In the Madden 19, being alert on defense and ready to make a big play on the ball can really change the outcome of the game. A pick six can give your team the lead, or a more comfortable lead. It might also help you seal the game if the other team is threatening in the red zone. Defense isn’t a simple part of the game, so mastering it takes some time. Here’s how to intercept a pass in Madden 19 whether you’re using the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One system.
How to intercept a pass in Madden 19 – Defensive controls
Keep in mind that playing defense in Madden 19 involves reading the play as you see it going forth. That means getting a read on where the pass is heading as soon as the quarterback is launching a throw. Reacting quickly is the key to getting position on the receiver to intercept a pass in Madden 19.
Knowing the defensive controls is also crucial. Here’s what they are for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One:
Sprint: R2 (PS4) / RT (Xbox One)
Strafe: L2 (PS4) / LT (Xbox One)
Defensive Assist: L1 (PS4) / LB (Xbox One)
Ball Hawk/INT: Triangle (PS4) / Y (Xbox One)
Swat: Square (PS4) / X (Xbox One)
Switch Player: O (PS4) / B (Xbox One)
Play Receiver: X (PS4) / A (Xbox One)
Those are the essential controls for when you’re defending the ball in the Madden 19 game. Now let’s move on to making that interception!
How to intercept a pass in Madden 19 – The Steps
Always make sure your defender doesn’t have his back to the quarterback on the throw. In Madden 19, it’s pretty much impossible to make an interception when you’re not looking towards the quarterback and the thrown ball.
As soon as the quarterback throws the ball, you’ll want to hold L2 if your defender isn’t in position. Holding the L2 button will square your defender up for the play. Pressing the Triangle button will make the interception as the ball is nearing you and the receiver.
Here’s an overview of the steps to intercept a pass:
- Watch passing play as it happens.
- Get a read on where the ball is going.
- Switch to the defender that is covering the receiver. (O on PS4, B on Xbox One)
- Sprint to catch up with the receiver if needed. (R2 on PS4, RT on Xbox One)
- If your defender is in a spot to defend the ball and facing towards the QB (downfield), you’re ready.
- If not, press L2 to turn them around and square up.
- You may need to use a combination of R2/L2 (PS4) or RT/L2 (Xbox One).
- As the ball comes near you and receiver, press Triangle to try to intercept.
- You can also press Square (PS4) or X (Xbox One) to block the pass if it makes better sense.
- If all else fails, get defensive assistance from the computer. Press L1 on PS4 or LB on Xbox One.
The YouTube video below gives some great interception tips so that you can see them in action.
How to intercept a pass in Madden 19 – Block or Defensive Assist
Another tip to always keep in mind is that deep throws don’t always need to be intercepted in Madden. That’s the case in the NFL. Trying to make a highlight interception might make less sense if you have a very slim lead. If you fail on the interception attempt, you give your opponent room to take off with the possibility there are no defenders to cover your receiver.
Consider blocking the pass – If you go for an interception and it fails, you may give your opponent a wide-open path towards the end zone. In the case that you might not be able to intercept the ball, consider swatting at the ball. Press Square on PS4 or X on Xbox One to jump up with a defender to block the pass.
Basically, keep the lead or non-lead in mind when judging whether to go for an interception. Also, if you’re aware there’s another defender to cover your receiver downfield, then maybe an INT attempt is worth the risk!
Defensive Assist has your back – This will allow the computer to put your defenders in the proper spots to make the defensive play. Press L1 on PS4 or LB on Xbox One to get that assist.
It will take some practice if you’re not familiar with how to defend every play. Once you get the basics down, you’ll get a feel for when and when not to intercept a pass. Soon you’ll be able to pick off the quarterback, prevent end zone strikes, and bat away the ball like the best of them!
You can check out our Madden 19 passing guide for help on the offense side of things!