Playing effective Madden 21 defense often comes down to making key adjustments based on which of your opponents’ players are performing best. For example, if they’ve got a star wide receiver like Michael Thomas or Julio Jones, you may get torched for a lot of receptions. They’re amongst the best in the game, but doubling up on them can often help cut down on how well they perform. Here’s our guide for how to double team a receiver in Madden 21.
How to double team in Madden 21 defense
As mentioned, certain wide receivers may warrant additional coverage when it comes to Madden. The New Orleans Saints’ Michael Thomas is a member of the 99 Club. Receivers including DeAndre Hopkins and Julio Jones are legit threats, among others in the league. You’ll find this especially if you play Ultimate Team, which often features receiving legends like Jerry Rice and Randy Moss.
There isn’t necessarily a way on the options menu to set up double teams. So to double team for your Madden 21 defense, you’ll need to set things up pre-play on the field in-game. Of course, you’ll want a good zone coverage defense first. As an example, select something from a Cover 2 defense or Cover 2 Show 4, if available.
- When lined up on the field, press in the Right Stick on your controller to bring up pre-play defensive menu.
- Use Circle button (PS4) or B button (Xbox One) to move through your defenders until you find one you want to use for the double team. Preferably, they’re a defender near the WR you want to double, and most likely a corner or someone with the necessary speed.
- (Note: You can also use the left stick to move the highlighted defender to a specific spot)
- Once you have your defensive player highlighted, press the X button (PS4) or A button (Xbox One) for “Individual Assignment.”
- Press the Right Stick Up to choose “Man Coverage.”
- Next, you’ll see available receivers you can assign your defender to. Press the corresponding button on your controller to assign your defender to that offensive player. So below, we’re pressing Circle for Michael Thomas.
You’ll want to make sure you’ve set this up on two defenders you have the double team created with the two defensive players you want on coverage. So go through the above steps a second time using the second player you want in your double team.
If you get things set up properly, a double team looks like the clip below. A second Chicago Bears defender helps with coverage on Michael Thomas, potentially preventing him from scoring.
Other tips with double teaming
Keep in mind if you set up a double team, you could also be setting yourself up for trouble. Mainly, you’re sending an additional member of your defense away from another area, and possibly leaving someone open for a play. That said, the AI defense tends to be good at adjusting to send defenders after the player who gets the ball.
You can also use double team in Madden 21 defense against the run. So for example, you may want to set up two of your linebackers to double team a top halfback such as Nick Chubb, Ezekiel Elliott, Saquon Barkley, or others. This is especially true if your opponent is relying on their running game a lot.
One final note is of course the Superstar X-Factors. Some receivers have X-Factors such as RAC em Up or Double Me. In those instances, you’ll most likely want to use a double team in Madden 21, so your opponent can’t wreak havoc on you. Again, keep an eye out for other open players when playing defense, just in case.
As with other how-to guides, we recommend practicing this in the Madden 21 Exhibition/Practice situation first. Flip your team of choice onto defense and try it out, until it becomes second nature and you’ll be able to doubleteam offensive threats as needed.
For more tips, guides, and news visit our Madden news page here.