Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn Fk Screen Wheel out of Shotgun Split Twins Offset shows a play-action shot with a wheel route from the outside receiver up the numbers (red), a deep dig or bender crossing back across the middle from the far side (yellow going up then breaking left), and a running back screen developing to the flat with a lead blocker in front (blue and yellow underneath). The offensive line and backfield sell run or screen action first, drawing linebackers up, while the wheel route stretches the sideline vertically for a big play if a defender bites on the screen fake. This is primarily a play-action screen designed to bait aggressive defenses: read the screen blocking numbers first, then work to the wheel route if the underneath defenders crash down.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flow of the linebackers immediately after the snap, if they crash toward the screen side without reading the wheel route, the sideline shot is wide open. Man coverage defenders who trail the wheel receiver from a tight alignment will struggle to stay on top of the vertical break, making this a solid man beater. Zone defenses with a hard flat drop can undercut the screen, so check for a cornerback or slot defender sitting low near the sideline before committing to the screen read. Look for a user-controlled safety or linebacker sitting in a lurk spot near the intermediate crossing route, since that defender can jump the deep dig and blow up the primary progression. Disciplined defenses that keep their linebackers home and do not bite on the play-action fake will limit this play to the underneath screen for minimal gain.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is playing man or zone before the snap, since a defender following the motion man is a strong indicator of man coverage.
Sell the screen fake by holding your eyes on the running back for a full second after the snap to freeze linebackers before working to the wheel route.
This play hits hardest against aggressive, blitz-heavy defenses since the screen naturally punishes overpursuit and the wheel exploits any safety help that steps up.
Pair this call with Triple Option Lt or Inside Zone Lt earlier in a series so defenders start keying run fits, making the screen action even more believable.
Best used on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and medium) when defenses are more willing to sell out against the run or crash hard on screens.
