We preview Super Bowl LXI by analyzing if Drake Maye and the "Zombie" Patriots can upset the "Darkside" Seahawks defense in a battle of efficiency versus explosive plays. Plus, we break down the latest 2026 NFL coaching carousel news, including Todd Monken to the Browns and Mike LaFleur to the Cardinals.
—
*Please follow us on YouTube, subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple and Spotify. If you watch/listen in the browser, choose one of the three and go hit FOLLOW!
—
In this episode:
Preview the Super Bowl LXI matchup, analyzing whether the “Zombie” Patriots’ deep-ball attack can disrupt the “Darkside” efficiency of the Seahawks’ defense.
Identify the biggest X-factors for Sunday, including Sam Darnold’s “redemption tour” against the team that made him see ghosts and Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s potential MVP performance from the slot.
React to the Cleveland Browns’ “wild” decision to hire Todd Monken and the potential defensive fallout if Jim Schwartz departs.
Discuss the continued dominance of the Shanahan/McVay tree in the NFC West with Mike LaFleur taking the Cardinals job and Clint Kubiak heading to the Raiders.
Break down the Baltimore Ravens’ internal succession plan, with Jesse Minter returning as Head Coach and Anthony Weaver joining as Defensive Coordinator.
—
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Live from “Radio Row” & Super Bowl Week
02:00 – Reaction: Todd Monken to the Browns & losing Jim Schwartz
07:03 – Mike LaFleur to the Cardinals: The Shanahan/McVay tree dominates the West
11:22 – Klint Kubiak to the Raiders & how coaching hires affect playoff teams
16:03 – Ravens Reload: Jesse Minter returns as Head Coach
21:21 – Giants Hire Denard Wilson & the lack of minority offensive coordinators
23:16 – Joe Brady stays in Buffalo & rumors of Jim Leonhard to the Packers
25:24 – Cowboys Staffing: Christian Parker & the intra-division rivalry
27:04 – Super Bowl LXI Preview: The “Zombie” Patriots vs. The “Death Star” Seahawks
32:38 – The Drake Maye “Cheat Code”: Can he beat efficiency with deep balls?
38:35 – Sam Darnold’s Redemption Tour: Facing the “Ghosts” one last time
44:47 – Super Bowl X-Factor: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN) vs. the Patriots’ secondary
50:49 – Keys to Victory: How New England can manufacture an upset
56:49 – Final Super Bowl LXI Score Predictions
—
» Last week’s episode:
—
» 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.
—
© 2026 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.



















