Chat is a little abuzz with talk of 4-3 and 3-4, so I thought I’d break down the different base defenses and analyze their advantages and disadvantages. I’m not talking real football as much as I’m talking Madden and PML.
3-4: Dynamic Formation, Less Dynamic Players
3-4 is defined by 3 “defensive linemen” and 4 “linebackers”. Those are in quotes because it’s just where they line up, as they may be considered a different position in a different scheme. I consider 3-4 more dynamic than 4-3 in it’s playcalling selection because of that five man front in a world where most times, just four rush. Which side is there an extra rusher? That is a coin flip every play, then sometimes both will blitz or neither. It gets hectic and that is definitely some way to try and throw off opposing offenses and quarterbacks, especially with new stunts. However, my giant looming issue with 3-4 that personally turns me off of it is a glaring weak spot unless you have an elite player. I don’t want to drop an edge rusher in coverage every time I trot this formation out. Pass rush isn’t good enough to me where I can’t have that guy covering even the flat and especially the way linebackers are covering, that’s where your user has to be. All in all, a great base defense against the run, and the better choice to generate pass rush, but even worse in pass coverage, and the pressure probably isn’t coming anyway.
4-3: Do Something or Get Beat
4-3 is defined by 4 “defensive linemen” and 3 “linebackers. It’s a much less dynamic base formation as you know every player’s primarily role and expected spot. There are formations like 6-1, Tite Leo, and Under that break from the status quo and allow more of a 3-4 set-up with players getting to the 4-3 post-snap. However, those formations aren’t secrets so their misdirection only can really be effective on blitzes and disguises. Although, this stricter adhering to positions mean they are better set up to defend the pass and even occasionally shoot more run gaps. I personally chose 4-3 because of two reasons: It is the real Bears’ personnel AND it’s been the defense I ran the last couple of cycles. 4-3 Can achieve pressure, run stuffing, and coverage when properly called and disguised, but that can get players out of position, negating one of 4-3’s biggest strengths. Although, if you add a blitzer, there are three possibilities instead of just two for the offense to worry about.
Nickel: Not Just Madden 26
We still talk about base defenses in terms of 3-4 versus 4-3, but let’s be real, if nickel isn’t your most called set of formations, you’re even worse at defense than I am. It isn’t because of an offense-heavy Madden, it’s how real football works now, too. It’s defined by 4 defensive lineman and two linebackers. This formation has one less player in the box, but the nickel corner is usually ready and able to help in run support as well as improving coverage behind the pass rush by a lot. The linebackers remain the problem across all formations, perhaps too small to get past the offensive line to the quarterback or running back, but definitely too slow to keep up with even tight ends at the moment. But, in this formation there are only two linebackers instead of 3 or 4. The debate of 3-4 vs 4-3 or even hybrid is very fun, and more possible than ever to be a unique playcaller with stunts and the new position system, but don’t get greedy loading the box and remain in nickel as your base.
