Ty & Bob Pod

Sean McVay is happy. Just ask him. Don’t worry about it. See his smile? See? See?!Ah, I always love when a bit of raw honesty makes its way to the podium after a draft pick. Everyone who saw the Los Angeles Rams head coach after the team selected Ty Simpson 13th overall pick could tell he was not well. For Simpson, it’s a best-case scenario. What does this mean for the Rams? And Quarterback Hunting in general? The No. 1 storyline from the 2026 draft is the first topic discussed here on “Real Football” with my co-host, longtime NFL personnel man Jim Monos. We examine from all angles.Taking everything into account, is it best to trade up or trade down? How should a general manager proceed in today’s game?We take a close look at the Buffalo Bills’ draft selections, too. GM Brandon Beane did both with his first two choices: Clemson’s T.J. Parker and Ohio State’s Davison Igbinosun. Selections that further reflect the vision to attack post-McDermott. Monos spent time in the Bills front office and offers full analysis on the Bills’ picks after studying the film. He also shares one wild tale from the Philadelphia Eagles war room that involves a certain “FredEx.” (Not everyone’s on-board with decisions made.)Don’t look now, but the Cleveland Browns are quietly adding some talent. Now, about that quarterback…Video and audio is above. Go Long is completely fueled by you. Your support directly supports out independent journalism. Thank you for joining and growing our community. 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

A huge thank you to everyone who headed out to Wayland Brewing Company in Orchard Park, NY for this spring’s pre-draft bash. Wings, beers, many football stories. It was a hell of a time. I’ll be sure to schedule more in-person hangouts into the future.Before all festivities, Jim Monos and myself dinged the record button for one more pod ahead of the draft. Video and audio of that replay is above. Where will Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love go? I wrote a column on the matter and get Monos’ thoughts as a longtime NFL scout. Also, we discuss the pros ‘n cons of this year’s wide receiver class. One scout was particularly scathing when it came to Jordan Tyson, a prospect who seems to have gained traction late. Monos weighs in. You’ll also want to hear my co-host’s analysis of KC Concepcion. Mostly, we get into organizational structure and how the draft works inside a building.Our audio sadly cut out when I shared an insane Jerry Jones story inside the draft room. Relive the surreal scene here. One major takeaway from our first live show at Wayland? The wings are severely underrated. Thanks to those who hung out on Substack Live remotely and everyone who made the trip locally. Let’s keep the party going inside the chat all three days of the draft. Go Long is powered by you.Thank you for your support. 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

Hate being Everyone Won This Trade guy, but I do think this year’s pre-draft blockbuster makes perfect sense for both parties.The Cincinnati Bengals need to fix the league’s saddest defense. Dexter Lawrence could be the piece that gets this team back into the Super Bowl, on the heels of strong free-agent signings. For a team trying to win now, he offers more value than a raw prospect in a draft lacking star power.The New York Giants have a chance to create a team in John Harbaugh’s vision. At No. 5 and No. 10 overall, they can infuse a better-than-most-think roster with two promising pieces. Harbaugh was the top candidate on the market. How soon can he work his magic? Exactly one year ago, I chatted with comedian Joe Praino of the excellent Dirty Sports Podcast. Let’s just say Joe’s mood has changed. Significantly. He’s feeling damn good about these Giants. We get into Brian Daboll’s (unfortunate) coaching shift, Joe Schoen’s roster construction, Jaxson Dart’s ceiling and everything else. Video and audio are above, and you can also subscribe to the Go Long channels on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. And be sure to make Joe’s “Dirty Sports” part of the podcast rotation. Both Joe and Andy Ruther bring a perfect flair of insight and entertainment. Loved popping on their show earlier this offseason.New here? As always, we’d love it if you decided to join our community today as a paid subscriber. Keep it plugged into Go Long for full coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft. If you live in Western New York, join us at Wayland Brewing Company in Orchard Park, NY any time after 5 p.m. (EST) for a night of beer and football. 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

We can’t help ourselves. To those who aren’t on a #warpath for #BetterDays, I apologize. Inevitably, the Buffalo Sabres dominate the first 15 minutes of this podcast. This team is simply too much fun. Eventually, yes, we get into everything Buffalo Bills and NFL Draft with Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News. You can read his work here. Always enjoy lobbing questions back ‘n forth with Jay. This episode, we try to figure out which direction GM Brandon Beane and head coach Joe Brady will go in Round 1 of the draft — Edge? Nose? Linebacker? Wideout?Per usual, the conversation shifts toward the man central to everything in Orchard Park: quarterback Josh Allen. I examined Allen’s relationship with Brady in Part II of our series this week and go a little deeper here as well. There’s plenty of Brady talk and Beane talk as we make sense of a 2026 Bills team facing very real and clear expectations: It’s the Super Bowl. Appreciate everyone who joined this broadcast on Substack Live. You can catch future live recordings by downloading the Substack app and turning notifications on: Be sure to subscribe to get everything in full, including Bob McGinn’s 42nd annual draft series. He talked to scouts around the country to give you the unfiltered look at this year’s prospects. Links here.ICYMI, here’s my two-parter on Joe Brady:Part I: ‘I’ll set my jaw’Part II: ‘They’ve got to play us’ 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

We’re one week away, folks.Soon, mocks become reality. A glorious thing. Here on Real Football — with longtime NFL personnel man Jim Monos — let’s examine prospects we love and hate at the top of the draft, shall we? Be sure to use Bob McGinn’s series as a guide, too. Links are below. His reporting is stellar as always.I’ll take the blue bloods. You cannot go wrong with Caleb Downs and Carnell Tate. Monos is high on Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. As for Miami’s short-armed Rueben Bain… not so much. We explain.We also spend a good amount of time discussing Joe Brady.At Go Long, Part I of “Joe Brady takes charge is live.” I sat down with the new Buffalo Bills head coach for two hours. His rise is fascinating. Top of the pod, we banter on the best sports atmospheres we’ve ever witnessed.End of the pod, we take a stab at what the Bills are looking for in the draft. And GMs must ask themselves a very important question: Does this player truly love football?Video and audio are both above. Thank you for fueling everything here at Go Long.As a reminder, we’ll both be at Wayland Brewing Company in Orchard Park, NY on April 22. Let’s drink some beers on draft eve. Links to Bob McGinn’s 42nd annual draft series for subscribers:* Part 1, WR: Who’s the next star wideout?* Part 2, TE: Kenyon Sadiq and the hunt for matchup nightmares* Part 3, T: Why Francis Mauigoa ‘n co. may define the 2026 NFL Draft* Part 4, G/C: Why this is the year to draft a center* Part 5, QB: The Fernando Mendoza Question* Part 6, RB: Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love? ‘The best NFL prospect in this draft* Part 7, DL: Secure your space-eater* Part 8, Edge: Deep 2026 class promises to torment quarterbacks* Part 9, LB: How should an NFL team unleash Arvell Reese?* Part 10, CB: McCoy? Delane? Hood? Inside the debate at the top...* Part 11, S: Why Caleb Downs, a ‘slam dunk,’ is one of the best players in the NFL Draft* Part 12, ST: The kicking revolution is here 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 draft industrial complex is too often riddled with asbestos. Groupthink settles in, marinates and few analysts are willing to think outside the box in fear of social-media condemnation.Then, there’s Chris Simms. He sincerely does not give a damn. I suppose that’s what happens when the sport itself nearly kills you.What a pleasure to welcome a former Bleacher Report colleague back onto the Go Long Podcast. You can catch Simms daily on PFT Live and his Unbuttoned podcast, of course. He combines sharp insight, strong connections and his own eight-year pro career to bring the masses authentic coverage of this sport. Go Long OGs may remember our last conversation with Simms five years ago. We relived that traumatic moment in Tampa Bay:This time, the focus is obviously the 2026 NFL Draft.Topics include: * How Chris Simms studies the draft each year. His takes are always fresh — what does his process look like?* Patrick Mahomes. Once upon time, Simms was a lone ranger in his affection for the Texas Tech quarterback. What did he see that most draftniks missed? Hint: It’s probably the same thing Terry Pegula saw.* Why he is all, all, all-in on Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. The name “Joe Burrow” is seamlessly worked into his analysis.* Which prospects does Simms LOVE? He’s a big fan of one dimunutive slot receiver.* Psychos. You still need them in today’s game. Which prospect reminds him of Micah Parsons? * His take on the Buffalo Bills’ offseason, specifically the infusion of D.J. Moore into this offense. Video and audio is above. You can also access this episode on our Apple, Spotify and YouTube channels. Will get to transcribing both this conversation and our pod with Matt Hasselbeck for those who prefer words. Also: Bob McGinn’s 42nd annual draft series is almost wrapped up. Today, he breaks down Caleb Downs and the safety prospects. New here? Upgrade to a paid subscription to read in full. 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

Right about now, each spring, NFL teams ask themselves the same question:How soon is too soon to start a rookie quarterback?There’s proof that patience pays off. (Mahomes, Rodgers, Young, etc.)There’s proof that a baptism by fire can work. (Manning, Marino, etc.) Matt Hasselbeck played 18 seasons in the NFL and studies the game extremely closely today. His litmus test is the best I’ve heard yet. He believes a young quarterback is ready for live snaps when that QB masters third-down protections. Understand this chaos? You’re ready. He is a big believer in the clutch gene, too. Here on the Go Long Podcast — our third time catching up — Hasselbeck offers his fresh insight at the sport’s most important position. Hope you enjoy this one. This episode is available in full to paid subscribers and I’ll transcribe later if words are preferred. As a member, you’ll gain access to everything: all features, all pods and Bob McGinn’s 42nd annual draft series running now. Topics on the pod with Hasselbeck include…* What did Philip Rivers teach the NFL by playing well at 44? He sent one very clear message.* What’s going on in Tom Brady’s mind? * “News” is manufactured this time of year. It drives Hasselbeck mad. For some, draft season is the ultimate grift.* Flag Football. Yay or nay?* Why Hasselbeck believes Fernando Mendoza “checks all the boxes” and will excel in the pros with the Las Vegas Raiders. He calls the Indiana QB “amazing.” * He saw a completely different Geno Smith in 2025 — on and off the field. * Caleb Williams & Ben Johnson. The partnership worked in Year 1, following a tumultuous rookie season for the No. 1 pick. Why? And will it sustain? Hasselbeck was critical of the Bears QB before. * Who ascends in ‘26? There’s one quarterback that Hasselbeck believes we do not discuss nearly enough: Brock Purdy. (Of course, he still loves Drake Maye, too.) * Mike Evans may be the 49ers’ missing piece. We’ve had Hasselbeck on the podcast twice before. He always brings the goods.Here are those episodes and transcriptions, icymi.We’ve gotten into Hasselbeck’s own rise at great length before.Quarterback Bliss with Matt Hasselbeck (and words)How Matt Hasselbeck learned to believe (and words) 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

He hates the Chicago Bears.He cannot wait to blast into those who play for the Chicago Bears.But read closely and you’ll see that Javon Bullard is far more critical of his own team, the Green Bay Packers, than a hated rival. Because firsthand, he saw how his team surrendered a playoff game. As he said: “We’re on y’all ass and you’re acting like you motherfuckers don’t even want to play no more. But we need that instinct to kill motherfuckers’ hope. Like, ‘No. Not today. Not tomorrow. Y’all through. We finna beat y’all ass.’ I don’t think we’ve got that as a team yet. But we’ve got another year to prove it.”Later he added: “They got two little wins last year. But don’t forget who the big brother is. We’re still big brother. They got a long way to go before they can try to s**t on us. But we got to show them, too. We can’t just talk that s**t. We’ve got to be about it. So it’s going to be hell next year, man. It’s going to be hell.”And throughout our latest longform piece, you’ll see why “Bull” is everything the Packers need… will they listen? Players and coaches alike should heed Bullard’s advice. That’s the topic of conversation on our latest Substack Live video. We also delve into the Minnesota Vikings signing Kyler Murray and the Miami Dolphins’ unprecedented offseason. Video and audio replay is above. Thank you for hanging out and asking questions everyone. New here? Be sure to download the Substack app and turn notifications on to join future recordings: Also: Bob McGinn’s 42nd annual draft series rages on.You won’t want to miss his piece on Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson and the quarterbacks today.Go Long is powered by you.Thank you for supporting independent journalism. 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

NFL Draft season is here. For the fourth year, Hall of Fame scribe Bob McGinn is bringing his draft series to our pages — all of which is available to paid subscribers. Part I on the wide receivers is live.At the very top of this year’s draft, those Las Vegas Raiders sure hope they hit the bull’s eye. (It’s been a while.)As we transition from free agency to the draft, I wanted to catch up with a friend in the biz: Bill Reiter recently took his excellent radio show to the independent media world here on Substack. I highly recommend it. His show — “Reiter Than You” — is bigger ‘n better than ever in podcast form. We first connected back in his CBS Sports Radio days a decade ago when Bill read the Jared Goff story referenced on this ep. Since then, I’ve always loved popping on Bill’s show. This week, he made his debut on the Go Long Pod.For nearly an hour and a half, we discuss quarterbacks. Mostly, C.J. Stroud in Houston, Caleb Williams in Chicago and Tom Brady trying to resurrect those Raiders as a part owner. Brady, 48, admitted this week that he asked the NFL about a potential comeback. What is going on in his mind? (The Raiders had a swell March, too!) Everything is discussed from Stroud’s looming Year 4 moment of truth, Williams responding to hard coaching, the Ben Johnson Effect and the sad, sad collapse of Game of Thrones.My three-part series on those Bears, House of Dysfunction, is also unlocked to read. If you’d like, here’s Part I, Part II and Part III.Hanging out on the free list? It’s a smart time to upgrade. In addition to McGinn’s draft series, I’ll publish another longform piece here soon.Thanks, all.ICYMI, here’s the latest episode of “Real Football” with longtime scout Jim Monos. 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

Long gone are the days of Super Bowl contenders twiddling their thumbs in March. If you’re not making transactions, you’re not trying. We saw elaborate checks written, blockbuster trades and even one trade reneged at the last second. Nobody can blame GMs for not trying. What does it all mean? Let’s examine on “Real Football” with our resident scout, Jim Monos. DJ Moore to Buffalo. Jaylen Waddle to Denver. Trey Hendrickson to Baltimore. I love what the Washington Commanders did to help their franchise quarterback. This defense needed bodies. And what’s going on in that AFC North? Both us were fans of the moves made in Pittsburgh. Of course, once again, this team is also content waiting on Aaron Rodgers. Cincinnati beefed up its defense, too. Baltimore pulled a fast one. (It’s still all about Lamar in January.)As always, Monos shares stories from the road. This episode, he looks back at his team’s trade for LeSean McCoy ahead of the 2015 season in Buffalo, scouting Hendrickson out of Florida Atlantic and the time Bill Parcells tried to convince teams Jacoby Brissett should be a first-round pick. Inevitably, we debate #gambling at the top of the pod, too. Video and audio of this episode are available above.On our free list? It’s a perfect time to subscribe. Bob McGinn’s 42nd annual draft series begins Friday, and it’s exclusive to paid subscribers. I’ve always been spending this month chipping away at the longform piece referenced on the pod. Thanks, all.Enjoy.Live in Western New York? Keep an eye out. We’re going to throw some beers back together at Wayland Brewing Company in Orchard Park this month for a pre-draft bash. 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

The bonanza continues, too. Expect more stories ‘n pods here at Go Long through the week. Malik Willis is heading to Miami. Tyler Linderbaum is off to Las Vegas. And Carolina paid a premium for Jaelan Phillips. First, here’s a replay of our livestream with “Real Football” co-host, Jim Monos.As the news was flying, we broke it down, shared stories from the road and took your questions.To join future Substack Lives, download the app and turn notifications on. Thanks for hanging, everyone. 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

Fifteen years ago, I met a young Green Bay Packers offensive guard on the far side of the locker room. Almost immediately, we started discussing his wild Green Bay nights and his deep, personal transformation. A couple years later, he opened up on the death of his father.Mining for unfiltered honesty inside a modern NFL locker room isn’t easy. Some players treat interactions with reporters as an obligation in their contract. They’re on autopilot.Then, there’s T.J. Lang.Unapologetic authenticity — on and off the field — endeared Lang to fans his full decade in the NFL. Through eight years with the Packers and two with the Lions, everyone knew precisely what they’d get… right down to a forearm shiver to the chin if you messed with his quarterback. Here on the podcast, Lang spends nearly two hours reliving all highs, all lows from his life in trenches. These days, he’s on the Lions radio broadcast. Of course, he also considers himself a Packer at heart.Video and audio is available here. Prefer words? Here’s the full transcript as well:Topics include: * Moment of truth in 2011. He could’ve partied his way right out of the NFL.* Hockey mentality. Lang grew up on the Detroit Red Wings and viewed himself as a Darren McCarty-like enforcer on Sundays. * Yes, Lang sees the glaring lack of such a specimen on the current Packers, too. That play at Denver bothered him, too.* Up close, Lang sees how NIL and the transfer portal is drastically changing the pool of players entering the NFL. Not for the better.* Are you an O-Line junkie? You’ll absolutely want to hear how Lang, Josh Sitton and the Packers’ front five screwed with opposing linebackers before the snap.* All playoff heartbreak. He tries not to think about the 2014 NFC Championship, but there’s no escape. This chat, Lang relives the most surreal game of his football life in painstaking detail. No, teammates were not pleased with Brandon Bostick. Time helps.* Those two weeks ahead of Green Bay’s 2011 loss to the New York Giants, Lang lost his father to lung cancer and OC Joe Philbin lost his son. Tragedy that rocked this roster more than anyone knows. * The time Green Bay got into Atlanta for the 2016 NFC title game around midnight the night before and Lang gave a pregame speech that, sadly, did not work. * What makes Green Bay, Wisconsin such a special place.* Lang went to Eastern Michigan. Maxx Crosby went to Eastern Michigan. Where does he see the Las Vegas Raider star heading?* Can Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy really coexist? Lang knows both very, very well. His answer may surprise you. Go Long is fueled by you. We appreciate your loyalty.New here? It’s a perfect time to join on the cusp of free agency and the draft. 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 …

What a potpourri of a podcast we have for you this morning. The hilariously insightful Mike Tanier of Mike Tanier's Too Deep Zone is back on the Go Long Podcast. Together, we make sense of this offseason’s scarce quarterback market. Malik Willis is the crème de la crème of available quarterbacks — how good is he? (I’ll also examine in a column soon for subscribers.) Yet again, the Pittsburgh Steelers are groveling to Aaron Rodgers. It makes zero sense. Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy do not need to do this. And while it’s true that many teams are striving for that Sam Darnold-like middle class — one of many lessons to learn from Super Bowl LX — who’s worth $30 million per year? Finding the Next Darnold is a challenge. We also discuss the Steelers’ humiliating NFLPA report card… and those five toilets in the facility. Five! Things naturally go off the rails from there. Tanier records live from Indianapolis where the NFL Combine isn’t what most think. Thank you for listening and sharing, friends.Go Long subscribers, as always, can access everything we have to offer through what promises to be an eventful offseason. Also: Be sure to subscribe to Mike’s Substack for more humor and freshly cooked takes. Miss any of our February Mailbag? Here are all three parts:* Part I: Maxx Crosby Watch, Brandon Beane, Bills WR Plan, Jets reek, trades, Will Campbell’s future* Part II: Matt LaFleur debate, “Indiana” Bears, kickers, NFL straying from its base?* Part III: Which teams nailed their HC hire? 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

Life hits you fast in pro football. Last winter, Dan Quinn had a 14-5 team one win from the Super Bowl. Assistant coaches, one by one, praised him as the best culture-builder they’ve ever met. Jayden Daniels was the offensive rookie of the year. The Washington Commanders were here to stay. Then, everything went haywire.Daniels suffered multiple injuries. One fumble in the rain proved costly vs. Chicago. More injures struck the roster. Old players looked old. The Commanders stumbled to 5-12 and fired both of their coordinators. On the podcast, let’s sift through the rumble and look ahead to 2026 with a man who covers this team inside and out on Substack: Ben Standig of Last Man Standig . Last year went south. Fast. But the good news? Washington has the fifth-most projected cap space ($73.6 million) in the NFL and Daniels could always blow-torch defenses again. Video and audio is above. You can also check out this episode on our Apple, Spotify and YouTube channels. Be sure to give Ben a follow. As you’ll learn on the pod, he brings incredibly sharp insight to a fascinating team. Go Long is your forever home for longform. We’ve got you covered through the entire offseason. We’ll post Part I of the February Mailbag later today. 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

SAN FRANCISCO — Defense rules again. Mike Macdonald and the Seattle Seahawks suffocated the New England Patriots from the jump. Gaining yards — period — was quite the adventure for Drake Maye, Josh McDaniels and an overwhelmed Patriots offensive line. (Sound familiar?)After Seattle’s 29-13 win in Super Bowl LX, I wrote this column on Sam Darnold. His stoicism is an inspiration for all. And give it up to this relentless Seahawks defense. Once again, teams across the NFL will try to find their own bodies to dominate the line of scrimmage. This was a thorough beatdown.Here’s a quick solo podcast recapping the game before heading to my redeye flight east. Miss any of our features and pods from Super Bowl Week? Links are below. And thank you for subscribing and supporting all season long. Go Long is thriving because of you.There is no offseason here. We’ll be examining everything behind that NFL curtain over the next seven months.* Sam Darnold, Super Bowl LX and the power of stoicism* ‘Tough son of a b***h:’ The Lessons of Sam Darnold* Rare Hawks: Why Ty Okada & Jake Bobo embody the Seattle Seahawks* Predictions!* Pod: SI’s Conor Orr on Super Bowl LX & Ahman Green on the Green Bay Packers* Q&A: Seahawks QB coach Andrew Janocko on the ‘resiliency’ of Sam Darnold* Real Football: Seattle Seahawks-New England Patriots Super Bowl LX Preview!* Carlton Davis: ‘I feel like it’s going to be another surprise win’* Southern Comfort: Patriots’ gator-huntin’ rookie Will Campbell is 1 of 1* ‘It’s incredible:’ Super Bowl LX’s roots are in Ron Wolf’s Green Bay Packers* Pod: Stevie Johnson has a PSA for Buffalo Bills WR Keon Coleman!* Best Super Bowl storyline? Terrell Williams is cancer-free, back on the Patriots sideline* 1 on 1: Seahawks GM John Schneider on Packers roots, Sam Darnold, building a winner (again) 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

SAN FRANCISCO — Good morning! Welcome to Super Bowl LX.We’ll bring you all the action live from Levi’s Stadium inside the app.To get you primed, here’s a pair of conversations on the podcast. First up, I’m joined by my good pal Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated. He wrote one of the best stories you’ll read this week on Mike Vrabel and the Patriots coach’s obsession with C4 energy drink. We offer our final thoughts on everything Patriots-Seahawks and tell tales from San Francisco. The Shure mic drops halfway through, but Conor’s excellent takes endure! Bear with us. On the back half of this episode, I catch up with the Green Bay Packers’ all-time leading rusher on Radio Row in San Francisco: Ahman Green.Green fills us in on everything going on in his life these days. He’s in the midst of a cleanse. Then, we dive right into the Packers’ brutal playoff loss to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Green has many sharp critiques. Matt LaFleur and his crew will need to do some soul searching this offseason. I also get his thoughts on the Packers’ workhorse back today. Green is naturally a big fan of Josh Jacobs.Thanks for reading, listening and sharing. Super Bowl LX links:* ‘Tough son of a b***h:’ The Lessons of Sam Darnold* Predictions!* Q&A: Seahawks QB coach Andrew Janocko on the ‘resiliency’ of Sam Darnold* Real Football: Seattle Seahawks-New England Patriots Super Bowl LX Preview!* Carlton Davis: ‘I feel like it’s going to be another surprise win’* Southern Comfort: Patriots’ gator-huntin’ rookie Will Campbell is 1 of 1* ‘It’s incredible:’ Super Bowl LX’s roots are in Ron Wolf’s Green Bay Packers* Pod: Stevie Johnson has a PSA for Buffalo Bills WR Keon Coleman!* Best Super Bowl storyline? Terrell Williams is cancer-free, back on the Patriots sideline* 1 on 1: Seahawks GM John Schneider on Packers roots, Sam Darnold, building a winner (again) 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

He still believes.He has (very) high praise for the Buffalo Bills’ embattled young receiver. When in the Bay Area, you know we’ve got to catch up again with Stevie Johnson. We’ve covered his immense impact on both the position and the Bills in 2021, and then welcomed Johnson onto rip-roarin’ Happy Hours in 2022 and 2023. From Radio Row here in San Francisco at Super Bowl LX, I chatted with Johnson on a host of topics… * Igniting a flame in WNY. He saw the need for fun.* How he helped revolutionize the position… with the help of a few friends. Young receivers across the NFL say Johnson changed the sport with his inventive route running.* How he learned to cook Darrelle Revis. * Keon Coleman. How can the Bills receiver turn it on in Year 3?* Separation. It’s been a problem for Coleman, but Johnson sees a solution.* Out is Sean McDermott. In is Joe Brady. We get his thoughts on the state of the Bills.Video and audio is available here as well as Apple, Spotify, everywhere you pod.ICYMI, Go Long also sat down with Brandon Beane and Pete Guelli to guide you through the search for new head coach Joe Brady. Both had a lot to say.Subscribers can access everything from Super Bowl Week. Thank you for reading and sharing with a friend. We’re powered by you. 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 Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams staged a thriller of an NFC title game. New England trudged through the snow with a tick more precision than the Jarrett Stidham-led Broncos. We dissect both conference title games here on “Real Football” with co-host Jim Monos. New here? Monos was an area scout for the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints before spending four seasons as the director of personnel for the Buffalo Bills. We discuss ‘n debate everything you saw on Sunday: Sean Payton going for it on fourth down, the Rams’ special teams disaster, Sam Darnold’s finest hour and Mike Vrabel’s dominant defense. (What a rebuild it’s been.)Of course, here in Western New York, the Buffalo Bills’ search for a new head coach is heating up. They’ve interviewed a slew of candidates, from Brian Daboll to Grant Udinski. A decision could be made soon. After all, whoever’s the new head coach will need to flesh out a staff.What is it like inside these interviews? Monos shares his experiences.Also, we expand on the need for the Bills to sync up Josh Allen with a new coach. It’s crucial. It’s been missing. This entire 74-minute episode is available to paid subscribers. No ads, no sponsors. We’re powered by YOU. Thank you for your patronage.You can access this episode in its entirety above and inside the Substack app. If you prefer to listen on Apple or Overcast, bang it here to sync your account. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here.Miss the three stories last week? Links here…* Hunt for QB-HC harmony: Why Josh Allen is sitting in these meetings* ‘What is success?’ The truth hurts...* Why was Sean McDermott Fired?Past episodes of Real Football:* Sean McDermott is out, Brandon Beane is promoted... now what?* Mile High Moment of Truth* Wild Card Extravaganza!* Soul-searching time for Chiefs & Bengals* Your move, C.J. Stroud* It’s Not Sunny in Philadelphia* An Epiphany in Buffalo* What’s wrong in Buffalo?* Meet the NFL’s 2025 Party Crashers 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

Crushing playoff losses have consequences in the NFL. Especially when those losses stack up to this extreme. On Tuesday AM, we published this piece on why the Buffalo Bills finally moved on from Sean McDermott after nine seasons. Thank you to everyone who has subscribed and looked back at our three-parter (now unlocked) from December 2023. What a perfect time to record an episode of “Real Football” with co-host Jim Monos. For those who don’t know, Monos served as the Bills’ director of personnel from May 2013 through 2017 after scouting for the Eagles and Saints. He and Doug Whaley led the search to hire McDermott once upon a time. On this episode — exclusive to our paid subscribers — Monos offers sharp perspective on everything. He brings his experience from living a week like this himself and I share some more reporting from sources around the former Bills head coach. We examine all angles of this decision and drive it forward. Urgency is high. Josh Allen isn’t getting any younger, the New England Patriots are back, it was high time for a change at One Bills Drive.Go Long subscribers can access this episode in its entirety above and inside the Substack app. If you prefer to listen on Apple or Overcast, bang it here to sync your account. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here.Greatly appreciate you all for watching and listening. We don’t rely on ads or sponsors around here. All stories and podcasts are completely powered by you. On the free list? Interested in accessing this pod and all coverage in full? Subscribe here.And if you’re enjoying your time at Go Long, we’d love it if you shared the word with a friend.Past episodes of Real Football:* Mile High Moment of Truth* Wild Card Extravaganza!* Soul-searching time for Chiefs & Bengals* Your move, C.J. Stroud* It’s Not Sunny in Philadelphia* An Epiphany in Buffalo* What’s wrong in Buffalo?* Meet the NFL’s 2025 Party Crashers 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

Of course, this one boiled down to more theatrics. These 2025- ‘26 Chicago Bears know no other way.Once again, Caleb Williams made a few mistakes throughout the course of the game. But once again, Caleb Williams supplied a throw for the ages. His touchdown to Cole Kmet at the end of regulation is one of the best our Bob McGinn has ever seen. Here on your weekly NFC North pod, we analyze everything Bears-Rams and look ahead. Year 1 did not go well for Williams but — without question — the young QB accepted Ben Johnson’s hard coaching and supplied hope for the future. This division will be a lot of fun. Go Long subscribers can access this episode in its entirety above and inside the Substack app. If you prefer to listen on Apple or Overcast, bang it here to sync your account. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here.On our free list? Looking to upgrade? You can subscribe here.Also, here is my piece on the firing of Sean McDermott.Looking forward to a Happy Hour discussion tonight. Join me at 8 p.m. (EST). 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 heard from the Texans defenders. That’s one nickname Calen Bullock, Kamari Lassiter and the gang kicked around. A simple “SWARM” works, too. This week, Drake Maye assured us all in Foxborough that he understands what’ll happen if he tries to escape the pocket to gain yards against this Houston unit.“Those guys, especially at the linebacker level, they’re trying to take your head off. … They tackle the ball carrier hard and they’ll make you pay for it.” There will be blood on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. This is — without a doubt — the greatest test yet for New England’s 23-year-old wunderkind. Let’s welcome back the excellent Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston to see how Maye and the Patriots will counter the best defense in the NFL. Phil hosts The Next Pats Podcast and co-hosts Tom Curran's Patriots Talk. Absolutely love learning everything we can from Phil. Video and audio is above.You can also catch this episode on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. OUTLAWS:* Part I: ‘We want you to remember when you played the Texans’* Part II: Why Azeez Al-Shaair and these Houston Texans ‘savages’ seek and destroyLinks:* ‘Who’s willing to shed blood?’ Hard coaching makes a comeback* ‘We’re savages:’ The Houston Texans’ defense aims for history* Mark your calendar: Isaiah McKenzie is BACK for an NFL Playoffs Happy Hour* Real Football: Mile High Moment of Truth* Ty & Bob S4 E17: Autopsy look at the Green Bay Packers’ wild-card calamity in Chicago* Hall of Fame pits greats against each other* And then there were EIGHT: On Cole Bishop & Bills D delivering, Caleb/Maye, John Schneider’s mastery, more* Matt LaFleur, the Green Bay Packers and the art of a choke* It’s Year 9. The Bills (again) have the talent to reach the Super Bowl, but will they? 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

Logic points to a Denver Broncos win. They’re the team that’s rested, the team coached by a Super Bowl champ with two weeks to prepare. Playing one mile above sea level is a challenge itself. Let alone when your roster is still banged up. Logic, however, often does not apply to Josh Allen. Bills-Broncos kicks off the divisional round of the NFL playoffs this Saturday. Here on “Real Football,” we take a close look at the matchup. Jon Scott of WGRZ-TV subs in for Jim Monos this week. We get into everything…* Josh Allen’s toughness. It’s the trait nobody discusses nearly enough, but it’s infectious. * Is this Keon Coleman’s shining moment?* The D made the play in the moment at Jacksonville. Can Sean McDermott’s unit do it again?* Brandon Beane’s roster construction. We explored ahead of the postseason. The firepower at receiver is lacking, but the Bills GM evolved the offense for a road trip like this one. * Joe Brady the run-game coordinator vs. Joe Brady the pass-game coordinator.* If the Bills lose, will there be repercussions? * Tony Romo is back to narrate another Bills game. (It was rough last week.)* What do the Denver Broncos do best? Like champs past, they’ve got a pass rush.* Predictions.Thank you for subscribing, listening and watching. The best place to catch all podcasts is at GoLongTD.com and inside the Substack app. If you prefer to listen on Apple over Overcast, bang it here to sync your account. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here.My plan here in Foxborough is to talk Patriots-Texans with one of the top beat writers/podcasters in the market today. Keep an eye out for that discussion. Here’s the Ty & Bob Pod on everything Packers-Bears. And Thursday night, former Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie will hang out with subscribers on a virtual Happy Hour. Of course, we’ll have stories from 1 Patriot Place, too. Subscribers can always access every story and every podcast at Go Long. New here?Current members, thank you sharing the word.Past episodes of Real Football:* Wild Card Extravaganza!* Soul-searching time for Chiefs & Bengals* Your move, C.J. Stroud* It’s Not Sunny in Philadelphia* An Epiphany in Buffalo* What’s wrong in Buffalo?* Meet the NFL’s 2025 Party Crashers 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.comOur Bob McGinn has covered the NFL since 1979. He’s seen a lot of playoff football.What happened at Soldier Field in this year’s wild-card round — without a doubt — ranks near the top of the Green Bay Packers’ most gutting defeats of all-time. I wrote on Matt LaFleur and the second-half choke. Now, it’s time for a full two-hour dissection of this 31-27 …

We’re back. Real Football returns to break down all six playoff games this weekend. What a joy to talk ball with Jim Monos, our Super Bowl champion scout. Wild Card Weekend always brings madness. Favre to Sharpe. Music City Miracle. Jerry Rice fumbled. “We want the ball and we’re going to score.” Niners-Giants. Tony Romo’s butterfingers. Beast Quake. Tebowmania. Rodgers vs. Warner. The Comeback. We can fully expect theatrics Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Secure your beverage of choice and clear the calendar. Sorry, kids. No Bluey this weekend.You know where we’ve got to start the show: Bills at Jaguars. It’s been Super Bowl or Bust for a while in Western New York. That’s the reality of the situation when you’re quarterbacked by a future Hall of Famer. These Bills could certainly lose to a solid Jags club on the road. These Bills could also go scorched earth behind a reigning MVP, the NFL’s rushing champ and win the whole damn thing. We try to make sense of this team at this time. (Spoiler: You’ll want to stick around for talk on the long-term direction of the Bills at the end of this week’s show.) We also dissect everything Rams-Panthers, Packers-Bears, 49ers-Eagles, Chargers-Patriots and Texans-Steelers.Drake Maye — a unique talent — is on an MVP trajectory. Justin Herbert faces his latest show-me game. You all know what I think about this savage Texans defense from our latest project. It’s an unapologetically suffocating bunch. Now, you can get Monos’ take. He forecasts a Steeler surprise Monday night. (Of course just a few weeks after we all killed this team, right?)Go Long is fueled by all of YOU. I cannot thank everyone enough for reading, listening, watching and sharing with a friend. New here? We’d love to have you join our community.Past episodes of Real Football:* Soul-searching time for Chiefs & Bengals* Your move, C.J. Stroud* It’s Not Sunny in Philadelphia* An Epiphany in Buffalo* What’s wrong in Buffalo?* Meet the NFL’s 2025 Party CrashersICYMI… OUTLAWS, Part I: ‘We want you to remember when you played the Texans’OUTLAWS, Part II: Why Azeez Al-Shaair and these Houston Texans ‘savages’ seek and destroyICYMI:Ty & Bob Pod S4 E16: It’s Packers vs. Bears, Round Three 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

Of course, the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears meet again. Round 1 and Round 2 were both a wild ride.Round 3 — Saturday night on NFC Wild Card Weekend — will no doubt boil down the final drive again. We get you primed for the matchup here on the “Ty & Bob Pod.” Go Long started this season with a close look at those Bears. From Day 1, new coach Ben Johnson was uniquely positioned to right so many wrongs at Halas Hall. The GM might’ve laughed this year’s likely MVP (Drake Maye) off the screen but Johnson’s been able to get the most out of Caleb Williams by coaching hard.Which quarterback brings their A game in this one: Williams (in Playoff Start No. 1) or Jordan Love (after missing 2 1/2 games)? We delve into everything NFC North. Packers-Vikings was a farce, but Matt LaFleur might’ve discovered a big body (or two) who can help his sagging run defense. Speaking of LaFleur, does he need to win a playoff game to earn an extension? We discuss. No team wants to lose four straight games into the playoffs. The vibes are bad.Yet? Green Bay is much healthier this time around at Soldier Field. That’s got to mean something.Lions-Bears was surprising to most, but not this Dan Campbell-loving pod. Of course, he had his team ready to fight. Unfortunately, this season was chockfull of woulda, coulda, shouldas for Detroit. After sleepwalking much of the evening, the Bears showed again they refuse to quit. Finally, we wrap up with a “McGinn Memory” on the firing of Bart Starr as the Packers’ head coach. I sat down with Starr in Alabama for this piece in 2013. He wishes he never coached at all. McGinn shares fascinating insight into his dismissal. Watch or listen to this episode in full above and inside the Substack app. (If you prefer to listen on Apple or Overcast, bang it here to sync your account. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here.)Meet the most ruthless defense in the NFL, the Houston Texans.Azeez Al-Shaair and the gang do not hold back. They plan to bring the pain.* OUTLAWS, Part I: ‘We want you to remember when you played the Texans’* OUTLAWS, Part II: Why Azeez Al-Shaair and these Houston Texans ‘savages’ seek and destroy 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

There’s no defense in football quite like the Houston Texans. This is a team that wants you to hurt. What a fun time it was getting to meet all of these personalities.Our series, “OUTLAWS,” icymi:Part I: ‘We want you to remember when you played the Texans’Part II: Why Azeez Al-Shaair and these Houston Texans ‘savages’ seek and destroyHere’s a solo pod to discuss a little more and look ahead to the wild card games.Be on the lookout for podcasts with Bob McGinn and Jim Monos later this week, too.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

Happy New Year, everyone! And, again, thank you for fueling everything here at Go Long.Be on the lookout this weekend for our next feature. Taking a few extra days on this one. Until then? Here’s a solo pod into Week 18. The AFC North is on the line after Pittsburgh’s offensive no-show in Cleveland. We’re seeing the merits of hard coaching in Jacksonville, Chicago and New England. And what do we make of the Buffalo Bills? Is this postseason Super Bowl or Bust? I feel like we’ve all been wanting to slam that Simulate to January button, way back to Brandon Beane’s decision to go defense-heavy in the offseason.Well, it’s January. You can access video and audio of this episode above and everywhere you pod.Also, here’s this week’s two-hour NFC North show with Bob McGinn for subscribers. 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.comNo, this is not exactly how a defense preps for a playoff run.It was ugly at Lambeau Field last weekend. Somewhere, Derrick Henry is still running. In all, the Baltimore Ravens rushed for 307 yards on the Green Bay Packers. Here on the Ty & Bob Pod, our Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob McGinn works through all carnage to explain what happened and where th…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comThe 2014 NFC Championship nightmares returned 11 years later for the Green Bay Packers faithful.That’s the only collapse comparable to what took place Saturday night at Soldier Field.Down Jordan Love, Micah Parsons, Tucker Kraft, Evan Williams, Zach Tom, Elgton Jenkins and Devonte Wyatt, the Packers showed fight. Hell, they could’ve been up 28-3 with ho…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comDown goes Micah Parsons.Does this 2025 Green Bay Packers season go down with him?Not so fast.You won’t want to miss this episode with Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob McGinn. He’s seen injuries of this magnitude before and analyzes both the present and the future here on the “Ty & Bob Pod.” It’s a big loss. Parsons had 12.5 sacks, 26 QB hits and 48 pressu…

Less than one year ago, Chiefs coaches and players swaggered their way into a fifth Super Bowl. The trip was a rite of passage. This was an organization on top of the football world.Joe Burrow and the Bengals, for a period, resembled this team’s greatest threat. They’re the only other AFC team to reach a Super Bowl since 2018.Now? Both clubs can pack their bags for Cabo.Now? Both need to face harsh realities.On this week’s edition of “Real Football,” we examine the Super Bowl windows of a handful of teams. My co-host Jim Monos has faced similar questions in NFL front offices.* Miami lost in the cold. Again. Mike McDaniel’s belief in Tua Tagovailoa has turned from blessing to curse. We discuss the quarterback’s ceiling and this relationship. * It’s one thing to want another quarterback, yet another to successfully acquire another quarterback. Ask Cleveland. * I still like the Lions’ present and future. Monos? He’s not so sure.* What happened to Kansas City?! One opposing defensive coach gets blunt with Go Long on their personnel. It may surprise you.* There’s a (very) noticeable gap between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen this season. That’s a problem. Mahomes needs to find a counterpunch.* Hey, there is one disgruntled star out there who could prove to be exactly what the Chiefs need. Everything fits. (Considering the rise of Sean Payton’s Broncos, they’ll need to be aggressive.)* The Bengals listened to their QB, paid both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins top dollar… and the defense remained bad. Very bad. We examine the one move they need to make this spring to recover. * Quarterbacks need to quarterback. GM need to GM.* Why the NFL needs NHL-style fights. Video and Audio of the full 80-minute podcast is above for paid subscribers. The best place to catch all podcasts is at GoLongTD.com and inside the Substack app. If you prefer to listen on Apple over Overcast, bang it here to sync your account. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here.We’d love it if you shared Go Long with a loved one this Christmas season.Past episodes:* Your move, C.J. Stroud* It’s Not Sunny in Philadelphia* An Epiphany in Buffalo* What’s wrong in Buffalo?* Meet the NFL’s 2025 Party Crashers 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

What a week in the sport of football.Joe Burrow is sad.Philip Rivers is back.Sherrone Moore is… is… we’ll let you Google the details. I get into everything on “Real Football” with co-host Jim Monos. And since I’m currently down in Houston for Texans reporting, it feels like a good time to zero in on this team’s quarterback: C.J. Stroud. Can he make noise in this wide-open AFC? This team certainly has the defense. This offense has sputtered, but the Texans should be encouraged by Stroud’s chutzpah. He delivered late at Kansas City. Unlike Burrow, he’s happy. We discuss with the longtime NFL scout/exec himself. Toward the end, we touch on that rivalry brewing in the NFC North, too. What did Monos see out of Caleb Williams at Lambeau Field? His second-half toughness was impressive. Private QB coach Steve Calhoun took readers into Jordan Love’s head earlier this week. How has Love separated himself in the NFC?All episodes of Real Football are accessible to paid subscribers. No ads. No sponsors. No gambling blood money. You fuel everything at Go Long.Thank you for growing our community.The best place to catch all podcasts is at GoLongTD.com and inside the Substack app. If you prefer to listen on Apple over Overcast, bang it here to sync your account. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here.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

Matt LaFleur and Ben Johnson both made a point to downplay their disdain for one another. Good thinking.Green Bay and Chicago meet again very soon. There’s no time for emotions of either extreme.Round 1 went to the Green Bay Packers at raucous Lambeau Field, 28-21. Jordan Love was exceptional, Micah Parsons had another quarterback on the run, the Packers answered Chicago’s 17-play marathon drive with an impressive counterpunch of their own and cornerback Keisean Nixon supplied the final dagger.Here on the “Ty & Bob Pod” — your weekly NFC North show — Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob McGinn makes sense of it all. We also recap the Detroit Lions’ victory over Dallas and the Vikings showing a pulse vs. Washington. This week’s “McGinn Memory” looks back at a memorable weather game in 1984.Video and audio is above.New here? You can access all stories and all pods all the time as a paid subscriber. Current member? Christmas is around the corner. You can always gift Go Long to a loved one.Thanks, all. As a reminder: If you prefer to listen on Apple, bang it here to sync your account. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here.Meanwhile, over in the AFC, the field is wide open.Our Monday column, icymi. 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

It was a wild Sunday in the NFL. We recap it all on Substack Live with readers. Want to join future shows? Download the app and flip notifications on:Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are finished, so what does it mean for everyone else? Here’s this week’s column on a wide, wide open AFC with a closer look at the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans.Miss last week’s Friday Feature? We explore the rise, fall and resurrection of Baker Mayfield. 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

They’re booing “Renegade.”They’re calling for Mike Tomlin to be fired. Now, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ most beloved players — one by one — are ripping both the head coach and the team. It’s getting ugly. At 6-6, a division title remains a real possibility for this team. And yet? One bruising 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills felt like a new low. The Steelers allowed more rushing yards than ever before inside this stadium. Aaron Rodgers, bloody nose ‘n all, was terrible. It’s a perfect time to make sense of it all on “Real Football.” Co-host Jim Monos and myself examine how the Steelers slipped into purgatory… and explain their only way out. Video and audio is available above. The best place to catch all podcasts is at GoLongTD.com and inside the Substack app. If you prefer to listen on Apple, bang it here to sync your account. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here.This episode is available in its entirety to Go Long subscribers. Monos worked as a scout with the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints before taking over as the Bills’ director of personnel. Now, he’s got many unfiltered stories to share. Here’s what you’ll get on this week’s episode.* Why this loss feels like a new low for Pittsburgh.* The pros and cons of everything Mike Tomlin. Would he embrace a rebuild? How does an NFL team balance winning in the present vs. preparing long term? Monos offers the front-office view. Pittsburgh’s lack of a vision is backfiring.* Aaron Rodgers is old, cranky and not very good at football anymore. This was obvious last season, but the Steelers chose to lie to themselves. Sad.* Arthur Smith ain’t it and Monos wants the team to erect a statue in Mason Rudolph’s honor. * The only solution for these Steelers isn’t pretty, but very necessary* Who wins the AFC North? Somebody must. Lamar Jackson looks broken lately. * We always circle back to the Bills here in Western New York. Back in ‘22, Sean McDermott’s team was bullied by Cincinnati in the playoffs. This time, the Bills’ No. 1 rushing attack has a chance to set the physical tone. There’s a very good chance this matchup’s been circled on the coach’s calendar for a long time.* “Is Bryce Young good?” has become a weekly segment. The Panthers QB threw three touchdowns in a win over the Rams. (Monos’ take may surprise you.) * Self-preservation is a GM art. * Why I still love Tampa Bay in the NFC. * Caleb Williams and the first-place Chicago Bears. Hey, they’re winning and they’ve got a formula. How long will it last? * Drake Maye and the high-flying New England Patriots. He’s back in the MVP race and making chests hurt leaguewide. * The success of this Geno and Jeanty law firm is on par with Uncle Jack in Always Sunny. Past episodes:* It’s Not Sunny in Philadelphia* An Epiphany in Buffalo* What’s wrong in Buffalo? * Meet the NFL’s 2025 Party CrashersICYMI:* Matt LaFleur goes for the kill* Why the Ben Johnson Effect is realTy & Bob Pod:Preparing you for the Packers-Bears NFC North Showdown 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.comThere haven’t been Packers-Bears games this important, this late in the season much at all since the 90s. Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers went 47-18 against their neighbors to the south. Jordan Love is 3-1. First place in the NFC North is on the line Sunday evening at Lambeau Field.Then, there’s a good chance it’s on the line again at Soldier Field two we…

This same team has already endured a swoon of drama and firings to rise again. This team just smacked the Kansas City in a Super Bowl, a game that was total carnage. What’s going on with the Philadelphia Eagles? On this episode of “Real Football,” we explore in full. My co-host — Jim Monos — began his NFL career (2000- ‘04) as a northeast scout for the Eagles before moving on to New Orleans and Buffalo and offers his front-office eye as always. Saquon Barkley isn’t tearing through defenses like he did last season… but there are reasons for that. This defensive backfield is legit… but the Cowboys’ receivers went full Moss Mode. A.J. Brown is unhappy… but maybe he has a point. Hint: All roads lead back to the quarterback position. Teams are daring Jalen Hurts to make a play. The Eagles, somehow, need to stick to their winning formula. Also on this episode, we check in on the Buffalo Bills. It was a punishing night in Houston. Should concern be with the offense or the defense? Who’s to blame for things not looking right, the coach or the GM? We discuss, debate. They’ve got a matchup ripe with playoff implications on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Full video and audio of this episode is above. Subscribers can always access all episodes at GoLongTD.com and inside the excellent Substack app.Also, I’ve heard from many subscribers who prefer to listen on Apple. No sweat. Bang it here to sync your account. (Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here.) We don’t take gambling blood money around here. All stories and all podcasts are completely fueled by you. I appreciate you all joining and growing our community. Previous episodes: * Meet the 2025 Party Crashers* What’s wrong in Buffalo?* An Epiphany in BuffaloICYMI:* Ty & Bob Pod S4 E10: Packers KO Vikes, J.J. McCarthy crumbles, Bears in first place, Jahmyr Gibbs saves day* Best team in football? The Los Angeles Rams. 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

Just like that, the Green Bay Packers are back on track. OK, OK. They faced Jameis Winston and J.J. McCarthy these last two weeks. But this is the level of physicality required as the 2025 NFL season creeps toward December. Here’s your weekly two-hour dose of NFC North talk with Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob McGinn. Everything is discussed with a close look at the film. * Up front — on both lines — this 23-6 win was precisely what the Packers’ doctors ordered. They’re peaking at the line of scrimmage into a whopper of a Thanksgiving Day matchup. * Emanuel Wilson warrants a regular role in this offense after his 28-carry, 107-yard, 2-TD afternoon at Lambeau Field. McGinn wonders if he deserves more carries than Josh Jacobs, too.* J.J. McCarthy was bad. Really bad. What does it mean in the short and long term for the Vikings? * The Chicago Bears are in first place. Not only that. They finally scored a victory against a team with a winning record, too. Albeit, one quarterbacked by Mason Rudolph. The same red flags keep reappearing, but there are also several trends on both sides of the ball that suggest the Bears can hold their own against better competition. Philly will be a test on Black Friday.* How are the Bears coping with injuries at linebacker? * Finally, we get to those Detroit Lions that survived by the skin of their teeth against the Giants. McGinn predicted a close game. He was right. Good thing Jahmyr Gibbs is on a different level.* The excellent McGinn Memory looks back at arguably the greatest win in Lions history, 1962 triumph over Vince Lombardi’s Packers. Video and audio is available above.If you prefer to listen on Apple, bang it here to sync your account. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here.ICYMI, our column on the Los Angeles Rams and Week 12 in the NFL. 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 Los Angeles Rams stated their case as the official 2025 heavyweights. Matthew Stafford is the MVP frontrunner.Subscribers can read our Monday column for more.And we hit record on a Substack Live to discuss further. As a reminder, be sure to download the Substack app to join future shows and ask any questions you’d like. Thanks to Tim P. and Tim R. for thoughts on the Panthers and Lions.Upcoming…“Real Football” with Jim Monos. Get a front office perspective on the NFL each week at 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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comBen Johnson is working his magic. The holiday season is closing in and he has the Chicago Bears (7-3) at first place in the NFC North. Then again, the Bears haven’t beaten a team with a winning record and their quarterback ranks near the bottom of the league in completion percentage. Without question, the most perplexing team in the sport is the same team we took a close look at back on the eve of the 2025 season. Fresh off yet another absurd finish, it’s time we made the Bears the lead story here on the Ty & Bob Pod. Is this a team capable of making the playoffs and winning some games or is the fairy dust about to wear off? Here’s their gauntlet ahead: Steelers, at Eagles, at Packers, Browns, Packers, at 49ers, Lions. Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob McGinn dissects the film as only he can. Elsewhere, the quarterback known as “Nine” didn’t get much help from his receivers, but… yikes. This was ugly. It’s shocking that Kevin O’Connell insists on pushing the ball downfield. Jared Goff had a miserable night in Philadelphia. Dan Campbell kept saying “hit me” at the blackjack table. How concerning was Detroit’s 16-9 defeat to the offensively-challenged Eagles? We discuss. And we finish with the Green Bay Packers sweating out a 27-20 win over the New York Giants. Speaking of drops, Jordan Love’s receivers apparently dipped their hands into a giant bowl of butter. Yet, he kept firing. Ignore the box score. This was one of Love’s finest games in a while.Two programming notes to share…* This episode, I made an age-old podcasting blunder in letting my headphones serve as the “microphone.” The audio above is a little better than what you’ll hear on the video below. * All podcasts in full are accessible right here at Go Long and the Substack app to our paid subscribers. But if you subscribe — and prefer to listen on Apple — bang it here to sync your account. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here. Thank you, all. Here is the video:

Six touchdowns later, survey says… Unleash Josh Allen.These Buffalo Bills returned their shootout ways in a 44-32 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Reigning MVP Josh Allen was outstanding. Here on “Real Football” with longtime NFL exec/scout Jim Monos, we dive deeper into what this win means for this team at this time.Topics on Episode 3 include…* Why the Las Vegas Raiders are a case study into how not to build a team from scratch. The Geno & Jeanty law firm hasn’t produced. Tom Brady, the owner, is off to a rough start.* Buffalo has issues… but there’s a clear solution: Allen in Full. That much was clear vs. Tampa Bay. What a performance. * There’s hope for the Bills in the 2006 Indianapolis Colts. That run defense was even worse. Here’s the 2024 “Smash the Window” series referenced on the pod. * Keon Coleman was benched. It was third time Buffalo needed to discipline him. What should Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott do with their top pick from ‘24? There’s an easy answer, Monos says. It’d send a message.* Shedeur Sanders finally played. Shedeur Sanders was awful. * Dan Campbell is probably still going for it on fourth down. (Yes, we both love it.)* Caleb Williams hasn’t found much of a rhythm at all in games this season. He completed half of his passes on Sunday. And yet? The Bears keep on winning. We try to make sense of the league’s most unlikely 7-3 team. Full video and audio is available right here at Go Long. Reminder: If you prefer to listen inside Apple, you can set up a private feed right here. And to get your paid pod on Spotify, instructions are here.Paid subscribers can access the 100-minute episode in its entirety. No ads. No sponsors. “Real Football” — like everything at Go Long — is fueled by you.ICYMI, here’s my story from Highmark Stadium.And here’s last week’s Friday Feature on Emeka Egbuka. 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, all. The New England Patriots’ storybook season continues tonight. Mike Vrabel’s vision is coming to life sooner than the most optimistic locals could’ve expected. Drake Maye currently has the best case for MVP. It took one dynasty crumbling to ashes for the Patriots to rebuild again. But for two decades, the greatest coach ever (Bill Belichick) and greatest quarterback ever (Tom Brady) lorded over the NFL.There have been many books written about those Patriots.Now, there’s a definitive account of one of the best debates in sports.Longtime NFL scribe Gary Myers has a new book out: “Brady vs. Belichick: The Dynasty Debate.” We chatted with Gary about his last book — “Once a Giant” — and welcome him back on the podcast talk “Dynasty.” Loved our chat. Right when you think you know everything there is about this quarterback and this coach, Myers gleans fresh anecdotes. We also touch on the Brian Daboll firing in New York. Video and audio is above. You can purchase a copy of “Brady vs. Belichick: The Dynasty Debate” right here. Related: 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.comIn the city that dubs itself “Titletown,” the expectation is always title or bust. These Green Bay Packers resemble anything but a championship offense at the moment.Is it time to have a Matt LaFleur Conversation?A Brian Gutekunst Conversation? A Jordan Love Conversation?Good thing Bob McGinn is back from vacation to help us answer these questions. It w…

One week after clobbering the best player in the sport, the Buffalo Bills were smacked themselves by a team fresh off firing their general manager.Huh?Here on “Real Football,” we’ve got to pan a magnifying glass over Sean McDermott, Brandon Beane, Josh Allen and the Bills with a man who once ran this team himself from May ‘13 through May ‘17: former director of personnel Jim Monos. You won’t want to miss Jim’s fresh take on the team. We examine what’s going wrong and where these Bills go from here… with some major news breaking mid-pod: the firing of New York Giants coach Brian Daboll.That fourth-down kick in Chicago was a bad omen. John Mara made the surprising midseason move. Since recording, McDermott dismissed the idea of bringing Daboll back on his staff. As we’ve covered extensively, these two didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye at One Bills Drive. Could time perhaps heal those wounds? Let’s not forget the relationships that Daboll had with both Allen and owner Terry Pegula. Those matter, too. Several players on those Bills teams believed this team would’ve won multiple Super Bowls if Allen and Daboll were united beyond 2021.We discuss in full with reporting from our three-part series a couple years back.Either way, this Bills defense needs work and the offense must rediscover its rhythm against Tampa Bay this week. As always, we spend the first chunk of the show analyzing the week’s games. (Holy, New England.)Go Long subscribers can access the full show. Real Football — your weekly dose of unfiltered pro football discussion — is completely powered by you. Reminder: Paid subscribers can also listen on Apple via a private feed.Bob McGinn will also return this week to talk NFC North. Keep an eye out for that Tuesday PM.Miss Episode 1? 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 evening! And here’s hoping you’ve all transitioned to Christmas music. It’s time.Back from our reporting trip to Tampa, I hit record on a Substack Live to preview Week 10 in the NFL quick. Good news for the Minnesota Vikings. It sounds like Aaron Jones (shoulder/toe) is a go. He is the subject of our Friday Feature this week.The beloved veteran opens up about his deceased father and the promise he made to him their final hours together. Hope you enjoy. Whoa nellie, did we get A LOT of exceptional Mailbag questions from you all. Rather than rush it, I’ll post midway through next week. Exceptional submissions by all. Feel free to keep ‘em coming at [email protected]. ICYMI, the first episode of “Real Football” with co-host Jim Monos is live. Our hope is for this show to serve as your weekly two-hour peek behind the curtain on how this NFL works. Monos brings the goods. Subscribers can access in full. And thanks to everyone who hung out on the live broadcast. Love seeing new names.Want to join future shows and ask questions? Download the app right here and flip notifications on. 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.comAnd… we’re off! Welcome to “Real Football.” Each week, I’ll be joined by longtime NFL personnel man Jim Monos. Episode 1 is officially LIVE. We spend the first hour analyzing the previous week’s games and the second hour examining three Super Bowl contenders nobody saw coming: Seattle, New England and Indianapolis. As discussed, we’re back to bringing y…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comLambeau Field served as the site for one of Matt LaFleur’s worst defeats to date as the Green Bay Packers’ head coach. His team lost as 13.5-point favorites to the Carolina Panthers.The offense should be hitting its stride right now. Especially after Jordan Love’s signature win over the Aaron Rodgers-led Pittsburgh Steelers in prime time. Instead? LaFle…