Playbooks

Counter U

Singleback·Wing·12
CounterRun PlayPower Run
Play diagram for Counter U from Singleback Wing in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationSingleback
SetWing

In 3 playbooks

Eagles OffenseOffenseMadden OffenseOffenseNFL Live Eagles OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Counter U out of Singleback Wing 12 personnel is a power run play built to attack the edge with a pulling guard and lead blocker leading the way for the HB. The diagram shows the offensive line blocking down and sealing to one side while the counter action sends the ball carrier away from initial flow before he cuts upfield off the kick out and lead blocks. This is a base run play, not a play-action or RPO, and the primary read progression starts with the pulling guard's block on the point of attack defender before working to the lead blocker for the alley defender.

Defensive Reads

Watch for linebacker depth at the snap since shallow linebackers who trigger downhill fast on flow can beat the counter action before the puller arrives Identify if the defense is running a 4-3 or 3-4 front pre snap because heavier fronts with extra defenders in the box make it tougher for the counter to find a crease Key on the edge defender assigned to the counter side, if he sits and reads instead of crashing hard he can string the play out and force a cutback into traffic Look for user controlled linebackers flowing hard to the initial action side, this counter beats overaggressive run fits but gets stuffed against disciplined gap control defenses Check safety rotation post snap since a safety who diagnoses counter quickly and fills the alley can limit this to a short gain even if the line blocks it well

Usage Tips

Use this play on early downs like first and second and short to medium yardage when you have established outside zone or dive looks earlier in the drive to keep linebackers guessing on flow direction

Check the defensive front pre snap and look for light boxes or safeties rotated out of the box since Counter U needs numbers advantage at the point of attack to hit for explosive gains

If the defense shows heavy interior stack fronts, hot route the TE to a quick seal block or motion the HB to adjust spacing before the snap so the counter path has a clean lane

Pair Counter U with HB Power O and HB Counter WK in your play calling sequence so defenders keying on guard pulls get misdirected and cannot sit on the counter timing

Avoid calling this against aggressive edge blitz packages unless you have confirmed the lead blocker can climb quickly, since fast flowing linebackers can blow up the counter path before the pullers get set

Other Plays in Wing