What is Cubic Contain Fix
Cubic Contain is EA's attempt to fix scrambling QBs who roll outside the pocket and hit sideline throws. Pre-patch — these contains were TERRIBLE. Post-patch, they're actually decent.
Before this fix, mobile quarterbacks could easily escape contain rushers and extend plays. Now the edge defenders do a much better job staying disciplined and forcing QBs back inside.
Contains work by angling your outside pass rushers to take away the edge instead of rushing straight upfield. They maintain their lanes and prevent rollouts.
How to Set Up Cubic Contains
Super simple setup:
- Press Right Bumper on defense (R1 on PlayStation)
- Then tap Left Bumper (L1 on PlayStation)
- Your outermost pass rushers will angle into hook positions
- These angled rushers are your contains
You'll see the edge guys change their rush angles immediately. Instead of going straight upfield, they're positioned to cut off outside escape routes.
Works with any defensive formation — base defense, nickel packages, pinch concepts. The contain assignment overrides the default pass rush.
When to Use Contains
Use contains when facing:
- Mobile quarterbacks who scramble frequently
- Rollout concepts — bootlegs, sprint outs, designed rollouts
- RPO packages where the QB pulls and runs outside
- Opponents who consistently escape the pocket on broken plays
Formations like Nickel Wide were really frustrating pre-patch because they weren't containing well. Now they do a decent job.
Don't use contains against pocket passers who rarely move. You're giving up pass rush pressure for contain discipline you don't need.
Why Contains Work Now
The improvement is obvious when you test it. With contains activated, QBs get disengaged immediately when they try rolling outside. The edge defenders maintain their lanes instead of getting washed upfield.
Compare this to normal pass rush where mobile QBs can pretty easily roll outside consistently and get leverage on rushers. Contains take that away.
Even when QBs try escaping, the contain defenders do a good job forcing them back inside where interior pressure can finish the play.
Animation improvements help too — though there's still some weird collision issues where players run into each other before the sack animation triggers.
What Counters Contains
Contains aren't perfect. Smart opponents can beat them:
Fake outside, go inside — This is the main counter. QB shows rollout, contain defender bites, then QB cuts back inside the pocket. Works because it mimics real football.
Throws across the body — These are still effective post-patch. If the QB does get outside, cross-body throws to the opposite sideline remain dangerous.
Quick game — Slants, hitches, and bubble screens beat contains because the ball's out before the contain matters.
Inside runs — Contains focus on outside gaps, leaving inside running lanes potentially softer.
Personnel Matters
Big piece of advice — you need athletes at edge positions for contains to work.
If you have 350-pound defensive ends who can't move well, they won't be effective contains. They can't match mobile QB athleticism.
But if you have athletic edge defenders, they'll be pretty good contains because they can chase down mobile QBs way better than heavy, slower players.
Consider subbing in linebackers or athletic defensive ends in obvious passing situations where you expect rollouts.
Common Contains Mistakes
Using them against pocket passers — You're sacrificing pass rush for unnecessary discipline.
Poor personnel — Slow, heavy players can't contain athletic QBs effectively.
Not mixing it up — Good opponents will recognize contain discipline and attack inside.
Late setup — Set contains pre-snap. Don't wait until you see rollout action.
Expecting perfection — Contains help but don't eliminate scrambling completely. Mobile QBs will still make some plays.
Final Thoughts
Contains are much improved post-patch. They won't solve all your mobile QB problems, but they give you a legitimate tool to limit rollout damage.
The fake outside, cut inside counter will always exist because it happens in real football too. But contains make life harder for scrambling QBs and give your defense better pocket integrity.
Test them in practice mode first — see how they work with your personnel and defensive packages before using them in games.