By John Sarianides

The Pittsburgh Steelers run a variety of counter trap plays designed to take advantage of LeVeon Bell patient running style. Here are four examples of how the Steelers use counter plays out of compressed formations as staples of their running game.

Tackle Wrap With a Built in RPO: The Steelers are big, strong and athletic along the offensive line. The tackle wrap play is a staple spread running play. Left tackle Alejandro Villanueva is a converted wide receiver so his ability to move in space makes the play work. 

On this play, Ben Roethlisberger counts the number of defenders in the box. If he gets six or less, he gives the ball to Bell on the wrap play. If it is a true six man or seven man box, he pulls it and throws the backside stick, bubble RPO. 

The Steelers have built in a variety of RPO’s in their spread running game and they have been a big part of their offense this season.

Counter Y Out of Bunch: Weakside counter tray is a STAPLE play in the Steelers running game. The Steelers have run this play for years. 

Bell does a great job of allowing the kick out and fill blocks to develop and he fits into the open lane. The Steelers run this play in all situations and they run it to both the weakside and strongside. The Patriots must stop this play, especially when they run it on first down. Get them into second and long. 

Counter Y to the Tight End Side: The Steelers run Counter Y to the tight end side as well but this time they run it out of 12 personnel (2TE, 2 WR’s and 1 RB) By running it to both the tight end side and the weak side, they make it difficult for a defense to sit on the play and game plan it.

Counter Y out of a Trips Wing Formation: The Steelers like to run Counter Y out of their trips wing formations as well. Again, they don’t run a traditional counter tray play. They like to pull their tight ends and fullbacks up the hole and get more athletic guys on opposing linebackers. 

ISO Out of Bunch: This is not a counter play but it is as effective as a counter play because it slows down the inside linebackers. Once again, the Steelers get the more athletic tight end on the inside linebacker as a lead blocker. In essence, they are giving that linebacker the same read as the counter. A play like this is ideal because it’s perfect for Bell’s patient running style.