Of all the new features in Madden NFL 21, the biggest change to the field comes from the trenches. With a full suite of new passing moves, players have the ability to wreak havoc like never before – for opposing quarterbacks and the offensive linemen who are meant to protect them.
If you're looking to up your passing game with more sacks, haste, and better containment from superstars like Lamar Jackson, use our guide on how to rush the passer in Madden NFL 21.
How to rush the passer in Madden NFL 21
There's a depth to this year's pass-rushing moves that we just haven't seen in Madden before, and that's great because it's quickly apparent that defensive linemen and EDGE rushers are now more important than ever, reflecting their vital roles in heavy passing. Real life NFL.
To effectively rush the setter, you need two things
Let's start with the controls. Below you will find the complete controller map for a setter straight from the game.
If you prefer to read commands in plain text, we have that too, for Xbox and PlayStation gamers.
- Contain: LT / L2
- Vitesse Rush: RT / R2
- Swat: Y / Triangle
- Switch Player: B/Circle
- Rip: Right Stick Up
- Club/Swim: left/right right stick
- Bull Rush: Right Stick Down
When to Use Each Rush Move Pass
Mastering the control scheme is a start, but you'll only excel if you know what you're doing with all those fancy new buttons. To really master the pass rush, you'll want to know what type of player you're using and what they're good at.
In each player's ratings, you'll find some key pass throwing stats. These include finesse moves, power moves, pursuit, and block loss. Game strength, awareness and recognition also come in handy and collectively finding players who excel in these areas will ensure you have a star player at your fingertips.
Finesse movements
Finesse moves are used by speed rushers like Joey Bosa and Demarcus Lawrence and are best equipped for moves such as sprinting and swimming, as they are able to put linemen on a whirlwind and reduce the edge of the pocket in a flash.
Power moves
Power shots are things like the bull run and the club and are best used by the strongest pass throwers in the league, like Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald. Sure, Donald is amazing all the way considering he's one of the league's all-time greats, but he's best known for his power.
With power rushes, you'll leave offensive linemen feeling weak, perhaps tipping over as you rush the QB into bad calls and throws.
The tearing motion
The rip is a move that all pass throwers are suited for, as it allows you to throw the linemen out of you and reset the engagement. By combining different moves throughout a game, you'll keep blockers guessing at worst and looking dumb at best.
The Swat Movement
A swat is a way in which defenders can jump in the air and try to time a deflection of a pass just as it leaves the quarterback's hand. If you're not getting to the QB fast enough but still want to break up the passing attack, try timing your swats with the QB's throws.
A well-timed jump will navigate the pass just a few feet before it collides with your hands or arms and falls to the ground. Sometimes a swat can even lead to an interception, either immediately or off a swerve.
Play Contain
Contain is for a different type of situation. Think of it like a bouncer in a nightclub. While the usual pass rush has you trying to get into the pocket quickly and panicking the QB and his blockers, a playing defender starts the play, but doesn't engage the linemen.
Instead, you'll want to hold onto the corners of the pocket and prevent the game from bouncing off.
If a team likes to run sweeps or outfields, or if the QB is known to bootleg or scramble, the restraining move is one of the best ways to ensure these types of plays don't break your spirit.
Pass Rush is all about timing
Ultimately, the pass rush is all about timing. Just as you want to time your pursuit of a blocked field goal attempt by immediately stepping out of the snap of the ball, you want to play the run the same way.
As soon as the ball is broken, use the correct fast passing motion for your situation. If successful, the on-screen UI will tell you with green text. You'll probably also know because you're breathing down the quarterback's neck.
The NFL, and therefore Madden, is a QB's dream these days, but if you know how to rush the passer in Madden 21, you can use those passing moves to make the field a waking nightmare.
