Madden 26: Coverage Shells, Custom Stem Zones, and Route Commit Explained Master the newest defensive tools to keep your opponents guessing in Madden 26

One of the most powerful additions in Madden 26 is Coverage Shells, allowing you to disguise your defensive look before the snap. This keeps your opponent guessing and makes it harder for them to read your coverage.

How to use Coverage Shells: 1. Pick your desired formation. 2. Flick the right stick left or right to change your coverage look.

Each formation comes with unique coverage shell options, ensuring that no two defensive setups feel predictable.

🎯 Custom Stem Zones: Fine-Tune Zone Depth

For players who love precision, Custom Stem Zones let you adjust the depth of any individual defender’s zone. This gives you the flexibility to adapt to your opponent’s routes and tendencies.

How to custom stem a zone: 1. Select the defender you want to adjust. 2. Open the individual adjustment menu. 3. Hold LB/L1 and move the left stick up or down to increase or decrease zone depth.

Pro Tip: Use the D-Pad up or down to adjust depth in 5-yard increments for more precise control.

This feature adds a new layer of defensive strategy, helping you close gaps or push zones deeper depending on the situation.

🚦 Route Commit: Lock in on Inside or Outside Breaks

When playing man defense, Route Commit allows defenders to fully commit to the direction of an opposing receiver’s break, giving them an edge in coverage.

How to route commit:

Press RB/R1.
Flick the left stick left to commit inside, or right to commit outside.

You can also commit individual defenders: 1. Select the defender you want. 2. Use the left stick to commit inside or outside.

To reset, flick the left stick down in the Route Commit menu.

⚡ Why These Features Matter

With Coverage Shells, Custom Stem Zones, and Route Commit, Madden 26 gives defensive players more tools to outsmart their opponents. Whether it’s disguising your coverage, fine-tuning your zones, or locking in on routes, these features reward skill and football IQ like never before.