Okay, so, I’ve been messing around with Madden 23 lately, trying to figure out the best defense scheme, you know? It’s a tough one, but I think I’ve cracked the code, or at least come close.
First off, I started by experimenting with different playbooks. I tried a bunch, but the one that really stood out to me was the Rams’ playbook. It’s just so well-rounded, you know? Especially on the defensive side. They’ve got some solid formations.

Then, I dug into specific formations. I played around with a lot of them, but the 3-3-5 normal formation, man, that one is a beast! I spent hours testing it out in different modes, like Ultimate Team and online head-to-head, and it consistently performed well. It’s like, super effective at stopping both the run and the pass.
Getting Tactical
After that, I started tinkering with other defensive formations, because it can’t be just one, right? I checked out the popular ones, like the Nickel 3-3. It’s pretty good, not gonna lie, but I still find that 3-3-5 is better. I also looked at some other playbooks, like Pittsburgh’s 3-4 and even the Ravens’ defensive scheme. They’re okay, but they didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Not like the Rams.
Diving Deeper
Next, I went a bit deeper into schemes. I read up on different offensive schemes, like the West Coast Zone Run, which is apparently super popular. Then I matched them up against my defensive formations to see how they held up. It was a lot of trial and error, but it helped me fine-tune my approach.
The Results
So, after all this experimenting, what did I find? Well, for me, the best defense in Madden 23 is a combination of things. It’s about using the Rams’ playbook as a base, and then primarily using the 3-3-5 normal formation. It’s versatile, it’s strong, and it just works.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I found to be effective:
- Playbook: Rams
- Primary Formation: 3-3-5 Normal
- Secondary Formations: Nickel 3-3, some variations depending on the situation
- Overall Strategy: Mix it up, keep the opponent guessing, and adjust based on their offensive scheme.
Of course, this is just what worked for me. You might find something different that clicks for you. But if you’re struggling on defense in Madden 23, I’d definitely recommend giving this setup a try. It’s been a game-changer for me, and I’m finally holding my own against those tough offenses.
Anyway, that’s my two cents on the best defense scheme in Madden 23. Hope this helps some of you out there! And remember, it’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. Good luck, and have fun dominating on the field!