Struggling to move the ball consistently in Madden 24? Learning how to read defenses—both before and after the snap—is the key to beating your opponents. This guide covers how to identify coverages, make smart adjustments, and exploit defensive weaknesses for both the run and the pass.

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Why Reading the Defense Matters

Being able to read the defense helps you:

• Identify coverage schemes and weak points.
• Choose smarter pre-snap adjustments.
• Make better decisions on where and how to attack.

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Pre-Snap: How to Recognize Defensive Coverages

Cover 2

• Look For: Two high safeties, corners 5 yards off the ball.
• Strategy:
  • Use streak routes to pull safeties deep.
  • Attack the flats or run corner routes behind the cornerbacks.
  • Inside runs work well with LBs dropping into shallow zones.

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Cover 3

• Look For: One high safety, corners 7–8 yards off.
• Strategy:
  • Target 10-yard out routes and seam streaks.
  • Hit RBs in the flats for easy yards.
  • Use curls or hitches to find soft spots underneath.

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Cover 4

• Look For: Two deep safeties, corners 7–8 yards off.
• Strategy:
  • Avoid deep shots unless hitting seams.
  • Attack short with flats, outs, and quick drags.
  • Use underneath routes to move the chains.

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Cover 4 Match

• Look For: Safeties aligned over the slot; defenders match routes post-snap.
• Strategy:
  • Use motion to reveal man behavior.
  • Exploit match-ups with slants, zigs, and drags.

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Cover 6 (Hybrid)

• Look For: One corner 5 yards off, the other 8; two high safeties.
• Strategy:
  • Identify the Cover 2 side—target it with corners and flats.
  • Use outs and streaks against the Cover 4 side.

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Man Coverage (Cover 1 / 2 Man)

• Look For: CBs lined directly across from receivers.
• Strategy:
  • Confirm man with motion—if a defender follows, it’s man.
  • Use slants, drags, zigs, and double moves.
  • Attack outside with sharp cuts and out-breaking routes.

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Zero Blitz (Man Blitz)

• Look For: No deep safety, all defenders tight on LOS.
• Strategy:
  • Quick throws: slants, drags, RB flats.
  • Max protect and hit deep one-on-ones.
  • Use motion to find your hot read fast.

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Post-Snap: Zone vs. Man

• Motion Test: If a defender follows the receiver, it’s man.
• Zone Tell: Defenders shift minimally and cover space, not specific players.

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Offensive Concepts to Beat Common Coverages

Versus Cover 2

• Pass: Flood with streak + corner + flat combo.
• Run: Inside zones and dives—LBs drop, creating running lanes.

Versus Cover 3

• Pass: Hit 10–12 yard outs or seam shots.
• Run: Stretch plays to the edges work well.

Versus Cover 4

• Pass: Short passes—drags, flats, and quick outs.
• Run: Inside runs work as safeties drop too deep.

Versus Man Coverage

• Pass: Use zig, slant, drag, and crossing routes.
• Run: Inside handoffs can expose overly aggressive alignments.

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How to Beat the Blitz

• Quick Reads: Have a hot route ready (slant, drag, RB flat).
• Max Protect: Use extra blockers like TEs and RBs.
• One-on-One Deep Shots: Look for your best receiver and go deep.

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Running Tips

• Against Zone: Stretch and outside runs are effective.
• Against Man: Inside runs punish tight alignments and blitzes.

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Final Tips for Success

• Practice Mode: Use it to learn defensive looks and reaction timing.
• Pre-Snap Motion: Helps identify coverage and mismatches.
• Don’t Force Big Plays: Take the easy gains the defense gives you.

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Mastering how to read defenses is what separates casual players from elite ones. Practice often, stay calm under pressure, and adjust your strategy on the fly. You’ll start dominating both online and offline games in no time. Good luck out there! 🏈