Playbooks

Mtn PA Counter

Shotgun·Split Slot Offset·20

Counter Play Action Motion Power Run Pass Play

Play diagram for Mtn PA Counter from Shotgun Split Slot Offset in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetSplit Slot Offset

Personnel

202 RB · 0 TE · 3 WR

In 2 playbooks

Redskins OffenseOffense NFL Live Redskins OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Mtn PA Counter is a play-action shot play off a counter run fake out of Shotgun Split Slot Offset. The diagram shows two outside receivers running deep comeback breaks toward the sideline off vertical stems, a middle receiver working a deep post/dig cutting across the field, and a shallow drag or check release route along the underneath level that stretches horizontally away from the play fake. The QB sells the counter action to the backfield before working his eyes from the deep post to the comeback routes, with the shallow drag serving as a checkdown against pressure. This is a man beater concept, since the comeback and post combo attacks trail technique and creates leverage against tight man coverage while the shallow drag gives the QB an answer versus blitzes.

Defensive Reads

Read the linebacker depth and flow at the snap, if they step up hard to fill the counter run lane, that confirms the play-action window is open for the post route behind them. Watch the cornerbacks at the snap, if they bail into deep zone drops instead of pressing, the comeback routes lose value and you should prioritize the post or shallow drag instead. Identify single high versus two high safety shells before the snap, single high tends to leave the deep middle post more vulnerable while two high can rob the post and force you to the comeback or drag. Look for a user-controlled defender sitting in the shallow flat or underneath zone, since that lurk threat can jump the drag route and bait a turnover if the QB stares it down too long. This concept struggles against disciplined zone match defenses that stay home on run fakes, so if the linebackers do not bite on the counter action, expect the underneath windows to stay clogged.

Usage Tips

Use this on early downs like first or second and short to mid yardage when the defense expects run based on the counter action and personnel grouping.

Check safety depth before the snap, if you see two deep safeties bail hard at the snap it usually confirms man or zone match, which sets up the post route to work behind the underneath defenders.

Hot route the shallow drag into a quick out or spot if you are facing a heavy blitz look, since it gives you a faster release valve than waiting on the deep comebacks to develop.

Pair this play with Mtn RPO Read Cntr or RPO Counter Read earlier in a series so the defense keys run fits and linebackers start crashing downhill, making the play-action fake more effective later.

Take a play-action shot on third and manageable or in the red zone where defenders are more likely to bite on the counter fake, since the deep comeback routes need time to fully develop against soft coverage.