Best Defensive Playbooks in Madden NFL 23

By | Bullscore 17 Apr, 2023

In Madden 23, as in sports in general, the well-known saying “defense wins championships” remains relevant. Despite the abundance of offensive talents available in the game, such as active players in Franchise mode and legends in Ultimate Team, it is crucial to have a solid defensive strategy in order to emerge victorious. Experienced players have developed a set of key playbooks and formations that provide superior defensive options compared to other alternatives.

The top Madden playbooks are those that offer comprehensive coverage options while still allowing consistent pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback. They also include methods to contain mobile quarterbacks, a prevalent feature in the modern NFL with players like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen who are known for their rushing abilities. When competing online, having the plan to shut down these players is the difference between winning and suffering a significant defeat.

Five Best Defensive Playbooks

Kansas City Chiefs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Multiple D

Baltimore Ravens

Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs

According to the general consensus within the Madden community, the Kansas City Chiefs possess the most effective defensive playbook in the game. This is largely due to the exceptional Nickel package incorporated throughout the scheme, which offers a range of superior options for pressuring the opposing team’s quarterback without compromising mid-field coverage. In both Ultimate Team and Franchise mode, relying on the Nickel 33 and the 43 Even 61 packages can provide a distinct advantage.

To maximize the potential of the Kansas City Chiefs playbook, it is crucial to acquire outstanding linebackers. This is a priority for many skilled players utilizing this strategy. Given that many of the top players are implementing this approach, it is advisable to either adopt it or at least familiarize oneself with it to remain competitive when playing online.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers have maintained a strong defense in the NFL over the last few years, and this skill is reflected in Madden 23. Their defensive playbook centers on a 3-4 formation, with two highly effective setups in Bear and Cub. Additionally, utilizing the popular Nickel packages with access to 33 Cubs and 24 can help match other teams’ online defensive strategies. If you want to apply pressure on the quarterback, the Buccaneers’ playbook is a great option. Employing top-notch edge rushers and skilled coverage linebackers can help you make the most of this playbook.

Multiple D

Using a generic defensive playbook in Madden 23 can be a wise choice for any player looking to run a strategy that’s widely used in the meta. The Multiple D playbook offers access to crucial meta Nickel options, particularly the 33 Cub setup, which can help you keep up with your opponents. The playbook also includes solid plays in its base 3-4 Cub and Odd formations. Although it’s similar to the Las Vegas Raiders and Miami Dolphins playbooks, the Multiple D playbook provides better access to popular meta formations for backup options. It’s versatility rewards players who construct a balanced roster with strong players across the depth chart. This playbook allows you the flexibility to prioritize any position and still see successful outcomes.

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are another team that has a strong reputation for their NFL defense, which carries over to Madden 23. Similar to the Buccaneers and other teams, the Ravens also have access to the popular Nickel package that’s a key aspect of the Madden meta. You can build your defense around the 33 Cub formation, which can help you find success. Additionally, the Ravens have a unique advantage with their excellent Dime formation packages.

Compared to the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive playbook, which is similar in many ways, the Ravens’ playbook has the added advantage of including the 33 Cub formation, which is crucial to building a great Madden defense. When using the Ravens playbook, you can focus on pressuring the quarterback with the Dime package, which is particularly effective against mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars, a team on the rise in the NFL, have a solid playbook that includes all of the essential elements seen in other playbooks, along with some interesting twists. Their defensive strategy primarily revolves around a standard 3-4 setup, with all of the base options that can be found in a generic 3-4 playbook. However, the Jaguars have a few key differences that set them apart, such as the meta Nickel package that they use to great effect like many other teams.

The Jaguars’ playbook also includes some unique diversity in the form of the Nickel 245 Odd formation, which only the Buccaneers and Cardinals have access to. This strong blitz package is a great tool to catch opponents off guard with a seldom-used, but highly effective defensive attack.