Week 16 Reactions: The Post-Spread Era, John Harbaugh to Michigan, & CFP First Round

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

Analyzing the "Post-Spread Era" of NFL Defenses, Michigan's Coaching Search, & The CFP First Round.

Cody Alexander and Felix Johnson

Dec 24, 2025

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In this episode of Let's Talk Ball!, Cody and Felix break down why the Rams vs. Seahawks matchup represents the "future of football" and the dawn of the Post-Spread Era. We analyze how both teams are utilizing "light boxes" (6-man boxes) in completely different ways—Seattle with a 4-man front and the Rams with a 5-man front—and why this evolution is forcing offenses to adapt.

Plus, we dive into the College Football Playoff first round, discussing Alabama's win over OU and the "kicker chaos" for A&M and Miami. Finally, we recap NFL Week 16, including Caleb Williams' perfect game-winner, Drake Maye's comeback against Baltimore, and why the Jaguars might be the scariest team in the AFC.

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In this episode:

Defines the “Post-Spread Era” by analyzing how the Rams (5-man fronts) and Seahawks (4-man fronts) utilize “light boxes” to defend modern offenses.
Recaps the College Football Playoff first round, breaking down Alabama’s statement win over Oklahoma and the “kicker chaos” that doomed Texas A&M and Miami.
Discusses the Michigan coaching search, exploring Felix’s “dark horse” theory that John Harbaugh could leave the Baltimore Ravens to take over in Ann Arbor.
Evaluates rookie QB performances, highlighting Caleb Williams’ perfect game-winning drive against the Packers and Drake Maye’s comeback victory over the Ravens.
Examines the Jaguars’ resurgence, crediting Liam Coen for unlocking Trevor Lawrence and making Jacksonville the “scariest team” in the AFC playoff picture.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: A Pilgrimage to Mile High

01:07 - CFP First Round: Kicker Chaos (A&M/Miami)

04:56 - Alabama vs. Oklahoma: Kalen DeBoer's Statement Win

07:22 - The G5 Playoff Debate: Oregon & Ole Miss Dominate

11:09 - Michigan's Coaching Search: The John Harbaugh Rumor

14:44 - Scheme Deep Dive: The "Post-Spread Era" (Rams vs. Seahawks)

20:41 - 49ers vs. Colts: Is Kyle Shanahan Coach of the Year?

25:38 - Bears vs. Packers: The Full Caleb Williams Experience

29:42 - Chiefs vs. Eagles: Injuries Piling Up in KC

34:39 - Chargers vs. Cowboys: Does Dallas Need Jim Schwartz?