In Madden 25, the quarterback is the most important player on Mut 25 coins the field. Whether it’s for passing or scrambling, the quarterback’s mobility can create huge plays if not properly contained. To stop a fast or elusive QB from escaping the pocket or extending plays, you need to understand how to contain him effectively. This guide will give you tips on how to contain the quarterback, both as a passer and a scrambler, and help keep your defense from getting burned.

1. Use Contain Assignments
One of the best ways to keep the quarterback from escaping the pocket is by using the "Contain" assignment. This is a defensive strategy that forces your defensive ends or outside linebackers to focus on keeping the QB inside the pocket instead of allowing him to scramble out to the sidelines.

How to Set a Contain:
Select the Right Play: Choose a play that features a defensive end or outside linebacker in the position to rush the quarterback. Many defensive plays in Madden 25 have pre-set contain assignments for your pass rushers.
Adjust Pre-Snap: You can manually adjust the contain assignments before the snap. On PlayStation, press L1, and on Xbox, press LB to assign contain to your defensive ends or outside linebackers.
Once your players are in contain, their responsibility is to maintain the edge and keep the quarterback from getting outside the pocket. They won’t rush as aggressively to the quarterback but will instead stay disciplined and contain him within the pocket.

2. Use Spy to Monitor Scrambling Quarterbacks
Against quarterbacks who like to scramble, a "Spy" is one of your most effective tools. The spy assignment puts a defender—usually a linebacker or safety—directly in the quarterback’s path to watch for scrambles. This player will react to the quarterback’s movements and keep him from running for big yardage.

How to Set a Spy:
Select a Spy Play: Some plays, especially in nickel or dime packages, will automatically have a spy assigned to the quarterback.
Manually Assign a Spy: To manually assign a spy, go to your defensive play call and use the appropriate button (L1 on PlayStation or LB on Xbox) to spy on the quarterback.
The spy will stick to the QB’s movements, whether he tries to scramble outside or take off running up the middle. This helps eliminate a major threat from mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson or Russell Wilson, who can break open a game with their legs.

3. Maintain the Pocket with Pass Rushers
While containing the quarterback is crucial, you also need to apply pressure on the passer without giving him a chance to step up and throw. Your pass rushers should aim to collapse the pocket from all sides, while your edge rushers keep the QB from escaping to the outside.

How to Apply Pressure:
Use the Right Rush Moves: Don’t just rush straight at the quarterback. Use your defensive linemen’s pass rush moves to get around blockers and close in on the quarterback. By using a combination of speed and finesse moves, you can trap the QB in the pocket.
Mix Up Your Rush: Vary the types of blitzes you call to keep the quarterback guessing. Blitzing from different angles can force him to make quick decisions, which can lead to mistakes.
The goal is to push the quarterback into a corner of the pocket without giving him a chance to step up into open space. Even if you’re not getting an immediate sack, forcing the QB to throw under pressure or scramble is a win.

4. Keep Contain on the Edges
When facing a quarterback with the ability to scramble, especially fast ones, the edges of the pocket are often where they’ll try to escape. If you’re using a defensive end or outside linebacker in a contain assignment, make sure you maintain pressure on the edges so the quarterback can’t simply run outside for a big gain.

Edge Containment Tips:
Use the Right Defensive Package: Certain defensive lineups, like 3-4 and 4-3, are better equipped to maintain containment. These formations have outside linebackers or defensive ends who are capable of keeping pressure on the edge.
Focus on the Quarterback’s Weak Side: If the quarterback has a tendency to scramble to one side, focus your edge rushers and contain assignments on that side of the field. This forces the quarterback to either step up in the pocket or run into more pressure.
The key is not letting the quarterback get a clean escape route. Keep the pressure coming from the edge and force him into the middle of the pocket, where your defensive linemen and linebackers can collapse on him.

5. Use QB Contain Against Dual-Threat Quarterbacks
When facing dual-threat quarterbacks (QBs who are just as effective running the ball as they are passing it), it’s crucial to be extra mindful of both their arm and their legs. You need to be able to contain them both as passers and runners. Setting up a contain strategy, combined with using a spy and maintaining good pocket pressure, will give you the best chance to keep the QB from hurting you with his legs.

Containment Strategy for Dual-Threat QBs:
Utilize Hybrid Defenders: Use linebackers or safeties with good speed and awareness to spy and contain the quarterback. Hybrid players who are fast and smart will track the QB’s movements more effectively.
Watch for Rushing Windows: Dual-threat quarterbacks will often wait for passing lanes to open up, but they’ll take off running when they see a gap. Be ready to react to these openings.
By staying disciplined with your contain assignments, using a spy when necessary, and applying pressure from all angles, you can limit the damage done by dual-threat quarterbacks.

6. Prevent the QB from Stepping Up
While edge containment is important, it’s also critical to make sure the QB can’t step up into the pocket when the edges are sealed. Many quarterbacks will look to escape to the outside, but if the middle of the pocket is clogged and they can’t step up, they’ll be forced to make risky decisions under pressure.

How to Prevent the QB from Stepping Up:
Defensive Tackles: Use your defensive tackles to collapse the middle of the pocket. By forcing the quarterback to scramble to the outside, you allow your edge rushers and contain defenders to limit the space he has to run.
Push the Pocket: Defensive tackles and interior rushers should work on pushing the offensive line back into the QB’s space. This can force the quarterback to scramble to the edges, where you’ve set up your containment.
A collapsed pocket from both the edges and the middle is the most effective way to stop a mobile quarterback from doing serious damage.

Conclusion
Containing the quarterback is one of the most important defensive strategies in Madden 25, especially when facing a mobile or scrambling QB. By using contain assignments, setting up spies, applying pressure from all directions, and preventing the QB from stepping up in the pocket, you can neutralize one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the game.

With practice and the right strategy, you’ll be able to shut down scrambling quarterbacks and force them to make poor decisions under pressure. Whether you’re facing a classic pocket passer or buy Mut 25 coins a dual-threat QB, mastering containment is key to dominating the game on defense.