Go Long

No offense in the NFL was humming quite like these Cincinnati Bengals by December, but it didn’t matter.

The defense was an utter horror show.

We’re long overdue to take a look at this club at Go Long, so let’s welcome on exceptional reporter Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic and “The Growler” Podcast. Always good catching up with Paul. We put on the gloves and closely examine the cadaver that was the 2024 Bengals Defense — what in the hell happened? Also, kudos to our recurring guest. An hour after explaining why trading Trey Hendrickson is the best play for Cincinnati, multiple outlets reported that the All Pro defensive end was given permission to seek a trade.

New DC Al Golden has his work cut out for him. Can he get more out of young players such as defensive end Myles Murphy? (Readers may recall this jarring piece from Bob McGinn in his draft series.) An extreme youth movement is a must.

The good news? On offense, the Bengals can realistically lock up Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins long term.

Loved this conversation.

Listen/Watch right here at Go Long, as well as on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, everywhere you pod. Also:, be sure to rate, review and share.

One programming note. On Friday AM at GoLongTD.com, I’ll also have a feature on the mastermind central to everything on offense in Cincinnati: Dan Pitcher. What a rise.

Thanks, all.

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

Some teams are locking up their own.

Other teams are putting players on the trade block.

It’s getting real, everyone. Free agency is almost here and we discussed on Substack Live with Go Long readers. On this episode, we wonder if D.K. Metcalf is a good fit in Green Bay, examine what Philadelphia gets right and take another look at this fragile moment for the New York Giants at quarterback. If they believe in Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders — even a little — it sure beats the veteran-bridge alternatives.

New to our Live videos? Be sure to join the next recording by downloading the Substack app and turning notifications on:

I promise it’s been quiet at the site the last few days for good reason. We’ll have a lengthy profile soon on one offensive coordinator central to arguably the best offense in the NFL — we should all be talking about this person a hell of a lot more than we are right now.

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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

Temperatures crept into the 90s. It was humid. Edgerrin James had zero business killing himself in this South Florida heat. But the Indianapolis Colts running back also knew the players trying to tackle him come September weren’t training this hard.

Not even close.

So, he kept showing up.

This week, Go Long chatted with the Pro Football Hall of Fame running back who helped change offensive football.

The written transcript is posted at the site.

Right here on the Go Long Podcast, we’ve got the audio.

What an enlightening conversation. Chatting from his gate at an airport, James relives his unique rise from playing older kids in street ball… to “The U” … to Indianapolis. He also offers sharp insight into the running back position today, where it’s heading and Bills running back James Cook. Also: Keep an eye out for “Jizzle James” in the NBA.

Thank you for listening, sharing and subscribing to Go Long.

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

Good afternoon! Hey, New York Giants owner John Mara clearly took the advice of this independent longform site to chart his path forward into 2025. (We kid, we kid.) But yes, the Giants ultimately did decide to stick with both general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll as analyzed.

Now, all these two must do is find a quarterback.

No pressure.

OK, so the Giants did not take one giant leap in ‘24 but — if we’ve learned anything in the NFL these last few years — it’s that premium quarterback play can right your ship in a hurry. Schoen owns the No. 3 overall selection in the ‘25 draft. First up: free agency and potential trades.

* Could the Giants realistically pry Super Bowl champion Matthew Stafford from the Los Angeles Rams? (Hey, it doesn’t hurt to have Chad Hall on staff.)

* If not, who’s Plan B on the veteran market?

* And then — come draft day — which passer would this franchise prefer: Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders?

Everything in Giants Country hinges on these questions.

The NFC East is absolutely loaded, too. New York better nail it.

So, it’s time to pod. All of the above is discussed at length with longtime Giants beat reporter Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com. Both of us have been talking to Giants sources and try to put our heads together to figure exactly what this franchise will do at the most important position in sports. Phenomenal insight from Art. I think you’ll come away from this podcast with a full understanding of where this team stands… with strong hints at what’s coming next.

Audio is above. Video is below.

Thank you for making this site your home for longform pro football coverage.

Also: Part I of our February Mailbag is LIVE. Get answers on Caleb Williams/Bears Future, Davante Adams’ Packers prospects, Cincinnati’s critical offseason and more.

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

Get him a pair of sunglasses.

My friend is on a mission from God. (The sports gods, that is.)

What a joy to catch up with Dan Koob. A decade ago, we both worked in Wisconsin. These days? Dan and his pals Rudy, Rob and Patrick are launching “SportsTown,” which promises to be appointment viewing for all. The concept is simple: find the best damn sports town in America.

Here on the Go Long Podcast, we get into everything “SportsTown,” reminisce on those Green Bay days and, of course, hit on Dan’s Philadelphia Eagles winning the Super Bowl.

Audio and Video are available right here at Go Long, as well as Apple, Spotify and our Go Long TD YouTube channel.

Be sure to follow SportsTown all over your socials, including Instagram, YouTube and X for updates on future episodes and (hilarious) bonus footage. Here’s the official trailer.

ICYMI, our story on the Buffalo Bills’ 2024 finish and the 2025 offseason ahead.

Be sure to submit your Mailbag questions!

And download the Substack app to join all future Live videos.

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

General managers across the NFL are charting their offseason plans. The framework for deals and contracts begin to take shape next week at the Combine in Indianapolis.

Could the New York Giants realistically land Matthew Stafford?

How are the Cincinnati Bengals going to handle Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson?

Will the Green Bay Packers sign a veteran wideout as requested by Josh Jacobs?

There will be a ton for us to discuss over the weeks to come. Let’s get into the habit of recording Substack Live videos to take your questions. For those new to Go Long, simply download the app here and turn notifications on:

This first offseason episode, we delve deeper into the team featured this week at the site: Brandon Beane, Sean McDermott and the Buffalo Bills.

Maybe Buffalo cannot afford a star player in a trade. But a risk or two on draft day is a place to start. We’ve seen Philadelphia’s calculated gambles pay off.

The full story is available to paid members:

In addition to this, I was joined by former personnel man Jim Monos on the Go Long Pod a week ago:

Thank you for reading, watching, listening and sharing with a friend.

We’ll shoot for a Substack Live video each week.

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

The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions. Again. As this 2024 edition parties on, I figured it was a grand time to catch up with a legend from the 2017 team that had the entire city celebrating on Broad Street.

Of course, tight end Trey Burton was the man who threw the “Philly Special” touchdown to quarterback Nick Foles in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots.

We explore this iconic moment in full detail — and everything that led up to it. A jack of all trades at Florida, Burton originally latched on as an undrafted free agent with the Birds. A few tough-love words from special teams coordinator Dave Fipp jumpstarted his career and he clawed his way to that title game in Minneapolis by Year 4. What was possibly going through his mind as the play call came in? How did it change his life? Burton has much to share. You better believe the Eagles were careful not to practice this play within range of Bill Belichick binoculars ahead of that game, too.

Burton inked a big deal with the Chicago Bears in the wake of his shining moment, before then playing for Frank Reich and Nick Sirianni in Indianapolis.

He’s got many Nick Foles and Sirianni tales to share.

The coach we see screaming on the sideline? That’s who Sirianni has been his entire life.

You can access the full episode here at Go Long, as well as on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. The Q&A written transcript is here:

Miss our chat with former Buffalo Bills exec Jim Monos? That episode is live as well.

Love this time of year. A ton planned for you at Go Long this offseason. We’ll spend plenty of time reporting on features worth your valuable time. Thank you for trusting us to bring you unvarnished coverage of pro football.

New here? We’d love to have you join our community.

How did the Eagles demolish Kansas City in the Super Bowl? And what does it mean? We examine below:

* CARNAGE: The Philadelphia Eagles didn't only win Super Bowl LIX...

* What the Philadelphia Eagles' ass-kicking tells the rest of the NFL

As for the Kansas City Chiefs? Michael MacCambridge brings this team’s quest for a three-peat to life:

REQUIEM FOR AN EPIC QUEST: Making Sense of the 2024 Kansas City Chiefs Season...

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

Good day! Hey, we’re long overdue to talk football with our resident personnel man, Jim Monos. Before Monos takes off to start his UFL season as general manager of the Memphis Showboats, Monos spends an hour-plus with Go Long.

He has many thoughts pertaining to one of his former teams: the Buffalo Bills.

To refresh, Monos worked as the director of personnel for the Bills (2013- ‘17). Before this, he was an area scout for the New Orleans Saints (2005- ‘13) and Philadelphia Eagles (2000- ‘04).

The Bills’ 2024 season was a success by many measures: Josh Allen won his first MVP award, Buffalo claimed its fifth straight division crown and they also reached the AFC Championship Game.

And yet — once again — this season ended with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

We’ve got several months to discuss. I’ll have a piece on Monday AM as well.

In the meantime, let’s get the front-office perspective from a front-office man who doesn’t hold back. Full video and audio is available here, as well as on our Apple, Spotify, YouTube channels.

Thank you for powering everything at Go Long.

Subscribers have access to everything, including our complete coverage of Super Bowl LIX. All links are below, including columns on the aftermath. The great Michael MacCambridge is back to make sense of the Kansas City Chiefs’ three-peat bid.

* REQUIEM FOR AN EPIC QUEST: Making Sense of the 2024 Kansas City Chiefs Season...

* What the Philadelphia Eagles' ass-kicking tells the rest of the NFL

* CARNAGE: The Philadelphia Eagles didn't only win Super Bowl LIX...

* Talent vs. Vibes: How the Philadelphia Eagles avoided an 'avalanche' to get to Super Bowl LIX

* Scorched Earth: Xavier Worthy is only getting started with the Kansas City Chiefs

* The Legend of ‘Spags’

* The Mystery of Zack Baun, the Eagles’ 2024 wrecking ball

* The Philadelphia Eagles' secret weapon is Christian Parker

* Embrace Greatness. Embrace Patrick Mahomes.

* Pod: How the Kansas City Chiefs mentally BURY you, with Joshua Brisco

* Pod: Zach Berman on Hurts/Brown drama, Jalen Carter, Super Bowl LIX sleepers & Howie Roseman's bell-curve GM'ing

* Happy Hour Replay: Eli Manning HOF debate, Nick Sirianni & Bland Tom Brady with SI's Conor Orr

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

Eventually, Eli Manning is getting into the Hall of Fame because he’s a Manning, right? He’s essentially an NFL Kennedy.

That’s the debate we open up with on this week’s Go Long Happy Hour with subscribers.

I’m joined by the great Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated who wrote a column on this topic Friday.

Of course, there’s amuch Chiefs/Eagles to discuss, as we take your questions.

How good of a coach is Nick Sirianni? The Eagles head man took a step back this season. The spotlight Sunday isn’t only on the teams participating. Tom Brady will be facing quite a bit of pressure on Fox’s call.

Also, the NFL pretends that Travis Kelce never tried to fight his head coach in last year’s Super Bowl. Odd.

A fun chat as always.

New here? Subscribe today to join future Happy Hours. Into the offseason, we’ll again start welcoming on NFL players.

ICYMI, from New Orleans:

Scorched Earth: Xavier Worthy is only getting started with the Kansas City Chiefs

The Legend of 'Spags'

The Mystery of Zack Baun, the Eagles’ 2024 wrecking ball

The Philadelphia Eagles' secret weapon is Christian Parker

Embrace Greatness. Embrace Patrick Mahomes.

Pod: How the Kansas City Chiefs mentally BURY you, with Joshua Brisco

Pod: Zach Berman on Hurts/Brown drama, Jalen Carter, Super Bowl LIX sleepers & Howie Roseman's bell-curve GM'ing

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

NEW ORLEANS — Somehow, the Kansas City Chiefs became villains. It’s not a role they asked for, but a role they’ve got no problem embracing.

All they’d like is a chance to stick a dagger into your chest late.

We know the Philadelphia Eagles roster is loaded with talent. As discussed earlier with PHLY’s Zach Berman, there really isn’t a weakness. Yet, not much seems to matter whenever Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, Steve Spagnuolo and Chris Jones are playing in a one-score game. This dynasty is much like the last dynasty in the NFL and, hey, the good news is Andy Reid most likely will not start dating a woman young enough to be his granddaughter. Unlike Bill Belichick, the mustached Chiefs head coach is a lovable fellow.

Let’s take the Chiefs conversation to the Go Long Podcast with one of our favorite guests: Joshua Brisco of the “Only Weird Games” Chiefs podcast on KC Sports Network.

A ton of insight. A ton of fun. We explore the psychology of this Chiefs team, and a lot more.

Thanks for listening, all. You can access this episode right here at Go Long and everywhere you pod, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube.

I’ll be finishing up more stories in NOLA soon.

Here’s what’s live so far…

The Legend of 'Spags'

The Mystery of Zack Baun, the Eagles’ 2024 wrecking ball

The Philadelphia Eagles' secret weapon is Christian Parker

Embrace Greatness. Embrace Patrick Mahomes.

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