Playbooks

Counter Y

Shotgun·Deuce Close·12
CounterRun PlayPower Run
Play diagram for Counter Y from Shotgun Deuce Close in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

Counter Y out of Shotgun Deuce Close is a power run concept built to hit downhill with a lead blocker pulling from the backside to kick out the edge defender. The offensive line blocks down at the point of attack while the fullback or pulling lineman wraps to lead through the hole, giving the ball carrier a clean crease to press before breaking outside. This is a run play with no route combos to read, so the primary progression is a pre-snap look at the box count and gap fits, followed by a post-snap decision to press the hole or bounce off the counter blocker's kick out.

Defensive Reads

Read the play side defensive end and outside linebacker first since they are the primary targets of the kick out block. Watch for a Mike linebacker with fast flow recognition who can chase the counter action and blow up the pulling lane before it develops. Check safety depth pre-snap, a safety sitting in the box or crashing down quickly can shut this run down by beating the puller to the point of attack. Look for defenses in odd fronts or 3-4 looks with a hard edge set, since a disciplined edge that stays home can force the counter to cut back into traffic. Post-snap, watch for a user controlled linebacker sitting in a lurk spot near the pulling lane since that is the biggest threat to blow this play up for a loss.

Usage Tips

Check the defensive box count pre-snap and avoid this call into heavy fronts with an extra run defender already stacked to the play side.

Use the pulling blocker as your key, press the mesh point hard and let the counter action develop before committing to a lane.

Pair this with RPO Counter Stick or RPO Read Cntr from the same set so the defense has to respect both the run action and the quick game off the same look, keeping linebackers honest.

Run this on early downs in run heavy personnel to set up play action shots like PA Deep Over or PA Over Whip Out later in the series once the defense starts cheating up on the counter action.

Against aggressive defensive tackles who shoot gaps, this counter's misdirection can gash them since the initial flow pulls them out of position before the ball redirects.

Other Plays in Deuce Close