Don't let fast passers give you the run around. Get tools for your game plan to neutralize fast passers. TNT713 shares how he de-scrambles quarterbacks and makes them run for their lives. Mobile quarterbacks can extend plays unless we force them into bad decisions. Around here, we keep elusive quarterbacks in check.
How to Stop a Scrambling Quarterback
Long ago, Randall Cunningham demonstrated how a fast quarterback with an solid arm could change football. Madden NFL 2004's cover athlete Michael Vick took scrambling quarterbacks mainstream, but the threats scrambling quarterbacks presented in Madden NFL 2004, two defensive assignments were added to Madden NFL 2005. Ever since, speed is premium at the quarterback position for Madden NFL players and NFL organizations alike.
MaddenUniversity originally published this set of tips to help players of Madden NFL 2005. We've updated this article as the game advanced. Look for when each portion of an article was changed to make sure we have the most up to date information.
Each part in the series tackles an aspect of stopping a runaway QB. We'll learn how to set up QB spies, use contain blitzes, adjust your defensive line, and manually track the QB’s movements to eliminate escape lanes. By mastering these techniques, you can force scrambling quarterbacks into bad throws, sacks, or minimal gains, putting you in control of the game.
- Use spy, contain, blitz concepts to stop running QBs
- Mix zone coverage with disguises to create confusion
- Manual control and pursuit angles to limit gains
- What a contain blitz does and how it works
- Best defensive formations to contain the QB
- How to prevent the QB from escaping outside the pocket
- Use flat zones creatively to contain mobile quarterbacks
- Watch attempts to pull flat defenders out of position
- Control rollouts with with the flat defender
Descrambling the QB: Stopping Dual Threats
- Why mobile QBs are dangerous in Madden
- Key principles of QB containment
- The balance between pressure and coverage
Descrambling the QB: Basic Tactics
- Matching personel with flexible packages
- Adjusting zones, angles, and blitz timing to disrupt mobility
- Use spy defenders and coverage to contain scrambles
Assigning a QB Spy
- How to hot route a defender to spy
- Best positions to use for a QB Spy (LBs & Safeties)
- When to manually control the spy for better reaction time
Adjusting the Defensive Line
- How to shift the D-line for better containment
- Maintaining rush lane discipline to close escape gaps
- Using defensive pre-snap adjustments effectively
Utilizing Pre-Designed QB Spy Plays
- How to recognize built-in QB Spy plays
- When to call a spy play vs. manually assigning one
- The importance of mixing spy coverage with zone/man defense
Zone Coverage with Mobile Defenders
- Why zone coverage helps contain mobile QBs
- Best zone schemes to prevent QB scrambles
- How to keep defenders watching the QB while covering zones
Mixing Up Defensive Looks
- How to disguise coverage and confuse the QB
- Rotating man and zone looks to throw off their reads
- The importance of bluff blitzing and delayed rushers
User-Controlling a Defender
- Best user-controlled defenders for tracking a QB
- How to manually mirror the QB’s movements
- When to commit to a tackle vs. staying in coverage
Pursuit Angles & Tackling Techniques
- How to angle your defender to cut off escape lanes
- Why sideline leverage is key to forcing bad plays
- Avoiding over-pursuit and getting juked or faked out
Stopping a scrambling quarterback takes skill, patience, and the right play-calling. Combine these techniques, practice your defensive adjustments, and soon you’ll be able to lock down mobile QBs and force them into bad decisions. Once complete, we will have dozens of ways to force a mobile quarterback to go where we want him to go.
What’s your favorite way to stop a scrambling QB? Drop your best tip below!
