The Art of X Show

In this episode, I talk about:* Quickly review the offseason moves by all four teams in the division* Highlight how the defenses in this league are primed to make it interesting* Introduce the DB Havoc metic* Analyze the Coverage Matrix for all four teams as well as their DB Havoc Rates* Review free agent signings along with current draft picks to give perspective on scheme* Everyone is doing grades, but no one is giving you context, which is what this pod aims to do—» Articles/Clinics on the above teams can be found at MatchQuarters.com using the search tool.» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2024 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

In this episode, I talk about:* How would you define Patrick Graham's philosophy after working with him and watching his film?* How is Graham's approach in ‘23 markedly different than previous years?* How is Graham creating pressure in the passing game?* How does the addition of iDL Christian Wilkins (Dolphins) affect the Raiders' defense's overall plan?* What was the biggest reason for improvement during the season?* What are the biggest needs for the Raiders defensively heading into the draft? —» Connect with Ted:* Twitter* YouTube* Patrick Graham Article (The Athletic)—» Articles on the above topics…» Previous pod:» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.—© 2024 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

In this episode, I talk about:* Overall thoughts on the transition from Pete Carroll to Mike Macdonald* The additions of Aden Durde & Leslie Frazier, plus the stability of Karl Scott* Carroll-Adjacent defenses vs. what Macdonald might run in Seattle* What is the Macdonald system?* Analyze the Seahawks' personnel a project what that might look like* The loss of Quandre Diggs & Jamal Adams* Devon Witherspoon as a Swiss army knife* Matty is an expert on all things Seattle, so this is a must listen!—Follow Matty:» Twitter - @mattyfbrown» Subscribe to his Substack -» Listen to - The Seattle Overload Podcast» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2024 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

In this episode, I talk about:* A step-by-step process for creating and naming defensive plays* Why it doesn't matter what you call things* Why you should create ‘buckets' or specific families before you name them* How to create signals for each of your calls* Building an inventory and why you should do it* I go through my simulated pressure, or QB ‘family,' of calls and their signals—» Articles on the above topics…WANT MORE ON THE PRESSURES? GET THE BOOK:A Complete Guide to the Hybrid 4-2-5—» For a comprehensive breakdown of how I teach & categorize my coverages, check out my full-length book on the topic, Match Quarters - A Modern Guidebook to Split-Field Coverages» DB 101 Playlist full of quick clinics on techniques, drills, & fundamentals.» Previous pod:» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2024 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

—In this episode, I talk about:* Types of jargon* Treat players as non-experts* Context Clues & Visual Ques* Building a system* Technique over scheme* Start small and build* Creating an inventory* Building an install* Spring vs. Fall insertion—» Articles on the above topics…A Complete Guide to the Hybrid 4-2-5 (book)—» For a comprehensive breakdown of how I teach & categorize my coverages, check out my full-length book on the topic, Match Quarters - A Modern Guidebook to Split-Field Coverages» DB 101 Playlist full of quick clinics on techniques, drills, & fundamentals.» Previous pod:» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2024 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

In this episode, I talk about:* 5-year coverage review* Coverage trends* Post-hiring cycle review* Are we moving on from the Fangio System?* The ‘new' Ravens Defense* Macdonald vs. Minter* The rise of split-field coverages in the NFL* Other thoughts - Will we see more Cover 1?—» Articles on the above topics…» Previous pod:» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2024 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

In this episode, we talk about:* How can the Chiefs design counters for the 49ers' ‘static' mentality on defense?* What are some ways the Chiefs can attack San Fransisco's defensive structure?* Kansas City offenses run some of the highest rates of motion in the NFL and often use quick motion to create. We explain how the Chiefs use motion to set up plays.* The Chiefs run the highest amount of split-field coverage in the NFL, focusing on playing MOFO coverages on most downs. How does Shanahan generally attack two-high structures?* How have teams attacked the 49ers with pressure?* The Chiefs overwhelmingly lead the league in blitzing the CBs at 10.3%, which is down from 11.3% pre-playoffs, mostly using them against reductions. What are some counters to these pressures?* After watching some Chiefs tape, how do you feel the run game will differ heading into the Super Bowl for the 49ers?* What is the general plan on 3rd Down for the 49ers, especially against a split-field defense?* The Chiefs routinely attack a defense with stacks and bunches and utilize their TE, Travis Kelce, in various ways to gain the matchup or leverage they want. What are some concepts to look for?* Utilizing the running back will be an important area for the Chiefs' offense against San Francisco, especially RB screens. What can you say about their screen game?—Bobby has written extensively on the 49ers and is one of the best sources for offense in the NFL. He is a coach currently on sabbatical. Most recently, he was the offensive coordinator at Providence Catholic in New Lenox, Illinois, in 2022, which finished as state runner-up.He is an author who breaks down NFL offenses in more detail than any other resource on the market and started a Substack in 2023 called Alert The Post.» Substack: alertthepost.com» Make sure to follow him on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/b_peters12» Get his full line of books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Bobby-Peters/author/B07S84Z3K8» Last pod: https://www.matchquarters.com/p/nfl-trends-part-2-shawn-syed-sumer-sports» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2024 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

In this episode, I talk about:* Hybridization on offenses, especially at the skill positions* WRs at RB…?* Offenses going heavier and defending 4-man surfaces* Running 12p/21p packages while still leaning into the Spread passing game* Problems within a movement-based scheme* Deeper discussion on mobile QBs and the evolution of the game* Non-Traditional Tampas (NTTs)—» Articles on the above topics…» Shawn's article on the Shanahan offense: Shanahan Schemes—» Follow Shawn on Twitter: Syed Schemes» Last week's pod:» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2023 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about:* How Shawn & I became great friends* The continued rise of the 2-high shell* Why do we see fewer man-match zones in the NFL* How mobile QBs are reshaping defenses* How offenses are adjusting to more odd front looks* Running the ball still matters* Defending condensed sets—» Articles on the above topics…Shawn's article on the Shanahan offense: Shanahan Schemes—» Follow Shawn on Twitter: Syed Schemes» Last week's pod:» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2023 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about:* Building the language* Creating Quarters tools in your Cover 3* Buzz/Thumbs* Match It!/Zone It!* Route matches—» Articles on the above topics…—» For a comprehensive breakdown of how I teach & categorize my coverages, check out my full-length book on the topic, Match Quarters - A Modern Guidebook to Split-Field Coverages» DB 101 Playlist full of quick clinics on techniques, drills, & fundamentals.» Last week's pod…» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2023 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about:* Coverage Expense Account* Basic coverage rotations in Cover 3* Creating a simple Match 3 (Rip/Liz or 3Y)—» Articles on the above topics…—» For a comprehensive breakdown of how I teach & categorize my coverages, check out my full-length book on the topic, Match Quarters - A Modern Guidebook to Split-Field Coverages» DB 101 Playlist full of quick clinics on techniques, drills, & fundamentals.» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2023 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about:* Re-designing Cover 6 (QQH)* Fangio's “Zeus” call to target the best WR* What is Tampa 2?* Non-Traditional Tampas (NTTs)* Different variations of NTTs with real-life examples—» Articles on the above topics…—» For a comprehensive breakdown of how I teach & categorize my coverages, check out my full-length book on the topic, Match Quarters - A Modern Guidebook to Split-Field Coverages» DB 101 Playlist full of quick clinics on techniques, drills, & fundamentals.» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2023 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about:* Why Bracket is so prevalent at the high levels of football* Bracket vs Cone & how to adjust the coverage to a stud WR outside* Why Bracket is the key to modern coverages* Trap coverage schemes & techniques—» Articles/Links on the above topics…—» For a comprehensive breakdown of how I teach & categorize my coverages, check out my full-length book on the topic, Match Quarters - A Modern Guidebook to Split-Field Coverages» DB 101 Playlist full of quick clinics on techniques, drills, & fundamentals.» Last week's episode:» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2023 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about:* Different schemes used to defend Trips * Solo/Poach Coverage * Stress Coverage * Special/Stubbie & Stump Coverage * Different strategies for defending the backside WR —» Articles on the above topics…* Solo-Poach Coverage* Stress (Sky) Coverage* Special/Stubbie—» For a comprehensive breakdown of how I teach & categorize my coverages, check out my full-length book on the topic, Match Quarters - A Modern Guidebook to Split-Field Coverages» DB 101 Playlist full of quick clinics on techniques, drills, & fundamentals.» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2023 MatchQuarters.com | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about:* Foundations of coverage - Sky/Cloud* Alignment, assignment, & techniques* Formation adjustments* Adjustments in coverage & different techniques—» For a comprehensive breakdown of how I teach & categorize my coverages, check out my full-length book on the topic, Match Quarters - A Modern Guidebook to Split-Field Coverages» DB 101 Playlist full of quick clinics on techniques, drills, & fundamentals.Last week's episode…» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2023 MatchQuarters.com | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about: * Coverages are just shapes / The Geometry of football * Six words I use to define roles within coverage * Terms to know / Technique glossary - Split flow vs. Load Flow / Push & Tack-Back* Defining verticals & Smash Rules * Alignment basics - Safety spokes » For a comprehensive breakdown of how I teach & categorize my coverages, check out my full-length book on the topic, Match Quarters - A Modern Guidebook to Split-Field CoveragesLast week's episode:» MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2023 MatchQuarters.com | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

» In this episode, I talk about: - What is Odd and Even spacing - Examples of 7, 8, & 9-man run spacing - Examine different run-fit structures 7-man Spacing Resources: » Belly-Key» Gap Exchanges » MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe, like, and share articles.© 2023 MatchQuarters.com | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about how the 49ers:- Eliminated Lamb - Closed off the MOF – Run-throughs - Forced Dak to throw into contested windows - Gave up the low throws & played top-down coverage - Made the other WRs win the game...& Fred Warner is an alien© 2023 MatchQuarters.com | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about: - Trevor Lawrence's early struggles against the Chargers - Big play to end the half - 2nd Half adjustments by the Jags - Detail several plays that led to an improbable comeback Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about:- Ways to attack the Flexbone offenses using pressure- Coverage Pressure - ILB "Pops"- Field & boundary reductions- AdjustmentsPart 1: Defending the FlexbonePart 2: Defending the Flexbone - Motions© 2022 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about:- Defending the basic motions from the Flexbone offense - How to communicate in a split-field coverage structure - The How & Why behind defending motions - Answers for how the offense will attack—**This is Part 2 of 3, so make sure to tune in next week to learn about applying pressure to the Flexbone offense.Related Content: Listen to Part 1 of Defending the Flexbone© 2022 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about:- Defending the Flexbone from a 3-4- Specific formations & alignments- Basics of coverage- Basics of defending motions- Techniques & responsibilities of all positions—**This is Part 1 of 3, so make sure to tune in next week to learn how to defend the main motions from the Flexbone offense (Part 3 will cover pressures).© 2022 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about:- The NFL is a pass-protection league - How to attack the 3 main pass pros - How to create 1-on-1 matchups - 5-O alignments - Blazers/Split Front - Broncos vs Texans blitz - Wrap-upRead the article: Attacking the Guard in Pass Protection© 2022 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about:- 5 games I'm looking forward to- 4 things we learned from last week- 3 predictions- 2 articles from the MQ archive- 1 bias to make you thinkExternal Pod Links:> Apple: > Spotify:> Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/04cd8c81-2f16-4ab3-9dbd-c4ac234c751c»» Watch on YouTube:© 2022 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about:- 5 games I'm looking forward to- 4 things we learned from last week- 3 predictions- 2 articles from the MQ archive- 1 bias to make you thinkExternal Pod Links:> Apple: > Spotify:> Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/04cd8c81-2f16-4ab3-9dbd-c4ac234c751c> Watch on YouTube:© 2022 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about:- Standard types of Cover 3- Pros/Cons of MOFC- Why focus on 3x1?- Skate, Cross, Skinny, Buzz, & Site- Wrap-Up© 2022 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about:- Week 0 Review- Week 1 Preview- WVU/Pitt, Oregon/Georgia, Cincy/Arkansas, Utah/Florida, & Notre Dame/Ohio St.- Wrap Up: What P5 will be upset by the FCS, best game no one is talking about, & biggest surprise team for ‘22»» Watch on YouTube© 2022 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about:- In-season format transition for The Art of X Show- UConn vs Utah St.- North Texas vs UTEP- Nebraska vs Northwestern (in Ireland!)- Review of other Week 0 matchups- Trends to look for in ‘22© 2022 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about:- These young QBs are built different- Math problems/Spatial Darwinism- Run fits matter & the Defensive Paradox- Tampa Bay vs Philly Film Study (Exit/Tam)- Wrap-UpArticle:Pod Links:»» Watch on YouTube:© 2022 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about:- The Spread won & NFL trends- Why the Fangio system is king & the Mahomes “heat map”- Spacing & front structures- Detail Fangio's Cover 6- Wrap-up—Related Content: Flipping the Script (Fangio's C6)—Pod Links:»» Watch on YouTube:© 2022 MatchQuarters.com | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about:- Creepers vs Sims Explained- Brady, Allen (Mex), & Bears- Early Down Sim & the Troy Trojans (Why?)- Favorite Simes: Allen & Mahomes (Mars/Marino)—Related Content: July ‘22 Blitz of the Month (Troy Sims)—Links:—»» Watch on YouTube:© 2022 MatchQuarters.com | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about:- Swiss Army Knife your defense- Football is a Coverage 1st/Pass 1st game- Steal, the Air Raid Killer- Miami's “Zero” EYES in the Red Zone- Bracket to the boundary—Related Content: Three Coverages to carry this Fall—»» Watch on YouTube:© 2022 MatchQuarters.com | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

»» In this episode, I talk about: - Chiefs' offense isn't fair - Quads Formations - Box vs Bingo Bunch coverages - Bills vs Chiefs - Poaching the back side Safety—Related Content: Defending "Quads" Bunch Formations—»» Watch on YouTube:© 2022 MatchQuarters.com | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I talk about:Blitz vs Pressure & Blitz RateEvolution of the modern defenseEarly-down & non-presentation Simulated PressuresW. Virginia defense vs Minnesota offenseMAC 3 simulated pressure—Related Content: June ‘22 #BOTM - W. Virginia's MAC 3—Watch on YouTube:© 2022 MatchQuarters.com | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I talk about:Stepping outside my ecosystem & comfort zoneBias & how it affects growthCover 3 basicsHow Bracket was “key”Teaching 3Y coverage—Related Content: Creating a simple way to run Match 3© 2022 MatchQuarters.com | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about: What really goes on during halftime The Bengals 2nd Half adjustments Shutting down Mahomes, Kelce, & Hill Drop 8 & 1-Cross film studyThe film breakdown can be found on YouTube: Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about: The rise of the 4-down defense (Again!) The 4-down math problem Heavy Technique Run Fits The film is located on YouTube: Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about: Attacking Zone-centric 2-back offenses The Aranda Mex Path (Sim) - I call this Allen Why "Floating" the Center?Film examples are found on YouTube: Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about: Why press? "Soft" vs "Hard" Press Basic fundamentals Different press techniquesFilm examples are on YouTube: Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about: How does a typical 3-Hi team structure its alignments? Coverage variations vs Trips Defending a Trips Nub formationThis pod is brought to you by…Pro Quick Draw is a powerful platform used on Microsoft® Visio & PowerPoint to allow football coaches to organize, format, and export Playbooks, Scout Cards & Presentations efficiently.Click below to start your free trial & make sure to tell them you saw PQD on MQ!© 2022 MatchQuarters.com | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about: Why is Bracket the key cog to modern coverage? Coverage explanation Translating split-field Bracket into single-high variationsFilm examples can be found on YouTube:This pod is brought to you by…Pro Quick Draw is a powerful platform used on Microsoft® Visio & PowerPoint to allow football coaches to organize, format, and export Playbooks, Scout Cards & Presentations efficiently.Click below to start your free trial & make sure to tell them you saw PQD on MQ!© 2022 MatchQuarters.com | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about: 3-Hi Basics Tulsa's iteration of the Iowa St. 3-Hi system MQ's #BOTM - Tulsa's SPURS (Back) ADD 0 Joe Gillespie to TCU Hybridization Related Content: #BOTM Dec. '21 – Tulsa's Back SPURS “Add” 0 blitzThis pod is brought to you by…Pro Quick Draw is a powerful platform used on Microsoft® Visio & PowerPoint to allow football coaches to organize, format, and export Playbooks, Scout Cards & Presentations efficiently.Click below to start your free trial & make sure to tell them you saw PQD on MQ!© 2022 MatchQuarters.com | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk about the uniqueness of the Rams' defense and how it fits into the Fangio culture and philosophy. Topics include:What's in a 5-man rush?The Under Tackle is back!Base Front mechanics & structures.What's a 2-High defense?Cover structures & their Fronts.Where are we headed?…& check out the articles:Part 1Part 2Make sure to check out MQ's 20% off sub special running through the end of June:—…& 20% off of your purchase in MQ's template shop:This pod is brought to you by…Pro Quick Draw is a powerful platform used on Microsoft® Visio & PowerPoint to allow football coaches to organize, format, and export Playbooks, Scout Cards & Presentations efficiently.Click below to start your free trial & make sure to tell them you saw PQD on MQ!© 2022 MatchQuarters.com | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved. Get full access to MatchQuarters at matchquarters.substack.com/subscribe