Playbooks

Wheel Trail

Shotgun·Split Y Off·21
WheelPass PlayTrail
Play diagram for Wheel Trail from Shotgun Split Y Off in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 5 playbooks

Bengals OffenseOffenseBills OffenseOffenseSuperstar QB ImprovisorNFL Live Bengals OffenseOffenseNFL Live Bills OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Wheel Trail out of Shotgun Split Y Off (21 personnel) attacks man coverage with a wheel and trail combo out of the backfield on the right side while three receivers stretch the field vertically and horizontally on the left. The trailing back sits underneath the wheel route to create a natural pick or leverage advantage against man defenders, while the far side runs a deep out, a corner post, and a deep dig to hold safeties and clear the sideline. Primary progression starts with the wheel-trail bunch action to the right, then works back to the deep dig crossing the middle, and finally to the corner route if the play holds up long enough.

Defensive Reads

Identify if a linebacker or slot defender is manned up on the trailing back pre-snap, this is the key indicator the wheel will spring open against man coverage. Watch for a single high safety rotating late, if he stays home in the middle the deep dig route will be contested but the corner route on the far side opens up. Beware of a user controlled defender sitting in the shallow flat or lurking underneath, this can jump the trail route and undercut the wheel timing. Against zone coverage look for the cornerback sinking with the wheel route, if the zone defender stays flat footed the deep dig crossing the field becomes the better option. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge can disrupt the wheel timing, so recognize overload blitz looks and be ready to check down quickly.

Usage Tips

Use this against man coverage looks, especially when you see a linebacker or safety lined up over the backfield since the trail route is designed to rub him off on the wheel defender.

Check pre-snap for single high safety shells, if the safety cheats late to the wheel side you have leverage on the dig route working across the field.

Hot route the flat/dig receiver into a shallow drag if you are getting quick pressure, this keeps a checkdown available while the wheel develops downfield.

Pair this play with Backs Cross or Mtn Lead Swing from the same set to keep defenses guessing on backfield motion and flood concepts.

Best called on 2nd and medium to 3rd and long situations where defenses are more likely to play man coverage or blitz off the edge.

Other Plays in Split Y Off