Film Study: Kellen Moore loves a weak side counter
05/19/2025
By Ross Jackson
With new head coach Kellen Moore in the fold for the New Orleans Saints, the run game is going to be a big focus. Running back Alvin Kamara may be one of the biggest benefactors of the hire, as Moore has found success with a versatile and balanced rushing attack throughout his play calling days.
A balanced approach is expected. Man, zone, inside runs, and outside runs will all be mixed into Moore’s scheme. However one play, a weak side counter run, was a success with the Philadelphia Eagles, and is likely to show up again in New Orleans.
The play features a lineup that’s heavy to one side of the line. From that side, a guard and tight end each pull and attack defenders on the pre-snap weakside. The play, also called “stutter,” brought consistent success with the Eagles.
11. HE’S GONNA GO AGAIN! HE’S GONNA GO AGAIN!
SAQUON. BARKLEY. PHILADELPHIA EAGLE.
The rest of the Rams fans can go home. You’re dismissed. This is a R-O-U-T pic.twitter.com/i8veFxRyEm
— Nick Piccone (@_piccone) November 25, 2024
One of the others that might benefit from this play is offensive lineman Trevor Penning. Should he shift inside, as we hypothesized in an earlier story, his pulling and attacking abilities in the run game could position him for success.
Trevor Penning has become one of the 5 best run blocking right tackles in football this season. He’d also be my favorite for unofficial leader in pancakes pic.twitter.com/lpsrkE4XJx
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) November 18, 2024
This play is all about the success of the protection. Pulling players must win at the point of contact, backside blockers need to seal off defenders to create the lane, and perimeter players have to keep defensive backs from tipping the numbers to the defense on the play side.
Obviously a big part of the Eagles’ success was all about running back Saquon Barkley. However, when blocked well, this play can open lanes regardless of the ball carrier. That was put on display by a late game run by back Will Shipley in Philadelphia last year.
Will Shipley takes off for 57 yards!
📺: #WASvsPHI on FOX
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Lj5OBe3vAM— NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2025
This attack plays into the strengths of starting right guard Cesar Ruiz as well. It’s a key one to watch for throughout the 2025 Saints season.