This is for all the Madden Players , Im going to to go over the basics of Defensive formations and reading coverages which you need to know.
4-3 - there are four defensive linemen and three linebackers on the field. This defense is typically decent at stopping the run and good against users who enjoy running offenses from bigger sets. This formation should not be used against opponents who like to throw all game by using four and five receiver sets.
3-4 defense is similar to the 4-3, only there's one more linebacker and one less defensive linemen on the field. This is another defense that should only be used against bigger sets because you don't want to consistently find your linebackers matched up in man to man coverage on receivers. However, some teams may be able to get away with using a 3-4 against spread offenses sometimes if they have a fast group of linebackers.
4-6 personnel is same as 4-3,with ability to bring consistent pressure and stop the run with more regularity is enough for many users to make this their base defense throughout an entire game. However, spread sets can beat this defense is pressure isn't applied on the quarterback.
Nickel 3-3-5 has three defensive linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs. Many gamers love the flexibility of this defense because it matches up fairly well against both big sets and spread sets. This flexibility allows users to not have to worry about opponents who like to audible up and down throughout the course of a game. A couple of downsides to this defense include the lack of pressure on the quarterback and the inability to consistently stop the run. Both of these weaknesses can be fixed with manual movements before the snap,
Nickel 1-5-5 is one of the more unique defenses in the game. This defense calls for five linebackers, five defensive backs, and just one defensive lineman. Getting pressure with this defense isn't easy. Furthermore, stopping the run with this formation takes a lot of work. The best part about this defense is that the user is able to move ten players anywhere on the field. The only player that cannot be moved with resetting to his original position is the defensive lineman. This defense can be used to confuse opponents.
Nickel 1-5-5 Prowl is basically the same defense as the Nickel 1-5-5, but the defensive linemen is standing up instead of in a three-point stance. The good thing about both the 1-5-5 and the Prowl is that you can mix both formations together and create a truly unique defense if perfected.
Nickel Normal is another defense that is flexible enough to be used against multiple offensive sets. This defense provides us with four defensive linemen, two linebackers, and five defensive backs. With six big defenders in the box we are able to create solid pressure, as well as slow down most running plays. This is a formation that is good to start a game because you don't risk get beat deep and it forces your opponent to work up the field as you learn their tendencies.
Nickel Strong can be just as useful as the Nickel Normal formation. The two differences between the formations is that in the Strong formation the nickelback stands right next to the defensive end on the left side of the offensive line, and the strong safety is about 3-4 yards closer to the line of scrimmage. Having the nickelback stand next to the defensive end makes for some greats blitzes around the outsides. However, most people usually suspect blitz from that side in this formation, while the Nickel Normal formation can bring an element of surprise.
Dime Normal formation is best used for passing situations because it places four defensive linemen, one linebacker, and seven defensive backs on the field. Most people prefer to stick with a defense that can stop both the run and the pass, so not too many users throw out the Dime look for opponents.
Dime 3-2-6 is another interesting defensive look in Madden. This formation calls for three defensive linemen, two linebackers, and six defensive backs on the field. Unfortunately, with this defense having three down linemen most people would just prefer to use the Quarters formation instead. The 3-2-6 does provide users with one more linebacker on the field, but it's not like this defense is to be used to stop the run. If gamers have their opponent's in a third and long situation you can bet that the formation that they exit the huddle in will most likely be Quarters.
uarters 3 Deep formation is great for long yardage situations. There's also a Quarters Normal formation, but in that formation there isn't a deep safety in the middle of the field. Many Madden gamers will take this defense and hot route two of the three defensive linemen to play zones underneath. Obviously, this means that there's only one defender rushing after the quarterback, but when you've got ten other players in coverage downfield that doesn't always seem to matter.
Goalline formation is typically only used inside the 10 yardline. However, this is a formation that can be productive against most bigger offensive sets. The problem with coming out of the huddle having called a goalline defense is running in to those opponents who audible up and down numerous times before the snap. You don''t want to get caught trying to guard four and five receivers with your goalline package on the field.
DEFENSIVE COVERAGES
basic man cover 2 defense. They call this defense a cover 2 because we are provided with two deep zones downfield. Cover 2 defenses are the most commonly used by Madden gamers because they provide users with a safety net on both sides of the field if one of their cornerbacks happen to get beat deep.
cover 1 defense has just one defender playing in a deep zone downfield. The reason cover 1 defenses are used is not only because it still provides one safety net over the top, but now we're also able to use an extra defender to rush or help cover if needed.
cover 0 defense is typically to get to the quarterback as quickly as possible. Obviously, there's no help deep in case one of your cornerbacks get beat, so getting immediate pressure on the opponent is key. Cover 0 defenses aren't used very often because the risk is simply too high for the reward.
Cover 3 defenses are certainly popular, but more so when playing a zone. Many Madden gamers like to turn to the Quarters 3 Deep - 3 Deep Man when they've forced their opponent into a third and long situation. The reason this defense is a good choice in that particular situation is because everyone on offense is manned up and we've got plenty of help over the top. A cover 3 is usually good enough to stop a deep pass anywhere on the field.
Cover 2 zones are riskier than cover 2 man defenses because once the receivers have gotten behind the cornerback's flat zones they will have a 1 on 1 matchup with the safeties. However, if this was a man defense the cornerbacks would have also been in the picture downfield. Most people like to use cover 2 zone defenses when their opponent gets inside the 10-15 yardline. A much shorter field to work with makes this defense very difficult to beat for opponents.
Cover 4 defenses are about as good as you can get as far as covering deep across the entire the field. The only bad thing about using most cover 4 defenses is that the flats are usually left open. Just remember to stick to using this type of coverage when your opponent is in long yardage situations.
man/zone combination. Combination defenses are great because on some formations it can appear to the opponent that you are in man coverage on everyone. Zone blitzes are a great way to force your opponent to have to make strong throws in the pocket. Otherwise, if a throw is rushed and the quarterback isn't able to get everything behind it because of the pressure it could result in a turnover.
Cody Burris