If you need to play like Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers, it’s a must to discover ways to learn and beat coverages in Madden 23. Long-time gamers ought to have a stable grasp on defensive formations already. Still, a couple of nuanced variations on this 12 months’s recreation, particularly with the brand new passing mechanics, warrant a refresher.
What’s the distinction between Cover 2 and Cover 3? How are you able to inform when your opponent is in man or zone protection? What occurs once they disguise the play, and how are you going to make fast post-snap reads? Madden gamers and pop-warner QBs have been asking these questions for years, so let’s dive into methods to learn coverages in Madden 23 and methods to beat each.
For the file, the entire following photos and suggestions had been developed whereas enjoying because the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in opposition to the Buffalo Bills on All-Pro problem, the usual for on-line play. Tom Brady’s Hot Route Master potential makes it considerably simpler to beat any protection within the recreation. Meanwhile, the Bills have top-of-the-line secondaries in Madden 23.
We ran most offensive performs out of Gun Tight Y Off Weak, a preferred formation present in most playbooks. On protection, we ran the whole lot out of Nickel 3-3 Will.

Cover 2 Zone

What is Cover 2 Zone
Tampa 2, Cover 2 Sink, and Cover 2 Hard Flat are all examples of a typical Cover 2 protection. Cover 2 (more often than not) options two deep Safeties (darkish blue zones), three midfield defenders (yellow/inexperienced zones), and two flat defenders (mild blue zones).
Cover 2 retains your defensive corners nearer to the road of scrimmage (LOS) whereas your linebackers hover over the center, able to pounce on any run performs. Cover 2 takes away the intermediate center of the sphere, making it troublesome to hit shallow crossers, in-breaking routes, and slants.
Cover 2 additionally takes away routes within the flat (5 yards off the LOS on both aspect of the sphere). It is dependent upon whether or not the sunshine blue zones are set to cloud or onerous flats.
Cloud Flat defenders backpedal, masking 5-10 yards off the road of scrimmage. Hard Flats play proper on the road, taking away any swing routes out of your RB or WR Smoke Screens (when your receiver doesn’t transfer off the road and waits for the ball).
How to learn Cover 2 in Madden 23

Cover 2 Zone has apparent tells in Madden 23. You want to have a look at two issues: the Safeties and the corners.
If you see two Safeties deep in the course of the sphere, you already know you could be a Cover 2 protection. Next, take a look at the place the CBs are standing relative to the LOS. If they’re about 5 yards off the road, you already know you’ve bought Cover 2 Zone. The solely factor you received’t know pre-snap is that if they’re enjoying Hard Flats or Cloud Flats.
Snap the ball and see what the flat defenders do. If they backpedal, you already know they’re enjoying Cloud Flats. If they maintain their floor, you already know they’re enjoying Hard Flats. You may regulate the deep Safeties and the MLB. If all three backpedal in a straight line, you already know you’re throwing right into a Cover 2 Zone protection. That’ll make extra sense as soon as we clarify Cover 3 and Single-High Man.
How to beat Cover 2 in Madden 23

To beat a Cover 2 protection (and any protection for that matter), you must know the place the holes in protection are. With Cover 2, you’ll have shallow drags open behind the road, nook routes on the sideline, and deep posts within the center. However, you need to make the suitable post-snap reads to hit any of those throws.
The greatest play to run in opposition to a Cover 2 protection is a flood idea play, which entails a streak, nook, and flat route to 1 aspect of the sphere — ideally the broader aspect of the sphere — for extra respiration room (i.e., throwing to the suitable when the ball is on the left hashmark and vice versa).
Some performs will actually be known as “Flood.” Otherwise, you might need to sizzling route right into a flood idea from performs like Z Spot (out of any bunch formation).
Post-snap, if the CB backpedals in the direction of your nook route, you’ll have the flat defender vast open. On the opposite hand, in the event that they run up on the flat route, you’ll have your nook route vast open.
You may hit a WR streaking up the sideline in the event that they’re far sufficient outdoors, both on a fade or wheel route, getting them close to the chalk. But it’s a must to hit them between the shallow nook and the deep Safety, and this solely works when the CB performs a Hard Flat.
Regardless of the protection, at all times take into consideration how one can occupy or maintain defenders lengthy sufficient to get somebody open. For instance, sending two deep routes up every sideline will occupy every Safety in Cover 2. Then, you may hit a deep publish over the center for a 30+ yard achieve.
Cover 3 Zone

What is Cover 3 Zone
Plays like Cover 3 Sky, Cover 3 Seam, and most zone blitzes are examples of Cover 3 Zone. It’s the most typical defensive scheme in on-line play, because it’s the best to cover. Cover 3 Zone places three defenders (often a Safety and two CBs) in deep zones. Two LBs will break up the center of the sphere, whereas a CB and Safety guard any intermediate sideline routes like corners, crossers, and out-routes.
Cover 3 Zone is supposed to cease chunk performs and supply security valves once you blitz an additional defender(s). Ideally, Cover 3 retains the whole lot in entrance of the protection — that means you’re prepared to surrender short-yardage to guard in opposition to deep threats. Of course, you may’t let your opponent dink and dunk their means up the sphere, so that you’ll have to return up ultimately.
How to learn Cover 3 in Madden 23
If you see one deep Safety on the line of scrimmage, you could be a Cover 3 Zone. However, Cover 3 appears like Single-High Man, so your subsequent learn will come post-snap. This pre-snap learn instantly tells you that your Cover 2 beater play may not work, no less than not as meant.
Be cautious in Bunch Formations. You’ll nonetheless see two deep Safeties even when they’re enjoying a Cover 3. But, if you happen to movement somebody out of your bunch to the opposite aspect of the sphere, a kind of Safeties ought to drop down, revealing a Cover 3.
After the snap, watch the defenders on both aspect of the sphere. If they backpedal, you already know they’re in zone protection. If they jam and chase a receiver, you already know they’re in man protection (Single-High Man). Basically, defenders with their backs or aspect profiles to the QB are in Man, and defenders trying on the QB are in Zone.
If your opponent Base Aligns their protection, you received’t be capable of inform what sort of protection they’re in pre-snap. Always watch the safties once you snap the ball. If one drops down in the direction of the center of the sphere, you already know they’re working Cover 3 Zone or Single-High Man with a Robber.
How to beat Cover 3 in Madden 23

There are a couple of methods to beat Cover 3 in Madden 23. First, you may sizzling route a TE or WR to run a drag behind the LOS. Make positive your different receiver runs deep sufficient to occupy the opposite defenders. You can ship your RB on a swing route or put certainly one of your WRs on a smoke display. Whatever you select, brief yardage performs will work in opposition to Cover 3.
Make positive you combine your routes up in case it’s Single-High Man. We’ll go over what beats Single-High afterward.
Next, you may run an idea we name Flat-Go-Wheel. This idea works at any time when your RB, TE, and WR line up on the suitable aspect of the sphere. Put your TE on a go-route, your WR on a flat route, and your RB on a wheel route, after which snap the ball. The proper Safety ought to again into their deep zone, the CB ought to chase the flat route, and the LB ought to keep together with your TE, leaving your RB vast open on the numbers.
When working Flat-Go-Wheel, your first learn is the CB. Throw the ball as quickly as they commit in the direction of the flat. If they don’t commit, hit the flat route. If they’re in Single-High Man, both throw the ball away or ensure you’ve bought somebody on a Zig Route on the opposite aspect of the sphere.
Run Flat-Go-Wheel out of a bunch formation and movement your center WR to the opposite aspect. If somebody follows them, you already know the protection is enjoying man, and you may change the play accordingly.
Cover 4 Zone

What is Cover 4
Cover 4 Palms, Drop, Quarters, and Press are all examples of Cover 4 Zone protection. These ideas characteristic 4 deep Safeties, an MLB defending the center, and two CBs guarding the sidelines. In earlier video games, Cover 4 ideas performed Match, which is sort of a Zone/Man Hybrid. In Madden 23, you may flip Match principals on and off for each protection by way of teaching changes.
Cover 4 provides you essentially the most protection deep downfield however leaves beneath routes fairly open. You additionally depart your self susceptible to run performs, particularly Draws, as 4 of your defenders will backpedal when you snap the ball and the QB appears like they’re passing.
How to learn Cover 4 in Madden 23
Cover 4 appears like Cover 2 because it’ll characteristic two deep Safeties in the course of the sphere, however check out the CBs on the left and proper. If they’re enjoying 8-10 yards off the LOS (like they’re enjoying Cover 3), you’ll know you’re a Cover 4 idea.
Post-snap, most defenders will backpedal into their zones. However, in case your opponent performs Match Defense, they’ll chase after receivers as soon as they cross into these zones. This is why Cover 4 could be tough generally, so it’s greatest to have a fast throw you may examine to. There’s additionally no disgrace in working the soccer.
How to beat Cover 4 in Madden 23

Beat Cover 4 with beneath routes like drags and RB out routes, much like the way you’d be Cover 3. Cover 4 takes away these seam routes, although. You may run Flood ideas in opposition to Cover 4 as you’ll solely have 2 defenders watching the perimeters of the sphere. Just ensure you ship a WR on a streak to filter out the deep-right zone and have somebody within the flat to occupy the center defender. Hold the ball for a second and wait in your nook path to get open.
You may play with movement to get two receivers working routes over the center. Since there’s just one center defender, getting him to leap one receiver leaves the opposite one vast open. For instance, a deep publish and an intermediate in-route (working left to proper) ought to open up the intermediate in-route. Just be certain that your different routes are occupying the sideline defenders. No matter what, it’s best to at all times have an RB within the flat as a checkdown throw.
Single-High Man

What is Single-High Man
Single-High is a person protection idea that options one deep Safety and a middle-read LB or a blitzing LB. Cover 1 Robber, Cover 1 Contain, and Cover 1 Press are all examples of a Single-High Man defensive scheme. In man protection, your CBs and LB will match up with a receiver throughout the LOS and observe them wherever they go on the sphere.
Man protection depends closely on velocity, so if their receivers are quicker than your defenders, you’re higher off enjoying zones. If you’ve bought loads of velocity in your defensive backfield, mixing man protection into the sport plan is worth it.
Man protection additionally helps within the run recreation, as defenders at all times rush to their assignments. Therefore, whoever’s in control of the RB will blitz him — it doesn’t matter what.
How to learn Single-High Man in Madden 23

Single-High Man appears precisely like Cover 3. You’ll see one Safety within the deep center, and the CBs will play about 8-10 yards off the LOS. The solely strategy to inform pre-snap is to movement one receiver throughout the sphere. If their defender follows them, you already know you’re Man Coverage. This doesn’t at all times work, because the protection would possibly cross that receiver off to a different defender.
Single-High may appear to be Cover 4, with one of many deep safeties dropping right down to play a yellow hook zone. If you’re not sure of what you’re , the most secure factor to do is put your TE on a drag and your RB on an out route. Both ought to beat Man Coverage and Cover 3/Cover 4.
Always search for mismatches on the LOS. If you see an LB hovering over a speedy TE like Travis Kelce, put your TE on a nook or out-route to create separation.
How to beat Single-High Man in Madden 23
Beat Single-High man with mesh idea performs, usually that includes crisscrossing drag routes. Ideally, this places defenders in one another’s means, thus getting your receivers open within the flats.
You may beat Single-High Man with nook routes. Just make sure you occupy the deep Safety with a streak or publish. If you’ve bought a velocity mismatch on the skin (a gradual CB on Tyreek Hill), ship that WR on a streak after which lob a cross excessive.
Cover 2 Man

What is Cover 2 Man?
Cover 2 Man retains two Safeties within the defensive backfield to stop something from getting behind the CBs beneath. This permits the CBs to play underneath the receivers and break on corners, in-routes, out-routes, and curls. On Sunday, you’ll usually hear announcers speaking about “Safety help over the top.” That’s what they imply.
Cover 2 Man takes away the center zone defender or blitzing LB, so that you’re sacrificing a bit of cross rush to cowl extra subject.
How to learn Cover 2 Man in Madden 23

Cover 2 Man has an excellent simple inform. You’ll see two deep safeties within the defensive backfield (much like Cover 2 or Cover 4); nevertheless, the CBs will press up in your receivers, often enjoying inside. Sometimes this isn’t the case, particularly when working a bunch formation or your receivers are tight collectively. Motion somebody out of the bunch to see what the protection does. If they press down and observe, you already know you’re Cover 2 Man.
Post-snap, you’ll learn Cover 2 Man like Single-High Man. If the defenders jam and chase your receivers, you already know they’re in man protection.
How to beat Cover 2 Man in Madden 23
Beat Cover 2 Man with drags, slants, ins, outs, and zigs. Anything that includes a fast lower ought to create a window of separation. Timing and leverage are the whole lot. Don’t throw the ball if you happen to see a defender enjoying beneath an in or out-breaking route. If they’re outdoors and excessive, throw the ball as quickly because the receiver makes their lower.
Mesh ideas additionally work in opposition to Cover 2 Man; simply ensure you put your RB on a route. If you permit your RB to dam, you place an LB in the course of the sphere to double certainly one of your receivers. Putting your RB on a wheel or out route ought to get him open, as he’ll be a lot quicker than the LB masking him.
Cover 0

What is Cover 0
Cover 0 is a Man Blitz idea that doesn’t have any Safeties within the defensive backfield. Plays like Thunder Smoke, DBL Safety Blitz, and Free Fire 0 are all examples of Cover 0. These performs are supposed to cease the run and sack the QB. Ideally, the strain will get there earlier than the receivers get open on their routes.
Cover 0 is an enormous danger/reward form of play, as you permit your self open for giant performs if the cross rush doesn’t get dwelling in time. You may get burnt within the run recreation in case your defenders get jammed on the LOS, as no one is masking the second degree.
How to learn Cover 0 in Madden 23
Cover 0 goes to look, properly,  odd. There’ll be a Safety within the defensive backfield, however they’ll be nearer to the LOS. An simple inform is if you happen to see a couple of LBs crowding the LOS.
Sometimes the protection hides the blitz, making it appear to be Cover 2 Zone/Man. Use movement to maneuver an inside receiver (like a TE on the LOS) outdoors. If the Safety follows and drops down, you already know a blitz is coming.
The blitz is fairly apparent post-snap once you see a number of LBs or CBs speeding in the direction of the QB. Don’t panic and roll out, particularly if you happen to don’t have a scrambling QB. If you assume a blitz is coming, audible out of a Play Action Pass, as you’ll get sacked earlier than you may even look downfield.
How to beat Cover 0 in Madden 23
Quick throws and display passes are nice in opposition to the Blitz. When setting your offensive audibles, make sure you at all times have an RB display cross prepared. WR screens don’t work properly since there’ll be a CB close to the receiver.
You can’t anticipate a play to develop downfield, however you may assume there’s no assist excessive, so CBs received’t play beneath their assignments. That means slants, drags, out, and in routes ought to get open proper once they make their cuts.
Cover 6

What is Cover 6?
Cover 6 is a mix of Cover 2 Zone and Cover 4 Zone. One aspect of the sphere will play Cover 2 (flat, hook, deep half), whereas the opposite performs Cover 4 (purple, hook, and two deep quarters). Like Cover 4, Cover 6 defaulted to Match ideas, however now you can flip these on and off.
How to learn Cover 6 in Madden 23
You want to have a look at each side of the sphere when studying Cover 6. No matter what, you’ll at all times have two deep safeties. One aspect of the sphere will learn Cover 2 (shallow CB), and the opposite will learn Cover 4 (CB 8-10 yards off LOS).
The identical post-snap reads apply. Watch the CB on the Cover 2 aspect. If they take the flat, throw the nook.
How to beat Cover 6 in Madden 23

Beating Cover 6 is fairly easy. Run Cover 2 beaters (floods) to the Cover 2 aspect and Cover 3 beaters (flats, RB outs, and smokes) to the Cover 4 aspect. Cover 6 additionally spreads the protection, so don’t hesitate to run the ball up the center, both. You may run a delayed fade to the T. If your different receivers occupy the Curl flat and mid-read defender, the TE ought to get vast open up the seam.
How to follow studying protection in Madden 23
The greatest strategy to follow studying coverages is to move into follow mode. Select your favourite group and play in opposition to a deadly secondary (like Buffalo) to get the most effective outcomes. Next, set your audibles to have beaters for each protection.
Have the protection run random Nickel performs to simulate passing conditions in precise video games. At the LOS, undergo your reads and alter the play primarily based on what you see. Unfortunately, the sport received’t inform you what play the protection ran (like it could in an actual recreation).
You can work round this utilizing a second controller. Once you assume you already know what play the protection is working, press R2 on the second controller to disclose the play artwork. Don’t get discouraged once you’re mistaken. Even Tom Brady will get fooled generally.

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