Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn DBL Slants Wheel is a man beater out of Shotgun Spread Dbl Flex that uses a jet motion piece across the backfield before the snap to help identify man coverage. Off the diagram, the outside receiver runs a vertical release into a slant while the inside receiver next to him runs a matching slant underneath, creating a natural rub for the double slant combo on that side. On the opposite side, the flanker runs a wheel route up the sideline while a shallow drag crosses underneath to hold linebackers, and the primary read progression starts with the wheel route against man coverage, then works down to the double slants if the wheel is capped.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, key the deep safety alignment, a single high safety shaded to the wheel side signals possible man coverage underneath that the wheel can exploit. Watch the cornerback over the motion receiver, if he trails across the formation it confirms man coverage and the wheel route should be your first alert. Post-snap, identify any user-controlled linebacker or lurk defender sinking into the flat or hook zone, this is the primary threat that can jump the drag route or undercut the wheel. Cover 2 shells with two deep safeties are the toughest matchup since the safety over the wheel side can sit on top of the route, in that case reset to the double slants immediately. Nano blitzes or aggressive edge pressure can disrupt the wheel timing, so check protection and be ready to check down to the underlying slant or drag if the pocket collapses fast.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to confirm man versus zone, if the defender follows the motion man across the formation you have a green light to attack with the wheel route.
Throw the wheel route early against man coverage before the flow of the play lets a linebacker widen and get depth on it, this is a leverage and timing throw.
Against zone shells, work the double slants underneath since the natural rub creates separation versus Cover 3 or Cover 4 zone defenders sitting in their landmarks.
Pair this play with Mtn Fk Swing Wheel or Mtn HB Swing earlier in a series so the defense respects the swing action and softens their linebacker flow before you come back to the wheel concept.
Best called on second or third and medium when you want a explosive shot play off man beater motion but still have the double slant safety valve underneath.
