A deep dive into Todd Bowles' blitz-heavy scheme and the players poised to make the Bucs a defensive powerhouse.

We put the Bucs' defense under the microscope, exploring the evolution of Todd Bowles' scheme, the impact of adding pass-rusher Haason Reddick, and how young players like Calijah Kancey, YaYa Diaby, and Zyon McCollum are poised to take the next step.

Can this defense become a top-10 unit and carry Tampa Bay deep into the postseason?

In this episode, we talk about:

* How Head Coach Todd Bowles is evolving his blitz-heavy defensive scheme for the upcoming season.

* The massive impact new edge rusher Haason Reddick will have on the entire defensive line.

* The young, ascending talent in the secondary, including Zyon McCollum and rookie Benjamin Morrison.

* The critical veteran leadership of foundational pieces like Vita Vea and Lavonte David.

* Whether the Buccaneers have the firepower and depth to become a legitimate top-10 defense in the NFL.

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Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro: The Famous Creamsicle Uniforms

1:28 - The Todd Bowles Philosophy: A Deep Dive into the Bucs' Defensive Scheme

4:47 - Defensive Line: How Haason Reddick's Arrival Unlocks Everyone Else

7:15 - Analyzing the Interior Threats: Calijah Kancey, Logan Hall & Vita Vea

10:20 - Linebackers: The Critical Role of Veteran Lavonte David

15:15 - Secondary Breakdown: Can the Young Talent Step Up?

17:50 - The New-Look Nickel Position with Tykee Smith & Jacob Parish

22:05 - Strengths vs. Weaknesses: Why Pass Rush Stats Didn't Equal Success Last Year

24:30 - The Biggest Concern for the Bucs' Defense This Season

26:55 - Final Verdict: Can This Defense Make Tampa Bay a True Contender?

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» Join Felix and me 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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In this episode, we talk about:

* Explain why the 4-time champ Bucs could win 11-12 games with a top-10 QB (?) Baker Mayfield.

* The consensus second-place Falcons have a great offense, but their success hinges on the development of their weak pass rush.

* Carolina is rebuilding around QB Bryce Young with big-potential targets, but will their defense improve with offseason spending?

* On to 2026? The Saints are in a complete rebuild with a new coach, an aging roster, and a rookie quarterback.

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Timestamps:

00:08 Welcome To A Division No One Wants to Win

00:21 The Buccaneers' Four-Year Reign

03:25 Analyzing the Falcons' High-Powered Offense

09:55 The Kyle Pitts Conundrum

14:47 Atlanta's Biggest Weakness: The Pass Rush

18:03 Can the Carolina Panthers Surprise Everyone?

18:53 Breaking Down the Panthers' Defensive Spending Spree

23:00 How Carolina is Building Around Bryce Young

27:44 New Orleans Saints: Entering a Full Rebuild

28:43 The Saints' Quarterback Situation & Future

29:13 Can the Saints' Roster Fit a New Defensive Scheme?

37:32 Deep Dive: Are the Buccaneers a 12-Win Team?

41:41 How Tampa Bay's Offense Evolves After Coaching Changes

46:49 The Value of Veteran Coaches: The Tom Moore Story

51:17 Why Experience Still Matters in the Modern NFL

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» Join Felix and me each Wednesday as we dive deep into the game we love!

MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.

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© 2025 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.

A deep dive into Ben Johnson's plan for Caleb Williams, the Lions' chances to repeat, Jordan Love's pivotal year, and Brian Flores' revolutionary Vikings defense.

In this episode, we talk about:

* Why the Chicago Bears hired coach Ben Johnson to develop rookie QB Caleb Williams and how they surrounded him with a rebuilt interior offensive line.

* Can Detroit survive the ‘brain drain’? The Detroit Lions face questions about their offense and QB Jared Goff's ability to sustain his performance after losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

* Analyze the Green Bay Packers’ need for quarterback Jordan Love to ascend to an elite level, but the team's success may be hindered by weaknesses on the defensive line and at cornerback.

* Why the Minnesota Vikings' season depends on the development of rookie QB J.J. McCarthy and the sustainability of Brian Flores's high-blitz, high-risk defensive scheme.

* Explain why the NFC North is considered the most compelling division to watch due to its young, innovative head coaches.

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Timestamps:

0:00 Intro: NFC North Preview

0:09 Chicago Bears: Can Ben Johnson Refine Caleb Williams?

6:21 Step Two For The Bears: Rebuilding the Interior Offensive Line

11:24 Chicago's Defense: Hiring Dennis Allen as DC

17:41 Is This a Top 10 Defense & Are the Bears a Surprise Team?

19:25 Detroit Lions: The Impact of "Brain Drain"

24:47 Will Jared Goff Take a Step Back Without Ben Johnson?

25:59 Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love or Bust?

32:43 Packers' Glaring Defensive Issues: D-Line & Cornerbacks

37:46 Minnesota Vikings: The Challenge for Kevin O'Connell

39:03 The Plan for Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy

41:56 A Deep Dive into Brian Flores's Revolutionary Defense

47:04 The Vikings' Biggest Weakness: The Secondary

52:25 Is the NFC North the Best-Coached Division in the NFL?

58:05 Final Predictions: Who Wins the NFC North?

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» Join Felix and me each Wednesday as we dive deep into the game we love!

MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.

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© 2025 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.