Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
RPO Read Flat Wheel out of Pistol Open Flex Close runs an inside zone look with a run-pass option tag attached to the flat and wheel combo. Off the mesh point action, one route runs a quick flat/angle route to the boundary while a second receiver stems vertically into a wheel that climbs up the sideline, and a third target runs an out breaking route toward the numbers, with the backside receiver working a deep comeback away from the formation. This is an RPO built to attack overaggressive linebackers and off man corners: the primary read is the flat defender, if he sits or crashes down on the run action, pull it and hit the wheel route behind him for an explosive gain, and if he widens with the flat route, take the automatic quick throw underneath.
Defensive Reads
As the defense, key the running back's shoulders and the offensive line's zone steps immediately after the snap to diagnose run versus pass before the RPO read defender commits. Spy the flat/slot area with a linebacker or nickel defender who can stay square and slow-play his run fit, since crashing hard downhill on the run action is what gets the wheel route open for a big play. Play a robber or lurk defender underneath the wheel route with a safety sinking from depth, this takes away the explosive throw and forces the quarterback into the shorter flat or out concept. Man coverage on the wheel defender must have outside leverage and deep help, because losing inside leverage lets the route stack vertically with no safety over the top. Disguise blitzes by showing pressure late off the edge, since the quarterback's RPO read relies on presnap and early postsnap information, a delayed blitzer can bait a bad handoff read or force a rushed throw into a leverage advantage.
Usage Tips
Presnap identify whether the flat defender is a linebacker or a slot corner, since linebackers are slower to react to the wheel and get exposed more often.
If the defense shows a two high shell with soft corners, lean toward pulling the RPO and throwing the wheel immediately instead of handing off, since the numbers favor the pass over the run fit.
Use the run action as your first read against base 4-3 or 3-4 fronts that are stacked to stop inside zone, then reset to Mtn PA Portland Wheel later in the drive since it attacks the same flat/wheel window off a different action and keeps defenders guessing.
On third and short call this as a true give since the blocking numbers favor the run, but on third and medium treat it strictly as a pass and key the flat defender from snap to throw.
Pair this with HB Dive or Inside Zone Wk earlier in a series so linebackers start cheating downhill, then dial up this RPO to punish that run support with the wheel route over the top.
