Playbooks

Counter U

Singleback·Wing Slot·12

Counter Run Play Power Run

Play diagram for Counter U from Singleback Wing Slot in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationSingleback

SetWing Slot

Personnel

121 RB · 2 TE · 2 WR

In 5 playbooks

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Breakdown

Counter U out of Singleback Wing Slot is a gap scheme power run that pulls the backside guard and puller to lead through the hole while the fullback or blocking tight end kicks out the edge defender. The play design shows the offensive line stepping down and away initially to sell counter action before the backfield flow redirects downhill through the designated gap. This is a run play, not a pass concept, so the primary read progression is the mesh point key: the running back reads the puller's block on the play side defensive end or outside linebacker first, then works off the fullback's kick out block to decide between bouncing outside or cutting up inside the double team at the point of attack.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify the strength of the defensive front and look for an extra run defender stacked in the box, this tells you if the counter will have a numbers disadvantage. Watch linebacker depth and gap alignment since fast flowing linebackers can beat the pullers to the point of attack and blow up the counter before it develops. Post-snap, key the play side defensive end or edge defender's reaction to the counter step, disciplined edge players who stay home can string the play out and force a cutback. User controlled lurk defenders sitting in the backfield or scraping over the top are the biggest threat to this play, they can shoot the gap before the double team blockers get set. This run struggles against overload blitz fronts and gap exchange stunts on the play side, but it consistently gains yardage against base fronts and light boxes with only six or seven defenders in the box.

Usage Tips

Run this on early downs like first and ten or second and short to keep defenses honest against your pass heavy calls out of this same Wing Slot personnel.

Pre-snap, check the box count and look for an extra defender crashing down since Counter U relies on the puller winning a numbers battle at the point of attack.

If the defense shows a heavy front with linebackers stacked tight, consider audibling to a bounce read or hot routing the fullback to adjust his kick out angle.

Pair this with PA Power O or PA Counter Str from the same set so the defense has to respect both the counter run action and the play-action boot off identical backfield flow.

Use user control on your lead blocker to manually seal the edge defender if the CPU AI blocker is losing reps, this gives you a cleaner alley for the running back to attack.