Mastering Auto Pass Protection in Madden 26: How to Stop Every Blitz and Never Get Sacked Again

EA’s newest update to Madden 26 added a powerful - yet often misunderstood - feature: Auto Pass Protection Coaching Adjustment. Many players are using it incorrectly, leaving themselves vulnerable to stunts, mug blitzes, and A-gap pressure. But when used the right way, this feature can completely lock down opposing pass rushes and give you clean pockets every single snap. Whether you’re upgrading your squad after you buy Madden 26 coins or just looking to dominate in competitive modes, mastering this mechanic is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down how to use auto pass protection effectively, how to counter common blitz setups like Texas 4-Man, Texas 2-Man, and Mid Blitz engage pressure, and how to combine blocking adjustments with quick passing concepts to stay one step ahead of every defensive user.

Understanding Base vs. Auto Pass Protection

Traditionally, most Madden players relied on base protection, which is shown by solid lines across the offensive line when you pull up your play art. Early in Madden 26, base protection worked well against stunts and standard rushes - but after multiple patches, that’s no longer the case.

EA’s updates quietly changed how linemen recognize looping rushers and A-gap blitzers, making base protection unreliable. Against setups like the Texas 4-Man Stunt, linemen often fail to pick up looping defensive tackles or linebackers, letting free rushers shoot through untouched.

If you’re still using base protection by default, you’re likely getting sacked 50% of the time against heavy pressure. That’s where Auto Pass Protection comes in.

The Secret Setting: Switching to “Empty” Protection

Here’s the trick most players overlook:
Set your Auto Pass Protection Coaching Adjustment to Empty.

When you do this, your O-line’s play art will show dotted lines, indicating that each lineman is independently responsible for his gap — rather than relying on shared protection logic. This prevents breakdowns caused by looping stunts or misreads.

In testing, Empty protection consistently picks up both single and double mug blitzes, as well as Texas-style stunts. Whether your opponent lines up over the center or disguises their pressure, this setting ensures that nobody comes completely free.

Even against the best blitz defenses - Single Mug, Double Mug, Texas 2-Man, or 4-Man Stunts - the worst you’ll face is a block shed, not an untouched defender.

Pro Tip: Untarget the User Defender

After setting protection to Empty, always untarget the user defender (usually the linebacker hovering over the A-gap).
Do this by flicking up on the right stick before the snap. You’ll see a flame icon over their head disappear - this tells the O-line not to overcommit to that rusher.

This simple adjustment prevents the offensive line from shifting incorrectly or leaving a gap unaccounted for. Combined with Empty protection, it creates a nearly bulletproof pocket.

Handling Engage Blitzes and Mid Blitz Pressure

Once opponents realize their stunts aren’t working, they’ll start sending engage blitzes - manually crashing their user into the center to trigger free pressure, especially from Mid Blitz formations.

Here’s how to beat it:

1. Identify the side of the blitz. Look for which linebacker is directly over the center - that’s the key indicator.

2. Slide protection toward the blitz. Hit L1/LB and flick the right stick toward that side. For example, if the linebacker over the center is on the left, slide protection left.

3. Use quick reads. Set up your play with a drag, a running back flat, and a post route over the middle. These give you immediate passing options if pressure does come.

If the blitzer comes free, the flat route to your running back will always beat man coverage. If they drop a defensive end into coverage instead, the drag or post will open up right behind the vacated zone. Either way, you win.

The Best Quick Read Combination

To handle any pressure look, use this route combo:

· Two streaks on the outside (for vertical spacing)

· A drag over the middle

· A post from the slot

· A running back flat route

This setup punishes every coverage: streaks stretch man and zone defenders, the drag gives you an easy completion if the rush gets home, and the RB flat forces defenders to choose between covering underneath routes or the middle of the field.

Even if your opponent mixes in press coverage or coverage shifts, this combo creates natural rubs and mismatches - especially deadly with fast receivers and agile backs like Jahmyr Gibbs or Kyren Williams.

Final Thoughts

The new Auto Pass Protection Coaching Adjustment in Madden 26 isn’t just a quality-of-life feature - it’s a complete game-changer. By setting it to Empty, untargeting the user, and combining smart protection slides with quick reads, you can neutralize every blitz in the game. Whether you’re building a dominant Ultimate Team or grinding for rewards with cheap mut 26 coins, mastering this setup gives you a huge competitive edge. No more A-gap screams, no more looping defensive tackles, and no more surprise sacks ruining drives. With this setup, you’ll stay calm in the pocket, deliver accurate throws, and force your opponent to abandon their pressure looks altogether. Master these techniques, and you’ll control the pace of every game - turning Madden 26’s pass protection meta into your biggest advantage.