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  • Divisional Reactions: Sean McDermott Fired, John Harbaugh to Giants & Championship Sunday Previews

    Divisional Reactions: Sean McDermott Fired, John Harbaugh to Giants & Championship Sunday Previews
    2026/01/21
    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 Giants, and Kevin Stefanski landing in Atlanta.Playoff Recap & Controversy: We break down the controversial finish to the Bills-Broncos game, the “meta” flip that doomed Buffalo’s roster construction, and Caleb Williams’ insane throw in the Bears’ loss.The CJ Stroud Dilemma: We discuss the Texans’ offensive collapse against New England and debate whether Houston is stuck in “quarterback purgatory” regarding Stroud’s next contract.AFC Championship Preview (Patriots vs. Broncos): We look at how the Patriots can attack Denver’s pass rush and how the Broncos will adjust with Jared Stidham stepping in for the injured Bo Nix.NFC Championship Preview (Rams vs. Seahawks): We preview the Round 3 matchup between Seattle and LA, focusing on the Stafford vs. Darnold quarterback battle and the Jaxon Smith-Njigba X-factor.—Timestamps:» Part I: The Coaching Carousel & Front Office00:00 The Bills Clean House Discussion on the firing of Sean McDermott and the promotion of GM Brandon Beane.00:47 Roster vs. The Meta Analysis of how the Bills built a roster to beat the Chiefs/Bengals but failed to adjust to the league-wide shift toward 12 personnel.05:43 The “Intellectual” Defensive Coach: A look at candidates like Brian Daboll and the trend toward hiring “intellectual” defensive minds similar to Mike Macdonald and Brandon Staley.07:53 Stefanski to Atlanta Breakdown of the potential fit for Kevin Stefanski with the Falcons’ offensive weapons (Bijan Robinson, Drake London).10:38 Ulbrich & The Wide-9 Shift: Why keeping Jeff Ulbrich signals a commitment to the Wide-9/Quarters-heavy defensive structures popularized by the Saleh tree.12:50 The Harbaugh Clause: John Harbaugh to the Giants, and the unique contract clause stating he answers only to the owner.» Part II: Schematic Analysis & Game Recaps21:03 Gap Schemes vs. Speed: How the Bills utilized Pin-Pull concepts to exploit Denver’s speed, noting Denver’s 20th rank against Duo runs.22:33 Motion to Disrupt Coverage Denver used motion on 75% of plays (a season-high) to force communication checks and disrupt Buffalo’s split-field rotations.24:22 Erasing the Deep Ball Denver’s secondary held Josh Allen to 0-for-6 passing with 2 INTs on attempts of 20+ yards.27:03 Texans Offensive Collaps:e A breakdown of C.J. Stroud’s struggles and the Texans’ inability to counter the Patriots’ game plan.30:08 Patriots MOFO Spike The Patriots increased their Middle of Field Open (MOFO) usage to 60%, using weak rotation vs. 3x1 and split-field vs. 2x2 to eliminate crossing routes.» Part III: Previews & Adjustments32:59 Patriots vs. Broncos Preview: The matchup of the Patriots’ Man-Blocking/Duo schemes against the Broncos’ fast-flow defense.40:35 The Caleb Williams Throw Reaction to the 45-yard cross-body throw from Caleb Williams in the Rams-Bears game.46:02 Pressure vs. Condensed Sets Dennis Allen’s adjustment to blitz the edges and use DB pressure specifically against 12/13 personnel condensed formations, forcing the Rams into spread looks.» Part IV: NFC Championship Preview48:41 #1 Offense vs. #1 Defense Setting the stage for the Rams (Outside Zone) vs. Seahawks (Wide-9/Cover 2).50:00 The Schematic Conflict The clash between the Rams’ outside run game and the Seahawks’ defensive front is designed to force runs inside.51:27 The Cover 2 Weakness Identifying the Seahawks’ 16th-ranked DVOA vs. Tight Ends as the key area for Stafford to attack the interior of the Cover 2.55:53 The JSN Factor: Why Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the X-factor for breaking down zone coverages in this matchup.—» 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
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    59 分
  • Wild Card Reactions: Indiana vs. Miami, Buffalo's Cover 2 Scheme, & The Eagles' Collapse

    Wild Card Reactions: Indiana vs. Miami, Buffalo's Cover 2 Scheme, & The Eagles' Collapse
    2026/01/14

    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, highlighting the shared James Madison roots of the defensive coordinators and contrasting Miami’s physical, NFL-prototype front with Indiana’s movement-based, stunt-heavy scheme.

    Historic Wild Card Weekend: We recap a record-breaking opening round of the playoffs that featured more lead changes than the entire past postseason combined, headlined by Caleb Williams and the Bears rallying late to knock off the Packers.

    Buffalo’s Cover 2 Masterclass: We break down how the Bills confused Trevor Lawrence by running “all the Cover 2s”—mixing various hybrid coverages and rotations to force mistakes despite playing a simple structure on paper.

    The Eagles’ Statistical Anomaly: We discuss the Philadelphia Eagles' collapse and the heat on Nick Sirianni, noting the rarity of a team losing a playoff game despite being +2 in turnover margin and +65 in rushing yards.

    The “Anti-Defense” Philosophy: We examine the modern defensive approach used by the Texans and 49ers, which relies less on exotic schemes and more on elite linebacker depth and precise vertical drops to shut down the intermediate passing game.

    —

    Timestamps:

    0:00 Intro: A Historic Wild Card Weekend

    2:10 National Championship Preview: The "Cignetti Bowl"

    5:00 Miami’s NFL Prototype Front vs. Indiana’s Movement-Based Defense

    11:06 Natty Predictions: Why Mendoza Fits the Hoosiers

    17:31 Rams vs. Panthers: Puka Nacua & The "Dome Quarterback" Dilemma

    23:17 Bears vs. Packers: Caleb Williams Arrives in the 4th Quarter

    28:36 Bills vs. Jaguars: Josh Allen’s Perfection vs. Trevor Lawrence’s Mistakes

    31:37 Scheme Breakdown: How Buffalo Ran "All the Cover 2s"

    33:20 49ers vs. Eagles: The Coaching Mismatch

    35:35 The "Weak Hook" & The Value of Modern Linebackers

    39:56 The Eagles' Collapse: Losing Despite Winning the Stats

    45:40 Patriots vs. Chargers: The "Show Zone, Play Man" Game Plan

    49:48 Texans vs. Steelers: The Nuance of "Anti-Defense"

    53:01 The Coaching Carousel: Underrated Candidates & Predictions

    —

    » 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
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    1 時間 1 分
  • Week 18 Reactions: The NFL Coaching Carousel & Wild Card Preview

    Week 18 Reactions: The NFL Coaching Carousel & Wild Card Preview
    2026/01/07

    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
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    1 時間 1 分
  • Week 17 Reactions: Dan Quinn’s Struggles, Caleb Williams vs. Brock Purdy, & Saints/Jaguars Rising

    Week 17 Reactions: Dan Quinn’s Struggles, Caleb Williams vs. Brock Purdy, & Saints/Jaguars Rising
    2025/12/31

    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
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    1 時間 1 分
  • Week 16 Reactions: The Post-Spread Era (Rams/Seahawks), Michigan Rumors, & CFP Recap

    Week 16 Reactions: The Post-Spread Era (Rams/Seahawks), Michigan Rumors, & CFP Recap
    2025/12/24

    Subtitle

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    In this episode:

    —

    Timestamps:

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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.

    —

    © 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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    1 時間 7 分
  • Week 15 Reactions: Mahomes & Parsons Injuries, Bills Defensive Issues, Rams vs. Seahawks Preview, & CFP Predictions

    Week 15 Reactions: Mahomes & Parsons Injuries, Bills Defensive Issues, Rams vs. Seahawks Preview, & CFP Predictions
    2025/12/17

    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
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    1 時間 10 分
  • Week 14 Reactions: CFP Bracket Breakdown, Chiefs Offensive Struggles, & Jalen Hurts struggles

    Week 14 Reactions: CFP Bracket Breakdown, Chiefs Offensive Struggles, & Jalen Hurts struggles
    2025/12/10

    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
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    1 時間 15 分
  • Week 13 Reactions: Is the Lions' Window Closing? Plus, Texas Playoff Hopes & The Chiefs' Offensive Problems

    Week 13 Reactions: Is the Lions' Window Closing? Plus, Texas Playoff Hopes & The Chiefs' Offensive Problems
    2025/12/03

    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
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    1 時間 7 分