We’re diving into one of the most dynamic defensive setups you can run in Madden 26: the 3-3-5 Penny High Blitz 3. This play is only found in the Cardinals defensive playbook, and it’s one of the most versatile blitzes in the game - capable of bringing pressure from multiple angles while keeping enough players in coverage to confuse your opponent. And before you hit the field, make sure your roster is ready to compete - you can buy Madden 26 coins to upgrade key positions and maximize your defensive potential. This guide will walk you through how to set up six-man, five-man, four-man, and even three-man pass rushes out of this formation, helping you adjust to any offensive look and consistently get heat on the quarterback.

Understanding the Base Setup

By default, the 3-3-5 Penny High Blitz 3 sends six defenders after the quarterback while keeping five in coverage. You’ll have:

· Three deep zones (covering each third of the field)

· Two hook curls (defending the middle underneath)

· Six pass rushers - five along the defensive line and one blitzing linebacker

Without touching anything pre-snap, this play already brings pressure - often off the left edge. But with the right adjustments, you can control where the pressure comes from and how many defenders drop back, giving you complete control of the defense.

Six-Man Pass Rush Setup

Let’s start with the base six-man pressure. This is the easiest version to call and great for first or second downs when you want to force a quick throw.

1. Shift the defensive line to the left – this usually brings edge heat off the left side.

2. You can also shift the line to the right if you want the pressure to come from the opposite edge.

3. Try show blitz from the linebacker menu. This moves defenders closer to the line, disguising your look and occasionally causing inside pressure from the linebacker aligned over the center.

Mixing these variations keeps the offense guessing - sometimes the left edge crashes free, other times the right-side linebacker loops in untouched. Against Gun Bunch or Tight formations, timing matters, as receivers can sometimes disrupt your blitz lanes.

Five-Man Pass Rush Setup

Next up: dialing back the pressure slightly for better coverage. Here’s how to create a five-man rush while maintaining edge heat.

1. From the same 335 Penny High Blitz 3, keep five rushing but hot route one of the blitzing defenders into a hard flat or curl flat zone.

2. You can shift the D-line left or right to choose where the edge pressure comes from.

3. Use show blitz again to bring your safeties and linebackers closer, creating the illusion of an all-out rush - even though you’re sending fewer defenders.

This setup is perfect for third-and-medium situations. You’ll still generate pressure off one edge while having six defenders in coverage to clamp down on quick reads or corner routes.

Four-Man Pass Rush Setup

If you want to mix coverage disguises with efficient pressure, this is the money setup. With a little manipulation, the four-man pass rush can still deliver edge heat.

1. Shift the defensive line left.

2. Put the blitzing linebacker into a hard flat (or curl flat, depending on your coverage need).

3. User control another linebacker - fake blitz by taking a few steps forward, then drop into coverage.

This movement holds the offensive line for a second, allowing your edge rusher to loop in cleanly. You’ll rush four while covering effectively with seven - a balanced mix of pressure and coverage that’s ideal for late downs.

For another version, try this:

· Show blitz using the linebacker menu.

· Put the defensive end opposite your user into a bluff blitz.

This causes him to initially fake rush before dropping, which can confuse blocking assignments and free up edge pressure.

Three-Man Pass Rush Setup (Bonus)

Finally, if you’re facing a dangerous passer and want maximum coverage while still creating a threat, try this three-man version.

1. Use show blitz to bring your safeties down.

2. Put one defensive end into a bluff blitz to occupy blockers.

3. Hot route another linebacker into a hard flat.

4. User control a linebacker, fake blitz toward the A-gap, then drop into coverage after the snap.

If timed right, one edge defender often breaks free while you keep eight players in coverage - a deadly combo against aggressive opponents. It’s slower than the other setups, but perfect for baiting bad throws or forcing long drives.

Final Thoughts

The 3-3-5 Penny High Blitz 3 is one of the most flexible and deceptive defenses in Madden 26. Whether you send six or just three, you can consistently create pressure and force mistakes - especially when you mix your setups mid-game. Try cycling between these variations to keep your opponent guessing. Start aggressive with the six-man look, then drop into a disguised four-man to bait interceptions. Once you master the timing and shifts, you’ll have one of the most complete defensive arsenals in the game. And if you’re looking to build your roster faster or upgrade your lineup without breaking the bank, you can grab cheap mut 26 coins from trusted sources to stay competitive.