Let's Talk Ball!

Cody Alexander & Felix Johnson
  • 4.7 (33)
  • FOOTBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. Week 18 Reactions: The NFL Coaching Carousel & Wild Card Preview

    3D AGO

    Week 18 Reactions: The NFL Coaching Carousel & Wild Card Preview

    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 “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. — 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 — » 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. — © 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

    1h 1m
  2. Week 17 Reactions: Dan Quinn’s Struggles, Caleb Williams vs. Brock Purdy, & Saints/Jaguars Rising

    12/31/2025

    Week 17 Reactions: Dan Quinn’s Struggles, Caleb Williams vs. Brock Purdy, & Saints/Jaguars Rising

    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 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. — 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 — » 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

    1h 1m
  3. Week 16 Reactions: The Post-Spread Era (Rams/Seahawks), Michigan Rumors, & CFP Recap

    12/24/2025

    Week 16 Reactions: The Post-Spread Era (Rams/Seahawks), Michigan Rumors, & CFP Recap

    Subtitle — In this episode: — Timestamps: — » 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

    1h 7m
  4. Week 15 Reactions: Mahomes & Parsons Injuries, Bills Defensive Issues, Rams vs. Seahawks Preview, & CFP Predictions

    12/17/2025

    Week 15 Reactions: Mahomes & Parsons Injuries, Bills Defensive Issues, Rams vs. Seahawks Preview, & CFP Predictions

    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 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. — 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 — » 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

    1h 10m
  5. Week 14 Reactions: CFP Bracket Breakdown, Chiefs Offensive Struggles, & Jalen Hurts struggles

    12/10/2025

    Week 14 Reactions: CFP Bracket Breakdown, Chiefs Offensive Struggles, & Jalen Hurts struggles

    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: 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. — 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 — » 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

    1h 15m
  6. Week 13 Reactions: Is the Lions' Window Closing? Plus, Texas Playoff Hopes & The Chiefs' Offensive Problems

    12/03/2025

    Week 13 Reactions: Is the Lions' Window Closing? Plus, Texas Playoff Hopes & The Chiefs' Offensive Problems

    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”. 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. — 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 — » 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

    1h 7m

  7. 11/26/2025

    Week 12 Reactions: "Everything is a Lie", The Rams' Defense, Texans' Violence, & Caleb’s Evolution

    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, 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. — 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 — » 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

    1h 14m

  8. 11/19/2025

    Week 11 Reactions: JJ Can't Throw Left, Beating Zone Pressure, & The “Fake Tough” Teams

    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 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. — 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 — » 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

    1h 5m
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4.7
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Cody Alexander & Felix Johnson
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cody Alexander
  • Show Website
    Let's Talk Ball!

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