Madden 21 Nickel 3-3-5 Wide Mini Scheme

In this week’s Madden School Film Room, we are breaking down the Nickel 3-3-5 Wide formation in Madden 21.

Check it out below!

Playbook: 46

Formation: 3-3-5 Wide

Play: Mike Blitz 3

Setup:

1. Spread your defensive line.
2. Crash your defensive line down.
3. (Optional) Set your zone drops to defend against specific coverages. Recommended (15-25).
4. Either play over the top (Y/triangle + up with right stick) or underneath (Y/triangle + down with the right stick).
5. Hover over the right guard with your user (as shown in the video).

Overview: This is the Meta defense in Madden 21 because the edge pressure is unstoppable. The coverage behind it is flexible to be able to stop everything in the game, especially if you can user the middle of the field well.

Playbook: 46

Formation: 3-3-5 Wide

Play: Mike Blitz 0

Setup 1 : User Blitz

1. Spread your defensive line.
2. Crash your defensive line Up
3. (Optional) Press Coverage
4. At the snap of the ball user blitz your middle linebacker in between the center and the guard on the opposite side of the running back. (As shown in video)

Setup 2: Coverage

1. Spread your defensive line.
2. Crash your defensive line down.
3. (Optional) Press Coverage/Play over the top
4. (Optional) Hover over the right guard with your user (as shown in the video).

Overview: This is a great play to mix in with Mike Blitz 3 because your opponent will not be expecting man coverage. If you know that they won’t be blocking their running back or tight end you will have an easy user sack.

Playbook: 46

Formation: 3-3-5 Wide

Play: Cover 2 Man

Setup 1 : Run Defense

1. QB Spy both safeties
2. Crash your defensive line up/down depending on what type of run you are expecting (shown in video)
3. User the MLB

Setup 2: Pass Defense

1. Press coverage
2. Play underneath
3. User the MLB

Overview: Cover 2 man is a really versatile defense you can throw in for better coverage or run defense.