All Madden 20 Superstar and X-Factor Abilities For Defenders

Today, we are moving onto Superstar and X-Factor abilities for defensive lineman, linebackers, and defensive backs in Madden 20.

You may have missed our previous articles covering Superstar X-Factor abilities for quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers.

Please note that there is currently very limited information on offensive line, kicker, or punter abilities in Madden 20 and whether or not they will be in the game.

As the year goes on, there will be updates to which players possess these X-Factor and Superstar abilities and this list could change at any time.

Let’s get into it.

Madden 20 X-Factor Abilities For Defenders

X-Factor abilities are not activated by default. They can only be activated once the player who possesses the ability completes specific tasks and they can only be knocked out of the zone under certain circumstances.

Unstoppable Force

Players who have this ability: Joey Bosa, DeMarcus Lawrence, Calais Campbell, Cameron Jordan, Myles Garrett, Geno Atkins, Khalil Mack

What this ability does: Elite pass rushers are a mix of strength, speed, and tenacity. When they enter the zone, this ability increases their win rate and block shed speed against one on one pass blocks

How to activate this ability: 1 Sack

How to lose this ability: 50 offensive yards allowed

Fearmonger

Players who have this ability: JJ Watt, Aaron Donald, Fletcher Cox, Von Miller

What this ability does: Some pass rushers intimidate quarterbacks with their sheer presence. When they enter the zone, they can apply significant pressure on quarterbacks even while engaged with blockers.

How to activate this ability: 1 Sack

How to lose this ability: 50 offensive yards allowed

Shutdown

Players who have this ability: Luke Kuechly, Bobby Wagner, Chris Harris Jr., Byron Jones, Richard Sherman, Jalen Ramsey, Stephon Gilmore

What this ability does: Shutdown defenders have the talent to erase receivers from the game. When they enter the zone, their coverage is tighter and interceptions are more frequent on contested catches.

How to activate this ability: Force Incompletions

How to lose this ability: Allowing yards

Zone Hawk

Players who have this ability: Eddie Jackson, Earl Thomas

What this ability does: Zone Hawk defenders lock down a part of the field. When they enter the zone, this ability increases the rate of catch knockouts and interceptions while in coverage.

How to activate this ability: Force incompletions

How to lose this ability: Allowing yards

Reinforcement

Players who have this ability: Derwin James, Harrison Smith

What this ability does: The game’s top defenders excel in all situations. When they enter the zone, this ability increases their chance of defeating run blocks, tackling runners, and disrupting catches.

How to activate this ability: Force incompletions or TFLs

How to lose this ability: Allowing Yards

Madden 20 Superstar Abilities For Defenders

These abilities don’t need to be activated and cannot be lost. The player who has them possesses these abilities no matter what happens in the game.

Edge Threat

Players who have this ability: Joey Bosa, Cameron Jordan, Khalil Mack, Von Miller, DeMarcus Lawrence, Calias Campbell, Myles Garrett

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability use dominant pass rush moves while rushing from the edge of the defense.

Finesse Specialist

Players who have this ability: Joey Bosa

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability have faster finesse move animations during their pass rush

Under Pressure

Players who have this ability: DeMarcus Lawrence, Aaron Donald, Fletcher Cox

What this ability does: Defender with this ability can apply pressure to the quarterback from a greater distance.

Reach Elite

Players who have this ability: Calais Campbell, Danelle Hunter, Geno Atkins, Khalil Mack, Ryan Kerrigan, Chandler Jones

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability can reach out of engaged blocks to tackle or sack nearby ball carriers

Run Stopper

Players who have this ability: Cameron Jordan, Jurrell Casey, Damon Harrison

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability can either shed or reach out of engaged run blocks to tackle nearby defenders.

Strip Specialist

Players who have this ability: JJ Watt, Von Miller, Darius Leonard, T.J. Watt

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability can still tackle effectively while trying to strip the football.

Edge Threat Elite

Players who have this ability: JJ Watt

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability use dominant pass rush moves and apply significant QB pressure while rushing from the edge of the defense.

Power Specialist

Players who have this ability: Myles Garrett, Geno Atkins, Fletcher Cox

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability have faster power move animations during their pass rush.

Pass Rush Elite

Players who have this ability: Aaron Donald

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability use faster pass rush moves for a better chance at shedding pass blocks.

Tackle Supreme

Players who have this ability: C.J. Mosley, Luke Kuechly, Bobby Wagner, Jadeveon Clowney

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability have better conservative/dive tackling, are rarely faked out by ballcarrier moves, and cannot be faked out when user-controlled.

Enforcer

Players who have this ability: Luke Kuechly, Bobby Wagner, Keanu Neal, Jamal Adams, Landon Collins, Harrison Smith

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability don’t allow broken tackles when hit-sticking ballcarriers – regardless of the runner’s size or power

Unfakeable

Players who have this ability: Leighton Vander Esch, Derwin James

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability are rarely faked out by ballcarrier moves and cannot be faked out when user-controlled.

Pick Artist

Players who have this ability: Kyle Fuller, Xavien Howard, Richard Sherman, Eddie Jackson, Micah Hyde, Earl Thomas

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability have higher chance to catch uncontested interceptions, and they have unlimited stamina on the return until using a special move or breaking a tackle.

Acrobat

Players who have this ability: Chris Harris Jr., Denzel Ward, Byron Jones, Jalen Ramsey, Stephon Gilmore, Marshon Lattimore

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability will dive for increased range on pass breakups and interceptions

Man Up

Players who have this ability: Chris Harris Jr., Stephon Gilmore

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability play tighter coverage and force more catch knockouts in man to man.

Zoned Out

Players who have this ability: Byron Jones, Richard Sherman, Darius Slay, Eddie Jackson, Earl Thomas, Derwin James, Harrison Smith

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability force more catch knockouts and react quicker in zone coverage.

Universal Coverage

Players who have this ability: Jalen Ramsey

What this ability does: Defenders with this ability play tighter coverage and force more catch knockouts in both man-to-man and zone.

Which players are you most excited to use on defense? Sound off in the comments!