How to QB Contain and Stop the QB in the Option Game

Preventing the quarterback from scrambling and stopping the option game will help you get more stops on defense. Here’s how to do it: 

To stop the quarterback in the option game, go to coaching adjustments by pressing the right stick in from the playcall screen. Scroll down to Option Read Key and Pitch Key settings:

  • To have the defender always play the quarterback on a Read Option, set the Option Read Key to Conservative.
  • To always play the quarterback on a speed option, set the Option Pitch Key to Conservative. 

To prevent the QB from scrambling out of the pocket, press RB on Xbox / R1 on PlayStation then LB on Xbox / L1 on PlayStation pre-snap. This will put your defensive ends on QB contain assignments.

 Madden 26 in-game screenshot showing Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong preparing to rush the quarterback.
Madden 26 in-game screenshot showing Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong preparing to rush the quarterback. is now the current item in the media gallery
 Madden 26 in-game screenshot showing Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong preparing to rush the quarterback.