Welcome to Episode 4 of Ask Huddle! Each week, we break down your Madden questions to help you understand the game on a deeper level. Do you have a question you’d like us to tackle in a future episode? Drop it in the comments — our goal is always to help you win more games!
To watch the full video on YouTube from Huddle.gg, click play above or here
Question #1: What are your favorite routes to attack Cover 0?
Answer:
Cover 0 is a high-pressure defense that sends extra rushers, leaving every non-blitzing defender in one-on-one coverage. Beating it comes down to having quick, reliable routes on the field.
Here are three go-to routes for attacking Cover 0:
- Curls & Speed Outs (vs. Off-Coverage or Press + Over the Top Shade)
When defenders play off or press while over the top, hit them with curls and 10-yard speed outs. Place the curls on your inside or slot receivers to shorten the throw and get the ball out fast. - Triple Option (vs. Press Coverage)
If your opponent is pressing, hot route an outside receiver to a triple option, then custom stem the route into a streak (check the video for a full breakdown). Madden’s press animations often struggle against option routes, giving you a chance to torch the defense for a one-play touchdown.
Having these routes ready makes it tough for opponents to stay in Cover 0 for long — and keeps you in control of the game.
Important Note: Make sure you’re blocking the blitz to buy enough time for these routes to develop. Check out the video for a quick and effective way to pick up C0 pressure and give yourself a clean pocket.
Question #2: Is the safety walkdown method the only way to defend the seams?
Answer:
If you’re running zone coverage, the double safety walk down technique is a great way to shut down quick seam throws. This works because of the presnap alignment you create, positioning your safeties to better contest those fast reads.
For the best results, set your safeties to Inside Quarter adjustments — this gives you the strongest coverage against seam routes. Be sure to check the video for a step-by-step guide on aligning your safeties presnap and putting yourself in the best position to make a play.
Question #3: How do you stop RPO Read Y Flat out of Trips Nasty?
Answer:
RPO Read Y Flat can be a nightmare to defend if you don’t understand the rules behind stopping it. But with the right adjustments, you can consistently take away the TE flat route. Let’s break it down.
There are two key things to watch for:
- Know Your Read Key Defender:
Identify the read key defender — and don’t rely on them to cover the TE flat. In Madden, read key defenders are programmed to play the QB/RB option, not the pass. If you use this defender to chase the TE, you’ll leave yourself vulnerable. - Identify the Second Defender from the Sideline:
Find the second defender in from the sideline on the side with three receivers. This is crucial because the slot receiver is coded to block this player. By adjusting your presnap alignment (see the video for a detailed breakdown), you can position your flat defender perfectly to make a play on the TE route every time.
For a full breakdown on stopping this play, click here.
Question #4: What's the best way to stop people who run the ball regularly?
Answer:
The most consistent way to stop the run in Madden 25 comes down to discipline and understanding your run fits. Run fits define the gaps each defender is responsible for, and different coverage shells create different run-fit assignments. Knowing which coverages work best against specific run concepts — and consistently placing your user in the right spot — gives you a huge edge in shutting down the ground game.
While some players try to shoot the gap on every run, this high-risk approach can backfire. If you miss or guess wrong, you’ll give up massive yardage. Instead, focus on playing sound, assignment-based football by sticking to your run fits.
Want to take it a step further? Watch the video for a quick tip on adding extra defenders into the run fit to strengthen your run defense even more.
Question #5: What are the best abilities for receivers
Answer:
Let me start by saying this: in Ultimate Team, I don’t recommend spending any AP on wide receiver abilities. Your AP is better spent elsewhere — prioritize your quarterback abilities first, then your offensive line, and then your running back. Receiver abilities just don’t offer the same consistent value as abilities at these other positions.
That said, if you’re playing CFM or can equip WR abilities for 0 AP in Ultimate Team, there are a few worth considering.
- Beating Man Coverage:
If man coverage is giving you trouble, Route Technician and Slot-O-Matic can help. These abilities give your receiver better separation on cuts, making it easier to break free against man defenders. Slot-O-Matic also boosts catch success on routes under 10 yards and inside the numbers. Unfortunately, defensive knockout abilities (KOs) often override WR catch bonuses. For example, if you run Mid In Elite but your opponent has Mid Zone KO, the defender will almost always win the rep and knock the ball loose. - Maximizing YAC:
The two WR abilities I do like are Grab-N-Go and Human Joystick. While they don’t improve route running or catching, they make your receiver’s movement much smoother after the catch. This makes it easier to change direction, hit open lanes, and rack up extra yards.
Be careful when taking some advice on receiver abilities. Many players recommend abilities without fully testing their effectiveness. Always prioritize what makes the biggest impact for your offense which will lead to more wins.
Thanks for tuning in again this week! If you have a question you'd like answered in a future episode, make sure to drop it in the comments below!
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