Playbooks

HB Counter

Singleback·Wing Tight·13
CounterRun PlayPower Run
Play diagram for HB Counter from Singleback Wing Tight in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationSingleback

In 3 playbooks

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Breakdown

HB Counter out of Singleback Wing Tight is a power run play that pulls a lineman across the formation to lead block for the HB, creating a misdirection look with the initial step flow before the ball carrier cuts back against the grain. The diagram shows the HB aligned in the backfield with a wing TE tight to the formation, and the offensive line executing a down block and kick out scheme up front to seal the point of attack. This is a run play designed to beat aggressive downhill defenses and overpursuing linebackers, with the primary read progression being the pulling guard's block, then the HB reading the alley created by the kick out block before deciding to bounce outside or stick in the designated hole.

Defensive Reads

Key the mike linebacker and weak side linebacker for early downhill triggers, since overaggressive flow to the initial action opens the cutback lane for the HB. Identify whether the defense is running a one gap or two gap front pre-snap, as two gap fronts with disciplined linebackers can sit on the counter action and blow it up. Watch the edge defender or outside linebacker on the play side, since a hard squeeze on the kick out block forces the HB to cut back inside earlier than designed. Look for user controlled defenders sitting in the backfield or crashing the line immediately after the snap, as this signals the defense anticipating counter action. This run play struggles against disciplined zone run fits with linebackers reading their gaps and staying patient, so avoid calling it against defenses that have already stopped inside runs.

Usage Tips

Run this play when defenders are flowing hard to the play side on early down and distance, since the misdirection punishes linebackers who key the initial line movement too quickly.

Watch pre-snap for stacked fronts or 4-3 under looks with linebackers crashing downhill, as this play exploits gap discipline breakdowns.

Use manual control on the pulling lineman if the CPU AI whiffs on the kick out block, and be ready to cut the HB back inside if the edge defender squeezes hard.

Pair this with HB Ace Power and HB Power O in your play calling sequence to keep defenders guessing on which gap the counter action is hitting.

Mix in Jet Sweep or PA Jet Sweep from the same set to sell outside speed before coming back to HB Counter, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their run fits.

Other Plays in Wing Tight