What Is the Stunting Contains Counter
You know the Texas four-man stunt. Spread your defensive line, incredibly good pressure. But here's the problem — when people see this coming, they just snap the ball and immediately roll out. Really hard to contain from the four-man spread.
You've probably had that happen. Or you do it to other people.
The stunting contains counter solves this. Two main options: Texas two-man stunt and Tom two-man stunt. Both give you pressure AND containment. Not as much pressure as the four-man, but way better than getting scrambled on every play.
Key difference: these keep ends on contain duty while still getting interior pressure. Stops the instant rollout. Forces the QB to stay in the pocket longer.
How to Set Up Texas Two-Man Contain
Call this when someone's rolling out on you a lot from the side opposite their strong hand.
Example: Jennings is right-handed. Most people using him roll out to the right side. So you're going left peex two-man. Then contain right bumper, left bumper.
Step-by-step:
- Pre-snap: identify QB's strong hand
- Call left or right peex two-man (opposite their preferred rollout)
- Set both bumpers to contain
- Snap and watch the pressure develop
You can also do this at the play call screen. Hold down the play you're choosing and scroll down to find the two-man option.
What happens: you get a stunt on one side, but you also have containment. If they try to instantly roll out — they can't. Contain is right there. The tex means you still have pressure happening inside.
How to Set Up Tom Two-Man Contain
Tom two-man works different. Left Tom two-man, right Tom two-man — doesn't matter which side.
The Toms are defensive tackle stunts. Your D-tackles stunt around each other, but your ends both stay on contain duty.
When to use Tom:
- Against QBs who scramble both directions
- When you need pressure up the middle
- Against pocket passers who step up under pressure
Tom two-man gives you inside pressure while keeping both edges locked down. Different look than the Texas, keeps people guessing.
Why Stunting Contains Counter Works
The reality check: Tom two-man is not nearly as good as Texas four-man. None of these stunts are very good in practice mode either. But they're way better than getting scrambled on every single play.
Stunts in general are better at getting pressure than standard pass rushes — especially when you have fast guys stunting.
Two important things:
- You always want people who are fast and slim body types at the stunting positions
- The Tom is going to be worse than the Texas four-man, but usually better than a standard pass rush
The real power is in the combination. You wouldn't run one of these stunts all game. You'd mix them:
- Texas four-man
- Left two-man
- Tom two-man with contain
Always keeping the QB user on defense off-guard. They don't know what they're going to do with their quarterback.
When to Use Each Option
Texas Two-Man: When you know their preferred rollout direction. Right-handed QBs usually go right. Left-handed usually go left. Call the opposite side peex.
Tom Two-Man: When they scramble both ways. When you need interior pressure but can't give up the edges.
Don't use these when:
- You're getting consistent pressure with four-man
- They're staying in the pocket anyway
- You need maximum pass rush (obvious passing downs)
What Beats Stunting Contains
Quick game beats everything. If they're getting the ball out in under 2.5 seconds, doesn't matter what stunt you call.
Hot routes over the middle. Tom two-man especially vulnerable to quick slants and drags.
Draw plays. When you're stunting, gaps open up. Good opponents will hit you with draws and QB draws.
Common Mistakes with Contains Counter
Overusing it: These aren't your base pass rush. Use them to stop scrambling, then go back to four-man when they adjust.
Wrong personnel: Slow, big guys can't execute stunts. Need speed and agility at the stunting positions.
Not mixing it up: If you only call Tom two-man, they'll figure it out. The power is in keeping them guessing what's coming.
Expecting too much: These stunts won't get home as much as four-man. That's not the point. The point is stopping the instant scramble while still getting some pressure.
That limits how fast they process the defense you're in. Limits how fast they make reads, what to do with the QB. Keeps them on their toes.
That's a huge advantage for us on defense.