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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© 2026 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.

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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© 2025 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.

Subtitle

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In this episode:

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Timestamps:

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© 2025 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.

Why poor linebacker play is wrecking NFL defenses, breaking down Brent Venables' plan for Alabama, and a TNF preview.

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In this episode:

CFP Preview: A look at Alabama vs. Oklahoma, focusing on Brent Venables’ diverse defensive scheme, plus predictions for Miami vs. Texas A&M.

The End of the Chiefs’ Season? Analyzing the fallout of Patrick Mahomes’ ACL tear and why the Kansas City defense was already regressing before the injury.

The Linebacker Problem: Why defenses like the Buccaneers and Panthers are collapsing due to poor second-level play and the inability to cover the middle of the field.

Rams vs. Lions: How Sean McVay has evolved the Rams offense with 13 personnel and why their “aggregate” defensive line is outperforming teams with “splash” edge rushers.

Bills Run Defense Issues: Breaking down why Buffalo’s light boxes and hybrid linebackers are a liability against physical AFC teams as they head toward the playoffs.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Heisman Snubs & Fernando Mendoza

03:09 CFP Preview: Bama vs. OU

07:05 Miami vs. Texas A&M

09:18 JMU vs. Tulane Breakdown

10:52 FCS Playoffs: Montana vs. Montana St.

12:15 Bucs Defensive Collapse

15:23 Panthers Run Game Struggles

19:49 Mahomes Tears ACL

25:02 Herbert Passes Mahomes

26:00 Micah Parsons Injury Impact

30:10 Bo Nix & Broncos Defense

35:40 Raiders’ Scoring Drought

38:59 Colts vs. Seahawks Recap

42:49 Rams Offensive Evolution

47:22 Dolphins Clock Management

50:00 Bills Run Defense Issues

53:40 Ravens Shutout Bengals

56:07 Trevor Lawrence’s Resurgence

58:39 Historic NFL Stats

01:01:08 Texans Win Streak

01:04:47 TNF Preview: Rams vs. Seahawks

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© 2025 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.

Analyzing Indiana’s defensive disguise, Jalen Hurts’ issues against the blitz, and diagnosing the Chiefs' offensive collapse.

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In this episode:

- CFP Bracket Reaction: We break down the playoff seeding, the “drunk” ACC, and preview key first-round matchups like Alabama vs. Oklahoma.

- Indiana’s Defensive Scheme: A deep dive into how Indiana’s defense utilized unique coverages to limit Ohio State and Jeremiah Smith.

- Coaching Carousel: Thoughts on the final spins of the coaching carousel, including Colin Klein returning to his alma mater, Kansas State.

- Chiefs in Crisis: Analyzing Kansas City’s offensive struggles, defensive regression without an effective pass rush, and whether the dynasty is truly fading.

- Eagles & Hurts Issues: Diagnosing Jalen Hurts’ poor performance against the Chargers and his struggles throwing into the middle of the field.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: College Football Playoff Reaction

06:30 - The “Drunk” ACC & Duke’s Championship Win

08:40 - Coaching Carousel: Colin Klein Returns to K-State

11:48 - CFP Bracket Reveal: G5 Teams & The “Paper Tiger” NCAA

16:20 - CFP First Round Previews: Alabama vs. Oklahoma & Texas A&M

20:00 - Heisman Talk & NFL Draft QB Implications

23:20 - Scheme Deep Dive: How Indiana’s Defense Stifled Ohio State

25:44 - NFL: Colts vs. Jaguars & The Anthony Richardson Injury Fallout

32:55 - Are the Chiefs in Trouble? (Offensive Struggles & Veach’s Moves)

41:25 - Shedeur Sanders, The Browns, and Titans

44:45 - Broncos vs. Raiders: PS2’s Dominance & “Boring” Wins

49:00 - Commanders Regression: Kliff Kingsbury & Defensive Issues

52:00 - NFC South: Saints, Bucs & The “Dirty Birds”

55:00 - Ravens vs. Steelers: Lamar’s Struggles & Tomlin’s Defense

57:50 - Bengals vs. Bills: Snow Game & Josh Allen’s Offense

01:00:30 - Dolphins Defense & Tua’s First Cold Weather Win

01:02:08 - Seahawks vs. Falcons: Nickel Play & Pass Rush

01:05:37 - Bears vs. Packers: Caleb Williams vs. Jordan Love

01:08:30 - Rams vs. Cardinals: Kyler Murray & Gannon’s Defense

01:10:00 - MNF Deep Dive: Jalen Hurts’ Issues vs. The Blitz

01:13:35 - TNF Preview: Falcons vs. Bucs & Outro

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© 2025 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.

Breakdowns of the CFB coaching carousel, why Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson struggle vs. the blitz, and the Packers' defensive evolution.

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In this episode:

Lane Kiffin to LSU: We break down the major coaching moves, including Kiffin taking the LSU job and John Sumrall heading to Florida.

Cowboys Upset the Chiefs: An analysis of how the Cowboys’ defense stifled Patrick Mahomes and why the Chiefs continue to struggle in the “middle eight”.

The Lions’ Collapse: A look at Dan Campbell’s questionable playcalling, the Packers completing the sweep, and why Detroit is in danger of missing the playoffs.

QBs vs. The Blitz: We discuss why mobile quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson are seeing the highest blitz rates in the league and struggling to counter them.

Texas & The SEC: A recap of the Texas defense stepping up against A&M and the reality check facing the Longhorns in their new conference.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro: NFL Coaches & Playbooks

04:16 Texas Defense shuts down A&M

07:51 Coaching Carousel: Lane Kiffin to LSU & John Sumrall to Florida

12:54 Pete Golding & The Future of Ole Miss Defense

16:05 Chiefs vs. Cowboys Recap: Why KC lost the “Middle 8”

18:49 How Eberflus Fixed the Cowboys Defense

27:37 Packers Sweep the Lions & Dan Campbell’s Playcalling Issues

32:06 Bears Upset Eagles & Caleb Williams’ Game Management

34:22 Why Jalen Hurts & Lamar Jackson Struggle vs. The Blitz

40:32 Bengals Defense Forces 5 Turnovers vs. Ravens

42:03 The AFC South Race: Texans, Colts & Jags

46:07 Quick Hit: Falcons vs. Jets 46:59 Rams vs. Panthers & Bryce Young

49:47 Browns vs. 49ers

52:14 Cardinals vs. Bucs

54:31 Seahawks Dominate Vikings & Kevin O’Connell’s Struggles

55:50 Bills vs. Steelers & Josh Allen

57:52 Broncos Win Again vs. Commanders

01:03:00 TNF Preview: Cowboys vs. Lions

01:06:37 Outro

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© 2025 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.

Cody and Felix analyze the Rams' "lie" defense and the Texans' physicality. Plus, previews for Ohio State vs. Michigan, Chiefs-Cowboys, and the full NFL Thanksgiving slate.

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In this episode:

- Texas & Oregon’s Ascent: We discuss how Texas is peaking at the right time with Arch Manning and analyze Oregon’s evolution into a “new blue blood” under Dan Lanning.- "The Game" Preview: We break down the Ohio State vs. Michigan matchup, highlighting the Buckeyes’ dominance and Michigan’s schematic regression under Wink Martindale.- Defensive Philosophies: We contrast the Houston Texans’ physical, “punch you in the face” style with the Los Angeles Rams’ deceptive, “everything is a lie” coverage disguises.- Rookie QB Realities: We examine the developmental paths of young quarterbacks, comparing Caleb Williams’ need for structured creativity against JJ McCarthy’s statistical struggles.- Thanksgiving Slate & Eagles Panic: We preview the holiday weekend games, predict a Chiefs win over Dallas, and discuss why the Philadelphia Eagles might be on the verge of a collapse.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & Thanksgiving Break Chaos 01:10 Texas Dominance & Arch Manning’s Ascent 04:38 Oklahoma’s Defensive Identity vs. Mizzou 10:20 Can Lincoln Riley Fix USC? 12:26 Dan Lanning & Oregon as a “New Blue Blood” 17:00 The Game: Ohio State vs. Michigan Preview 19:33 The Wild ACC Playoff Picture 23:29 Texans Defense: “Punch You in the Face” Style 26:02 JJ McCarthy’s Struggles & Vikings Issues 30:09 Jameis Winston & The Value of Backup QBs 35:32 Chiefs Find a Way (Again) & Latu’s Interceptions 39:41 The Patriots’ Historic Defensive Run 44:21 Is JSN the Best Receiver in the NFL? 45:16 Caleb Williams: Genius vs. Structure 51:26 Saints, Taysom Hill, & 13 Personnel Obsession 54:08 Don’t Sleep on the Cardinals Defense 56:37 Rams vs. Bucs: “Everything is a Lie” Scheme 59:31 Ravens vs. Jets: A Win is a Win 1:01:44 Cowboys Stun the Eagles: Comeback Analysis 1:07:42 Thanksgiving Preview: Packers vs. Lions 1:08:52 Preview: Bengals vs. Ravens 1:10:09 Thanksgiving Preview: Chiefs vs. Cowboys

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© 2025 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.

Cody and Felix discuss James Franklin to Virginia Tech, the Broncos stun the Chiefs, and Josh Allen's historic day. Plus, film analysis on why J.J. McCarthy can't throw left.

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In this episode:

* React to the breaking news of James Franklin becoming the next head coach at Virginia Tech and discuss the future of the program.

* Analyze the Broncos’ stunning upset win over the Chiefs, focusing on how Bo Nix handled Kansas City’s zone pressures.

* Break down Josh Allen’s historic six-touchdown performance against the Buccaneers and why the Buffalo defense remains a concern.

* Discuss the Vikings’ struggles, specifically highlighting film evidence that rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy cannot throw to his left.

Preview the upcoming Thursday Night Football matchup between the Texans and the Bills, looking at how Houston’s defense matches up on a short week.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & Commanders vs. Dolphins: An “Overtime Thriller”

03:57 - Breaking News: James Franklin to Virginia Tech

08:58 - SEC Recap: Texas falls to Georgia & the state of the conference

11:41 - Texas A&M: Can Marcel Reed win a title?

15:11 - Oklahoma beats Bama again & Venables’ defense

16:43 - Cal & Indiana: Fernando Mendoza and Curt Cignetti’s success

18:59 - Bucs vs. Bills: Josh Allen’s historic 6-touchdown day

25:14 - Packers vs. Giants: Panic in Green Bay?

30:34 - Panthers vs. Falcons: Why Atlanta’s defense collapsed

33:10 - Michael Penix injury update & the Kirk Cousins contract

36:59 - Bears vs. Vikings: Brian Flores vs. Caleb & J.J. McCarthy’s fatal flaw

40:10 - Rams vs. Seahawks: McVay wins, Darnold throws 4 picks

43:46 - Broncos stun the Chiefs: Bo Nix vs. Spags’ zone pressure

51:48 - Jaguars vs. Chargers: LA needs tackles

53:19 - Lions vs. Eagles: Vic Fangio’s defense dominates

56:25 - AFC North: Flacco vs. Rodgers & Steelers/Bengals

58:21 - Thursday Night Football Preview: Texans vs. Bills

01:00:28 - Breaking: Victor Wembanyama out 2-3 weeks

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© 2025 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.