How to Use Interior Threat in Madden NFL 25
What Is Interior Threat in Madden NFL 25?
Interior Threat is a Superstar Ability (not an X-Factor) designed for dominant interior defensive linemen. It enhances a player's pass-rush moves when aligned over guards or centers. The ability grants quicker, more effective pass-rush moves and higher success rates on power and finesse moves, making it easier to collapse the pocket and pressure the quarterback from up the middle.
This is critical because pressure from the interior is harder for quarterbacks to evade than edge pressure, especially in this year’s game where the BOOM Tech Tackling System makes QB fumbles and sack-based turnovers more likely.
Who Can Use Interior Threat?
Not every defensive tackle or interior lineman can use this ability. It’s typically assigned to high-rated, power-based interior defenders with elite pass-rush traits. Some notable players likely to have this ability in Madden NFL 25 include:
Chris Jones (Kansas City Chiefs)
Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams)
Jeffery Simmons (Tennessee Titans)
Dexter Lawrence II (New York Giants)
You can check if a player has Interior Threat by navigating to the Roster, selecting the player, and scrolling to their Abilities tab.
Best Formations to Use Interior Threat
The key to maximizing Interior Threat is putting your star interior lineman in situations where they can isolate guards or centers. Below are the best formations for showcasing this ability:
Nickel 2-4 or 3-3
These alignments put athletic defensive tackles in 1-on-1 situations with interior blockers.
Use Overload Blitz or Double A-Gap concepts to stress the interior line and trigger quicker animations.
4-3 Over/Under
In 4-man fronts, line your best lineman over the guard or center to let Interior Threat take effect.
Spread the line pre-snap to force one-on-one matchups.
Dollar and Dime Formations
In obvious passing situations, substitute a DT into the rush package and move him into the A- or B-gap.
Interior Threat activates cleanly when lined up directly on a guard or center.
How to Activate Interior Threat Successfully
Interior Threat doesn’t require a charge-up like X-Factor abilities, but it does need proper positioning and matchups. Here's how to optimize it:
1. Pre-Snap Alignment
Use the defensive line shift (on PS5: left on the D-pad, then choose left/right/spread/pinch).
Spread your line to force the interior OL to block solo, or pinch if you’re trying to collapse the pocket fast.
2. User Control
If user-controlling the DT, tap R2/RT to get a jump on the snap.
Use power moves (right stick up) or finesse moves (right stick left/right) immediately after the snap.
Time it with the blocker’s punch animations to win your rep more consistently.
3. Blitz Support
Use LB or slot CB blitzes to distract blockers and prevent double-teams.
Pairing Interior Threat with zone blitz schemes forces QBs to make quick throws into traffic.
Combining Interior Threat with Other Abilities
Interior Threat becomes even more devastating when paired with complementary abilities or scheme concepts:
Inside Stuff
Stops inside zone and dive runs early by shedding blocks faster.
Helps ensure your Interior Threat player is useful against both run and pass.
Unpredictable
Gives additional win-chance on pass-rush attempts, especially on early downs.
Increases randomness in pass-rush victories, catching blockers off-guard.
Double or Nothing
Uses double pass-rush points to instantly win against solo blocks.
Paired with Interior Threat, this can almost guarantee a fast pressure unless double-teamed.
Countering Mobile QBs with Interior Threat
Mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen are more vulnerable to interior pressure because:
They step up in the pocket, directly into your DT's path.
Edge contain can force them into your Interior Threat rush.
They fumble more often when hit inside due to the new BOOM Tech collision system.
Set up your defense to rush wide with DEs and funnel the QB toward your Interior Threat lineman. Use QB spy or contain assignments in dime or dollar packages to restrict escape routes.
Franchise Mode Tips
In Franchise Mode, development and team-building are key to maximizing this ability:
Draft Focus: Look for DTs with high Power Moves, Finesse Moves, and Strength. Awareness and Play Recognition also help.
Progression: Upgrade the Pass Rusher archetype to unlock and maintain the Interior Threat ability.
Custom Schemes: Run a Multiple Front or Base 4-3/3-4 scheme with heavy pressure calls to utilize Interior Threat every drive.
Also, monitor fatigue. Interior linemen get tired quickly—rotate fresh linemen or call timeouts to keep your threat on the field during critical 3rd downs.
Online Head-to-Head Strategy
In competitive modes, elite users expect interior pressure but don’t always respect it. Here’s how to make them pay:
Disguise Your Front
Shift your line and linebackers to disguise blitz intentions.
Audible to Cover 2 Man or Cover 3 Sky behind a pressure front to bait throws into coverage.
Use Zone Blitzes
Combine Interior Threat with a dropping DE (Zone Blitz Fire Zones) to confuse protections.
Hot-route your DT to loop or twist with blitzing LBs.
Force Turnovers
Go for Hit Stick sacks on scrambling QBs with BOOM Tech.
Interior Threat DTs get more forced fumbles due to direct hits on QBs’ blind sides or while they’re throwing.
Final Thoughts
Interior Threat is one of the most disruptive Superstar Abilities in Madden NFL 25 if used correctly. With the new focus on trench warfare, smart pressure calls, and BOOM Tech hit mechanics, pressuring QBs from the interior isn’t just viable—it’s meta-defining.
Whether you’re user-controlling a dominant DT, building a franchise around one, or scheming pressure in online H2H, mastering Interior Threat can elevate your defense from average to elite.
Tip: Practice with your favorite DT in Practice Mode (Defense Only) against multiple protections to learn how the ability triggers and buy Madden 25 coins which moves win consistently.