Playbooks

HB Counter

Shotgun·Trips TE Offset·11
CounterRun PlayPower Run
Play diagram for HB Counter from Shotgun Trips TE Offset in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 4 playbooks

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Breakdown

HB Counter out of Shotgun Trips TE Offset is a gap scheme run play that pulls the backside guard and uses misdirection to attack the edge after the HB takes a counter step away from the play side. The diagram shows the offensive line blocking down with the play side pulling to lead through the hole while the HB takes his counter step and presses the point of attack. This is a power run design meant to beat overaggressive run fits and gap exchange blitzes rather than a man or zone beater in the passing game, with the primary read being the pulling guard's kick out block and the leverage of the play side edge defender.

Defensive Reads

Watch the linebacker depth and flow before the snap since fast flowing linebackers get sealed by the pulling guard. Identify if the defense is running a gap exchange or scrape exchange call, since disciplined defenders sitting on the counter can blow this play up. Key the play side defensive end and outside linebacker leverage, if they stay square and squeeze the guard's pull, the cutback lane disappears. User the middle linebacker manually and flow with the pulling guard's path rather than biting on the HB's initial counter step. Look for safeties cheating down into the box pre-snap, which signals the defense is loading the run front and can jump the counter timing.

Usage Tips

Run this out of second and short or first and ten to keep defenses honest against a trips heavy passing formation.

Check the defensive front pre-snap and avoid calling this into a hard edge blitz look since the counter step needs a natural gap to develop.

Use the trips side to bait safeties out of the box, then run HB Counter when you see a single high shell with light numbers in the box.

Pair this with RPO Alert Bubble or RPO Zone Alert Bubble from the same set so the defense has to respect both the run action and the perimeter throw.

Mix in HB Flip Counter later in the drive once the defense starts overloading the initial play side to keep linebackers guessing on flow.

Other Plays in Trips TE Offset