Alright, guys, so I’ve been messing around with Madden 23, trying to figure out the absolute best running playbook. It’s been a journey, let me tell you!
My Quest for the Perfect Run Game
I started out, like most people probably, just picking random playbooks. Sometimes I’d go with a team I liked, sometimes I’d just close my eyes and pick. No real strategy, just hoping for the best. I was getting okay results, some decent runs here and there, but nothing consistent. I knew there had to be a better way.

So, I started digging. I watched some YouTube videos, read some forum posts, you know, the usual. I started to realize that playbook selection is a huge deal, especially if you want to pound the rock.
Experimentation Time!
First playbook I really dove into was the Ravens. Everyone talks about how good they are at running, so it seemed like a natural fit. I spent a good few days just running different plays, seeing what worked, what didn’t. I learned a lot about reading blocks, using my running back’s strengths, and when to hit the turbo button (and when not to!).
- Ravens Playbook: Good, solid, lots of options. But maybe a little too obvious?
Next, I tried the Titans. They’ve got Derrick Henry, after all, so their playbook has to be good for running, right? It was definitely different than the Ravens. More power running, fewer fancy options. It was fun, for sure, but I still felt like I was missing something.
- Titans Playbook: Heavy, powerful, good for short yardage. But lacked a little finesse.
The Dark Horse Emerges
Then, I stumbled upon something interesting. I’d heard whispers about the Patriots playbook. Not exactly known for a dominant run game in recent years, but I decided to give it a shot. And man, was I surprised!
I started to see a better variety of run plays, especially concerning zone runs. I also realized that the blocking schemes was better compared to the other two playbooks.
It’s got a great mix of inside zone, outside zone, power, counters… everything you need to keep the defense guessing. I started ripping off huge runs, controlling the clock, and just generally dominating the ground game. The key, I found, was to really understand when to use each type of run. Inside zone for when the defense is spread out, power for when you need to punch it in, and so on.
- Patriots Playbook: A surprising mix of everything. Became my go-to.
My Final Verdict (For Now!)
So, after all this experimenting, I’m sticking with the Patriots playbook for my running game. It just feels the most complete to me. Of course, this is just my experience, and your mileage may vary. It depends on your running back, your offensive line, and your overall play style. But if you’re looking for a great running playbook in Madden 23, I highly recommend giving the Patriots a shot. You might be surprised!
Keep grinding, keep experimenting, and most importantly, have fun! That is all, what I did to find the best running playbook, thank you!