Let’s look at some variations of this staple play in the run game.
In the last article, we covered the basics of the counter run. Today, we will continue on to look at a few different variations by showing cut-ups of how the Green Bay Packers use counter concepts under center before we move on to shotgun counter plays later on. The cut-ups also include some plays from 2023 as well.
Under center variations
Counter Trey
The counter run concept has different variations. The earliest form of counter is “counter trey,” which utilizes two pullers: the backside guard and backside tackle.
The guard (G) executes a block on the defensive end before the tackle follows the block through to strike a linebacker in this scheme.
Counter GY
The primary under center counter run variation the Packers run is 1-back counter “GY” (guard and tight end) and is usually run out of 11 or 12 personnel.
And there are variations where the play is run to the weak side in 11 personnel as well in the above cut-up.
Counter GF
Another variation, but one that is less common, is counter “GF” (guard and fullback).
On counter GF, the play is usually run out of a 2-back I for offset I formation with the lead blocker being the F player instead of the tight end sifting across the formation.
Zone-counter
“Zone counter” is a misdirection variation the Packers have called a couple of times; it’s more prevalent with the Rams and 49ers as a run call. This is an interesting play design that I have seen classified as inside zone, duo, and counter. The reason is that it incorporates all three elements.
Zone counter, or duo windback or duo/counter wrap, is a nice misdirection changeup to regular counter or inside zone. The windback blocker blocks the first force defender on the edge or works to the safety if no edge threat is present. For the offensive line, the blocking can look like an inside zone depending on the front and the blocking assignments.
The center/guard combo blocks the play side defensive tackle and works to the MIKE linebacker, while the play side tackle works to the SAM linebacker. The running back takes a counter step before reversing direction to follow the wrap block.
In part three, we’ll look at the Packers’ shotgun variations to this concept.