Anyone else having issues with defensive controls?

I’ve had defenders, not swatting passes or going out passes in the push button

I have the same exact problems. And if you notice in key controls (PC) "Defense Engaged", Speed rush and switch player are both assigned mid-mouse button or F key.
That's not gonna work very well for anyone.
And that's also what they call "screwing up a glass of water".
Playing from the D-Line is almost totally broken. It's 90% luck depending on whether the other linemen (AI) do their part or an O-Lineman fails. 
Can't really play that way if that's what someone likes doing.
It's preferrable that they fix the longstanding bugs, contrasting rules/structure (compared to real NFL) and incomplete rosters, than make changes that compound problems that make it difficult to enjoy the game this go-around.
New changes aren't cutting it. As I said, improving the previous existing game would've been the smart move.

They should've saved face by delaying the release to fix these, instead of stringing us along, waiting for needed fixes that shouldn't have made it out of development/QA in the first place.

I have the same issue. Any luck finding solution?

I was hoping the last update would have a fix and its still not working.

I just downloaded Madden 26 today to start playing and I also have this bug. So disappointed! I've tried everything I could find on YouTube and Reddit and nothing resolved it for me. I just got off chat with live support and the agent said they would escalate to the right team. Fingers crossed.

Thanks for bringing this to their attention. I was just trying to play it just now and I just can't without controlling the defense.

I have a similar problem; I noticed it after the latest update. When I play as a safety and move into the box after the snap, the player just stops in front of it and doesn’t respond anymore. When I play as an edge rusher and use my swim move, then try to move right or left to chase the QB, he won’t move either. Sometimes you switch players with the L2 input… it’s just frustrating.

I’ve already tried switching controllers — same result. I tried figuring out what causes it, but no matter what I do, it doesn’t help. When I play as a safety, linebacker, or edge, the players just get stuck in the middle of the play — sometimes even the triangle or tackle button doesn’t work. I’ve also checked my controller settings, and everything is on default.

And on top of that, now I have to disable “Show Play Art” and turn on VSync just to get a smooth image? Before, I was running at 120+ FPS without VSync…

Still bugged or at least the way they have you activate it now is ridiculous as it requires hitting the desired key (keyboard) before engaging O-lineman (twice sometimes) and then the effects still don't seem to work or have much of an impact.
It's too clumsy and lumbering to even attempt when the ball is hiked and not come off the line significantly slower.
Almost better off to just select plays/audibles and let the cpu do everything.
I think they've had ample time to fix this now. It worked in previous Madden releases.
I just started playing MUT for the first time and now that a bug with baked on superstar abilities.
M26 is arguably the poorest quality release I've seen.

For a clearer description...

If it's hard to see, pixels are scaled down in the post, so I can't do anything about that.

Still same issues but it looks like they changed the defense-engaged actions to be combo moves with timing being a factor. I can't get the move I want to execute with any consistency. Judging by their lack of attention, I'd say they have no interest in fixing any of it.
I can't even compete in H2H MUT challenges. It's way too significant of a disadvantage to be considered fair competition.

I've played Madden since it began and even played the John Elway football before that. It's always been one of my favorite games.
Unfortunately, If they continue to ignore this, I can't see a reason to continue playing '26 and any further editions, since I still can't play as intended. I'm not recommending anyone does the same; that's just the level of frustration and disappointment I have in how this has been handled.