Much like how giving the right offensive focus in Madden NFL 24 can turn the offense's capabilities up several notches, choosing the right defensive focus can potentially give opponents nightmares. Players will have to look at their selections and make a choice that benefits them the most.

RELATED: Forgotten Unusual Sports Games

While player preference is always one of the most important aspects of Madden NFL 24, there are a few choices that stand out in the game. Other options can be so bad that they negate any benefits potentially granted by the perks and cost the team the game.

Good Defensive Focus Options

Madden NFL 24 Defend Short Pass Defensive Focus
  • Defend Short Pass
    • +++ Short Pass Coverage
    • -- Double Move Routes
    • - Medium Pass Coverage

  • Defend Deep Pass
    • ++ Deep Pass Coverage
    • --- DB Run Support
    • - Medium Pass Coverage

  • Contain QB Scramble
    • ++ QB Contain
    • -- Pass Rush
    • - QB More Accurate From Pocket

RELATED: Great Arcade Sports Games That Have Aged Well

Players who have some of the best linebackers will love the Defend Short Pass option since a blitz can often hit the quarterback before medium routes become an issue. The penalty on Defend Deep Pass isn't so bad since defensive backs don't usually have to make tackles against runners. Against the right quarterback, Contain QB Scramble can take away the offense's best tool, just be sure to have excellent coverage players.

Bad Defensive Focus Options

Madden NFL 24 Defend Inside Run Defensive Focus
  • Defend Inside Run
    • +++ Inside Run Defense
    • -- PA Pass Off Inside Run
    • - Bounce Runs Outside

  • Defend Outside Run
    • +++ Outside Run Defense
    • -- PA Pass Off Outside Run
    • - Cutback Off Outside Run

  • Defend Medium Pass
    • ++ Medium Pass Coverage
    • -- LB & DB Run Support
    • - Short Pass Coverage

If opponents recognize that defenses have selected either of the two running defensive focus options, the best teams and gamers will exploit the mistake for the rest of the game. Defend Medium Pass is particularly awful since linebackers are huge in run support. Great defensive linemen make up for only a small part of the field and won't be able to get to most outside runs.

Madden NFL 24 will be released on August 18th, 2023 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

MORE: Sports Games With Darker Themes