Let's Talk Ball!

Let's Talk Ball!

High-level football discussion for coaches and serious fans. Join Cody Alexander of MatchQuarters and Felix Johnson as they break down defensive schemes, offensive trends, and interview the best minds in the game — the home for real X's and O's talk. www.matchquarters.com

Episodes

February 18, 2026 68 mins

This week on Let's Talk Ball!, Cody and Felix dive into the first official show of the 2026 offseason. It has been a historic cycle with nearly 10 head coaching openings, and we are breaking down the hires, the schematic shifts, and the "bald-headed" defensive tree taking over NFL staffs.

In this episode:

The Dolphins’ Hard Reset: We analyze Tyreek Hill's release and the probable move to Quinn Ewers as Miami's starter.

The Giants’ Ne...

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From the 'B-Gap Blueprint' to the 'Modular Defense,' we go inside the film to see how the Seahawks squeezed the life out of Drake May and the Patriots’ offense.

In this episode:

Mike Macdonald’s Defensive Masterclass: A deep dive into the “modular” defense and the surgical B-gap pressure that neutralized the New England Patriots.

Sam Darnold’s Redemption: The narrative of the 29-year-old quarterback exercising his career demons to be...

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We preview Super Bowl LX by analyzing if Drake Maye and the "Zombie" Patriots can upset the "Darkside" Seahawks defense in a battle of efficiency versus explosive plays. Plus, we break down the latest 2026 NFL coaching carousel news, including Todd Monken to the Browns and Mike LaFleur to the Cardinals.

In this episode:

- Preview the Super Bowl LX matchup, analyzing whether the “Zombie” Patriots’ deep-ball attack can disrupt the “Da...

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We break down Indiana's "perfect" National Championship run and the schematic evolution of the NFL run game from Wide Zone back to Duo. Plus, we react to the Steelers' controversial hiring of Mike McCarthy and analyze how the Patriots and Seahawks punched their tickets to the Super Bowl.

In this episode:

Break down Indiana’s “perfect” National Championship victory and the fundamental-heavy approach that defined their historic season.

...

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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?

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 Gi...

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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.

In this episode:

The “Cignetti Bowl” Preview: We analyze the National Championship matchup, high...

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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.

In this episode:

Reactions to Major Firings: Cody and Felix debate the logic behind the “shock...

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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.

In this episode:

- The continued dysfunction of the Las Vegas Raiders and the confusion surrounding their offensive staff structure.

- Dan Quinn’s defe...

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Subtitle

In this episode:

Timestamps:

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

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 Li...

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

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:...

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

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...

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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.

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, highl...

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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.

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 pres...

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A full NFL Week 10 recap! Are the Patriots the AFC's best? Plus: McVay's new offense, college's "singular toe" catch, and a Jets-Pats preview.

In this episode:

* Break down college football’s wildest moments, including Indiana’s “singular toe” game-winning catch and USC’s “cheeky” fake punt number switch that the Big Ten later admitted was illegal.

* Analyze the muddled AFC picture, noting the Dolphins “flipped the script” on the Bil...

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The Bills top the Chiefs, the Steelers' defense transforms with a new two-high look, and the Eagles trade for Jalen Phillips. Plus, could Nick Saban return to LSU?

In this episode:

* Analyze the “great quarters debate” on social media and discuss the trend of NFL owners, like the Colts’, using headsets for direct oversight.

* Break down the college football landscape, focusing on Arch Manning’s development at Texas and a deep dive in...

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Analyzing Brian Kelly's $54M LSU firing, Miami's "horrendous" uniforms, and if the Packers are a legit Super Bowl team. Full CFB & NFL weekend recap. Plus, a look at this week's Thursday Night Football matchup between the Ravens and Dolphins.

In this episode:

*We break down the shocking firing of LSU’s Brian Kelly, including the tense meeting with the governor and the staggering $54 million buyout.

*The crew debates Miami’s “horrendo...

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From the college coaching carousel and "Let Dak Throw" to Miami's "meme offense."

In this episode:

* Break down Billy Napier’s “inevitable” firing at Florida and speculate on the college coaching carousel, including James Franklin and Rhett Lashley.

* Analyze what’s wrong with Trevor Lawrence, suggesting he has a “mid-ceiling and a mid-floor” and lacks a “killer instinct”.

* Argue that the Miami Dolphins are a “meme offense” facing cu...

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A deep dive into Matt Patricia's "NFLized" Ohio State defense, the Cowboys' defensive struggles under Eberflus, and why Mike Vrabel has the Patriots looking like a legit threat.

In this episode:

*Penn State’s season is considered a “total collapse” after starting the year with national championship expectations. The team’s struggles, which began at halftime of the Oregon game, ultimately led to the firing of Head Coach James Frankli...

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Breaking down the Cardinals' unbelievable loss, the schematic genius of Kyle Shanahan and Shane Steichen, and Penn State's stunning choke.

In this episode:

*A Historic Collapse: Learn about the Arizona Cardinals’ “wildest loss” to the Tennessee Titans, which featured a player fumbling before the goal line and a dropped interception that became a Titans touchdown.

*Elite Offensive Coaching: Understand the impact of top offensive coach...

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