Playbooks

Orbit PA HB Wheel

Shotgun·Trips TE·11

Play Action Wheel Motion Pass Play

Play diagram for Orbit PA HB Wheel from Shotgun Trips TE in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetTrips TE

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 29 playbooks

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Breakdown

Orbit PA HB Wheel uses orbit motion from the backfield before the snap into a play-action fake, sending the HB out on a wheel route up the sideline after selling the run fake. Off the play-action, the trips side runs a deep corner/go from the outside receiver, a deep dig or crossing route from the middle trips receiver, and the TE works an out breaking into the flat as an underneath option, while the backside X runs a vertical stem. This is a man beater at its core, designed to exploit linebackers and safeties who bite on the run fake or lose the HB in coverage on the wheel, with the primary read progression starting on the HB wheel for a big play, then working to the deep dig or corner route in the trips concept, and checking down to the TE flat route if everything is covered.

Defensive Reads

Identify if the defense is in man coverage by watching the linebacker assigned to the HB, if he stays attached through the wheel route release, expect him to be beat vertically. Check for zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4, since a disciplined flat defender can sit on the wheel route and disrupt the primary read, forcing you to progress to the dig or corner route in the trips concept. Look for late safety rotation post-snap, if a deep safety cheats over to help on the wheel, the middle of the field opens up for the dig route working across the formation. Watch for blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge, since the play-action fake can freeze linebackers just long enough to open the flat route from the TE as a quick answer. Beware of user controlled defenders dropping into a lurk position near the middle of the field, as a smart user can jump the dig route if you stare it down too long, so keep your eyes moving through the full progression.

Usage Tips

Use this play on early downs or first and ten when defenses are more likely to respect the run fake and bite on the play-action action.

Watch the pre-snap safety alignment: if you see two high safeties rotating down late, the wheel route from the HB has a strong chance to beat man coverage against a linebacker.

Motion the HB pre-snap and watch how the defense reacts, if a linebacker or safety follows the motion man across the formation, that confirms man coverage and tells you the wheel will likely win.

Hot route the TE to run a quicker flat if you are facing a blitz heavy defense, giving you a faster underneath outlet against pressure looks.

Pair this play with Orbit RPO Zone Alert or Orbit Cross Screen earlier in a series so the defense sees the same orbit motion and formation, then hit them with the wheel route for an explosive play once they start jumping the short stuff.