Welcome back to Ask Huddle! Each week, we take your Madden questions and break them down so you can understand the game on a deeper level. Got something you want answered in a future episode? Drop it in the comments. Our goal is simple: help you win more games.
You can watch the full video on YouTube from Huddle by hitting play above or clicking here.
#1 - What's the best way to user a defensive lineman?
Answer:
I want to preface this by saying that usering a defensive lineman isn’t the most effective way to play defense if your goal is to be as competitive as possible. That said, it can be fun, and it’s a great way to catch your opponent off guard from time to time.
When rushing with a lineman, there are a few key things you want to focus on. The first is getting locked in before the snap so you can time the snap correctly. The easiest way to do that is by bringing up your stunt menu (see video for details).
From there, focus on timing your pass-rush move just before making contact with the offensive lineman. You can flick the right stick in any direction, but I recommend flicking it up and toward the inside shoulder of the blocker. This gives you the best chance to beat the lineman clean and create quick pressure.
#2 - Is it true that pass rush moves are based on stamina?
Answer:
Yes, that’s true. EA confirmed this in one of their early gameplay blogs before the game officially launched.
In previous years, pass rush effectiveness was tied to pass rush points, but this year it’s driven by stamina. The system still functions similarly; your defensive lineman’s stamina now determines how effective their moves are against the blocking resistance points of the offensive line.
If you want to see this visually, hop into CFM and look at the defensive line abilities. You’ll notice they mirror the old pass rush point system in many ways, but with stamina as the key factor.
Make sure to watch the video; we’ll show you the best ability stack to maximize your defensive line’s pressure.
#3 - What is the difference between Quarters and Palms?
Answer:
Unfortunately, I can’t fully break down the difference between Quarters and Palms in a short video like this; it’s a complex topic that would take much longer to cover in detail.
That said, it’s important to understand that even though the play art looks identical, the two coverages will play differently depending on the formation and alignment you’re facing. You’ll notice the biggest differences against spread formations like Doubles, Trips, and Spread sets.
Against compressed formations, Quarters and Palms will often play very similarly, sometimes even identically.
In this video, we’ll show you one key difference you’ll see between the two coverages when defending spread formations.
#4 - Does match coverage work against under-center formations?
Answer:
The short answer is yes; match coverage works against all formations, including Gun, Singleback, I-Form, and Pistol.
How it plays out depends on the number of threats to each side of the field and whether those threats are spread out or compressed. Match coverage is a complex subject, and it’s something we’ve taught in detail on our website for several years.
If you want to truly understand how to run match at a high level, definitely check out our full breakdowns on the site. But in short, you don’t need to worry, your match coverage will still function properly even when your opponent goes under center.
Thanks for tuning in again this week! If you have a question you'd like us to answer in a future episode, make sure to drop it in the comments section below.
Comments