Defensive Playbook [DEFPB]

Explore Madden NFL 24 defensive playbooks like 4-3 and 3-4, detailing plays such as Corner Blitz, Cheat Left, and 533 In.

4-3 (21 plays)

The 4-3 defense is the standard defensive set used in most Madden NFL 24 situations.

• Read Right: A balanced defense slightly oriented toward stopping the run.
• Man Left: A balanced man-to-man scheme with a stunt on the left side of the defensive line.
• Corner Blitz: The right cornerback blitzes, the left linebacker also blitzes, and the defensive end covers the short zone. This play is vulnerable to the long ball to the flanker.
• 43 Crash: Cornerbacks and a safety cover (press the cover button to crouch behind walls or objects) a fairly deep zone, while both the Left Linebacker (LLB) and Middle Linebacker (MLB) blitz.
• SS Blitz: Your strong safety blitzes, increasing the chance of a sack but leaving a possible weakness in coverage.
• Cheat Left: All linemen rush toward the left side of the defensive line, allowing the blitzing Right Linebacker (RLB) to potentially get a sack. Receivers and tight ends are matched up in single coverage. Controlling the RLB is recommended for a sack.
• Jam Middle: Both outside linebackers blitz, while linemen rush toward the middle. This play is good against the inside run but weaker against sweeps.
• Cheat Right: Similar to Cheat Left, but to the right. Controlling the Left Linebacker (LLB) might allow you to tip passes even if a sack isn't made.
• Outlaw: Slightly more effective at stopping the run than a similar play.
• Cover 3: Almost identical to 43 Crash.
• Man Zone 2: Cornerbacks tightly cover receivers, while safeties patrol a deeper zone. This play is more pass-oriented.
• Cover 2: The Right Cornerback's (RCB) main job is to jam the split end, while the rest of the secondary plays zone coverage.
• Tuf Bronco: Your Defensive Right Tackle (DRT) and Defensive Right End (DRE) stunt, and the RLB blitzes. Controlling the RLB is recommended.
• Jet Blitz: A strong-side version of Tuf Bronco.
• Short Zone: A short zone defense. Controlling a safety can help protect against deeper passes.
• Pinch: The RLB blitzes, while safeties prepare to stop off-tackle runs.
• Outside Loop: Both outside linebackers blitz inside but are too far from the quarterback for a sack unless controlled.
• SS Fire: A safety blitz.
• Monster: Puts eight men in the box to help stop the run, with six men rushing the quarterback.
• Stallion: Similar to a 4-4 defense, very good for containing the outside run game, but watch out for streaking receivers.
• Inside Out: Your linebacker and safety both blitz, making it difficult to run up the middle.

3-4 (21 plays)

The 3-4 defense uses three linemen and four linebackers, offering more unpredictable ways to pressure the quarterback but requiring specialized personnel like a massive nose tackle. Teams that regularly used the 3-4 in 1996 included the Steelers, Panthers, Bills, and Ravens.

• 523 Tough: A special 3-4 form where a safety is in the box to help stop the run. Outside linebackers line up next to linemen, covering short zones, while cornerbacks and the other safety patrol deep zones.
• 525 Angle: Outside linebackers blitz while linemen rush at an angle.
• Wildcat Fire: Another form of the 523 set, with a linebacker and safety blitzing.
• 533 In: An eight-man rush where all four linebackers and a safety blitz, forcing cornerbacks and other safeties to play passively.
• 533 Out: Similar to 533 In with eight men in the box rushing the quarterback, but at different angles.
• 533 Split: Very similar to 533 In and 533 Out.
• Zone Blitz: Both inside linebackers and the Right Outside Linebacker (ROLB) blitz, while the Defensive Right End (DRE) covers the short zone.
• Jam Middle: Seven men, including all four linebackers, rush, leaving little time for the quarterback. This play should crush the inside run but is vulnerable to quick passes for touchdowns.
• Man Zone 1: No one blitzes. With all linebackers in coverage, it is tough to find someone open, especially in short zones.
• Jet Blitz: The Defensive Left End (DLE) and Nose Tackle (NT) stunt, while the LLB blitzes. This is essentially a 3-4 version of Tuf Bronco.
• Weak Storm: Both right-side linebackers blitz.