How to Defend a Running QB in Madden 25

Running QBs can break an NFL defense, and they’re the closest thing to a cheat code Madden NFL 25 has. They’re great when you’re playing with one, but can be frustrating when your opponent is burning you for long run after long run. Let’s look at some ways you can better defend a running quarterback.

Defending a Running QB in Madden 25

Have a QB Spy

It may be simple, but sometimes the simplest tactics are the most effective. Having a linebacker be a QB spy will help out if your opponent’s QB decides to break the pocket and scramble for a first down. You’ll have a defender ready and waiting to make the tackle short of the sticks with a spy.

Each defensive playbook will have plays with a preset spy, but sometimes I like to switch an MLB’s assignment to spy instead of blitz to prepare for a QB scramble. You can switch your defender’s assignment by pressing X on PlayStation and A on Xbox and then flicking the right stick to the left.

Crash a Defender

If you suspect the opposing QB is ready to break the pocket, or he already has, crash the nearest defender to him. This is a command that isn’t immediately obvious, but is easy to use once you get the hang of it. Simply click in your controller’s right stick and the nearest defender will abandon his coverage to crash to the QB. Instead of defenders reacting when the QB is already at the first down marker, they’ll react sooner and hopefully stop the QB before he burns you for a score.

Coach Adjustments

In the play selection screen during a game, click the right stick in to go to the coach adjustments page. Thankfully the play selection timer doesn’t run down on this screen, so you have time to read through the adjustments and understand what they do. Particularly against running QBs, we want to set the option coverage to Conservative so defenders prioritize downing the QB on opposing option plays. I typically find running backs easier to contain on options than QBs, so this adjustment minimizes the chance of allowing a long run from a QB.

Be Aware of Down and Distance

The most opportune time for a QB to scramble is on third and fourth downs. If only a few yards are needed, sometimes the best option to get the first down is to tuck and run. Be vigilant on key downs–these are the best times to have a QB spy. Crash a defender sooner than you may think necessary so he has enough time to close the gap. Running QBs are especially dangerous in the red zone as well and will command your complete focus.

Set Your Weekly Strategy

Just like in the real-world NFL, practice and strategizing for game day is critical to success in Madden NFL 25. When preparing for a game against a running QB like Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen in franchise mode, set your weekly strategy to Contain QB Scramble. This will give your players a boost to their block shedding, tackling, pursuit, and play recognition attributes when calling plays designed to stop a QB run. If your weekly strategy is set to a different defensive focus but you find yourself getting burned by a QB rushing during the game, you can always switch your defensive gameplay to Contain QB Scramble at halftime.

Let the Computer Do Its Thing

For all the hours I’ve spent playing various iterations of Madden over the years, I still suck at one thing: making a tackle. I often completely whiff and miss the ball carrier, or switch to the nearest defender and run him in the wrong direction instead of making a great tackle. Because of this, when the opponent has a ball carrier in the open field, I often like to let the computer make the tackle. This has saved me many a long rushing touchdown from explosive QBs, and might help you too. Let’s face it: we all much prefer playing offense anyway.

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