The Gun Deuce Close RPO Read Flat Wheel is a popular play in Madden 24 that can be used to attack both the run and the pass. Against man press coverage, it is our number 1 play from the Chief’s playbook that we like to attack this type of pass coverage with.
The play starts with the quarterback in the shotgun formation with the running back lined up to his right. Two wide receivers are aligned to the left and right of the quarterback. Both tight ends are lineup in a wing position left and right of the quarterback.
The design of the play is to read the defensive end on the play side. If the defensive end crashes down, the quarterback will keep the ball and run the RPO. The running back will run a wheel route to the outside. The wide receiver to the playside will run a flat route.If the defensive end stays in his gap, the quarterback will throw the ball to the tight end receiver running the flat route. The tight end will also be a potential option if the defense is playing zone coverage.
Against press man coverage, the TE1, who runs the wheel route to the right, is open as the defender covering him looks to stop the run. In this Madden Tips and Playbook breakdown, that’s what we focus in on for the rest of this blog post.
Play Diagram:
Play Info:
| Formation: | Gun |
| Set: | Gun Deuce Close |
| Personnel: | 1RB, 2TE, 2WR |
| Personnel Group: | 12 |
| Play Type: | Pass |
| Concept: | RPO |
| Primary Receiver: | TE1 |
| Routes Run: | 4 |
| Pass Blockers: | 6 |
Playbooks Found In:
- Chiefs
- Commaners
Note: based on Madden 24 Playbooks.
Default Pass Routes Assignments:
| Position | Assignment |
| SE | In |
| TE2 | Flat |
| TE1 | Wheel |
| FL | Post |
| RB | Looks for handoff, otherwise looks to block. |
Quick Setup:
- Motion the TE2 to the right and snap the ball before he gets to the center.
Coaching Points:
- Quickly throw to the TE1 on the wheel route as he will often will be wide open again man press coverage.
- Use the play action to freeze the defense. The play action will cause the defensive end (read defender) to either defend the quarterback or crash down towards the runningback. If he defends the quarterback, handoff the ball off to runnningback. If he goes towards the runnningback, watch to see if the TE2 is open in the flat, if so throw to him immediately. Keep in mind this come into play is the TE2 is not sent in motion.
- Be patient with the read. The quarterback needs to wait until the last possible moment to decide. If he throws the ball too early, the defense will react and make a play.
- Even if the defensive end (read defender) does defend the quarterback, there still may be enough time to throw to the TE2 in the flat for a big gain.
- Other options would be the TE1 on the wheel or the SE running the in route.
- Should you choose to run the ball, the TE2 can be sent in motion to become a lead blocker for the running back.
Video Breakdown:
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, the Gun Deuce Close RPO Read Flat Wheel is a versatile play that exploits the tight end’s wheel route. Thus providing consistent success against Man Press coverage. Tight end’s wheel route often results in wide open receptions due to AI behavior. No hot route adjustments can be made, but motion can enhance pass protection. Finally, the play offers flexibility: Tight end can catch the ball for big gains, or he can block if the ball is handed off to the running back.
The Gun Deuce Close RPO Read Flat Wheel is a versatile play that we run in a variety of situations. It can attack a stacked box, to take advantage of a blitz, or to simply pick up a few yards on first down.
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