Playbooks

PA Counter

Singleback·Ace·12

Counter Play Action Pass Play Power Run

Likely unavailable in the playbook builder

This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Diagram coming soon

Quick Reference

FormationSingleback

SetAce

Personnel

121 RB · 2 TE · 2 WR

In 1 playbook

Legends OffenseOffense

Breakdown

PA Counter out of Singleback Ace 12 personnel sells the counter run action before working a play action passing concept off it, making it a strong man and zone beater when the run game has been established. The offensive line executes counter step blocking to sell down block and pull action, drawing linebackers and safeties up before the quarterback bootlegs or sets up in the pocket to throw. The primary read progression starts with the deep shot route off the play fake, works down to the intermediate crosser or dig sitting behind the linebacker level, and checks down to the underneath outlet in the flat if both are covered.

Defensive Reads

Watch linebacker depth at the snap since defenders who step up hard on the counter fake open passing lanes underneath and over the middle for the dig and crosser routes. Key the strong safety pre snap, if he is stacked in the box expecting run support this play will exploit that with the play action shot route behind him. Cover 3 and Cover 1 with aggressive run fits get gashed by this concept since the flow to the counter side clears the intermediate zones. Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells with disciplined linebackers who sit in their zone drops instead of biting the fake will shut this down, so be ready to check down quickly. Watch for a user controlled defender lurking in the shallow zone or spying the quarterback on the bootleg, since that is the biggest threat to the checkdown and dig route on this concept.

Usage Tips

Run this play on early downs like first and second and short to medium yardage situations where the defense expects HB Counter or 26 Duo based on your prior play calls, since the fake sells hardest when defenders are keyed to stop the run. Pair it in a sequence after two or three real handoffs of HB Counter or Inside Zone so linebackers start flowing hard and safeties creep into the box on run fits. Hot route the underneath checkdown to a drag or flat route if you see man coverage with no safety help over the top, since it gives a fast release against blitzing linebackers. Identify single high shells like Cover 3 or Cover 1 pre snap since the linebackers biting on the counter fake opens up the seam and dig windows behind them. Use motion or shifts pre snap to bait the defense into declaring man coverage, then look immediately to the deep shot route if the corner bites on the run fake before checking down.