How to Maximize the Running Back Wheel Route

Many teams use wheel routes with their running backs out of the backfield. Coaches like the match up that it creates, a speedy back on a slower interior linebacker who is used to filling gaps in the running game.

The video below shows a specific version of the play that I want to discus. The play can be found in the week 1 match up between the Patriots and Cardinals in 2016, 3rd quarter with 5:46 on the clock (check the play out on NFL GamePass, my video quality isn't the greatest).

Great technique from Hightower guarding the back out of the backfield pic.twitter.com/AevR42GeGM

— Bobby Peters (@b_peters12) March 30, 2017

The Cardinals run a version of the mesh concept with a wheel route out of the backfield acting as the primary read. Palmer forces the throw to David Johnson, even though the Patriots do a great job of defending the wheel route. The coverage technique from Hightower (#54) is text-book.

With the exception of the mesh concept, many running back wheel routes would be best served with an option to run an inside breaking angle route. This play was chosen as an example because of the defensive technique, rather than the route combination surrounding the wheel. In mesh, the drag coming from the other side of the field would interfere with the angle route by the running back. In this case, Carson Palmer should have moved on in his progression and hit the underneath drag route.

 The screenshot below shows an alternative version that is included in The Melting Pot. Click Here to read more about the book.

The next image shows where the running back would make his cut, using speed to get up the sideline or breaking the route off to get inside. You can see the leverage that David Johnson has inside of Hightower. Hightower has his hips turned to run vertically with the wheel. In this case, an angle route would break wide open. This option route has an automatic tendency breaker built in, and does not require the coordinator to guess at the leverage the running back will have after the ball is snapped. 

In many cases, a coach can combine multiple plays into a single play by using an option route. This takes the guessing away, and gives the offense the last adjustment on the chalkboard. 

My latest book, "Quarterback Development", takes a look at some of the more unique pass concepts used in the 2016 NFL season, including option routes used by the Patriots and Falcons. Click Here to get your copy today!