In Madden 25, Running QBs can break any defense, and they’re the cheat code. They’re great when you’re playing with one, but it can be frustrating when your opponent is burning you for a long run after long run. So in this guide, let’s look at some ways you can better defend a running QB.

Have A QB Spy

It may be simple, but sometimes the simplest tactics are the most effective. The QB Spy normally puts one of your defensive lineman or linebackers in charge of covering a small zone where they’ll keep an eye on where the QB is going. They’ll mimic their actions and generally move into a position to tackle them if they start making an offensive run.  It’s key that you make the most of your QB Spy against opponents who have a quick and mobile QB who’s going to otherwise cause problems for your defense.

Crash a Defender

If you suspect the opposing QB is ready to break the pocket, or he already has, crash the nearest defender to him. This is a command that isn’t immediately obvious but is easy to use once you get the hang of it. Simply click in your controller’s right stick and the nearest defender will abandon his coverage to crash to the QB. Instead of defenders reacting when the QB is already at the first down marker, they’ll react sooner and hopefully stop the QB before he burns you for a score.

Coach Adjustments

The Coaching Adjustments option is located on the front page of the play call screen.  This is for both offense and defense. Once the user selects the Coaching Adjustment option, they’ll be taken to the next page, which contains the list of Coaching Adjustments available for the side of the ball they’re playing. Thankfully the play selection timer doesn’t run down on this screen, so you have time to read through the adjustments and understand what they do. Particularly against running QBs, we want to set the option coverage to Conservative so defenders prioritize downing the QB on opposing option plays. I typically find running backs easier to contain on options than QBs, so this adjustment minimizes the chance of allowing a long run from a QB.

Be Aware of Down and Distance

The most opportune time for a QB to scramble is on third and fourth downs. If only a few yards are needed, sometimes the best option to get the first down is to tuck and run. Be vigilant on key downs–these are the best times to have a QB spy. Crash a defender sooner than you may think necessary so he has enough time to close the gap. Running QBs is especially dangerous in the red zone as well and will command your complete focus.

Set Weekly Strategy

Practice and strategizing for game day is critical to success in Madden 25. When preparing for a game against a running QB like Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen in franchise mode, set your weekly strategy to Contain QB Scramble. This will give your players a boost to their block-shedding, tackling, pursuit, and play-recognition attributes when calling plays designed to stop a QB run. If your weekly strategy is set to a different defensive focus but you find yourself getting burned by a QB rushing during the game, you can always switch your defensive gameplay to Contain QB Scramble at halftime.

Make The Computer Doing More

Most players are suck at one thing: making a tackle. They often completely whiff and miss the ball carrier, or switch to the nearest defender and run him in the wrong direction instead of making a great tackle. Because of this, when the opponent has a ball carrier in the open field, you can often like to let the computer make the tackle. This has saved you many a long rushing touchdown from explosive QBs and might help you too.

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