Playbooks

Mtn Cheat WR Wheel

Singleback·Wing Close·12
WheelMotionPass Play
Play diagram for Mtn Cheat WR Wheel from Singleback Wing Close in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationSingleback

In 4 playbooks

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Breakdown

Mtn Cheat WR Wheel is a play-action pass out of Singleback Wing Close 12 personnel that uses a cheat motion receiver to create a wheel route out of the backfield area. Off the snap, the fullback or wing releases into a wheel up the sideline while the inline tight end runs a corner route to the deep third, the backside receiver runs a deep post/go, and a shallow drag crosses underneath to occupy linebackers. This is primarily a man beater, since the wheel route is designed to exploit linebackers or safeties who cannot stay on top of a receiver breaking vertically after selling the flat, and the primary read progression starts with the wheel route, then works to the deep corner, then checks down to the underneath crosser if the wheel is blanketed.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify whether a linebacker or safety is aligned over the wing or fullback, since that defender is the one who has to carry the wheel route vertically. Watch for two high safety shells, which allow a deep half defender to sink and rob the wheel route before it clears the numbers. Post-snap, key any user-controlled defender who jumps the flat or shallow crosser, since that leaves the wheel route isolated one on one down the sideline. Look for aggressive zone blitz packages that bring extra rushers while dropping a linebacker into the wheel lane, which can shut down the deep route entirely. If the corner route and wheel route are both bracketed by two defenders on the same side, check down immediately to the underneath crosser to avoid a forced throw into double coverage.

Usage Tips

Use pre-snap motion on the cheat receiver to bait linebackers into thinking it is a run play or screen before the wheel route develops.

Attack single high shells and man coverage looks where a linebacker or slower defensive back has to match up on the wheel route in space.

Hot route the shallow crosser into a deeper option if you see zone coverage sitting underneath, since the crosser can become a late outlet against soft zone drops.

Pair this play with Mtn Corndog Toss or HB Dive earlier in a drive to set up run fits, then dial up Mtn Cheat WR Wheel once the defense starts keying the run action.

Save this concept for third and medium or first down shot situations, since the wheel route takes time to develop and needs a clean pocket or effective play-action fake to fully open up.

Other Plays in Wing Close