An in-depth 2026 AFC West tactical preview that breaks down the division’s scheme evolutions, roster structures, and philosophical adjustments across the AFC West. We examine how Rob Leonard's defense in Las Vegas, Chris O’Leary’s “Minter's carryover” in Los Angeles, Steve Spagnuolo's Kansas City secondary rebuild, and Denver's elite back end will shape the division title race. Plus, a look at each offense. Learn the exact matchups and technical details that will decide the AFC West this season.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & AFC West Overview

01:14 - Raiders Offensive Plan: Cousins & Jeanty

05:00 - Rob Leonard's Defensive Scheme & Pressure

07:08 - Chargers: Harbaugh-McDaniel Dynamic & OL

11:20 - Jesse Minter Carryover & LA Secondary

13:31 - Chiefs: Kenneth Walker & Offensive Questions

15:15 - Steve Spagnuolo’s Secondary Rebuild & Front Rotation

27:04 - Broncos Defense: Front Depth & Elite Secondary

29:02 - Sean Payton, Bo Nix, & Division Predictions

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» Join Felix and Cody each Wednesday as we dive deep into the game we love!

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© 2026 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Ball!, Cody Alexander and Felix Johnson break down the 2026 AFC South, diving deep into scheme evolution across the Texans, Colts, Jaguars, and Titans. They analyze DeMeco Ryans’ shifting Base-to-Nickel structures, Anthony Campanile’s blended front mechanics in Jacksonville, and Liam Coen’s approach to unlocking Trevor Lawrence. From C.J. Stroud’s offensive line overhaul to Cam Ward’s development in offensive coordinator Brian Dabol’s new system, get complete film-room insights into every key schematic matchup in the division.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - AFC South Overview

00:54 - Indianapolis Colts Defense & Young Secondary

01:59 - Shane Steichen Offense & Daniel Jones Outlook

07:34 - Jacksonville Jaguars Offense & Liam Coen

12:21 - Anthony Campanile Defense & Travis Hunter

14:20 - Houston Texans Offense & CJ Stroud

20:06 - DeMeco Ryans Defense & Hybrid Fronts

23:06 - Tennessee Titans Rebuild & Brian Daboll Offense

27:54 - Robert Saleh Wide-9 Defense & Season Outlook

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» Join Felix and Cody each Wednesday as we dive deep into the game we love!

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© 2026 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.

Jesse Minter and Anthony Weaver bring their split-safety tools to Baltimore, while Declan Doyle moves Lamar Jackson under center with wide-zone mechanics. Across the division, Al Golden looks to evolve Cincinnati’s five-man pressure Cover 1 system, Mike Rutenberg revamps four-down structures in Cleveland, and Patrick Graham modernizes Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense. We break down the schematic overhauls, front-end alignments, and secondary health issues shaping the AFC North race.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Preseason Week 1 Takeaways

05:40 - AFC North Division Landscape

06:32 - Baltimore Ravens O: Jesse Minter Scheme & Lamar Under Center

12:12 - Baltimore Ravens D: Anthony Weaver Defense & Secondary Depth

14:58 - Cincinnati Bengals: Al Golden 5-Man Pressures & new D-Line

19:51 - Cleveland Browns O: Todd Monken Rebuild & QB Room

23:23 - Cleveland Browns D: Mike Rutenberg 4-Down Transition

25:26 - Pittsburgh Steelers O: Mike McCarthy West Coast Install

28:31 - Pittsburgh Steelers D: Patrick Graham 3-4 Defense & Outlook

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» 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.

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© 2026 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.