Counter running plays are some of the most dangerous for the offense and the defense. The reason it's dangerous for the offense to use counters is because there's a risk of losing significant yardage in the backfield if the defense gets penetration in the backfield. However, counters are also dangerous for the defense because these runs provide some of the best chances for breaking a long run off for six. Take a look below to find out counters work.
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The goal when running a counter is to allow the defense to penetrate the backside of the offensive line, while running the ball to the complete opposite side of the field where there are less defenders. However, as we mentioned above that doesn't always happen, which makes these runs risky. |
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On this particular counter play the right guard next to the center will pull across the field and look to lead the way for the running back. This means that because our right guard is vacating his area immediately after the snap we can only hope that the right tackle does his job by sliding over and preventing the strong defensive tackle from getting into the backfield. |
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| The right guard leaves his area to help lead block along with the fullback. Meanwhile, our right tackle does a great job of locking down on the strong defensive tackle before he can get into the backfield. |
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| Cutler hands the ball off to the running back with two blockers in front to lead the way. |
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| Now, all that we need to happen is for our lead blockers to make their blocks downfield and allow us to turn this into a nice gain. |
