Go Long Podcast

This fan base, like many, was dying for a Super Bowl. The Philadelphia Eagles slayed Tom Brady and the Patriots in 2017, then Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in 2024.Yet, grace periods last about as long as the taste from a stick of Juicy Fruit gum ‘round here. You didn’t need to turn the volume up on your television to hear boo birds last season. Lest we forget, these Eagles did win the NFC East, too.Here at Go Long, we continue to explore this fascinating team with an old friend from my Syracuse days: Zach Berman. Always love touching base with “ZB,” a man who’s incredibly prolific on the beat. You can read his columns, features and analysis at The Athletic. He also wrote a book, “Leap Year,” that’d make for an excellent Father’s Day gift.On this Go Long Pod episode, we touch on everything…* Who’s to blame for the problems on offense last season — quarterback Jalen Hurts or offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo?* Was Hurts going rogue in 2025? (If so, perhaps he had a reason.)* What can we expect to see from the team’s new OC, Sean Mannion? * Zach calls Lane Johnson the greatest player he’s ever covered, and explains why. * Saquon Barkley rushed for 2K just two seasons ago. Running backs also tend to slip off cliffs. Jeff Stoutland, a legend of an O-Line coach, is also gone. How many peak seasons does the team’s engine have left?* This 2026 defense could be even better than the 2024 crew.* There is some brain drain on the defensive staff. Christian Parker, who we profiled during Super Bowl Week, headed to the Dallas Cowboys.* And, oh yeah. A.J. Brown is gone. He’s also one of the best wide receivers in the sport. Philly’s best-case scenario? DeVonta Smith enjoys his own JSN-like ascent. (ZB also wrote a piece on Smith becoming a Girl Dad worth your time.) Full video and audio is above. Many Go Long Podcast episodes are also available on our Apple, Spotify and YouTube channels. Subscribers can always access “Real Football” with co-host Jim Monos. As always, thank you for supporting and/or considering an upgrade.Miss our two features on Eagles players this week? I hung out with Drew Mukuba at a diner near The Linc and also reprised a feature on Jonathan Greenard. Both will play massive roles on this year’s team. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

This is a familiar story in Minneapolis. At the quarterback position — regime to regime, coach to coach, QB to QB — the franchise always welcomes in veterans from other teams.Can Kyler Murray redirect this team back into the playoffs? To get answers, let’s welcome back our friend Matthew Coller of Purple Insider. We revisit the Vikings’ confused 2025 plan — spending more cash than any team in the NFL despite the great J.J. McCarthy unknown. You heard from the vets on this Minnesota defense during Super Bowl Week. They missed Sam Darnold. With Coller, we also look ahead to 2026. This will be Murray’s show in ‘26. The fit with Kevin O’Connell’s X’s and O’s. Justin Jefferson’s happiness. Murray’s leadership style. Realistic expectations. All of the above is discussed. Thank you for watching, listening and sharing. Video and audio is above. This episode is also available on our Apple, Spotify and YouTube channels. ICYMI:* Tom Brady enters a new world* Bed Bugs and Belief: Why Ashton Grant is the man to maximize Drake Maye* The Patience & Persistence of Malik Willis* Fear… the Cincinnati Bengals?* Replay: 2026 NFL Free Agency Bonanza!* ‘He’s that guy:’ NFL WR coach on DJ Moore* Why the DJ Moore trade is a win for the Buffalo Bills* ‘No s**t taken:’ The Laws of T.J. Lang This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

You love football. I love football. We all love football. Even those select few who do not (I’m talking to you, Gina) cannot deny the sport is central to American life itself. How did we get here? Why is football so primal, so ingrained into the culture? Where is all this heading? I cannot recommend “Football” by Chuck Klosterman enough. The sensational essayist took on this phenomenon as only he can. His masterpiece will make you laugh, cry and — above all — stare deep into your football soul like never before. Here’s the Amazon link for Hardcover, Kindle and Audible options. (He narrates the audiobook himself.)Always a joy to chat with authors on the pod. This was fun. Here’s an hour-plus with Klosterman on the intoxicating appeal of football, why football’s demise may be an inevitability and everything in-between. “Football” is neither a love letter to the sport, nor an extremist doomsday account. Rather, it’s deeply thought-provoking, personal, brilliant. Agree or disagree with his analysis, you won’t be able to put it down. Video and audio of our chat is above. This episode is also available on our Apple and Spotify channels. Past chats with authors:* Michael Silver on “The Why is Everything”* Ian O’Connor on “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers”* Seth Wickersham on “American Kings”* Gary Myers on “Once a Giant”* Gary Myers on “Brady vs. Belichick: The Dynasty Debate”* Erik Kramer on “The Ultimate Comeback” Be sure to join our live free agency show with Real Football co-host Jim Monos Monday, starting a tick before noon (EST) inside the Substack app. This weekend, I wrote on the Buffalo Bills’ trade for DJ Moore. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comBrandon Beane stays. Sean McDermott is out. Joe Brady is in.Everyone at One Bills Drive fully understands the expectation in 2025: a Super Bowl appearance. Brady has hired an impressive first staff — now it’s time for the Bills to be bold, to make a critical move (or two, or three) that deliver a championship. Beane has said he’s aggressive and willing …