Playbooks

Shark HB Wheel

Shotgun·Doubles·11

Wheel Pass Play

Play diagram for Shark HB Wheel from Shotgun Doubles in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetDoubles

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 7 playbooks

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Breakdown

Shark HB Wheel out of Shotgun Doubles lines up with three receivers and a wheel route from the backfield. The backside outside receiver runs a deep comeback while the slot receiver clears out on a deep crossing route heading to the opposite sideline. On the strongside, the outside receiver stems vertically before breaking into a corner route, and the HB releases out of the backfield on the wheel route (shown in red), working from the flat up the sideline behind the corner route. This is a man beater built around the wheel and corner combo creating a natural pick and leverage conflict for a linebacker or safety trying to match the HB out of the backfield, with the primary read progressing from the HB wheel to the corner route if the wheel is taken away by a deep defender.

Defensive Reads

Watch for a linebacker walked up over the HB pre-snap, that is a strong indicator of man coverage and a green light to trust the wheel route. Identify the strongside safety depth at the snap, if he sinks late to help over the corner route the wheel window opens up underneath. Look for a flat defender staying home in Cover 2 or Cover 4, since this alignment can undercut the HB wheel before it turns upfield. Key the middle linebacker drop on the deep crosser, a lurking backer sitting in the throwing lane can bait a mistimed throw across the field. Recognize man coverage with no deep safety help over the top, since blitzing linebackers late off the edge will disrupt the wheel route's timing before it fully develops.

Usage Tips

Attack man coverage on early downs when you see a linebacker aligned over the HB pre-snap, since the wheel route is designed to torch inside linebackers and slower defenders in man.

If the defense shows Cover 2 or Cover 3 with a deep half or deep third defender sitting over the corner route, check to the wheel first since it stresses the seam between the flat and deep defenders.

Use the backside comeback as your answer versus soft press or Cover 3 cornerbacks playing off, especially in third and medium situations.

Pair this play with Fade HB Wheel or Philly HB Angle in your play-calling sequence to keep defenders guessing on how the HB releases out of the backfield.

Motion the HB or check the protection if you see a blitz look, since the wheel needs time to develop and a free rusher off the edge will collapse the pocket before the route clears the line.