Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA HB Wheel is a play-action pass out of Singleback Ace Double Wing with 23 personnel that disguises a run fake before releasing the HB out of the backfield on a wheel route up the sideline. The two TEs to the play side run an out and go combo, one working a corner route while the other clears vertically up the seam, and the backside X runs a deep comeback to hold the corner while the underneath route sits shallow as a checkdown. This is a play-action man beater designed to attack linebackers and safeties who bite on the run fake, with the primary read progression starting on the wheeling HB against man coverage leakage, then working to the corner route breaking outside, and finally to the deep comeback if the wheel is choked off.
Defensive Reads
Watch the HB out of the backfield immediately after the snap since man coverage defenders who follow him late create the widest wheel route window for a big play. Identify single high safety shells such as Cover 3 or Cover 1, since a lurking safety or linebacker can jump the wheel route if they do not bite on the run fake. Key linebacker depth before the snap, since shallow linebackers who crash down on the play fake leave the flat and wheel lanes wide open. User the middle linebacker or a safety as a spy to sit on the wheel route and disrupt the primary read, forcing the QB to progress to the corner route or comeback. Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with disciplined cornerbacks staying deep can shut down both the corner route and comeback, so pressure up front becomes the best counter to force a quick, inaccurate throw.
Usage Tips
Sell the run fake by holding the play call until you see linebacker flow, since this play depends on second and third level defenders biting on the HB fake to open the wheel route.
Look for man coverage pre-snap by checking if a linebacker or slot corner is lined up over the HB, as this play crushes man to man matchups when the HB has a speed advantage.
Use hot routes to convert the shallow checkdown into a drag if you anticipate a blitz, giving your QB an emergency outlet against pressure.
Pair this call with HB Dive or HB Power O from the same set earlier in a drive so the defense keys run action and commits to the box, making the wheel fake more believable on a crucial third down.
Best used on second or third and medium situations where defenses expect run, since the play action window is more effective when the defense stacks the box in anticipation of the ground game.
