unCovering the Birds with Jeff McLane

For over two decades, one of the guiding personnel principles of the Philadelphia Eagles organization has been to prioritize the offensive line. Through four games, and this past week in particular, the group has undergone dramatic turnover. Hall of Fame-caliber tackle Lane Johnson retired. Cam Jurgens was shipped to Baltimore in a trade. Their respective replacements have potential, but, compared to how general manager Howie Roseman has stockpiled talent on the line in the past, the options now seem less optimal. Did Roseman and the Eagles stray from a long-held philosophy? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane retraces key decisions that brought the team to this point. 00:00 The series of decisions that impacted the state of the Eagles offensive line 19:44 Week 5 mailbag! Will Jalen Hurts ever find his “home” in an offense? Links referenced in this episode: unCovering the Birds - F*ck this game https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/eagles-podcast-episode-2-lane-johnson-jeff-mclane-20230331.html Why Lane Johnson called it a career https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/lane-johnson-retirement-2026-next-for-offensive-line-20261007.html Lane Johnson’s mastery on film https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/eagles-lane-johnson-film-pff-stats-jeff-stoutland-20221012.html unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

Just a few months ago, when Eagles training camp got underway, the defense drew rave reviews. The prevailing sentiment was that the unit was poised to dominate this year. So far through three games, Vic Fangio’s group has done anything but. From the lack of forced turnovers to missed coverage assignments, the Eagles have plenty of room for improvement. Can Fangio work his magic to get the defense on track in time for this week’s showdown with the high-powered LA Rams? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane puts the defense under the microscope, and also answers listener questions in this week’s mailbag! 00:00 How a busted defensive play vs. Chicago signals a bigger issue 10:06 Is Jalen Carter catching too much criticism? 11:42 Could there be a change coming at back-up quarterback? 15:45 Week 4 mailbag! Pre-snap motion and three glaring flaws unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

Earlier this year, the scenario seemed far-fetched, especially after the Eagles used a second-round draft pick on a tight end. Zach Ertz overcoming a serious injury to make a nostalgic return to the city where his career began? It just didn’t feel like a possibility. Then rookie Eli Stowers got hurt in the preseason, and starter Dallas Goedert went down Week 2 vs. Tennessee. All of a sudden, the Eagles had a need. Now, the 35-year old Ertz has been tapped to fill it. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane explains how an unlikely reunion between Ertz and the Eagles came together, why both sides are hoping for more than a feel-good story, and which player on the roster could be affected by this move the most. 00:00 Inside the Eagles’ reunion with Zach Ertz 10:08 What Ertz’s signing could mean for the rest of the roster, especially a couple rookies 16:12 Week 3 mailbag: The Kenny Moore acquisition, and Jalen Hurts’ contract extension unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

Landon Dickerson has made a career of fighting through injuries and pain, last season being the latest instance. But after the left guard looked like a shell of himself Week 1 vs. Washington, the Eagles decided to shut him down - at least for now. With Dickerson landing on injured reserve, The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane explains why, this time around, he and the Eagles are taking the cautious route. Jeff also shares what he's heard about how the Eagles might fill Dickerson's void on the offensive line, and takes listener questions in this week's mailbag segment. 00:00 The Landon Dickerson dilemma: injury history, replacements, long-term outlook 17:40 Why isn’t Makai Lemon lower on the depth chart? 19:40 Should we be worried about the defensive line? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

The regular season is almost here! All the preseason talk has been about Jalen Hurts and new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. But there’s somebody else who will have a big say in how high the Eagles fly. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane explains why this year, in the absence of traded star A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith has to take the next step, while also taking charge of the Eagles’ wide receivers group. Plus, Jeff dips into the mailbag for listener questions about Jalen Hurts and some key roster spots. 00:00 Is DeVonta Smith ready to fill A.J. Brown’s shoes? 17:00 Yes, the Jalen Hurts scrutiny is justified 19:07 Biggest candidates to disappoint, surprise this season unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season. We're always looking for mailbag questions! Hit Jeff up on his socials, or drop a question in the comments. Jeff could answer it in a future episode!