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Cody Alexander

@The_Coach_A • 69,177 subscribers

Solving defensive problems with data and film. MatchQuarters | Let’s Talk Ball! Pod | 6x Author No Frills Daily Football Clips

Shorts

Colorado's Brennan Marion put on a clinic in how to attack the Tite Front vs. Georgia Tech in the first half. Inside Zone can function as a collection of down blocks, and the Tite Front is inherently susceptible to gap schemes. The Buffaloes took advantage of the Jackets' soft C-gaps against their TEs. In the clip, Colorado runs a Split Zone Load from a 22p. All night, Marion consistently ran Inserts and Split Zones as de facto gap schemes, creating space for his running backs. The Buffs finished the night with 199 rushing yards on 47 carries (4.2 YPC). --

Colorado's Brennan Marion put on a clinic in how to attack the Tite Front vs. Georgia Tech in the first half. Inside Zone can function as a collection of down blocks, and the Tite Front is inherently susceptible to gap schemes. The Buffaloes took advantage of the Jackets' soft C-gaps against their TEs. In the clip, Colorado runs a Split Zone Load from a 22p. All night, Marion consistently ran Inserts and Split Zones as de facto gap schemes, creating space for his running backs. The Buffs finished the night with 199 rushing yards on 47 carries (4.2 YPC). --

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Gary Patterson is back stalking a sideline. What does that mean? Classic 4-2-5 Quarters structures. The Trojans' game against San Jose St. gave us an excellent look at Patterson's defensive philosophy against a true Spread offense. Against a "Quads" alignment and backed up, USC "shoved" the coverage and gave a clinic look at "Solo" (poach) coverage. The Spartans attack with a Slot Fade, giving us a look at how the Weak Safety mechanics function. Solo is an "active" poach, and the Safety works quickly to the #3 WR. Once the receiver converts to a speed out, the WS climbs to close the post. Learn more about standard Quarters structures vs. Trips, including Solo, on MatchQuarters: --

Gary Patterson is back stalking a sideline. What does that mean? Classic 4-2-5 Quarters structures. The Trojans' game against San Jose St. gave us an excellent look at Patterson's defensive philosophy against a true Spread offense. Against a "Quads" alignment and backed up, USC "shoved" the coverage and gave a clinic look at "Solo" (poach) coverage. The Spartans attack with a Slot Fade, giving us a look at how the Weak Safety mechanics function. Solo is an "active" poach, and the Safety works quickly to the #3 WR. Once the receiver converts to a speed out, the WS climbs to close the post. Learn more about standard Quarters structures vs. Trips, including Solo, on MatchQuarters: --

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The Cowboys' Jaishawn Barham (55) is going to be a weapon on early downs. Against the Cardinals, DC Christian Parker used him on the open side (away from the TE) to puncture the Cardinals' downhill run game. These pressures are becoming an excellent way to attack early down run concepts. The LB's job is to stay connected to the B-gap and work vertically, cutting off the RB or bending to him once he crosses the line of scrimmage. If this concept looks familiar, it's because Seattle's Mike Macdonald used this pressure in the Super Bowl to counter the Patriots' heavy-package run game. Learn more defensive best practices and trends, only on MatchQuarters: --

The Cowboys' Jaishawn Barham (55) is going to be a weapon on early downs. Against the Cardinals, DC Christian Parker used him on the open side (away from the TE) to puncture the Cardinals' downhill run game. These pressures are becoming an excellent way to attack early down run concepts. The LB's job is to stay connected to the B-gap and work vertically, cutting off the RB or bending to him once he crosses the line of scrimmage. If this concept looks familiar, it's because Seattle's Mike Macdonald used this pressure in the Super Bowl to counter the Patriots' heavy-package run game. Learn more defensive best practices and trends, only on MatchQuarters: --

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The Cardinals have one of the most unique defenses in the NFL. Their "base" sub-package starts as a Penny (5-1) three-safety system and can morph into a 4-2-5 or a standard 3-4. Against the Raiders, the structure moves to a 4-2 once Las Vegas initially shifts to a 3x1 set. Learn more about how Arizona uses its three-safety platform to rotate into different coverages, only on MatchQuarters: --

The Cardinals have one of the most unique defenses in the NFL. Their "base" sub-package starts as a Penny (5-1) three-safety system and can morph into a 4-2-5 or a standard 3-4. Against the Raiders, the structure moves to a 4-2 once Las Vegas initially shifts to a 3x1 set. Learn more about how Arizona uses its three-safety platform to rotate into different coverages, only on MatchQuarters: --

104,084 görüntüleme

The Peanut Punch strikes again!!! 💥💥💥 --

The Peanut Punch strikes again!!! 💥💥💥 --

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Defenses in the NFL are increasingly attacking offenses through the open-side B-gap (away from the TE). Against Duo, the line movement can force the RB weak, which is not how the play is designed to work. The Ravens use a boundary Will "stab" to create and force the Vikings' vertical run horizontal. Adding a Fire Zone coverage and dropping the Boundary Safety adds a layering effect to the run fit. If the Mike (49) rocks back earlier, Baltimore would have a clinic vice tackle. Instead, the Nickel traces back on the line of scrimmage and meets the back with the Safety. Mike Macdonald, another Ravens-tree coach, used this exact pressure in the Super Bowl to kill the Patriots' run game. Learn more about best practices early down pressures, only on MatchQuarters: --

Defenses in the NFL are increasingly attacking offenses through the open-side B-gap (away from the TE). Against Duo, the line movement can force the RB weak, which is not how the play is designed to work. The Ravens use a boundary Will "stab" to create and force the Vikings' vertical run horizontal. Adding a Fire Zone coverage and dropping the Boundary Safety adds a layering effect to the run fit. If the Mike (49) rocks back earlier, Baltimore would have a clinic vice tackle. Instead, the Nickel traces back on the line of scrimmage and meets the back with the Safety. Mike Macdonald, another Ravens-tree coach, used this exact pressure in the Super Bowl to kill the Patriots' run game. Learn more about best practices early down pressures, only on MatchQuarters: --

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A lot of Packers fans are asking if they will see the 3-Safety system that was a staple of Gannon's Cardinals defenses. Against the Steelers, we got to see shades of the system. Green Bay is in a Penny package (5-1) with three Safeties on the field to match Pittsburgh's 11 pers. The call is Will 4, meaning the boundary Edge will rush and the field Edge will drop into coverage. Though Gannon has run a derivative of the Fangio system, his scheme is unique to him. He prefers Quarters over the "rotational" split field menu found in Philadelphia. I expect Gannon to have a more traditional style in '26, but there is a use case for his 3-High structures, especially against 11 pers. Learn about the evolution of this scheme and why Gannon had to create a mitigating defense in Arizona, only on MatchQuarters: *I made this free to all.

A lot of Packers fans are asking if they will see the 3-Safety system that was a staple of Gannon's Cardinals defenses. Against the Steelers, we got to see shades of the system. Green Bay is in a Penny package (5-1) with three Safeties on the field to match Pittsburgh's 11 pers. The call is Will 4, meaning the boundary Edge will rush and the field Edge will drop into coverage. Though Gannon has run a derivative of the Fangio system, his scheme is unique to him. He prefers Quarters over the "rotational" split field menu found in Philadelphia. I expect Gannon to have a more traditional style in '26, but there is a use case for his 3-High structures, especially against 11 pers. Learn about the evolution of this scheme and why Gannon had to create a mitigating defense in Arizona, only on MatchQuarters: *I made this free to all.

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NFL defenses are constantly looking for ways to protect their Nickel against the run. Conversely, offenses are trying to mask intentions within their packages. In the clip, the Packers are in 11 personnel but are aligned in a 12 personnel double-slot formation. The Steelers match with a "Stride" path, or Ni-to-B-gap, versus Green Bay's Wide Zone. Stride has the DE COP (contain), while the Ni comes underneath. The WR is responsible for the Ni, but he's now gone. Learn more about how NFL defenses protect their overhangs, only on MatchQuarters: --

NFL defenses are constantly looking for ways to protect their Nickel against the run. Conversely, offenses are trying to mask intentions within their packages. In the clip, the Packers are in 11 personnel but are aligned in a 12 personnel double-slot formation. The Steelers match with a "Stride" path, or Ni-to-B-gap, versus Green Bay's Wide Zone. Stride has the DE COP (contain), while the Ni comes underneath. The WR is responsible for the Ni, but he's now gone. Learn more about how NFL defenses protect their overhangs, only on MatchQuarters: --

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The Packers attack the Steelers' protection with a classic "Spike" path opposite the RB. Traditionally, this path attacks the side of the protection where the RB is located. Moving it to the open side and away from the RB creates a better angle for the initial blitzer to spill the block. The path creates a natural cross-dog action as the LB in charge of the RB wraps around on a "Hug Rush." Once the RB initiates a block, he inserts on a blitz (Green Dog). Learn more about "Hug" rushes and how they can amplify pressures on MatchQuarters: --

The Packers attack the Steelers' protection with a classic "Spike" path opposite the RB. Traditionally, this path attacks the side of the protection where the RB is located. Moving it to the open side and away from the RB creates a better angle for the initial blitzer to spill the block. The path creates a natural cross-dog action as the LB in charge of the RB wraps around on a "Hug Rush." Once the RB initiates a block, he inserts on a blitz (Green Dog). Learn more about "Hug" rushes and how they can amplify pressures on MatchQuarters: --

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Nice "coffeehouse" blitz by the Buccaneers from a double-mugged alignment vs. the Texans. Tampa is attempting to overload the side of the RB. Both the RB & the RB latch onto the blitzing Safety, leaving no one for the LB working back into the box. --

Nice "coffeehouse" blitz by the Buccaneers from a double-mugged alignment vs. the Texans. Tampa is attempting to overload the side of the RB. Both the RB & the RB latch onto the blitzing Safety, leaving no one for the LB working back into the box. --

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This isn't college tape; this is the NFL. Here is the Arizona Cardinals 3-High Tite Front defense defending a Counter GY from the Cowboys. The coverage rotation sends the Ni to the Post with the two other Safeties working into the Weak Hook and Seam. The move places 3 bodies at the point of attack with one puller to block them. Find more resources on this unique defense at MatchQuarters. Search "Cardinals". --

This isn't college tape; this is the NFL. Here is the Arizona Cardinals 3-High Tite Front defense defending a Counter GY from the Cowboys. The coverage rotation sends the Ni to the Post with the two other Safeties working into the Weak Hook and Seam. The move places 3 bodies at the point of attack with one puller to block them. Find more resources on this unique defense at MatchQuarters. Search "Cardinals". --

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Going to see this defensive "picture" a lot more at the higher levels. Definitely a trend in the NFL. Here is Oklahoma "walking" to a 5-1 look from their Nickel package vs. Texas. --

Going to see this defensive "picture" a lot more at the higher levels. Definitely a trend in the NFL. Here is Oklahoma "walking" to a 5-1 look from their Nickel package vs. Texas. --

68,298 görüntüleme

When a defense can anticipate the Zone’s direction, these interior twists can be deadly. In the clip, the Chargers run a NOT stunt (Nose 1st) against a Pistol Split-Zone concept from the Broncos. The line will work to the defensive right, & the stunt uses that movement to cut off the RB. Denver's RB goes wide & is run down by the Nose. Learn more about internal twists on MatchQuarters: --

When a defense can anticipate the Zone’s direction, these interior twists can be deadly. In the clip, the Chargers run a NOT stunt (Nose 1st) against a Pistol Split-Zone concept from the Broncos. The line will work to the defensive right, & the stunt uses that movement to cut off the RB. Denver's RB goes wide & is run down by the Nose. Learn more about internal twists on MatchQuarters: --

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PUNCH THE POCKET!!! 💥 --

PUNCH THE POCKET!!! 💥 --

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Toledo's defense acts as a vice when you run into it. The structure is a 5-across 4-2-5 that turns into an 8-man box when you run. Hash Safeties vice the RB. --

Toledo's defense acts as a vice when you run into it. The structure is a 5-across 4-2-5 that turns into an 8-man box when you run. Hash Safeties vice the RB. --

56,420 görüntüleme

Against the Lions, Jeff Hafley wanted to use this Post-to-Buzz rotation in his Inverted 2 scheme. The Post Safety will "steal" the Seam. Because there is a Post Safety to start, the Mike doesn't have to get into the deep middle "right now!" That allows him to reduce his early down conflict. Green Bay was able to get a pick in the Red Zone off this rotation earlier in the game. --

Against the Lions, Jeff Hafley wanted to use this Post-to-Buzz rotation in his Inverted 2 scheme. The Post Safety will "steal" the Seam. Because there is a Post Safety to start, the Mike doesn't have to get into the deep middle "right now!" That allows him to reduce his early down conflict. Green Bay was able to get a pick in the Red Zone off this rotation earlier in the game. --

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The Cardinals, Chiefs, Vikings, and Buccaneers have led the way in recent years in using open post coverage behind pressure. This year, Tampa remained in the top 10 but reduced its usage, relying more on traditional Fire Zone coverage. With that schematic pivot, Tampa focused heavily on "roll" coverages to "Trap 2's" and non-traditional Tampa coverages. Here is an example of a Safety 5-man pressure with a 2-Roll concept behind it against the Lions. --

The Cardinals, Chiefs, Vikings, and Buccaneers have led the way in recent years in using open post coverage behind pressure. This year, Tampa remained in the top 10 but reduced its usage, relying more on traditional Fire Zone coverage. With that schematic pivot, Tampa focused heavily on "roll" coverages to "Trap 2's" and non-traditional Tampa coverages. Here is an example of a Safety 5-man pressure with a 2-Roll concept behind it against the Lions. --

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Ohio State majored in Cover 3, and they used their 3-Safety system to get into Tampa looks. Under Matt Patricia, they ran Tampa and Quarters/6 coverages at about the same rate (~17%). Here is a look at a popular 2-Hole "rotation." Show Cover 3/1, "pop" to the Deep 1/2, and let the Post Safety play from depth. --

Ohio State majored in Cover 3, and they used their 3-Safety system to get into Tampa looks. Under Matt Patricia, they ran Tampa and Quarters/6 coverages at about the same rate (~17%). Here is a look at a popular 2-Hole "rotation." Show Cover 3/1, "pop" to the Deep 1/2, and let the Post Safety play from depth. --

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This has arguably been Jeff Hafley's #1 pressure call and coverage during his tenure with the Packers. Fully expect this to show up in Miami. Internal sim from an off-ball alignment and Inverted 2 behind it. ...

This has arguably been Jeff Hafley's #1 pressure call and coverage during his tenure with the Packers. Fully expect this to show up in Miami. Internal sim from an off-ball alignment and Inverted 2 behind it. ...

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Ohio State with a "3-Thru" concept, overloading the A-gaps of Rutgers. --

Ohio State with a "3-Thru" concept, overloading the A-gaps of Rutgers. --

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Arguably the most popular pressure in the NFL last season and a staple within the Ravens' system. "Sand Deuce" is a weak overload pressure with Quarters or Cover 2 behind it. The Chargers initially show a basic Cover 3 contour vs. the 49ers' 2x2 set. Post-snap, the Down Safety and Will LB will blitz through the A & B gaps. The goal is to create a 2-on-1 vs. the RB. San Francisco chip-releases their RB away from the pressure, leaving the LG to take the Will and no one on the blitzing Safety. Behind the pressure, the Chargers build two triangles on top of the three receivers running routes. At the bottom, we get a great example of "shoving" the coverage, too. Learn why the Ravens' pressure system is one of the most efficient in the league, only on MatchQuarters: --

Arguably the most popular pressure in the NFL last season and a staple within the Ravens' system. "Sand Deuce" is a weak overload pressure with Quarters or Cover 2 behind it. The Chargers initially show a basic Cover 3 contour vs. the 49ers' 2x2 set. Post-snap, the Down Safety and Will LB will blitz through the A & B gaps. The goal is to create a 2-on-1 vs. the RB. San Francisco chip-releases their RB away from the pressure, leaving the LG to take the Will and no one on the blitzing Safety. Behind the pressure, the Chargers build two triangles on top of the three receivers running routes. At the bottom, we get a great example of "shoving" the coverage, too. Learn why the Ravens' pressure system is one of the most efficient in the league, only on MatchQuarters: --

476,485 görüntüleme • 10 gün önce

Someone in New England has been watching the Vikings play defense... To classic reps of Brian Flores's "Bengals Hawk," a staple call in Minnesota. Load the box, stack the receivers. All eyes on the QB and "pop" to the slide. The DBs are "anchored" and will trigger on the QB's vision. For more resources on this pressure and others that Flores has developed, visit MatchQuarters' resource page dedicated to this unique scheme: --

Someone in New England has been watching the Vikings play defense... To classic reps of Brian Flores's "Bengals Hawk," a staple call in Minnesota. Load the box, stack the receivers. All eyes on the QB and "pop" to the slide. The DBs are "anchored" and will trigger on the QB's vision. For more resources on this pressure and others that Flores has developed, visit MatchQuarters' resource page dedicated to this unique scheme: --

33,269 görüntüleme • 7 gün önce

The biggest coverage adjustment on 3rd & Long (7+) from '24 to '25: The rise of Cover 3-Seam, or "Buzz" mechanics. 3-Seam is tagged when the Nickel matches the slot’s vertical release (PFF). While pure Cover 1 numbers declined, open-to-closed 3-Seam volume doubled, rising from 4% to 8% of all disguise calls. Over 70% of all 3-Seam calls in '25 came from a 2-High shell. Defenses wanted closed-post spacing that let them backstop deep crossers or protect the weak-side seam from depth. The Packers clip perfectly shows this trend, with a fake Cover 2 look before the Weak Safety rotates back into the Vertical Hook. Learn more about this coverage trend and how it works, only on MatchQuarters: --

The biggest coverage adjustment on 3rd & Long (7+) from '24 to '25: The rise of Cover 3-Seam, or "Buzz" mechanics. 3-Seam is tagged when the Nickel matches the slot’s vertical release (PFF). While pure Cover 1 numbers declined, open-to-closed 3-Seam volume doubled, rising from 4% to 8% of all disguise calls. Over 70% of all 3-Seam calls in '25 came from a 2-High shell. Defenses wanted closed-post spacing that let them backstop deep crossers or protect the weak-side seam from depth. The Packers clip perfectly shows this trend, with a fake Cover 2 look before the Weak Safety rotates back into the Vertical Hook. Learn more about this coverage trend and how it works, only on MatchQuarters: --

24,800 görüntüleme • 6 gün önce

Most Cover 8 clips show the coverage versus 3x1 alignments. Against that set, the Trix Safety has a naturally aggressive poach action because he's in charge of the vertical of #3. Against 2x2 sets, the Weak Safety has to be more patient, but can use context clues to quickly work to the high intermediate. With a slotted TE & a reduced X, there is likely to be a chip, which allows the Safety to transfer his eyes to the Post. The mechanism also allows the front side Safety to stay high and cap any deep verticals. Learn more about the Fangio system on MatchQuarters: --

Most Cover 8 clips show the coverage versus 3x1 alignments. Against that set, the Trix Safety has a naturally aggressive poach action because he's in charge of the vertical of #3. Against 2x2 sets, the Weak Safety has to be more patient, but can use context clues to quickly work to the high intermediate. With a slotted TE & a reduced X, there is likely to be a chip, which allows the Safety to transfer his eyes to the Post. The mechanism also allows the front side Safety to stay high and cap any deep verticals. Learn more about the Fangio system on MatchQuarters: --

35,674 görüntüleme • 1 ay önce

Seahawks running "Cover 8" (HQQ) against the 49ers. This "Fangio" coverage is now on most 2-High zone teams across the league. --

Seahawks running "Cover 8" (HQQ) against the 49ers. This "Fangio" coverage is now on most 2-High zone teams across the league. --

133,093 görüntüleme • 7 ay önce

The LB position might be the worst-coached position in football. Let me explain... Listen to Let's Talk Ball! wherever you pod. --

The LB position might be the worst-coached position in football. Let me explain... Listen to Let's Talk Ball! wherever you pod. --

60,771 görüntüleme • 7 ay önce

Most defenses sacrifice execution for complexity. 👉 Brent Venables defies the rule. Oklahoma is an absolute outlier—running a massive volume of coverages/pressures while staying elite at all of them. felix johnson & I previewed the CFP Playoffs & more. Links below. ...

Most defenses sacrifice execution for complexity. 👉 Brent Venables defies the rule. Oklahoma is an absolute outlier—running a massive volume of coverages/pressures while staying elite at all of them. felix johnson & I previewed the CFP Playoffs & more. Links below. ...

55,769 görüntüleme • 8 ay önce

Cover 3 is the most run coverage in the NFL, appearing on over 35% of standard downs. But in the Two-Minute Drill, that usage plummets to 18%. When offenses pick up the tempo, standard Cover 3 gives away too much predictable space. Modern passing systems are structurally designed to hunt the clear vertical seams & outside isolations inherent to the shell. Learn how NFL defenses are adjusting in the 2-Minute Drill in this week's Let's Talk Ball! Listen wherever you pod: --

Cover 3 is the most run coverage in the NFL, appearing on over 35% of standard downs. But in the Two-Minute Drill, that usage plummets to 18%. When offenses pick up the tempo, standard Cover 3 gives away too much predictable space. Modern passing systems are structurally designed to hunt the clear vertical seams & outside isolations inherent to the shell. Learn how NFL defenses are adjusting in the 2-Minute Drill in this week's Let's Talk Ball! Listen wherever you pod: --

15,247 görüntüleme • 2 ay önce

For the most part, the Cardinals are a "Build a 3-4" defense from their 3-High structure. One of the Safeties will drop down and become the "Will" LB on most downs. Below is an example of a "Build a 4-2" rotation vs. the Cowboys. This is a true hybrid defense. --

For the most part, the Cardinals are a "Build a 3-4" defense from their 3-High structure. One of the Safeties will drop down and become the "Will" LB on most downs. Below is an example of a "Build a 4-2" rotation vs. the Cowboys. This is a true hybrid defense. --

24,185 görüntüleme • 4 ay önce

Xavier McKinney creates open windows just to slam them shut. 💥 --

Xavier McKinney creates open windows just to slam them shut. 💥 --

38,400 görüntüleme • 8 ay önce

The Mint/Tite packages have been figured out. The Over 4-2-5 has been figured out. Offenses each week presents different challenges. Cookie-cutter defenses don't work. Saban explains this & illustrated why you need to be multiple in '23 vs. UGA. |

The Mint/Tite packages have been figured out. The Over 4-2-5 has been figured out. Offenses each week presents different challenges. Cookie-cutter defenses don't work. Saban explains this & illustrated why you need to be multiple in '23 vs. UGA. |

52,583 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce

If you've been following along, I've detailed how the Vikings have taken advantage of opponents' weak side B-gaps in their protection schemes. The Lions were having none of it, & one of the big reasons they were so successful last Sunday was their ability to pick these up. --

If you've been following along, I've detailed how the Vikings have taken advantage of opponents' weak side B-gaps in their protection schemes. The Lions were having none of it, & one of the big reasons they were so successful last Sunday was their ability to pick these up. --

16,369 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce

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