(How To) Read Defense Like A Pro [Madden 23]

Today we learn how to read defense in madden 23. We will do a full tutorial on how to easily know what defense your opponent is in and then show a gameplay of me using these tips in a MUT H2H Madden game.
Are there any other challenges that you would like to see?!? Let me know in the comments!
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Here is a breakdown of what I cover:
0:00 Intro
0:21 The Formula
0:43 The Number of Safeties
1:33 Use Motion
3:00 Cornerback Depth
5:46 Cornerback Alignment
8:17 Buccaneers Offense
8:38 Gameplay #1
10:17 Gameplay #2
12:39 What's Next
Gaming, Madden, Madden 23, Madden 23 Defense, Madden 23 read defense, madden 23 how to, madden 23 best offense, madden 23 help, madden 23 tips, madden 23 glitch, madden 23 next gen, madden 23 current gen, win madden, winmadden

[@koolkidtrav4424]

Would be nice if you provided a brief example (one or two plays, or one or two routes/route combos) that you should look for in each respective coverage when you bring it up.

[@drewski5k177]

Absolutely agree

[@mard6956]

Buy the ebook

[@scorpio-yp3hu]

Ebook that's why

[@grindhardtrey]

Right

[@ryl6344]

Believe it or not, Skills trainer will essentially show you this….I know it’s not a meta KZbin play but they basically show the concepts that beat coverages and soft spots in each zone in both madden and real football

[@LBxType1]

I’ve been playing Madden since 1993. Even I learned a bit from this. Things are always updated and as your reaction times naturally slip with age it’s all about being smarter. And cash lol. I appreciate your effort and your narration is perfect.

[@WinMadden]

Thank you for the comment and kind words!

[@911jayishsupremacy]

Nope your wrong it’s all about the horrible glitches and programming all they shut don’t matter anymore.

[@ibelyles4806]

This was explained perfect. I've watched other videos like this but I got it with your videos.

[@WinMadden]

Thanks for the comment and the kind words! Glad it was helpful!

[@randymarsh46]

Agreed, he simplifies it very well.

[@christianmorrow3254]

Thanks so much!!! I’m learning the game and it’s actually a great challenge for me, because defense is so much better this game. This video has taught me a lot and I’m making deeper passes (medium and deep passes). Now I have to learn which specific types of plays to run on Cover 1 and Cover 4.

[@yoshi7097]

cover 1 man beaters are usually crossers, zigs, and if your receiver is good maybe a curl.

[@CasualGamerNoob]

Excellent info thank you!!

[@MrPeanutbutter59]

Hi, thx for the tips, especially the CB alignement ! I tried to practice it but in fact there are a tons of play calls showing 2 Safeties but ends up in a cover3. Even the blitz are very confusing pre snap

[@JayJennox]

i fw how yu explained quickly nd efficiently good job

[@milozdu1366]

I'm pretty good at reading defences but struggle with choices of what would beat them. Would be great to see a vid on some examples of what beats each cover for noobs like myself.

[@buppster3053]

the in-game tutorials helped me out

[@milozdu1366]

@@buppster3053 I'll have a look

[@thebad1guy]

Ebook

[@slaygunz4783]

There's also a whole section in the "Learn To Play" option on the main menu of the game that gives you a breakdown of all defensive playreading

[@whammybarbecue6577]

And it takes 20x longer than this video

[@camrynpowers1026]

Great video but would also be nice if you showed the best offence to run against said play or hot routes

[@mr.flegler9784]

Good content 💪🏽💪🏽

[@Hebrewrichard]

Great video man

[@mikeserencko4842]

Great vid!! Would you be able to come out with a post snap read video??

[@globoy5103]

I love madden man,, so much to learn so much diff schemes to learn. It’s jus so interesting once u get into it. I love using my knowledge and picking a team like the jets in Regs and juss smashing a guy with the packers/chiefs/bills and seeing there reaction to it

[@liamkilpatrick]

Thanks so much this helped a lot

[@allengoffinet8700]

Good info, can you please do one on pass plays to run to beat these defenses

[@yunglinchang]

Great tutorial

[@JohnJones-xw2zj]

Been watching you since madden 22 your tips always help me become a better madden player 🔥✅great content

[@WinMadden]

Thanks for the kind words John! Much appreciated!

[@CBIDAFAM]

Your videos are great 👍🏾

[@justincrook6942]

amazing thank you!

[@joshuarenfroe4756]

GREAT vid and explanation. Good job👍👍

[@WinMadden]

Appreciate the kind words and comment Joshua!

[@keeganjacobs5913]

great tips , would you happen to have a cheatsheet or chart on what to look for like step 1 , step 2, 3 , etc?

[@Nikiarock]

You explained this video so well you earned my subscription now I can finally read my opponent’s defense and dominate the game madden like a pro thanks man

[@LJProductions247]

3-3 cub disguises cover 3 with two high safeties. Great defense!

[@jericoblaynechildofgod6655]

In staying safe and prepared I choose to prepare for the biltz when shown. Keeping in a blocker or shifting line and routes only go bad if I actually do a action that causes it. I can always throw the ball away if that is still not one hundred percent for gain. Also if I am confused by blitz and they sending more than I have to block a run from draw or quick dive a or b gap can get some yards and get another play.

[@mrsinister8943]

I really like the game this year so far. Ive been using that NFC legacy playbook and its loaded with good plays. I'm still on old gen but I'm very surprised with how different the game feels and how it's been playing. Defense can be a pain but all in all the game is fun and realistic for the most part. Been trying out different playbooks and I like the Ravens defense and NYG defense. On offense I love the NFC pb. Washington is really good and the 49ers pb is nice especially with the new deebo package. I think I'll stick with the NFC one for now cause its loaded it seems. Should be one of the best mut years ever.

[@WinMadden]

Glad to hear from you as always Mr. Sinister! I like the game as well and think they did a good job of making some changes from Madden 22. Thanks for the comment and good luck out there!

[@SW-bf9pq]

great video

[@airt698]

Best defensive reading vid ever I needed this one thank you

[@WinMadden]

Much appreciated! Thanks for the r comment and kind words!

[@johnshoemaker234]

You’d be such a great coach bro!!

[@brettseaberg5033]

Whoooo! Loving your bucs offense! Made it to Superbowl 3 times and 2 more playoff games! Just need to eliminate dumb passes.

[@WinMadden]

Glad to hear it! Always love to see you’re doing well!!!

[@mattyisagopher8407]

I was waiting for this can you make a video on how to find your own offense

[@mikesaunders5345]

Great video

[@WinMadden]

Appreciate it Mike!

[@sosapeso1201]

Good Video

[@Ralph3_]

u shoukd make a video on the best playbook and what beats the defenses after we read it and best audibles etc

[@nickbahena9687]

Dope content

[@globoy5103]

You should do a video on how zones work and wat zones to use in certain situation. I know the basics but I’m still confused on deep zones like for example wen I should be using a deep half instead of a inside/or outside third or quarter . Not sure what works best for wat

[@Qaulity710]

u play ps4 current 23 im tryna learn too

[@bohawg3843]

Guys this does not matter if the opponent is using base align. When making any audibles, they do not move. Even in press. Just a reminder to everyone.

[@teedachosenone6815]

Exactly why I run base align the whole game make everything look the same 🤣

[@jorgecaraballo3295]

Nice video. Can you tell when u come out in a compress formation like Gun Tight?

[@WinMadden]

You can but the only difference is that you will not be able to see the CB alignment

[@mattleroy5434]

You need to look at the cornerbacks relative to the yardage numbers on field AND pay attention to ball placement. e.g. ball ON hash mark - any CB touching number = MAN. Both CBs outside yardage numbers = zone. MIDDLE of hashes - CBs on numbers = zone.CBs inside numbers = man keep in mind ball won't always be dead centre of hash marks

[@ddw1127]

This is the most useful KZbin video

[@virkon6494]

Can u do anything presnap if they base align?

[@scorpio-yp3hu]

When your in a tight or close compressed formation at least for me it's harder to read what the defense in unless your in bunch because you still have a WR on the outside and can know what the CB doing if there outside. Inside. Or Even. Depending on there depths. I find it easier with types of spread formations etc etc

[@birdyboy1900]

Try to motion a WR to the outside

[@mattleroy5434]

You need to look at the cornerbacks relative to the yardage numbers on field AND pay attention to ball placement. e.g. ball ON hash mark - any CB touching number = MAN. Both CBs outside yardage numbers = zone. MIDDLE of hashes - CBs on numbers = zone.CBs inside numbers = man keep in mind ball won't always be dead centre of hash marks

[@scorpio-yp3hu]

@@birdyboy1900 thank you

[@scorpio-yp3hu]

@@mattleroy5434 thank you much appreciated didn't realize that till I started practicing it also. 👍

[@badgrandpa3050]

I enjoyed it but, when I lab cover 1 prees the CB,s are squared up so I’m confused. Thanks.

[@jericoblaynechildofgod6655]

Man or zone the defense play is more concept single high or three deep. Three deep opens extra rusher or underneath coverage on relievers. Turnovers can come there. Best to add man beater and zone beater by audibles. Cb bump and run is best to attack in spread with 4 or more relievers. NFL coordinators use bunch mainly to defeat bump and run. I play better with standard slot either te or two rbs. Deep route and slant or drag opens flats. Motion te to other side inline and his drag back across beats principles of zone or man somewhere on field.

[@virdelljohnson8604]

Cover 3 can also have 2 high safeties

[@mikedimarino1972]

What if ur useing deff adj inside or outside on Let’s say cover 2 an u play

[@boondocks211]

True story I learned offenses playing madden and it helped me

[@simptownking4823]

Do you have set up for old gen ps4

[@creamabdul-jabbar6722]

Do you have a video on what route’s would beat what defense? I’m not a competitive player I play cpu franchise but just need something to beat certain defense

[@jjrolltide]

Go to the training game, it teaches you what route beat each coverages.

[@scorpio-yp3hu]

Cover 0 Blitz. Stick. Slants. Cover 1. Deep crossing. In and out routes. Slants. Shallow Cross. Mesh. Cover 2 Man. Corner routes. Post routes. Slants. Out routes. Mesh. Shallow Cross. Cover 2 Zone. Flood. Drags. Zigs. Hi Low reads. Cover 3. Seams. Hitch. Flats. Out routes. Cover 4. Flats. Screens. Slants. Drags. Digs. Post. Just some examples

[@earthpart3]

What if they base align and show cover 2 every play? Asking cause that's what I do lol

[@madscientist06]

Go to test this and the Falcons start running Cover 2 Invert, which looks like Cover 3 Zone because it has a single high safety.

[@MichaelPrince1992]

What about match zones when defense motion with offense

[@eddieneal384]

How do you motion WRS on Xbox 1?

[@kevinjustice9850]

Subscribing because we support the same team. I hope are prepared for the roller coaster ride that we are in for this year! 😅

[@globoy5103]

Can you differentiate a cover 3 zone vs cover 1 on how the cbs are aligned? Aren’t the cbs on a cover 1 going to be back and one up and misaligned? And cover 3 is normally about even?

[@scorpio-yp3hu]

If it's single high you can tell cover 3 if you have a slot WR and if the NB is playing outside he's in cover 3. If the NB is playing Even there in Man. You can also tell if the outside CB are pressed and playing Even it's cover 1 robber most times. With 2 High safeties look. If it's also 2 high safeties and the CB are about 7 to 8 yards back playing outside or Even it's maybe cover 3. I say maybe because it can be cover 4 but the way you can tell it's cover 4 is if the NB is playing inside of the slot WR there in cover 4. Just keep in mind CB will always no matter what play either outside. Even. Or Inside.

[@TheRenaissanceMan3]

@@scorpio-yp3hu nice

[@shizzygreen641]

How do you throw the deep ball on all madden against the computer the CB stays on top of the WR

[@rituqls945]

perfectly explained.

[@WinMadden]

Thanks for the comment and kind words rituqls!

[@Ghost21468]

This is great but what about when you face someone who changes their coach adjustment to always base align?

[@WinMadden]

David thanks for the comment. You're right base align will hide these tells. However, base align can be beaten really easily this year because of the man defense meta. If people are running base align man you should have people open all over the place with trips setups.

[@oldkiahood]

I really see why my opponents get mad that I always user control a DB. My choice alignment probably causes confusion

[@slippinjimmy6511]

What’s the best way to beat the corners when they are pressing?

[@scorpio-yp3hu]

Cover 0 Blitz. Stick. Slants. Cover 1. Deep crossing. In and out routes. Slants. Shallow Cross. Mesh. Cover 2 Man. Corner routes. Post routes. Slants. Out routes. Mesh. Shallow Cross. Cover 2 Zone. Flood. Drags. Zigs. Hi Low reads. Cover 3. Seams. Hitch. Flats. Out routes. Cover 4. Flats. Screens. Slants. Drags. Digs. Post. Just some examples

[@rebelboozer5122]

What if they base align and show 2 safeties and it is actually cover 3 is there a way to tell pre snap?

[@matts.441]

No but they are putting themselves in a bad spot doing that

[@scorpio-yp3hu]

You can at times depending on the CB depth 7 to 8 yards back but it also looks like cover 4 or can be cover 1. If on post snap you see the LB drop back or go side to side right away and one of the two safeties close the middle of the field then it's cover 3. If the LB post snap start to run towards there guy there covering then it's man. You can put your WR or slot WR on a streak if the line is outside then there in someone kind Zone. If the line is on the Inside then there in Man if the CB aren't playing deep. If the line is between there legs then it's Even they can be in Zone or Man. Again depending on the CB depths.

[@zacharystephens5052]

I wish the pc looked and played like this

[@riefftalkin4399]

It's easy to read defenses just gotta take ya time nd find the mismatches.

[@footballmontgomeryOhio]

KZbin name 💪🏾

[@johnshoemaker234]

about how many plays does your Tampa Bay Bucs scheme have in it on your Premium membership side?

[@WinMadden]

There are probably somewhere between 12-15 plays but most of them have multiple setups. There is over an hour of video breakdowns

[@chiefflex510]

What if they base align cover 3 so it shows 2 deep safeties?

[@jjrolltide]

I do that all the times, it really confusing to good players.

[@scorpio-yp3hu]

There disgusting there coverage so it can be cover 3 post snap depending on the CB depth and if they close the middle of the field. But it can also be cover 4 or cover 1. If you want look at the LB post snap if they drop back right away or go side to side there I'm zone because they have to get to there spots. If the LB starts to run straight towards there player it's man because they have to get to the players they supposed to cover. Sometimes one LB Drops into Zone while the other one comes in on a blitz. Also put the one of the WR on a streak. If the yellow line is outside then there in zone. The line is inside there in Man depending on the CB depth tho. If the Line is between there legs there playing Even..

[@hyperNight]

At 11:42, how are you able to tell it’s not a cover 4 before you motion? CBs are 10yds off with 2-high shell. What is the key I’m not reading here? I would assume that it was Cover 4 every time due to the CBs being so far off the ball.

[@WinMadden]

The one at that time was a bit nuanced because the opponent was in man. However, once you get used to reading defenses a bit more you can see that the safeties are also often times playing closer to the line of scrimmage and more aligned over a specific defender ( also note, in that particular clip I used motion and once someone followed me to the other side of the formation it was clear it was man defense)

[@hyperNight]

@@WinMadden Thanks for the reply man! This clarifies it a lot.

[@tythrutime]

okay but how do you know what plays beat each type of coverage??

[@WinMadden]

Lots of other videos on the channel to answer that question

[@MisterMarcus85]

🔥

[@Nlk12004]

This for current gen also?

[@WinMadden]

Yes

[@Nobody2day553]

Quick tip: the solid white horizontal lines signify 5y increments. At no point in the video were the corners playing 10y off. They were 7y.

[@bigboyfishing5060]

This work for Ultimate Team?

[@WinMadden]

yes!

[@mitch8798]

What about pressed cover 4?

[@WinMadden]

It’s in there. They will line up straight in front of you receiver.

[@Titansfever]

what about cover 4 show 2

[@scorpio-yp3hu]

Put your slot WR on a streak just to see if the line is inside then it's cover 4 if the CB depth is 7 to 8 yards back It's not cover 2 at all unless the CB are about 5 yards off the los and there playing outside.

[@MichaelPrince1992]

Wht bout cover 3 in two high safeties

[@scorpio-yp3hu]

It will look like cover 4 because the CB depth are about 7 to 8 yards back. But one of the safeties will close the middle of the field post snap. You can tell post snap tho. Look at the LB if they start back pedalling right away or go side to side it's zone because they have to get to there spots If the LB starts running straight towards a player then it's man because they have to get to the players there covering. Sometimes tho one of the LB drop back into Zone while the other one comes in on a blitz

[@bengunderson6583]

Does this work on current gen?

[@WinMadden]

Yes sure does

[@bengunderson6583]

@@WinMadden it’s just the motioning to find man defense that doesn’t work for some reason

[@bengunderson6583]

The db follows my wr for zone too

[@thescrolls9190]

What plays beat these defenses?

[@Bcarlin2023]

I don't want to read defense I want to get better at defense haha

[@jroc4ever]

Madden 22 gamers hold the ball for long touchdowns. Madden 23 it seems that a game mechanic has returned and that doesn't happen as much.

[@Vengeance44189]

But how do i know what play to use

[@scorpio-yp3hu]

Cover 0 Blitz. Stick. Slants. Cover 1. Deep crossing. In and out routes. Slants. Shallow Cross. Mesh. Cover 2 Man. Corner routes. Post routes. Slants. Out routes. Mesh. Shallow Cross. Cover 2 Zone. Flood. Drags. Zigs. Hi Low reads. Cover 3. Seams. Hitch. Flats. Out routes. Cover 4. Flats. Screens. Slants. Drags. Digs. Post. Just some examples

[@rich7300]

Is there any way to tell the difference between Cover 1 or Cover 3 pre snap without motioning a WR? CB depth maybe?

[@jeffreyp_7999]

if the cbs are a couple yards off the wr its cover 1 since its man

[@scorpio-yp3hu]

Depends if the CB are pressed or Playing outside or even... I normally watch the LB post snap if they start back pedalling right away and move side to side it's zone because they're getting back to there zones. If they start to run straight or towards a player there in Man because they have to go cover who there's guarding. It takes practice cause sometimes you'll have one LB coming in on a blitz while the other drops back into Zone. That's what the CB depth is very important how there lined up. Outside. Inside. Or Even.

[@Money_era]

Killing zone is easy. Its man coverage i cant beat😂😂

[@mrjiggs8]

Great video but why play online anymore so many quitters... they need a 30 day ban on anyone that quits a game.

[@bohawg3843]

Not be mean but I just tested it out to make sure.

[@rhineoh4860]

I practiced using this and I was only right like 50% of the time

[@WinMadden]

Keep with it. You will start to be able to pick it up super easily with some practice. It will take a lot of reps to get used to seeing different defensive formations - you got this!

[@pumar9952]

how to read defense - omaha xf ability

[@wolfszn]

madden not even funn no more too much thinking involved, everyone just user middle of the field on d

[@e.diaz8280]

Ig it's me becuase I can't read the defence for shit

[@Keithgotalilolder]

Ts so confusing I’m bout to quit

[@steveprice322]

Wtf...lol

[@litjdg5450]

I ain’t gone lie that gameplay look fake

[@goldrush49]

Awe poor Vikings fan

[@silverhawkbronson]

That's a lot of unnecessarily repetitive details that don't necessarily show how to actually accurately read a defense. I'm glad I back3d out of the video only a couple minutes in.