Playbooks
Levels HB Wheel pairs a classic in-breaking levels concept on one side with the HB releasing out of the backfield on a wheel route up the sideline, creating a natural high low read against man and a stretch read against zone. The offensive line runs standard pass protection out of Shotgun Duo Offset, giving the quarterback a clean pocket to work through the progression. The primary read starts with the HB wheel against man coverage since it isolates a linebacker in space, then works inside to the underneath levels routes if the wheel is capped, making this a strong man beater with zone beater traits built in against teams that fail to account for the running back leak.
Pre snap identify if a linebacker or slot corner is aligned over the HB, that assignment tells you whether the wheel route is a live matchup or a trap. Watch for man coverage indicators like tight press alignment on the outside receivers, this confirms the wheel and levels combo will stress the defense vertically and horizontally. Post snap track the flow of the middle linebacker, if he sinks into a deep zone drop instead of chasing the HB the wheel route lane opens up immediately. Against cover 3 or cover 4 shells the levels concept underneath becomes the primary answer since the deep zones will account for the wheel route threat. Beware of user controlled defenders lurking in the shallow flat, they can jump the levels routes and bait the quarterback into a turnover if the wheel read is not taken quickly enough.
Check the linebacker assigned to the HB before the snap, if he is playing tight to the box or shows blitz intent the wheel route will win immediately once he tries to carry it downfield.
Against man coverage user the HB wheel and throw it on time before the corner or safety can flip and run with him, this route wins over the top most often on third and long or two minute situations.
If you see a two high shell or zone drop, work the levels concept underneath since the shallow and deeper in route will settle into the vacated zone windows.
Use this play after running HB Punch or Jet HB Punch from the same set to get linebackers flowing downhill, then come back with Levels HB Wheel to expose them in coverage.
Hot route the backside receiver into a quick out or slant if the defense shows heavy pressure looks, giving the quarterback a fast dump off option away from the wheel side.