Today, we look at the Packers’ shotgun counter run variations.
In the last article of this series, we’ll briefly look at the Green Bay Packers’ counter run game variations from shotgun. and “YF” (tight end and fullback). The variations are similar to under center, with “counter GY” being the primary shotgun counter run, but there are a couple of other variations that the Packers utilize exclusively from the shotgun.
Counter GY
This is the same variation as in the previous article, but it’s run out of shotgun.
Spinner counter
This was a regular feature of the Packers’ run game last season, with multiple run calls and wrinkles off of it using play action.
On spinner counter, the quarterback fakes the sweep behind him, then spins around to hand it off to the running back on the counter run.
Counter solid
Counter solid is “counter without the puller,” similar to duo, which is dubbed “power without the puller.” It utilizes the tight end and fullback to lead block for the running back, but the running back’s misdirection is the same.
Similar to duo, the running back reads the MIKE linebacker to hit the run vertically or bounce outside. The play call also allows the offense to use the offensive line to block “big on big.”
Counter bash
The read option variants are “counter read” and “QB counter bash,” bringing traditional counter principles with option football by introducing an option-based read that focuses on the backside defensive end.
Counter bash utilizes pulling blockers and counter run action by the running back to misdirect the defense. Similar to the zone read, the counter option is executed by the quarterback reading an unblocked defensive end.
The play is tagged with an arc block from the fullback to the quarterback read side in case the quarterback keeps. The left tackle and left guard combination pull to the play side for the running back. Since the defensive end over the tackle closes the backfield, Malik Willis handed the ball off to running back MarShawn Lloyd over the left side away from the pulling lineman.
Counter reverse
This is a play popularized by Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers with Deebo Samuel and has since become a feature in a dozen offenses since the 2019 season, including the Packers.
The play starts out looking like “36-37 Stutter,” a gap scheme counter GF or GY (guard/fullerback or guard/tight end) running play in Shanahan’s offense. They actually call the play “Fake 36-37 Stutter Z Dope.”
Jayden Reed was most often the recipient of the carries in this concept. The play is deemed a “constraint” play that takes advantage of defenses cheating to the run concept.
There’s a pulling guard, the running back taking his counter step, and blockers reversing course to lead for the ball carrier. Suddenly, multiple players are running in multiple different directions, and the result can be an explosive play.
Final thoughts
Counter is a relatively recent concept with the Packers and adds to their run game arsenal, a design that wasn’t featured in the LaFleur era with Aaron Rodgers. This season, the Packers are poised to break out even more creative designs as they add layers to the offense.