26 Duo

Watch the strong side linebacker and Mike linebacker depth pre-snap, if they are sitting tight in the box expect a quick downhill fill that can be countered by pressing the hole harder before cutting. Identify whether the defense is in a 4-3 or 3-4 front, odd fronts with a true nose tackle can anchor against the double team and clog the primary crease. Look for user controlled defenders flowing hard to the play side gap immediately after the snap, that lurk crash is the biggest threat to blow up the double team before it climbs to the second level. Zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 that keep linebackers reading run fits are more vulnerable since the second level flow can be manipulated by the back's press and cut. Man coverage with an aggressive blitz package or a stacked eight man box is the best counter since it removes the extra gap defenders that Duo blocking relies on to create movement.