Episodes

  • The Truth About Football Conditioning: Why 'Hard for the Sake of Hard' Fails Players
    Jul 25 2025

    *Please follow us on YouTube, subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple and Spotify.

    In this episode, we talk about:

    * Critique of outdated ‘toughness drills’ and the common disconnect in current football strength and conditioning practices.

    * Emphasis on purposeful, game-specific training methods designed for optimal player performance and sustained effort.

    * The importance of recovery and building a robust conditioning base lies in moving beyond purely sprint-focused or excessively hard workouts.

    * Insights on simplifying training programs to amplify results, encouraging coaches to avoid social media trends and focus on effective, fundamental principles.

    * The necessity of training methods directly translates to improved game-day performance, focusing on sustained effort, speed, and recovery throughout a football match.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - The Nebraska Influence on Early Training

    00:33 - Coach A’s Experience in Texas High School Football

    01:45 - What Does Modern Football Conditioning Look Like?

    04:20 - Replicating Game-Like Asymmetry in Conditioning

    07:45 - The Problem with ‘Toughness’ Drills and Over-Distance Training

    09:03 - The Importance of Purposeful and Engaging Training

    12:05 - The Dangers of Overtraining Before Explosive Work

    14:16 - Balancing Sprint-Based Movements with Overall Conditioning

    20:41 - The Most Misunderstood Position Group: The ‘Bigs’

    25:06 - How to Build a Quality Program Without a Certification

    29:56 - Structuring a Year-Long High School Training Program

    35:04 - Integrating Football Drills and Phasing Out Mechanical Work

    36:10 - Key Data Points for High School Coaches to Track

    39:20 - Structuring Practice for Optimal Learning and Recovery

    45:33 - Outro/How to Connect with Terrence Kennel

    Follow Coach Kennell on X

    12-Week Training Template

    8-Week Conditioning Protocols

    » 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.

    © 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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    47 mins
  • 2025 AFC South Breakdown: An In-Depth Preview of the Texans, Colts, Jaguars, and Titans
    Jul 23 2025

    *Please follow us on YouTube, subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple and Spotify.

    In this episode, we talk about:

    * Houston Texans Overall Outlook: Can the offense match the defense?

    * Indianapolis Colts' Defensive Revamp and QB Questions

    * Jacksonville Jaguars' Offensive Strategy Under Liam Coen

    * Tennessee Titans' Rookie Quarterback and Tough Schedule

    * Evolving NFL Schemes: Shift from Wide Zone to gap and the growing trend of Quarters five-man pressures

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Intro: Is the AFC South the Texans' Division to Lose?

    00:34 - What Went Wrong for the Texans' Offense in 2024?

    02:12 - Why New OC Nick Caley is the Answer for CJ Stroud

    05:09 - Coaching Trees: The Shanahan vs. McVay Philosophies

    06:18 - X's and O's: How Caley Will Evolve the Texans' Run Game

    11:06 - Do the Texans Have the Best Secondary in the NFL?

    13:38 - Houston's Biggest Weakness: The Offensive Line

    17:22 - Colts Preview: Lou Anarumo's Defensive Revolution

    19:03 - Why Cam Bynum is a Crucial Signing for the Colts' Defense

    22:35 - How J.T. Tuimoloau Becomes a "Force Multiplier"

    24:12 - The Colts' Massive QB Problem: Richardson vs. Jones

    27:17 - A Wild Theory: Are the Colts Playing the Long Game for Arch Manning?

    29:12 - Jaguars Preview: Liam Coen's Split-Back Offense

    31:33 - The Travis Hunter Experiment: How Will Jacksonville Use Its Two-Way Star?

    36:44 - Can Liam Coen Get Trevor Lawrence Back on Track?

    41:18 - Titans Preview: A Defense Overly Reliant on Jeffery Simmons

    45:32 - Introducing #1 Overall Pick Cam Ward

    49:24 - A Brutal Welcome: Cam Ward's Incredibly Tough Schedule

    54:10 - Outro: Where to Find Guest Brett Kollmann

    Follow Brett on X

    Subscribe to Brett’s YouTube Channel

    Follow the Bootleg Football Podcast

    » 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.

    © 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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    58 mins
  • The AFC North: Why it's the NFL's Most Competitive Division | Feat. Joe Goodberry
    Jul 16 2025

    *Please follow us on YouTube, subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple and Spotify.

    In this episode, we talk about:

    * Baltimore Ravens: An analysis of Lamar Jackson and their receiving corps, plus how their revamped defense plans to counter the Bengals' high-flying offense.

    * Cincinnati Bengals: A close look at Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, addressing their offensive line concerns and the critical importance of developing a consistent run game.

    * AFC North Rivalry: Why the Ravens-Bengals matchup is becoming one of the best rivalries in football.

    * NFL Trends: The broader discussion on the value of running the ball in today's pass-happy league.

    * Plus coverage on the Steelers and Browns situations heading into the 2025 season.

    Timestamps:

    0:00 - Introduction & The Allure of the AFC North

    0:48 - Baltimore Ravens: Question Marks at Wide Receiver?

    2:15 - Lamar Jackson's Development & Supporting Cast

    4:49 - Ravens' Secondary Reinforcements & Defensive Strategy

    6:30 - Containing Burrow, Chase & Higgins: Ravens' Defensive Plan

    9:25 - Cincinnati Bengals: Offensive Line & Run Game Concerns

    11:00 - Bengals' Coaching Philosophy on the Run Game

    13:32 - Bengals' Historical Physicality & Scheme Adaptation

    14:50 - Joe Burrow's Preferences & The Shotgun Dilemma

    16:07 - Why the Run Game Still Matters in a Passing League

    16:56 - The Intense Ravens-Bengals Rivalry

    17:38 - Bengals' Defensive Challenges & Al Golden's Role

    19:03 - Evolution of Bengals' Defense After Lou Anarumo

    22:55 - Outlook for Bengals' Secondary & Defensive Line

    25:17 - Lessons from the Kansas City Chiefs' Roster Building

    26:05 - Cleveland Browns Defense: Concerns & Adjustments

    31:08 - The Cleveland Browns' Quarterback Conundrum

    33:18 - Evaluating Kevin Stefanski's Coaching Legacy

    36:26 - Pittsburgh Steelers Offense: QB & Coordinator Outlook

    39:10 - Justin Fields' Fit with Steelers

    41:20 - AFC North Power Rankings & Playoff Projections

    44:13 - Concluding Remarks & Where to Find Joe Goodberry

    Follow Joe Goodberry on X.

    Visit Bengals on the Brain

    » 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.

    © 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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    45 mins
  • AFC East Preview: Bills, Dolphins, Patriots, & Jets Season Outlook
    Jul 9 2025

    *Please follow us on YouTube, subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple and Spotify.

    In this episode, we talk about:

    * An in-depth preview of the AFC East division.

    * Analyze the Buffalo Bills, discussing their defense and the pivotal role of Josh Allen.

    * The Miami Dolphins are evaluated, highlighting their offense, defense, and coaching concerns.

    * A detailed look at the New England Patriots covers Mike Vrabel's impact, Drake May's development, and the team's offensive and defensive outlook.

    * Discuss the New York Jets, focusing on their strong offensive line, run game, and potential to be a surprise team in the division.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction & AFC East Overview

    00:15 - Buffalo Bills Analysis: Defense and Josh Allen's Impact

    10:50 - Miami Dolphins Deep Dive: Offense, Defense & Coaching Concerns

    18:00 - New England Patriots: Vrabel's Influence, Drake May & Roster Outlook

    30:00 - New York Jets: Offensive Line, Run Game & Surprise Potential

    41:20 - Conclusion

    Follow Taylor on X.

    » 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.

    © 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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    43 mins
  • The Soul of Football: Unpacking Analogies, Versatility, and Analyzing Coaching in the NFL
    Jul 2 2025

    *Please follow us on YouTube, subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple and Spotify.

    In this episode, we talk about:

    * Importance of "soul" and effective analogies in sports analysis, moving beyond mere numbers.

    * Debate on the role of running the ball in modern football, contrasting traditional views on physicality with analytics-driven efficiency.

    * Discuss the evolving nature of quarterback play and the balance between passing and running in offensive strategies.

    * Highlight the significance of coaching and discuss how good coaches simplify complex ideas and develop schemes to maximize player versatility.

    * Explore the concept of a "coach tree" and the essential traits of effective teaching in football.

    Timestamps:

    00:08 - Introduction: The Soul of Sports Analysis and Analogies

    00:38 - The Running Game: Physicality vs. Efficiency in Modern Football

    01:05 - Quantifying Football: Analytics, Fantasy, and Detachment from Numbers

    03:03 - Why We Watch: Gambling's Influence and Cultivating Curiosity

    09:38 - The Evolution of Scheme: When the "Machine" Wins in the NFL

    11:15 - Quarterback Dominance: Elite QBs and the Path to Super Bowl Wins

    20:45 - Player Versatility: Spreading Value Across the Offense and Defense

    23:51 - Coaching as Teaching: Schematic Fluidity and "Spatial Darwinism"

    27:08 - The Modern Athlete: Versatility and Learning the "Why"

    39:09 - Conclusion

    Follow Anthony on YouTube.

    Follow Anthony on X.

    » 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.

    © 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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    40 mins
  • The NFL's Top Defenses: Rankings, Player Breakdowns, & Scheme Analysis
    Jun 25 2025

    *Please follow us on YouTube, subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple and Spotify.

    In this episode, we talk about:

    * Analysis of NFL defensive efficiency using the DVOA metric.

    * Detailed defensive strategies and player personnel breakdown for key teams like the Seahawks, Chargers, Steelers, and Packers.

    * Discussion of various defensive coverages, including Zone Coverage, Cover 3, Tampa 2, and Man-Match Quarters.

    * Insights into how teams are building their defensive rosters and acquiring talent.

    * The evolving role of defensive linemen, specifically the potential resurgence of the two-gapping nose tackle.

    Timestamps:

    0:15 - Open

    0:44 - 10. Seahawks

    3:15 - 9. Chargers

    6:00 - 8. Steelers

    12:54 - 7. Ravens & 6. Packers

    14:30 - 5. Lions

    18:07 - 4. Broncos

    20:00 - 3. Texans

    22:50 - 2. Vikings

    26:07 - 1. Eagles

    28:30 - Who to watch for in 2025: Cardinals, Patriots, Colts, Bears, Rams

    » 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.

    © 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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    41 mins
  • Let's Talk Ball!: NFL Defensive Trends
    Jun 18 2025

    *Please follow us on YouTube, subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple and Spotify.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    * Minicamp and OTA Stats Are Bogus

    * Trey Hendrickson & Shemar Stewart Contract Situation

    * Running Back Longevity and Usage and the Need for Two Running Backs

    * Defensive Coverage Disguises

    * "Frankenstein" Coverages

    * Evolution of Defensive Fronts and Packages

    * ...and more!

    Timestamps:

    1:05 - End of Minicamp/beginning of OTAs

    2:08 - Hendrickson and Bengals resume talks

    4:55 - RBs extending primes

    10:00 - Coverage Disguises

    13:32 - Frankenstein Coverages in Buffalo

    15:20 - Wide 9s/More 4-down front/Penny Front

    19:00 - Spags' 3 Safety looks

    22:58 - Personnel changes on the D-line

    24:30 - Rams 'Cheetah' package

    25:55 - Creativity explosion on defense

    26:48 - Hybrid athletes on defense/adding value

    29:50 - Josh Metellus and Brian Flores

    32:50 - Bigger players/LBs versatility

    36:00 - Slot corners taking over

    40:00 - Blitzing on early downs

    44:33 - The Wave concept

    » Full Trends Playlist:

    - College Defenses with Tyler Manes

    - College Offenses with Dan Casey

    - NFL Offenses with Bobby Peters

    » 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.

    © 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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    51 mins
  • Let's Talk Ball!: College Defensive Trends with Tyler Manes
    Jun 11 2025

    *Please follow us on YouTube, subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple and Spotify.

    In this episode, we talk about:

    * Rodgers finally signs with the Steelers

    * Nick Chubb to the Texans

    * Jalen Ramsey trade talk and Jaire Alexander cut. Where do they land?

    * Why the game is going away from RPOs to more quick game and play-action

    * More spot-drop closed-post coverages

    * The death of the basic Y-off 11 personnel offense

    * Jim Knowles’ three-high defense

    * Designed QB runs are making a comeback

    * …and a few more!

    Timestamps:

    1:40 - Rodgers to Steelers

    5:10 - Chubb to Texans

    9:00 - Jalen Ramsey/Jaire Alexander on the market

    16:13 - Tyler Manes opens

    17:43 - CFB moving more toward Tampa (Ohio State’s three-high version)

    20:45 - CFB defenses getting smarter?

    24:00 - Less Rip/Liz, need for blackboard coverages (spot-drop zones)

    28:00 - Stopping Kotelnicki and the Penn State multiple offense

    32:22 - The death of Y-off means more 12 personnel

    38:30 - Coordinators at Penn State from the Big 12

    Follow Tyler:

    X/Twitter: https://x.com/CoachTManes

    The Ballmanac: https://www.theballmanac.org/

    » 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.

    © 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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    43 mins