Alright, let’s talk about how I tackled the 4-3 defense in Madden 24. I’ve always been more of an offensive guy, but I figured it was time to up my defense game. So, I started digging into different defensive strategies, and the 4-3 seemed like a solid, reliable choice.
First off, I spent a good chunk of time just reading up on the basics of the 4-3. It’s all about having four down linemen and three linebackers, right? Sounds simple enough. I started with the default 4-3 playbooks. Tried out a few games, just getting a feel for the flow and how my players moved in this setup.
The initial games were, well, rough. I was getting burned on runs up the middle and those quick passes to the flats. My linebackers were often out of position, and I just couldn’t seem to stop the opponent’s drives. I realized I needed a better game plan than just picking plays at random.
I started experimenting with different formations within the 4-3. Tried out the 4-3 Under, the 4-3 Over, and even the 4-3 Quarters. Each one had its strengths and weaknesses. The Under seemed pretty good against the run. I noticed my defensive line was tighter, making it harder for running backs to find a hole. Also, it’s worth mentioning that Cover 4 has been a real solid choice for me when it comes to run defense.
- 4-3 Under: I really started to get the hang of using this one. I messed around with my defensive line adjustments.
- 4-3 Over: This one was a bit trickier. I felt like it left me vulnerable to certain passing plays.
- 4-3 Quarters: It’s okay, not the best choice for me, but I guess it’s designed for preventing those deep bombs. But I prefer the base 4-3, especially the Tampa 2. I used playbooks from Dallas and Buffalo, and man, that made a difference. The Tampa 2 is a classic for a reason – it just works.
Then there’s personnel. I focused on getting linebackers with good speed, acceleration, and zone coverage. And of course, they need to be able to shed blocks. I went for bigger, stronger guys who could still move quickly. The Dollar 3-2 and 4-3 6-1 Even formations became my go-to after the patch, they’re really solid.
Next up, I dived into making adjustments during the game. I started to learn the importance of user controlling a linebacker. It’s not easy, but once I started getting the hang of it, I could disrupt plays much better. I practiced identifying the run and reacting quickly, or dropping back into coverage when I sensed a pass.
I also messed around with pre-snap adjustments. Shifting my defensive line, pinching them, spreading them, that sort of thing. And with the linebackers, I started to learn how to show blitz and then drop back into coverage, trying to confuse the quarterback. When facing singleback formations with a tight end and two receivers, I started experimenting with quick or bubble screens. If receivers were uncovered, I’d exploit that. If they split out, I focused on run plays, leaving the least dangerous threat unblocked.
Putting It All Together
It took a lot of trial and error, a lot of frustrating losses, but slowly, I started to see improvement. My defense became more solid, and I wasn’t giving up big plays as often. I still have a long way to go, but I feel like I’m on the right track with the 4-3.
My advice to anyone trying to learn the 4-3 in Madden 24? Be patient. It’s not something you’re going to master overnight. Experiment with different formations, find the right personnel, and most importantly, practice those user controls and pre-snap adjustments. It’s a grind, but it’s worth it when you start shutting down those high-powered offenses.
