Let's Talk Ball!

We break down the Bills' firing of Sean McDermott after their loss to the Broncos, analyze the hire of John Harbaugh to the Giants, and preview the Championship Sunday matchups: Patriots vs. Broncos and Rams vs. Seahawks. Plus, was that the best throw of Caleb Williams' life?
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In this episode:
The McDermott Firing & Coaching Carousel: We analyze the Bills’ decision to move on from Sean McDermott, the hiring of John Harbaugh by the Giants, and Kevin Stefanski landing in Atlanta.
Playoff Recap & Controversy: We break down the controversial finish to the Bills-Broncos game, the “meta” flip that doomed Buffalo’s roster construction, and Caleb Williams’ insane throw in the Bears’ loss.
The CJ Stroud Dilemma: We discuss the Texans’ offensive collapse against New England and debate whether Houston is stuck in “quarterback purgatory” regarding Stroud’s next contract.
AFC Championship Preview (Patriots vs. Broncos): We look at how the Patriots can attack Denver’s pass rush and how the Broncos will adjust with Jared Stidham stepping in for the injured Bo Nix.
NFC Championship Preview (Rams vs. Seahawks): We preview the Round 3 matchup between Seattle and LA, focusing on the Stafford vs. Darnold quarterback battle and the Jaxon Smith-Njigba X-factor.
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Timestamps:
» Part I: The Coaching Carousel & Front Office
00:00 The Bills Clean House Discussion on the firing of Sean McDermott and the promotion of GM Brandon Beane.
00:47 Roster vs. The Meta Analysis of how the Bills built a roster to beat the Chiefs/Bengals but failed to adjust to the league-wide shift toward 12 personnel.
05:43 The “Intellectual” Defensive Coach: A look at candidates like Brian Daboll and the trend toward hiring “intellectual” defensive minds similar to Mike Macdonald and Brandon Staley.
07:53 Stefanski to Atlanta Breakdown of the potential fit for Kevin Stefanski with the Falcons’ offensive weapons (Bijan Robinson, Drake London).
10:38 Ulbrich & The Wide-9 Shift: Why keeping Jeff Ulbrich signals a commitment to the Wide-9/Quarters-heavy defensive structures popularized by the Saleh tree.
12:50 The Harbaugh Clause: John Harbaugh to the Giants, and the unique contract clause stating he answers only to the owner.
» Part II: Schematic Analysis & Game Recaps
21:03 Gap Schemes vs. Speed: How the Bills utilized Pin-Pull concepts to exploit Denver’s speed, noting Denver’s 20th rank against Duo runs.
22:33 Motion to Disrupt Coverage Denver used motion on 75% of plays (a season-high) to force communication checks and disrupt Buffalo’s split-field rotations.
24:22 Erasing the Deep Ball Denver’s secondary held Josh Allen to 0-for-6 passing with 2 INTs on attempts of 20+ yards.
27:03 Texans Offensive Collaps:e A breakdown of C.J. Stroud’s struggles and the Texans’ inability to counter the Patriots’ game plan.
30:08 Patriots MOFO Spike The Patriots increased their Middle of Field Open (MOFO) usage to 60%, using weak rotation vs. 3x1 and split-field vs. 2x2 to eliminate crossing routes.
» Part III: Previews & Adjustments
32:59 Patriots vs. Broncos Preview: The matchup of the Patriots’ Man-Blocking/Duo schemes against the Broncos’ fast-flow defense.
40:35 The Caleb Williams Throw Reaction to the 45-yard cross-body throw from Caleb Williams in the Rams-Bears game.
46:02 Pressure vs. Condensed Sets Dennis Allen’s adjustment to blitz the edges and use DB pressure specifically against 12/13 personnel condensed formations, forcing the Rams into spread looks.
» Part IV: NFC Championship Preview
48:41 #1 Offense vs. #1 Defense Setting the stage for the Rams (Outside Zone) vs. Seahawks (Wide-9/Cover 2).
50:00 The Schematic Conflict The clash between the Rams’ outside run game and the Seahawks’ defensive front is designed to force runs inside.
51:27 The Cover 2 Weakness Identifying the Seahawks’ 16th-ranked DVOA vs. Tight Ends as the key area for Stafford to attack the interior of the Cover 2.
55:53 The JSN Factor: Why Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the X-factor for breaking down zone coverages in this matchup.
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» Join Felix and Cody each Wednesday as we dive deep into the game we love!
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© 2025 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.


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We break down the X's and O's behind the NFL's record-breaking Wild Card weekend, analyzing how Buffalo's disguised coverages and the Eagles' collapse defined the slate. Plus, we preview the National Championship clash between Indiana and Miami, explaining why the title will be decided by 'movement-based' defense versus raw trench power.
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In this episode:
The “Cignetti Bowl” Preview: We analyze the National Championship matchup, highlighting the shared James Madison roots of the defensive coordinators and contrasting Miami’s physical, NFL-prototype front with Indiana’s movement-based, stunt-heavy scheme.
Historic Wild Card Weekend: We recap a record-breaking opening round of the playoffs that featured more lead changes than the entire past postseason combined, headlined by Caleb Williams and the Bears rallying late to knock off the Packers.
Buffalo’s Cover 2 Masterclass: We break down how the Bills confused Trevor Lawrence by running “all the Cover 2s”—mixing various hybrid coverages and rotations to force mistakes despite playing a simple structure on paper.
The Eagles’ Statistical Anomaly: We discuss the Philadelphia Eagles' collapse and the heat on Nick Sirianni, noting the rarity of a team losing a playoff game despite being +2 in turnover margin and +65 in rushing yards.
The “Anti-Defense” Philosophy: We examine the modern defensive approach used by the Texans and 49ers, which relies less on exotic schemes and more on elite linebacker depth and precise vertical drops to shut down the intermediate passing game.
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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro: A Historic Wild Card Weekend
2:10 National Championship Preview: The "Cignetti Bowl"
5:00 Miami’s NFL Prototype Front vs. Indiana’s Movement-Based Defense
11:06 Natty Predictions: Why Mendoza Fits the Hoosiers
17:31 Rams vs. Panthers: Puka Nacua & The "Dome Quarterback" Dilemma
23:17 Bears vs. Packers: Caleb Williams Arrives in the 4th Quarter
28:36 Bills vs. Jaguars: Josh Allen’s Perfection vs. Trevor Lawrence’s Mistakes
31:37 Scheme Breakdown: How Buffalo Ran "All the Cover 2s"
33:20 49ers vs. Eagles: The Coaching Mismatch
35:35 The "Weak Hook" & The Value of Modern Linebackers
39:56 The Eagles' Collapse: Losing Despite Winning the Stats
45:40 Patriots vs. Chargers: The "Show Zone, Play Man" Game Plan
49:48 Texans vs. Steelers: The Nuance of "Anti-Defense"
53:01 The Coaching Carousel: Underrated Candidates & Predictions
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» Join Felix and Cody each Wednesday as we dive deep into the game we love!
MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe.
—
© 2025 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.matchquarters.com/subscribe

Cody Alexander and Felix Johnson break down the shocking firing of Kevin Stefanski and the 2026 NFL coaching carousel before diving into a schematic preview of every Wild Card Weekend matchup. From the Seahawks' defensive dominance to the Eagles vs. 49ers rematch, get expert analysis and predictions for the first round of the NFL playoffs.
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In this episode:
Reactions to Major Firings: Cody and Felix debate the logic behind the “shocking” firing of Kevin Stefanski by the Cleveland Browns and the expected departure of Pete Carroll from the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Coaching Carousel: The duo analyzes potential landing spots for top candidates, identifying the Atlanta Falcons as a perfect fit for Stefanski while discussing openings for names like Mike Vrabel and Bill Belichick.
Defensive Deep Dives: Cody breaks down the “Legion of Boom 2.0” in Seattle, detailing how their zone-heavy scheme dominates the middle of the field, and examines the blitz-heavy nature of the Broncos’ defense.
Wild Card Matchup Previews: The hosts discuss the “Paper Tiger Bowl” between the Patriots and Chargers and explain why Vic Fangio and the Eagles’ defense are uniquely suited to stop the 49ers’ offense in their rematch.
Playoff Predictions: Predictions for the weekend slate include the Texans winning a low-scoring slugfest against the Steelers and the Jaguars potentially upsetting the Bills by controlling the ground game.
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Timestamps:
The Coaching Carousel
00:00 Intro: Draft season vs. Playoff season
00:38 Raiders fire Pete Carroll: Was it the meddling? Plus, Patrick Graham’s future
02:12 Jonathan Gannon out in Arizona: Why the scheme never gelled
03:54 The Stefanski Shocker: Why the Browns fired him and why it’s a mistake
05:07 The Falcons Opening: Is Stefanski the perfect bridge for Cousins and Penix?
08:58 Titans & Giants: Vrabel’s exit and the strange stability of NYG’s front office
14:26 The Dolphins: Why Mike McDaniel is safe for now
16:54 NFC East Shakeup: Cowboys/Commanders firing; DC candidates for Dallas
19:34 Coordinator Candidates: Jesse Minter and Chris Shula are ready for the jump
Defensive Trends & Regular Season Review
22:53 Defense wasn’t the problem: Analyzing the Lions and Colts
26:55 “Paper Tiger” Defenses: Why the Patriots and Chargers are deceiving
30:06 49ers Defense: The “Mosquito Defense” Bend but don’t break
33:08 Seahawks Defense: How Mike Macdonald recreated the Legion of Boom
Wild Card Weekend Previews
36:16 Steelers vs. Texans: A low-scoring slugfest & the Texans’ “ass-whooper” scheme
39:40 Jaguars vs. Bills: Can Jacksonville control the clock and upset Josh Allen?
42:58 Patriots vs. Chargers: The “Paper Tiger Bowl”
44:57 Panthers vs. Rams: Can Carolina run the ball enough to keep Stafford off the field?
47:58 Eagles vs. 49ers: Why Fangio and the Eagles are the worst matchup for Kittle & Purdy
51:08 Bears vs. Packers: Caleb Williams vs. a suspect Packers defense
54:59 Broncos Analysis: Heavy blitz dependency and offensive limitations
57:42 The Dream Super Bowl? A Seahawks vs. Broncos defensive battle
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» Join Felix and Cody each Wednesday as we dive deep into the game we love!
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—
© 2026 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.matchquarters.com/subscribe

Cody and Felix break down the schematic issues plaguing the Cowboys and Commanders, and analyze how Brian Flores used specific pressure packages to confuse Jared Goff. The duo also discusses the Saints' resurgence, the Jaguars' playoff potential, and Caleb Williams' undeniable talent.
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In this episode:
- The continued dysfunction of the Las Vegas Raiders and the confusion surrounding their offensive staff structure.
- Dan Quinn’s defensive regression in Washington and the potential coordinator carousel looming for the Cowboys.
- Brian Flores’ tactical masterclass against the Lions and how he utilized specific pressure packages to rattle Jared Goff.
- Takeaways from the Chiefs-Broncos Christmas matchup, including the heated exchange between Bo Nix and Sean Payton.
- The contrast between Caleb Williams’ "undeniable" raw talent and the 49ers’ highly structured efficiency under Kyle Shanahan.
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro & The Raiders "Dumpster Fire"
5:02 - Cowboys vs. Commanders & Dan Quinn’s Future
10:08 - The Cowboys' DC Search: Why Flores/Leonard Might Not Happen
15:42 - Broncos vs. Chiefs: Bo Nix Yelling at Sean Payton
19:15 - Chargers vs. Texans & CJ Stroud’s Struggles
24:59 - Packers vs. Ravens: Derrick Henry’s Dominance
28:26 - Bengals vs. Cardinals: Arizona’s Defensive Injuries
32:30 - Steelers vs. Browns & Aaron Rodgers’ Sack Aversion
35:12 - Dolphins Recap & Todd Bowles on the Hot Seat?
37:55 - Saints vs. Titans: Why New Orleans is a 2026 Sleeper
41:25 - The Jaguars' Ascent & Liam Coen’s Impact
43:31 - Patriots vs. Jets & Drake Maye’s Potential
48:42 - Vikings vs. Lions: Brian Flores’ Masterclass vs. Goff
52:30 - Bears vs. 49ers: Caleb Williams vs. The Shanahan Machine
55:29 - Eagles vs. Bills Recap
56:22 - Seahawks vs. Panthers & Bryce Young
58:48 - Rams vs. Falcons & Kirk Cousins’ Future
1:00:06 - Outro
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» Join Felix and Cody each Wednesday as we dive deep into the game we love!
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—
© 2025 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.matchquarters.com/subscribe

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In this episode:

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Timestamps:

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» Join Felix and Cody each Wednesday as we dive deep into the game we love!
MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe.
—
© 2025 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.matchquarters.com/subscribe