Playbooks

HB Counter

Shotgun·Flanker Close·10
CounterRun PlayPower Run
Play diagram for HB Counter from Shotgun Flanker Close in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

HB Counter out of Shotgun Flanker Close is a power run play built to attack the backside gap with pulling linemen. The offensive line steps down to influence the flow one direction while a guard (or guard/tackle combo) pulls across the formation to lead block for the HB as he counters back against the grain. This is a pure run play with no route concept involved, and the primary read is the frontside double team and pulling blocker, reading the block on the play side second level defender before deciding to press the hole or bounce outside.

Defensive Reads

Watch for linebacker depth at the snap, since shallow linebackers who crash downhill on the initial flow are exactly what this counter action is designed to exploit. Check for stacked fronts or extra defenders in the box pre-snap, as this signals the defense is loaded up to spill counter runs before they develop. Look for a fast flowing strong side linebacker or Mike who reads counter quickly and squeezes the cutback lane, which is the main defensive key that shuts this play down. Beware of edge defenders staying home instead of following the initial flow, since disciplined edge play forces the puller to redirect and kills the timing of the scheme. Recognize when the defense sends a backside blitzer off the counter action, as an unblocked defender crashing the cutback lane before the puller arrives can blow this play up for a loss.

Usage Tips

Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to bait linebackers into flowing with the initial step before the ball cuts back against the grain.

Identify whether the defense is stacked with extra run defenders in the box, since HB Counter loses value against heavy 8 man fronts with fast flowing linebackers.

Pair this play with HB Sweep and Inside Zone from the same Flanker Close set to keep linebackers guessing on run direction and force them to play honest instead of flowing hard to one side.

User the pulling lead blocker manually if you struggle with CPU AI blocking assignments, since sealing the edge defender is critical to the cutback lane opening up.

Best called on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and short) when defenses are more likely to sit in base fronts rather than nickel or dime sub packages that speed up backside pursuit.

Other Plays in Flanker Close