Alright, so I wanted to figure out the best defensive playbook in Madden 23, and I gotta say, it was a bit of a journey. I hopped into Franchise mode, ready to experiment.
Experimenting with Different Playbooks
First, I picked a few teams known for their defense. I grabbed the 49ers, the Bills, and the Ravens – you know, the usual suspects. I figured their playbooks would be a good starting point.

- 49ers Playbook: I noticed it had a good mix of formations, especially with the nickel and dime packages. I liked the variety for pass defense.
- Bills Playbook: This one felt pretty balanced. It had some solid run-stopping formations, but I wasn’t blown away.
- Ravens Playbook: This one stood out for its aggressive 3-4 formations. Lots of blitzing options, which is my style!
The “Multiple D” Playbook
Then, I remembered hearing about the “Multiple D” playbook. People online said that it was a go-to for a lot of good players, and it had so many choices.
I jumped into a few practice games with it, and wow. This thing is packed! It’s got 3-4, 4-3, 46, Nickel, Dime, Dollar – you name it. It’s like a defensive buffet!
Putting It to the Test
I started running the Multiple D playbook in my Franchise games. I focused on learning the different formations and when to use them.
- Against the run: I leaned on the 3-4 and 4-3 formations, trying to clog up the middle.
- Against the pass: I mixed in a lot of Nickel and Dime, especially the 3-3-5 and 2-4-5 looks. Those extra defensive backs really helped.
- Blitzing: I loved the variety of blitzes I could call from different formations. It kept the offense guessing.
The Results
Honestly, my defense improved a lot. I was getting more sacks, more turnovers, and giving up fewer big plays. It wasn’t just about the playbook itself, but also about learning how to use it effectively.
The Multiple D playbook gave me the flexibility to adjust to different offenses. I could switch between run-stopping and pass-rushing setups on the fly. It felt like I had an answer for everything.
So, if you’re looking for a great defensive playbook in Madden 23, I definitely recommend checking out the Multiple D. It might take some time to learn all the formations, but it’s worth it!