flow, since aggressive linebackers who flow with the initial step get gashed by the counter action.

Pair this with HB Off Tackle or Inside Zone from the same personnel to keep linebackers guessing between gap schemes and zone reads without changing your formation tendency.

Manually control the lead blocker at the point of attack if you struggle with CPU logic on kickout blocks, since a whiffed lead block against a hard edge crash kills the play.

Avoid calling this against heavy inside blitz looks where linebackers are stacked tight to the line, since the counter timing needs a beat to develop and gets blown up by fast interior pressure.