Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Wheel Z-Curl runs out of Shotgun Bunch TE Wk with play-action fake to hold the linebackers before the routes develop. Off the bunch alignment, one receiver breaks outside on a wheel route up the sideline, another sits down on a curl in the intermediate window, and the third clears out on a deep crossing route to the opposite hash. The line shows a run-blocking look on the play-action to sell run action, making this a strong play-action man beater since the wheel can win one on one against a linebacker or nickel defender in coverage, while the curl serves as the zone beater answer against soft coverage. Primary read progression starts with the wheel route for the big play shot, then works down to the curl as the secondary option if the wheel is covered.
Defensive Reads
Watch the linebacker depth at the snap, if they step up hard on the run fake it signals they are vulnerable to the wheel route beating them vertically. Identify single high versus two high safety shells before the snap, single high leaves the wheel isolated for a big play while two high forces you to check down to the curl. Key on the defender assigned to the bunch formation, if he sinks into a zone drop rather than following the wheel route it signals zone coverage and the curl becomes the higher percentage throw. User controlled defenders lurking in the shallow to intermediate area can jump the curl route, so be ready to reset to the wheel if you see a user closing on that window. Aggressive nano blitz packages or crashing edge pressure can disrupt the play-action fake before routes develop, so be ready to get the ball out early on the wheel or throw it away against heavy pressure looks.
Usage Tips
Sell the play-action fake by holding the RB button briefly before releasing so linebackers commit to the run fake and open the wheel route lane.
Check pre-snap for man coverage indicators like a defender aligned tight over the bunch with no safety help over the top, this is the green light to trust the wheel as your first read.
If the defense shows two high safeties or a zone shell, look to the curl route sitting down in the void rather than forcing the wheel into a deep safety.
Use this play on early downs or third and medium situations where defenses are more likely to bite on the play-action run fake.
Pair this with Mtn Escort HB Base or Duo earlier in a series to establish the run threat, then dial up PA Wheel Z-Curl once linebackers start crashing downhill.
