GREEN BAY, Wisc. — Forty-eight hours ahead of wild-card weekend, make sure all chores are completed and your schedule is clear. There’s a very good chance you won’t be that interested in leaving your recliner. The NFL playoffs begin Saturday and I cannot remember a better slate to kick things off. It’s a blend of future Hall of Famers, revenge games, inclement weather, brewing upsets and fan bases that’ve been dying to host a playoff game. Love from Hagemeister Park in downtown Green Bay, here’s the latest Go Long Show. My co-host has worked in the front offices of these playoff teams, too.* Patrick Mahomes vs. Tua Tagovailoa, and the long-term implications. * What does Jim Schwartz have cookin’ for rookie C.J. Stroud? The environment will be electric in Houston.* Packers-Cowboys. Does Monos see the same thing as Bob McGinn?* Why Monos is in on the Los Angeles Rams. He sees some damning numbers concerning the upstart Lions. * Weather could get funky in KC and Buffalo. Mike Tomlin finds ways to keep games close, too. But the Bills prepared for a game like this offense. * The Philadelphia Eagles are a disaster at the worst time. * Wink Martindale shows us all why the “mutual parting of ways” is never so eloquent. * Pete Carroll became the last man at the party dancing. Good on Seattle for making a tough decision in the best interest of the franchise.The Go Long Show is accessible here and everywhere you pod, including Apple and Spotify.Audio is above. Video is below. Thanks, all.ICYMI, here is Brett Favre on Jordan Love, why he sees the Packers as a dangerous team, Cowboys memories, seeing “ghosts,” and what’s possibly be going through Mike McCarthy’s mind knowing one loss could prompt Jerry Jones to fire him: 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.comGREEN BAY, Wisc. — This weekend marks a historic new chapter. Jordan Love makes his first playoff start against the Dallas Cowboys and — at this rate? — the Green Bay Packers just may be on a fast track toward a half-century of quarterback harmony.Absurd in the NFL. Entire franchises spin on the hamster wheel for a generation.A perfect time to check back in with the icon behind the renaissance of the franchise: Brett Favre. The three-time MVP has a lot to say on this episode of “FAVRE.” Go Long also flew to Wisconsin this week for reporting that’ll roll out over the coming days and weeks. On this episode, Favre is unplugged on many topics:* Jordan Love. He’s a believer… and then some. Favre is effusive in his praise, right down to the new QB’s “cool, calm and collective” manner. He sees teammates who want to fight for him, too. (“Jordan has the team on his back. They love him. … I think the guy’s legit. I think they hit a home run.”)* Remember the photos that NBC put side-by-side during the Packers-Vikings game? Yes, Favre sees himself in Love, and explains why that particular throw is so, so difficult to pull off. * He views the Packers as the most dangerous team in the NFC. (“They can beat anyone.”)* The cold. Favre enjoyed playing in Lambeau’s frigid chill — to a point. (He didn’t own an ice scraper, either.)* Is Mike McCarthy’s job on the line with a loss? There’s a lot of pressure on Dallas. Mainly because coaching under Jerry Jones is a different beast. Favre still has a relationship with his former coach and explains what’s likely going through McCarthy’s mind into this game. * Speaking of, how would Favre describe his relationship with McCarthy. It didn’t end well in ‘08. * Packers-Cowboys memories. This was the team that owned Favre’s Packers in the early 90s. He looks back at the psychology of trying to overcome Aikman, Emmitt, Irvin and the mighty Cowboys. Specifically, a ‘95 NFC Championship Game for the ages.* Seeing “ghosts.” It’s a phrase we hear often, but Favre articulates exactly what it means. He certainly saw ‘em and knows Dallas will try their best to confuse Love. Subscribers can access the full hour-plus in audio above or video below.You can also listen wherever you pod by syncing up your RSS feed above.Thanks for listening/viewing, all. Full video:

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comTrusty co-host Bob McGinn does not make predictions. He didn’t as my colleague at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and usually steers clear of grandiose prognostications here at Go Long. Until now.Yes, McGinn sees the seventh-seeded Green Bay Packers winning in Dallas this weekend. It’ll be close. He expects many points scored. But you won’t want to miss …

Bills-Dolphins. This AFC East title game is loaded with drama from both points of view.Stefon Diggs could combust for 150 yards and two touchdowns. To reach the Super Bowl, Buffalo unquestionably needs their star wide receiver — in full. This game could also serve as a tipping point for a messy offseason. Much is at stake.Jordan Love vs. Justin Fields. Is the Green Bay Packers quarterback capable of overcoming a potential defensive calamity? Whereas last season’s Week 18 game at Lambeau Field felt like The End, this one could be The Beginning of something special. The grass was always green on the other side.How should the Chicago Bears, armed with the No. 1 pick, proceed at quarterback? Fields has played better of late, but let’s not forget the tension from earlier this season. It was telling. And it’s worth noting the revamped power structure. The Philadelphia Eagles’ sinking ship.Miami’s injuries.Aaron Rodgers theatrics.Everything is discussed on our latest Happy Hour with Go Long subscribers from across the country. Thank you to everyone who carved out an hour and a half on a Friday night — sharp questions/thoughts the entire session. We’ll record many more of these into the offseason. What a great chance for us to hang out — often with a former NFL player, too. This episode, my podcast co-host Jim Monos joined the call and shared his always-excellent insight. You’ll get a front-office perspective on all the above. Audio is available here at Go Long, and in the Apple and Spotify podcast feeds. Paid subscribers always have access to join all Zoom Happy Hours. Is there a player you would like to hang out with? Let me know at [email protected], and I’ll track him down. Thanks, all. Past Happy Hours: * Our chat on "The McDermott Problem"* Steve Calhoun (Jordan Love’s private QB coach) * John Hansen* Andrew Brandt* Peter King* Warren Moon* Isaiah McKenzie* Bob McGinn* Rob Johnson* Jamal Lewis* T.J. Lang* Jamaal Williams* Stevie Johnson* Richie Incognito* Wyatt Teller* Doug Whaley* Isaiah Likely* Stevie Johnson* Eric Wood* LeRoy Butler* Bob McGinn & Jim Monos* Quincy Avery* Erik Kramer* Frank Winters* Olin Kreutz* Peter King* Johnathan Franklin* Steve Calhoun* Jim Monos* Jace Sternberger* Doug Whaley* Isaiah McKenzie* Andy Janovich* Vince Williams* Ryan Leaf & Steve Tasker* Joshua Harris* D’Wayne Eskridge* Allen Robinson 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.comOne game to go, the Green Bay Packers just might’ve become one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL. Jordan Love toyed with the Minnesota Vikings throughout this 33-10 blowout.Beat the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field and they’re in the playoffs at 9-8.Here on the “Ty & Bob Pod,” we have an overdue disagreement on the general manager central to the e…

Fans chanted “We Want Justin!” Players repeat that Justin Fields is their quarterback.But this is also why players play, coaches coach, fans fan and GMs GM. It’s much more complicated for the Chicago Bears. Here on the Go Long Show — with longtime NFL personnel man Jim Monos — we analyze the major quarterback decisions ahead. The Bears own the No. 1 overall pick and a chance to draft USC’s Caleb Williams. Would they really pass this up to keep Fields? Also, the Pittsburgh Steelers are riding the hot hand with Mason Rudolph. Where does this leave 2022 first-rounder Kenny Pickett? He doesn’t seem too pleased with Mike Tomlin’s decision. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints are stuck with Derek Carr in 2024 and… it’s getting messy in Denver. Very messy. Monos can relate to a team telling a quarterback with injury guarantees to sit. His Buffalo Bills did the same thing with Tyrod Taylor in 2016. We take another stroll down (bad) memory lane. Audio is above. Video is below. We’ll be recording another episode later this week to preview the game of the week: Buffalo at Miami. Game No. 272 could be a defining moment for the Bills.Speaking of Fields, here’s how the NFL scouting community viewed the mobile quarterback out of Ohio State. Is he a “knockoff Cam Newton” or the QB who “pushed Burrow out of a job?” Three years in, the Bears must decide. Go Long is your home for longform journalism in pro football. Thanks to all for joining our community.New readers/listeners: Upon subscribing you’ll gain access to our series, “The McDermott Problem.” All links are right here: * Part I: Blame Game* Part II: Lost in translation* Part III: Let Josh be Josh 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

Even with that dud vs. the Baltimore Ravens, it’s safe to declare the San Francisco 49ers the team to beat in the NFC. Is there a team capable of stunning Kyle Shanahan’s crew in the postseason? That’s central to our NFC discussion this Saturday morning on the Go Long Show. Dallas has the talent. Philadelphia reached the Super Bowl last season. Detroit is exorcising demons.But is there another team out there capable of sneaking up on everyone? Baker Mayfield has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers primed to win the NFC South. The Bucs called their shot at Go Long ahead of this season — from Carlton Davis to the rest who believed. Mayfield should be the Comeback Player of the Year. Elsewhere, Sean McVay has faced Shanahan many times and Matthew Stafford won a Super Bowl just two years ago. The Rams are heating up at the right time. Thanks for listening and sharing, everyone. (Here’s the Marcell Dareus story referenced, too.)Audio is above. Video is below. You can find the Go Long Podcast everywhere you pod, including Apple and Spotify. Go Long is powered by you. Thank you for joining our community.Stories/Podcasts from the week, icymi:* ‘You only get one life:’ The Juice Scruggs vantage point* Erik Kramer Q&A: 'I’m here to help people'* Ty & Bob Pod: The Jaire Alexander Fiasco, explained (it's bad)* 1 on 1 Pod: Erik Kramer and "The Ultimate Comeback"* Go Long Show: AFC Wellness Check* Jordan Love is the answer at QB. Now, about everything else… 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.comThat escalated quickly.The Green Bay Packers supplied the NFL’s bombshell this week by suspending cornerback Jaire Alexander one week for conduct detrimental to the team. In the team’s ugly 33-30 win over the lowly Carolina Panthers, Alexander elected himself a captain and nearly blew the coin toss by saying the Packers wanted to play defense first… ins…

This life story is almost too outrageous to believe. I first connected with Erik Kramer ahead of our launch of Go Long in 2020. He was eager to share everything that’s happened in his life since football. It’s unfathomable. He lost his son to a heroin overdose. He lost both of his parents. He attempted to take his own life, even pulling the trigger inside of a hotel room. Miraculously, Kramer survived. Major surgery was a success, but it took Kramer’s brain a full five years to wake up. While it was impossible for outsiders to tell, he had the mental capacity of a 6-year-old. And that’s when he nearly lost himself again. Kramer was coerced into a sham marriage and says he lost about $700,000.The former NFL quarterback detailed it all in our three-part series, The Fight For Erik Kramer’s Life. (Then again on a Happy Hour with subscribers.)Now, you can learn about Kramer’s entire life from Kramer himself. His autobiography — “The Ultimate Comeback” — has officially hit the shelves. You can purchase a copy on Amazon and everywhere books are sold. It’s fantastic. It’s the definition of a page-turner in this genre. So, for our next 1-on-1 podcast here at Go Long, we welcome back Kramer. His rise as a quarterback in this sport is wild itself. Kramer didn’t even start in high school… was a backup in need of an epiphany at the JUCO level… shined at N.C. State… got his shot as a “scab” during the NFL strike… bartended with a side of football in the CFL… and finally got his shot with the Detroit Lions after calling every team’s main-line phone number in a media guide. Here’s the audio and video of conversation on the podcast. I’ll post the text later today.Go Long is your home for longform journalism in pro football. Thank you for joining our community. The Fight For Erik Kramer’s Life…Part I: A MiraclePart II: VictimizedPart III: A new manSimilar conversations with former players: Ryan Leaf wants to save NFL players' lives: 'You're not alone'What is the future of football? Chad Brown has many thoughts... (Text Q&A)Drew Bledsoe lived the beauty and pain of pro football (Text Q&A)Matt Hasselbeck learned to believe (Text Q&A)'Pain is glory:' DeVier Posey is the true football journeyWhy Lee Smith is the Great American Tight End StoryAlex Green escapes the abyssThe tenacity of Terence NewmanQuincy Carter was an addict. His life? “Hell.”Rashad Jennings’ 180Ahman Green was born to be a Packers running backKurt Warner and the power of beliefConcussions, Flutiemania, a “Miracle.” Rob Johnson relives it all.Edgerrin James: “I was made to play football.” Trent Dilfer: From “terrible” teammate to Super Bowl champ to QB Renaissance ManThe impossible life of LeRoy ButlerWhy we should put Ronde Barber’s name right with Charles WoodsonDon Beebe still gets letters on the “Leon Lett Play” every dayDarren Woodson opens up on avoiding gangs, wild Cowboys days, depression, finding purposeMario Butler's father was murdered in the most unspeakable way. This is what Butler did next.Bruce Smith is still seizing the dayDonte Whitner thrived in a “scary place” 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

Two weeks to go, clarity is low. Very low.This is exactly when you want to be looking your best as a Super Bowl contender, yet it’s hard to make sense of any teams on a week-to-week basis — especially in the AFC.Without question, 2023 is the best shot teams have had at dethroning the Kansas City Chiefs since Patrick Mahomes assumed power. Even one AFC team that has upset KC (the Bengals) is missing its star quarterback.We try to make sense of it all on the “Go Long Show.” Once again, I’m joined by former NFL personnel man Jim Monos. Buffalo won an ugly 24-22 affair in L.A. against the JV Chargers. A true get-in-and-get-out game. Considering how this AFC is shaking out, wins are imperative… however you get ‘em. The Cleveland Browns will bring a special defense to the dance. Lamar Jackson’s numbers aren’t eye-popping but there’s a good chance he wins MVP again. The Ravens have the toughest roster, pound for pound. And let’s not forget about the Miami Dolphins. The team with the most yards (4,126) and most points (463) this 2023 season needed to learn how to grime out a win vs. a playoff team. This was an impressive finish against Dallas. Miami and Buffalo may be on quite a collision course in the regular-season finale. Audio and video of this episode are both available in this post, and at Apple, Spotify, everywhere you pod. Thanks, all.ICYMI… * Jordan Love is the answer at QB. Now, about everything else…* 'Keep dreaming, baby!' Why the Cincinnati Bengals can contend with Jake Browning* Our 3rd Annual All-Old School Team! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comBaker Mayfield torched the Green Bay Packers — at Lambeau Field — with an all-time performance. This level of domination gets people fired. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback went 22 of 28 for 381 yards with four touchdowns, no picks and a perfect 158.3 rating in a 34-20 win. Green Bay is now 6-8. The defensive coordinator’s seat is 500 degrees.Yet, t…

Through his career in Wisconsin, ‘12 to ‘18, Mike Daniels won a lot of games. He was not the norm at defensive tackle, bullying offensive linemen at all of 6-foot-nothing. Beyond his impressive numbers, a Pro Bowl bid and high PFF grades, Daniels was also the player forever trying to inject toughness into the Green Bay Packers’ defense. Other teams considered this unit “soft,” and it pained him to his core. So, he was loud. Very loud.Daniels jawed with opposing players. (And coaches.)Daniels never held back in interviews with us in the media. One year, ‘13, he said the Packers needed to start choking people and punching them in their throat. The next, Daniels vowed to hit teammates before they take the field to play meaner. Anyone who watched this team knows, the bombast was always needed. Despite boasting an MVP-caliber quarterback in Aaron Rodgers and weapons galore, Green Bay’s defense often collapsed in the big game. Wondering why the Packers didn’t win a Super Bowl after 2010? This conversation will help crystallize everything. (He knows his attitude wasn’t for everybody in the building. The atmosphere was different in Green Bay.)Mike Daniels does not hold back and he’s seeing many of the same problems today.When I was at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Daniels once took us through an MMA training day for a story — he’s still the same guy. With Daniels, there’s never much of a need to ask questions. He’s got a lot to say. After Green Bay, Daniels played for the Lions and Bengals. He saw Matt Patricia’s cold coaching up close and he was the one giving inspiring speeches through Cincinnati’s Super Bowl run in 2021. This Go Long Podcast episode is available above, as well as Apple, Spotify and everywhere you get pods.Video is below. I’ll post the transcript later today if that’s preferable. Thanks, all.Go Long is your home for independent longform journalism. Subscribers have access to all team deep dives, all player profiles, all podcasts. 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 shocked the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day. They slayed the defending champions and Patrick Mahomes.So, of course, the red-hot Green Bay Packers would fall victim to the Tommy DeVito-led New York Giants on Monday Night Football. What happened? Our Hall-of-Fame scribe Bob McGinn dissects the 24-22 loss here on the Ty & Bob Pod. There’s plenty of blame to go around, Jordan Love to Joe Barry. McGinn has been high on these Packers but this loss struck quite a blow. Also, the Detroit Lions’ decline continued with a 28-13 loss to Chicago. Where has Dan Campbell’s crew regressed? Position to position, McGinn explains. Full audio is above.Miss the Go Long Show? That episode with Jim Monos is also live.Thank you for subscribing, listening and sharing 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

Back at the scene of “13 Seconds,” Sean McDermott earned a win he will never forget. It saved the Buffalo Bills’ season, too. We take the conversation to the Go Long Show podcast with co-host Jim Monos.New readers/listeners: Monos served as a scout with the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints before taking over as the director of personnel with the Buffalo Bills (2013- ‘17), where he helped lead the head-coaching search that netted McDermott. Monos brings a very unique perspective — and takes you through the entire hiring process, their relationship, why he believes the head coach structured everything the right way. We dive into my three-part series, “The McDermott Problem,” and it’s aftermath locally, as well as the head coach’s strengths/weaknesses, the Josh Allen Super Bowl Window and explore how this all ends for both the 2023 edition of the Bills and McDermott. As always you can catch the Go Long Show right here and everywhere you get pods, including Apple and Spotify. A video replay is below. All three parts of the series are linked below for Go Long subscribers. Thanks, everyone. Part I: Blame GamePart II: Lost in translationPart III: Let Josh be Josh 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.comGood morning, readers.And to our new subscribers, thank you for making Go Long part of your life. In light of our series on The McDermott Problem, it seemed like a perfect time for us to get together for another Happy Hour on Zoom. The full 2+ hours are available above for subscribers. Let’s definitely gather for more of these hangouts in th…

As the New York Jets continue to crumble, the feeling of vindication must be very, very sweet for the Green Bay Packers after their most impressive victory of the season against the defending champions.Jordan Love outplayed Patrick Mahomes.The playoffs — and more? — are in sight. The Packers have many winnable games ahead.For Love, beating the Chiefs must’ve been extra special, too. He took that first start against KC hard in 2021. We break down everything Packers-Chiefs and everything Lions-Saints right here with our longtime scribe Bob McGinn. Go Long is completely powered by you. Thank you for joining 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

Chad Brown needed to vent and explain and share his perspective in a platform beyond social media. Last Sunday, the mass public debated Tom Brady’s comments on football devolving into mediocrity with Alex Smith as the tip of the spear. And, out of the blue, I received a text. The longtime NFL linebacker Brown wanted to chat about this all. It’s hard to imagine a more qualified voice. Out of Colorado, in ‘93, Brown immediately joined the bloodthirsty “Blitzburgh” gang in Pittsburgh — Brown previously shared stories from those days with us for this piece on The Steelers Linebacker. His career lasted 15 seasons and 188 games, from 1993 to 2007. Brown totaled 79 sacks and 17 forced fumbles, earning three Pro Bowl bids. He also finished fourth in the Defensive Player of the Year voting in 1996. After that run alongside Greg Lloyd, Kevin Greene and co. in Pittsburgh, Brown played for the Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots and the Steelers again.But his perspective stretches beyond his career as a player. Brown has been inside the league offices. Brown has worked with modern coaching staffs. He’s familiar with every side of this debate and, these days, works in sports media. There’s a good chance you’ve heard Brown on the national radio airwaves.What’s the future of football? He’s got a lot to say. Man, I loved this conversation. Audio is above. Video is below. You can also access the Go Long Podcast on Apple, Spotify and everywhere you get your pods. Also, I’ll share the written Q&A of our conversation later today. Go Long covers pro football through a longform lens. Our aim? To lift up the curtain on how this sport truly works. 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

No longer is it a foregone conclusion that the Detroit Lions will run away with the NFC North. With a convincing victory on Thanksgiving Day, the Green Bay Packers didn’t only pull themselves back into the playoff race — they’ve got a shot to catch the Lions. Ahead, they’ll host the Chiefs, Buccaneers and Bears and travel to the Giants, Panthers and Vikings. Starting, first, with the defending champs. However this 2023 season shakes out, Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst must love what they see in their new franchise quarterback. On the Ty & Bob Pod — with our resident Hall of Fame sports writer Bob McGinn — we again explore the NFC North in great detail. * How Jordan Love shredded the Lions secondary.* Dan Campbell isn’t hitting the panic button. He always knows exactly what to say.* It’ll be hard to pull Jonathan Owens off the field, regardless of who’s healthy at safety.* How the Packers’ defensive front beat up the Lions’ mighty O-Line. Penei Sewell allowed six pressures — unheard of. Campbell has pegged Sewell the best player on the entire roster. * There’s still hope in Detroit to go the distance. Don’t bail yet. McGinn explains.* Did the clock strike midnight on Joshua Dobbs? This was ugly. * You heard it here first: The Chicago Bears roster is better than most think — at least on defense. They got after Minnesota.* A look back at a 2007 Packers-Chiefs game at Arrowhead and, more specifically, why Tony Gonzalez doesn’t get the love he deserves. Gosh, did I gain a whole new appreciation for the tight end working on “Blood and Guts.” He forced the sport to change, even if it meant a near-brawl with Mike Mularkey.You can listen to the show here at GoLongTD.com and everywhere you pod, including Apple and Spotify, by linking up your account. Thanks, everyone.Also, icymi, Brett Favre had a lot to say about Love, the Packers and the state of the football in lieu of Tom Brady’s criticism. Go Long is your home for longfom journalism. Subscribers can access everything. Thank you for joining 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

Brett Favre, like you, watched the Green Bay Packers’ Thanksgiving Day win over the Detroit Lions.The Hall of Famer, like you, certainly was impressed with Jordan Love.On this episode of “FAVRE,” we get into plenty:* It’s hunting season. Favre shares one crazy story from the woods. He can laugh about it now but — holy heck — he was panicking then. * Jordan Love. What stands out most? Favre sees teammates who truly believe.* His own breakthrough moment as an NFL quarterback took place in Detroit. Favre relives a wild card classic. * Football today. Tom Brady made waves last week in describing the quality of play as mediocre. What does Favre think? He knows fans love seeing the heavyweight boxer who gets clobbered to the canvas, and keeps getting up. A lively episode today. Audio is above. (You can also link your subscription with Apple by clicking “Listen On.”)Video is below. Thanks for listening and sharing. Go Long is 100 percent fueled by you. New here? We’d love to have you join our community.Subscribers can access everything.Previous episodes of FAVRE:* Ep 1: Reliving an unforgettable moment in NFL history* Ep 2: Bar fights, throat-slashes and the car crash that could've killed him* Ep 3: The unique attrition of football* Ep 4: Time for Jordan Love to make ‘chicken salad’ out of ‘chicken shit’Our Friday Feature, 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

For decades, there’s typically been nothing for Detroit Lions fans to get excited about on Thanksgiving Day. Dan Campbell has ushered in a new reality with an 8-2 club in pursuit of the NFC’s top seed. What planet are we on again? The hype is real this season.Times have changed and Ford Field will be rocking on Thanksgiving Day.And yet — ever so steadily — the Green Bay Packers’ offense has awoken from its slumber. This should be a different team with a different quarterback than the Lions faced at Lambeau Field earlier this season. Jordan Love had the finest game of his young career in the Packers’ 23-20 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, completing 27 of 40 passes for 322 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Now, he’ll enter his most hostile environment to date.That being said, as Bob McGinn details on this week’s episode, there should be opportunities for Love in the secondary. We review a trio of NFC North games and look ahead. Audio is embedded above and available everywhere you pod. (To sync up your Apple account, just click “Listen On” adjacent to the audio player.)Go Long is your home for longform journalism. Subscribers can access all stories and all podcasts. We are completely supported by you.Also, as a reminder, VIP subscribers can ask Hall of Famer Brett Favre anything on “FAVRE.” We’ll be recording another episode Friday AM. Upgrade to VIP status and you’ll also receive a Go Long sweatshirt (hoodie or crew) and a signed copy of “The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football.” Previous episodes: * Ep 1: Reliving an unforgettable moment in NFL history* Ep 2: Bar fights, throat-slashes and the car crash that could've killed him* Ep 3: The unique attrition of football* Ep 4: Time for Jordan Love to make ‘chicken salad’ out of ‘chicken shit’ 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

Book hotels accordingly. Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs will host the conference championship game. It’s a rite of passage at this point. Joe Burrow was won at Arrowhead, but now… Joe Burrow (wrist) is done for the season. So, we wonder: Which team can realistically dethrone the Chiefs?A new “Go Long Show” is live.Audio is above. Video is below. And you can always catch this podcast at Apple, Spotify, everywhere you pod. 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 Detroit Lions are rolling. Behind Dan Campbell’s fourth-down bravado, they improved to 7-2 with a 41-38 win in Los Angeles. Kudos to those Lions fans filling SoFi Stadium, too. Minnesota isn’t far behind — miraculously — with Joshua Dobbs. Green Bay? It was another week, another blah three-hour performance. Jordan Love enjoyed his best game, but it wasn’t enough. The Packers are still young and still cannot finish. Here’s another close look at the NFC North with Bob McGinn.This podcast episode is available above, and on Apple and Spotify. 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

God bless everyone who stayed up to watch the Chicago Bears’ 16-13 win over the Carolina Panthers last night.Ugly does not do this game justice. Tyson Bagent, the undrafted quarterback out of Shepherd College, the son of an arm-wrestling champ defeated Bryce Young… the No. 1 overall pick out of Alabama. Of course, the state of these two teams runs deeper than this. We discuss on the Go Long Show with co-host Jim Monos, a man who’s lived through many ups and downs in NFL front offices. The Panthers have too many cooks in the coaching kitchen. For more on how the 2023 quarterback dominoes fell, here’s our feature from last month. We also discuss Sam Howell and the Washington Commanders. He’s making a strong case to the The Guy. Joe Theismann believes. Finally, we take a look at the struggling Buffalo Bills and why the problems are not on offense. The loss in Cincinnati was a reality check.You can listen to the podcast above, as well as on Apple and Spotify.Video is below. Thanks, everyone.Go Long is your home for longform journalism. When you refer a friend, you’ll gain rewards. * Get a 1 month comp for 3 referrals* Get a 3 month comp for 5 referrals* Get a 6 month comp for 25 referralsNew here? We’d love to have you join our community today. Remember to download the Substack app and turn notifications on. Each Sunday, you can chat with fellow Go Long readers from around the world: 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

Football creates true bonds, true brotherhoods that last forever. Perhaps the sport’s greatest redeeming quality.Football can also lead to lifelong health problems. To the mind and body. “Once a Giant: A Story of Victory, Tragedy and Life After Football” captures this balance as well as any NFL book I’ve read. It was a pleasure chatting with the book’s author, the great Gary Myers, for this podcast episode. The Bill Parcells, Mark Bavaro and Harry Carson stories are equal parts chilling and uplifting. Audio is above. Video is below. Be sure to purchase your copy of “Once a Giant” everywhere books are sold — here’s the Amazon link. You can follow Gary on X @GaryMyersNY.Thanks, everyone.I’ll aim to have more conversations with authors, too. The holidays are around the corner and nothing beats a good book as a gift. “Once a Giant” is a great place to start.Go Long is your home for longform journalism in pro football. New here? Free and pay subscriptions are both available: 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 were far better football games to consume on Sunday than the Green Bay Packers’ 20-6 win over the Los Angeles Rams but, goodness, did Matt LaFleur, Jordan Love and the gang need this one. Aaron Jones was himself again, and it showed.The Rasul Douglas trade is already paying off with the Packers’ young defensive backs getting invaluable playing time. Everything comes with a BRC, “Brett Rypien Caveat.” The season’s not dead yet and a winnable game at Pittsburgh is next.We discuss it all on the podcast with Bob McGinn. As a reminder, subscribers to Go Long can access all stories in addition to all podcasts. 'Does he have that something special?' Kurt Warner dissects QB Jordan LoveFAVRE: Time for Jordan Love to make ‘chicken salad’ out of ‘chicken shit’Miss last week’s show? You can listen to that episode here.Also: When you refer a friend to Go Long, you can start earning discounts yourself. * Get a 1 month comp for 3 referrals* Get a 3 month comp for 5 referrals* Get a 6 month comp for 25 referrals 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

These are bizarre times in Green Bay. After three decades of sublime quarterback play and perennial contention, the future is a total unknown. The 2023 Packers are 2-5 and, now, Jordan Love has 10 games to prove he’s the quarterback of the future. Pressure’s heating up for all involved: GM Brian Gutekunst, head coach Matt LaFleur, Love and a green-as-grass offense. So, let’s check back in with the player who revitalized the franchise itself.On Episode 4 of “FAVRE,” three-time MVP Brett Favre examines the state of the organization, and a lot more:* The problems in Green Bay run deep. What does he see? * How is Love performing? Favre knows seeing an element of “razzle dazzle” is important… even if the deck’s stacked against the QB.* The challenge of trying to win with so much youth. Favre knows he was lucky to have Sterling Sharpe at wide receiver to begin his Packers career. Frank Winters, too. Any vet at any position can go a very long way. * Why the 54-year-old Favre has more desire to train than he ever has in his life. (But, no, he isn’t mounting a comeback.)* How Favre knew Doug Pederson would be a great NFL head coach.* His relationship with his father. He never heard “I love you” or “I’m proud of you” from his Dad. What effect did this tough love have on Favre as a kid? Today?* His relationship with his daughters. He’s been open to both about his addiction to alcohol and pain pills. * Connecting with the fans on a deeper level and why this meant more to Favre than any statistic, any accolade. VIP members at Go Long can join our recordings to ask Favre questions. Upgrade here to our founding tier for this access, a Go Long sweatshirt and a copy of “The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football.” Audio of “FAVRE is above with video below. Go Long is completely independent, and strives to cover pro football through a longform lens. Subscribers can access all stories and all podcasts. Thanks to all for joining our community.Previous episodes of “FAVRE” below:Ep 1: Reliving an unforgettable moment in NFL historyEp 2: Bar fights, throat-slashes and the car crash that could've killed himEp 3: The unique attrition of 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

By the end of this week’s “Ty & Bob Pod” podcast episode, our longtime scribe had the 1988 newspapers out. It’s been that long since the Green Bay Packers offense was this anemic in the first half of games. That cold stretch under Lindy Infante sure mirrors this one under Matt LaFleur.Now, there’s a Halloween scare.You may start to see empty… 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

One and a half seasons in, the Las Vegas Raiders have only gotten worse.Out is GM Dave Ziegler. Out is head coach Josh McDaniels.Obviously, the Raiders franchise has been a joke for a while now. But as we delve into this episode of the Go Long Show, change was needed. A flawed quarterback plan, an abomination of a defense and losses like the one we all saw on Monday night against the Detroit Lions demand accountability.Also, what does the addition of Leonard Fournette mean in Buffalo? Co-host Jim Monos recalls scouting Fournette out of LSU.And what does the opposite of everything Raiders resemble? It’s the Detroit Lions, where the head coach and GM have made a series of correct decisions.Brian Daboll sure would love that fourth and 1 back vs. the Jets. We’ve seen many coaching mistakes halfway through the season. Monos also explains why Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata is Victor Wembanyama.Audio is embedded above and the video is below. Thanks, all.Miss our column Tuesday? This is a defining moment for Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers.Go Long is completely powered by our readers. We cover pro football through a longform lens. Also, join our Deadline Chat discussion inside the Substack App… 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 is too much happening in the NFC North to jam our weekly discussion into one post.Miss Part I? Here’s a lengthy chat on the state of the stammering Green Bay Packers. For Part II, we begin with the Baltimore Ravens’ throttling of the Detroit Lions. One week ago, we were crowning the Lions as contenders. Dan Campbell’s crew, as co-host Bob McGinn eloquently puts it, had their brains handed to them by the Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Was this a one-week fluke? A bad omen? It’s complicated. We discuss. And, holy, did the Minnesota Vikings make an NFC statement by upsetting the mighty San Francisco 49ers, 22-17. Without his star receiver, Justin Jefferson, quarterback Kirk Cousins was exceptional in a primetime spot. Jordan Addison introduced himself to the country. And blitz-happy Brian Flores hinted that this is a new day for the Vikings defense. Go Long spent time around the Vikings in training camp. They were optimistic about 2023 — eager to prove that was substance to all those one-score wins a year ago. The life-saving K.J. Osborn is one player who brings this team’s spirit to life, too.After a 1-4 start, the Vikes are now 3-4 and should be thinking about contending. This season. With Cousins.Finally, we wrap with Eagles-Dolphins talk and another “McGinn Memory.” Thanks, 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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comNo win on the road is a gimmie. But, for the Green Bay Packers, this was supposed to be the breezy lull in the schedule. Jimmy Garoppolo’s Raiders? Russell Wilson’s Broncos? They couldn’t have gotten these two clubs at a better time. Both wins were the Packers’ grasp and they let ‘em slip away. Instead of heading into their NFC North matchup vs. the Min…

Mac Jones and Mike Gesicki doing The Griddy at the end of a game-winning drive certainly was not on the bingo card of even the most tortured Buffalo Bills fans. An alleged “get-right game” was anything but for the 4-3 Bills. Could this simply be an average team with an average defensive mind? There’s much to be written on this 2023 season, but the pressure’s building on head coach Sean McDermott. Injuries aren’t an excuse, especially when Bill Belichick managed to pressure Josh Allen on 41 percent of downs without key starters. (Including Matthew Judon.)We try to make sense of it all here on the Go Long Show with co-host and longtime NFL exec Jim Monos. Also, some thoughts on the horrendous officiating staining pro football games, those Pittsburgh Steelers finding ways to win in the fourth quarter and a thought on offensive line play in light of Tyrod Taylor and Tyson Bagent earning wins. Of course, the main focus is on the Bills and that precarious Super Bowl window. You can listen to our flagship podcast above, or on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, everyone you pod.Subscribers can access all three podcasts at Go Long, in addition to all stories. Video is below: 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

Few remember the level of ugly to a victory in the NFL. Few will be able to recall just how close the Buffalo Bills were to near-disaster against the New York Giants. But right now, this is a team lost in the woods.The good news? It’s mid-October. Week 7. There’s plenty of time for the Bills to dust off a compass and find their way out. We examine the state of the team on this episode of the Go Long Show. Co-host Jim Monos, the team’s former director of personnel, offers his unique perspective as always. Also…* Lyft/Uber etiquette. Some stunts don’t warrant the tip.* Rookie QBs. The start of Bryce Young’s career has been a nightmare, but how much is his fault? * Why a hearty rushing game is exactly what the doctor ordered in Buffalo. * Defensively, Monos pinpoints the areas of concern. Expect teams to take the fight to Sean McDermot’s team on the ground. Thank you for subscribing, everyone. Go Long is powered by you.The “Go Long Show” is accessible right here at GoLongTD.com and wherever you listen to podcasts, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Video below: 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 Detroit Lions — the Lions! — just may become this year’s Super Bowl Champions.It’s time for everyone to face that reality.Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have spent three years building a mentally- and physically-tough powerhouse of a roster. So much has gone into this, too. From the Jared Goff trade to building an ass-kicking offensive line, to resetting the secondary to — above all — seeking a specific DNA in players. (Links to stories below.) The time is now for a franchise that’s toiled in the NFC basement. Detroit’s 20-6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wasn’t necessarily pretty. But, once again, the Lions proved to make the sort of hustle plays you won’t see on other teams. Like, say, from Chicago Bears rookie Darnell Wright on a Vikings fumble recovery. On this episode of the “Ty & Bob Pod” with our resident Hall of Fame sports writer Bob McGinn, we analyze the Lions’ win over Tampa Bay and what makes this a legitimate contender. We then try to make sense of that messy Vikings-Bears game, and think big picture on the Vikes. Where should GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell go from here? How the Vikings perform against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday night could dictate the terms of their season. We cap with Cowboys-Chargers talk. Contrary to a media talking point this week, McGinn isn’t impressed with quarterback Dak Prescott. Finally, this week’s “McGinn Memory” turns the clock back to 1984, to a classic snow globe of a Packers game. Go Long subscribers can always access all stories and all podcasts:Also, we’ve been growing our Go Long TD YouTube page. Be sure to subscribe to our channel to catch clips from all three podcasts (“FAVRE,” “Ty & Bob,” “Go Long Show”), all Zoom Happy Hours and 1-on-1 interviews with the likes of Matt Hasselbeck, Drew Bledsoe and future guests.It’s about time we got to your Mailbag questions. Will post in the AM. Have a question? Email me at [email protected], everyone. Lions Links: DNA of the Lions, Part I: Vanquishing 'bad juju'DNA of the Lions, Part II: The obsessed ones'The Problem' is The FutureThe Detroit Lions Must Break You, Part I: Life and deathThe Detroit Lions Must Break You, Part II: Bringing the painDan Campbell, Detroit Lions miracle worker'There is only one Barry Sanders' 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

When Mike McCarthy told Matt Hasselbeck that he needs to buy a truck and build a house to send a message, frankly, the young quarterback thought his position coach was nuts. McCarthy essentially could’ve told the balding second-year pro to bench press 315 pounds with no spotter. The Packers longshot, however, earned the No. 2 job behind Brett Favre… was soon handpicked by Mike Holmgren to lead the Seattle Seahawks… and enjoyed an NFL career that spanned from 1998 through 2015. Surely, the Seahawks fans that watch this podcast will forever believe Hasselbeck was robbed of a Super Bowl in 2005, too. (He holds no grudges.)I think you’ll love this conversation. Hasselbeck opens up on the football life he never imagined.Audio is available at the player above, and everywhere you get podcasts. (Including Apple and Spotify).Video is below.The written Q&A is right here. Thanks, everyone.Go Long is committed to longform pro football journalism. New here? We’d love to have you join our community today. For all stories, all podcasts, various subscription options are available. 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.comAfter another primetime dud, the Green Bay Packers are again under the national microscope. This 17-13 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders was ugly.Especially on offense. And there’s plenty of blame to go ‘round.On this episode of the “Ty & Bob Pod” with longtime scribe Bob McGinn, we spend nearly two hours dissecting Packers-Raiders and taking ou…

Football isn’t for everyone, and that’s OK. That’s what makes this sport different.Football, however, may be changing. Watch any game, any Sunday. Perhaps nobody is more qualified to thoroughly dissect the inherent danger of this sport quite like Brett Favre.Name an injury, he likely had it. Concussions? More than he can count.Through the NFL’s golden age, the three-time MVP somehow started 321 straight games. A record that may never be broken despite the owners treating quarterbacks today like 32 bubble boys. On Episode 3 of “FAVRE,” we take a big-picture look at the sport itself with Favre’s iron-man streak as the launching pad. The longtime Green Bay Packer is once again extremely candid on everything. You can listen to the full episode above or watch it below completely ad-free, sponsor-free. I greatly treasure our independence at Go Long — we’re powered by you. Our readers, our listeners. Current subscribers, thank you. For those considering a subscription, we’d love to have you join our community.As always, you can listen right in Apple or wherever you get your pods, too. Click “Listen On” next to the audio player to link up your RSS feed if you’d like. Also: VIP members at Go Long are able to join the call and ask Favre anything. Click here to become a VIP. In addition to this Favre access, I’ll also mail you a Go Long sweatshirt (hoodie or crew) and a signed copy of “The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football.” Here’s what is discussed throughout our lively 83 1/2-minute discussion this episode:* Quarterbacks who impress Favre five weeks into this 2023 season with a close look at the San Francisco 49ers’ godsend: Brock Purdy. (He also admires Baker Mayfield’s leadership. Earmuffs, kids, on the Andy Janovich quote.)* The streak. A true love for the game drove Favre to always, always, always play on. Is such a passion becoming antiquated?* Painkillers sure helped Favre start every game early in his career. He’d always take his pills with a beer. (And the beer teammates turned down.)* Which injury was the most difficult for Favre to play through his two decades in the NFL?* We discuss football — true football — and why there’s nothing else like it. You know at a very young age whether this sport is for you or not. * You might’ve seen Favre’s name in the news last week. He says his deposition in the Mississippi civil suit is not this month, but that he’s eager for the opportunity to speak. I ask Favre about the damage done to his reputation.* In 2023, Favre sees the sport transforming into something new: “Flag football with pads.” That’s swell for the long-term health of quarterbacks — he’d know. But at what cost? Is the sport losing itself with so many flags and fines dulling the instincts of defensive players? He watched Bills-Jaguars on Sunday morning with similar angst. * The hypocrisy of pontificating about player safety while adding a regular-season game. That 18th game won’t be far behind, too. Yet, Favre makes a smart point. Players who enjoy the physical contact will also be increasingly OK with danger being siphoned out of the sport… if they see the financial benefits all around.* VIP questions! Favre explains why it was always nice to joke around with officials. Also, who was his favorite receiver?* An Andy Reid story he’ll never forget. FULL VIDEO: Previous episodes of “FAVRE” below:Ep 1: Reliving an unforgettable moment in NFL historyEp 2: Bar fights, throat-slashes and the car crash that could've killed him 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 great mystery of this 2023 NFL season resides in Green Bay, Wisc.Jordan Love.After three years, the Packers finally deemed that the quarterback out of Utah State was ready to take over. We’ve seen a thrilling comeback win over the New Orleans Saints. We’ve seen a rough first half against the Detroit Lions. But how is Love really playing? Most importantly, how good can he be? You’ll want to catch our latest Happy Hour Replay. The man who knows Love’s game better than anyone gives us an inside look. Steve Calhoun of Armed and Dangerous Football has coached and mentored Love since the QB was in eighth grade. For a full hour, Calhoun takes questions from Go Long members.Catch the full audio above or watch the full video below. We discuss…* What was going through Love’s mind when the Packers gave Aaron Rodgers an extension in 2022? Right when it appeared his Green Bay days were numbered?* Simulating game action on a practice field — for three years. * Love’s mental toughness. It has roots in adversity that prepares Love for anything he could see on a football field. * Green Bay West. Calhoun breaks down the practices Love ran with the team’s receivers and backs in July. * Calhoun’s outside-the-box coaching methods. Such as teaching Love how to use both of his eyes in different ways as he’s reading the field. * Why nothing surprises Love on the field.* What happened in Detroit? We break down some of the throws, good and bad. * The pressure. Media coverage has often been scathing the last three years. How has Love processed it?Thanks, everyone.And, remember: Let me know who you would like to hang out with on a Happy Hour. We’ll make it happen.Full Video Replay:Past Go Long Happy Hours:* John Hansen* Andrew Brandt* Peter King* Warren Moon* Isaiah McKenzie* Bob McGinn* Rob Johnson* Jamal Lewis* T.J. Lang* Jamaal Williams* Stevie Johnson* Richie Incognito* Wyatt Teller* Doug Whaley* Isaiah Likely* Stevie Johnson* Eric Wood* LeRoy Butler* Bob McGinn & Jim Monos* Quincy Avery* Erik Kramer* Frank Winters* Olin Kreutz* Peter King* Johnathan Franklin* Steve Calhoun* Jim Monos* Jace Sternberger* Doug Whaley* Isaiah McKenzie* Andy Janovich* Vince Williams* Ryan Leaf & Steve Tasker* Joshua Harris* D’Wayne Eskridge* Allen Robinson 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.comThe Detroit Lions effectively socked the Green Bay Packers in the jaw last week.They won, 34-20, and of course built up that 27-3 halftime lead that led to a very emotional Matt LaFleur. (And a few scattered boo’s at Lambeau Field.)So, what in the hell happened? On this episode of the “Ty & Bob Pod” — spanning nearly two hours — we break it …

The game of the week turned out to be no game at all with the Buffalo Bills knocking out the Miami Dolphins, 48-20. Overreactions to the Dolphins’ sluggish day on offense are ridiculous. These two teams just may meet two more times this season. But what a day for Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs and, without a doubt, head coach Sean McDermott. We all know this is his defense in 2023. Slowing down the Dolphin machine was a promising early sign. The back-half of the podcast is spent discussing the rookie quarterbacks.C.J. Stroud’s arrow is pointing up — his calm and cool confounded the Steelers, 30-6 — and co-host Jim Monos also loves what he sees in Anthony Richardson. Our resident scout is applying his unique grading system to the QBs again, and you’ll want to hear his Richardson breakdown. (You may recall Monos wasn’t thrilled with the Florida tape.) Bryce Young? It’s early. But… no. There hasn’t much to get excited about. Not yet.And there’s plenty of San Francisco talk. Brock Purdy was nearly perfect on Sunday and Monos had a sizzling take to share on one of his teammates. You can listen to the Go Long Show above and everywhere you access podcasts. Full video is below. Also, be sure to subscribe to the Go Long YouTube channel to catch the live recordings of our flagship podcast, as well as clips from “FAVRE” and the “Ty & Bob Pod.”Go Long is powered by our readers. Thank you for joining 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

It’s rare to hear how this sport actually works.Why one player is taken over another player. The process that leads to a team loving or loathing a prospect. The fans who pour their hard-earned money into the NFL are too often fed insipid cliches at the podium and left in the dark.We’ll always try to lift up the curtain here. And on this episode of the Go Long Show, Josh Lucas takes everyone right inside the thinking of an NFL front office. From 2015 to 2022, Lucas served as the director of player personnel under GM Ryan Pace with the Chicago Bears.Before this, he worked with our podcast co-host Jim Monos as an area scout with the New Orleans Saints from 2005 to 2014.You’ll learn how decisions go down before an NFL draft and, more specifically, how the Chicago Bears got to this point — from the decision to draft Mitchell Trubisky over Patrick Mahomes in 2017 to the trade up for Justin Fields in 2021. Lucas offers thoughts on several other Bears picks, relives Saints memories and has a fresh take on Jordan Love. Also: How do you know if a college prospect can overcome adversity?Enjoy.Audio is above with the video below. If you’d prefer to download episodes on Apple, just click the “Listen On” button above. Go Long is completely powered by our readers. Subscribers can access all columns, all features and all podcasts, including “FAVRE” with Brett Favre and the “Ty & Bob Pod” with Bob McGinn.The No. 1 goal — always — is to bring you real, raw pro 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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comThe NFC is wide open in 2023. We’re still weeks off from differentiating contenders from pretenders. But the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers have every right to be optimistic.The Lions overcame a rash of injuries to punch the Atlanta Falcons in the mouth on Sunday, 20-6. Ford Field was electric and rookie Brian Branch may be the best pla…

It’s easy to pinpoint the moment everyone in the huddle knew Brett Favre was a different breed. He was in college. He played a football game against Alabama one month after having 36 inches of his intestines removed. The result of a car crash that easily could’ve ended his life. Seeing this — up close — quite obviously empowered all teammates beyond their imagination. Somehow, Southern Miss shocked No. 13-ranked Crimson Tide.This became the story of Favre’s football life, Start No. 1 to No. 321. Packers players have said repeatedly they’d run through a wall for their quarterback. On Episode 2 of “FAVRE” — exclusive to subscribers — the three-time MVP continues to open up like he never has before. As stated, the goal of Go Long is to always deliver football in its rawest form. The good, the bad, the ugly. You’ll always get unfiltered, unvarnished coverage here, and nothing is ever off-limits with this show. There’s never been a Favre before, never will be again and he’ll open up on everything to bring you as close as possible to real football.Each episode, we’ll connect the past with the present with endless untold stories.As young quarterbacks across the league try to make their own leap — and win over locker rooms — Brett Favre isn’t afraid to open up wounds from his own life. On and off the field.You won’t want to miss Episode 2. Audio is above. Video is below.A few topics discussed: * Favre should have vanished into oblivion early in his career. He opens up on his extreme alcohol usage, the byproduct of an addictive personality. Having just one beer was an impossibility. Favre admits he’d drink until he completely passed out. Somehow, he’d party ‘til 4, wake up at 7:30 and train just as hard as he drank. He easily could’ve been Johnny Manziel. Two specific turning points — Green Bay nearly benching him in ‘94, going to rehab for his painkiller addiction in ‘96 — got his life back on track. He quit drinking in 1998, too. * His year in Atlanta — 1991 — was wild. Favre hit it off with Deion Sanders. He got into four or five bar fights, too. * Favre sees himself in Josh Allen, and offers a solution. There’s a needle the Buffalo Bills can thread to get the most out of their own gunslinger.* Yes, we get into Aaron Rodgers and the Achilles injury heard ‘round the world. Would Favre try to come back from this injury? What does he expect out of Rodgers? His perspective on this seismic storyline is obviously unique. He remembers The End well and would love to share his wisdom… if only Rodgers would return his calls. * You’ve probably heard many of Larry Bird’s epic trash-talking stories from the ‘80s. Favre has many of his own, and shares one classic from ‘99. There’s a reason he gave Lions’ Robert Bailey a throat-slash gesture. * The blow-by-blow account of his college car wreck is certifiably nuts. How he managed to upset Alabama after having those 36 inches of intestines removed and losing 35 pounds is even crazier, and explains how he was able to galvanize an entire locker room.* What does Favre think about Jordan Love two games in? He’s been watching closely and sees teammates rallying around their new QB. They want to fight for Love. Beyond the numbers — to him — this is a phenomenal sign. As always, VIP subscribers can hop onto the Zoom call after our 1-on-1 to ask anything they’d like. This episode, Favre answers reader questions on his best prank (poor Frank Winters) and details what made Sterling Sharpe special. Click Here to become a VIP, to hang out with Favre and also get both a Go Long sweatshirt and a signed copy of “The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football.” Thank you, everyone. No sponsors. No ads. This show, like everything here, is 100 percent fueled by readers.As always, the full 88-minute version of “FAVRE” is accessed right here at GoLongTD.com. If you prefer to listen on Apple, simply click the “Listen On” button above. There’s a good chance you’ll prefer the video, too. FULL VIDEO BELOW… 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.comThis sport remains a war of attrition. Dan Campbell knows this.His Detroit Lions are already getting slammed by injuries. Will they respond? On this episode of the “Ty & Bob Pod,” we begin with one last look at the Green Bay Packers’ 25-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons — no moral victory. As promised, Bob McGinn brings his keen football eye to…

This isn’t how the Chicago Bears envisioned football in 2023 — at all. What a cringy display of offensive football it’s been against Green Bay and Tampa Bay. Justin Fields is off to a miserable start and, lest we forget, Fields was drafted by the previous regime. New GM Ryan Poles traded out of the No. 1 pick in 2023, but he no doubt has an eye on the 2024 class. Especially at this rate.On this episode of “The Go Long Show,” we examine this precarious quarterback situation, and several others. Desmond Ridder had his finest start to date with the Atlanta Falcons. There was a lot to love about his performance against the Green Bay Packers — especially through a clutch fourth quarter. Same for Sam Howell in Washington. Eveything Howell told Go Long before the draft is coming to life through two games. As he said then, on comebacks: “The main thing is ‘don’t get too caught up in the scoreboard.’ Don’t worry about the score. Just stick to your process and play good football. Chip away. Focus on the play. Do whatever you can to be successful that play.”Also, the Buffalo Bills got back on track against the Raiders. A tame Josh Allen was still an effective Josh Allen. And co-host Jim Monos relives his quarterback dilemma in the spring of 2017. He sees the value in letting a mid-round pick play. You can listen to the podcast above and everywhere you get pods. To access on Apple, select “Listen On” adjacent to the audio player.Video is below. Thank you for being a part of our community at Go Long. Subscribers can access all stories and all podcasts, including “FAVRE” and the “Ty & Bob Pod.” 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

Football gave Drew Bledsoe so much.Memories and friendships that’ll last forever. Glory. He’s arguably most responsible for completely waking up the New England Patriots franchise in the early 90s. Football also tested the former NFL great. With pain… so much pain. Go Long first chatted at length with Bledsoe shortly after launching in late 2020. Bledsoe opened up then on everything from the Mo Lewis knockout shot to just how pissed he was at Bill Belichick for not giving him his job back to that “bittersweet” Super Bowl win over St. Louis. (You can read Drew Bledsoe, Unfiltered here.)This week felt like a perfect time to touch base again with Bledsoe again. Always honest, always introspective, the four-time Pro Bowler shared many new stories. He relives the time he bruised his liver in high school and Bruce Smith whiplashed him as an NFL rookie. Bledsoe admits he still hasn’t watched the Patriots’ Super Bowl XXXI loss to the Packers. He dives deep into the power of the sport itself, and how it connects players from polar-opposite backgrounds. And, by God, did he love Buffalo. Drew Bledsoe really, really loved Buffalo.Audio of our conversation is above, video is below and I’ll share the written transcript today, as well. If you prefer to listen within Apple, simply sync up your account by selecting “Listen On” up by the audio player within this post. Thanks, everyone. Enjoy.Go Long is committed to longform storytelling in pro football. Miss our 2023 plans? Catch up here, with testimonials.We’re completely powered by you. To receive all stories and all podcasts — including “FAVRE” and the “Ty & Bob Pod” — new readers can upgrade here: Full conversation with four-time Pro Bowler Drew Bledsoe… 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.comWelcome to the refurbished “Ty & Bob Pod” with our longtime scribe — and Pro Football Hall of Famer — Bob McGinn. We started this whole podcast thing a decade ago as teammates at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and brought it to Go Long through the 2021 season. After a year hiatus, it’s back. With a twist.Once more, we’ll continue to take a c…

Aaron Rodgers went down. The hype surrounding this game faded with him.Yet, it didn’t matter. The Buffalo Bills’ offense was anemic. Josh Allen was dreadful. The energy throughout Sean McDermott’s team was reminiscent of the last time we saw Buffalo in that listless playoff loss to the Bengals. We recorded an episode of the “Go Long Show” immediately after the Jets’ 22-16 overtime win late Monday night. The replay audio is above with the video below. (Also, subscribers can listen right in Apple if you prefer. Instructions are here, and all you need to do is Select “Listen on” above. From the drop-down menu, click “Copy link.”)Buffalo has work to do and — without Rodgers — so will that Jets offense. Miss our first Monday morning column? Here’s a look at Jordan Love’s debut.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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comEpisode 1 of “FAVRE” is live. Subscribers can listen to the full hour and a half above or watch the video below.We get into plenty…. * Obviously, many of you would like to hear what he says about the accusations levied against him in Mississippi. He has denied wrongdoing and has not been criminally charged. To the extent he can, Favre touches on the case. (Through all developments, he will fill you in.)* Most of this first episode ties the present to the past. Blow-by-blow, Favre relives a surreal 2008. From the crushing loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship… to retiring… to unretiring… to clawing his way to the Minnesota Vikings… to, finally, reaching a peace with the Green Bay Packers. You’ll hear stories he hasn’t shared before. To this day, it all boggles the mind. * Why did he hold that retirement presser? What feeling was deep in his gut upon getting on the flight home? When did Favre get the “itch” to play again? This was an unforgettable moment in Packers and NFL history. Favre lifts up the curtain. * Jordan Love and the 2023 Packers. Did Green Bay make the correct decision? (He believes so.) Also, how does his abrupt entry into pro football back in ‘92 vs. the Cincinnati Bengals compare to Love? * His take on quarterback play today.* His ever-evolving relationship with the late, great Ted Thompson. Believe it or not, back in the 90s, they were drinking buddies. * How many concussions did Favre endure? One chilling conversation with Dr. Bennet Omalu changed his perspective. He offers his thoughts on Tua Tagovailoa into 2023. There’s a darker side to pro football, as Favre knows. Thank you, everyone. Here’s our post introducing the show, icymi.Also, subscribers can listen right in Apple as well if you prefer. Instructions are here, and all you need to do is Select “Listen on” above. From the drop-down menu, click on “Copy link.”As a reminder: VIP subscribers will have access to all future recordings and will be able to ask Favre anything you’d like. Here is the full video:

The AFC was straightforward. It’s a conference loaded at quarterback.The NFC is objectively fun. Nearly every team can talk itself into going for it in 2023. Here on the “Go Long Show” with co-host Jim Monos, we examine which teams can realistically box with odds-on favorites Philadelphia and San Francisco. GM Joe Schoen detailed to Go Long why the New York Giants believe in Daniel Jones — is he right? Could the stars align for Jones and the Giants to contend? In the NFC North, the Detroit Lions have spent three years meticulously building a team capable of playing with anyone — seeking a specific DNA 1 through 53—and the Jordan Love Era finally arrives. We both like Green Bay’s young movement on offense. Love is ready to introduce himself to the world.Enjoy, and Thank You. Icymi, we laid out the 2023 plan of attack at Go Long this week. Let’s have some fun.The “Ty and Bob Pod” with Bob McGinn returns. We’ll talk NFL each week. Soon, I’ll also be announcing a third show. You can access all podcasts right here at Go Long, as well as Apple, Spotify, YouTube and everywhere you listen.There’s one more ‘23 Kickoff story dropping by the end of the week. I traveled to Pittsburgh to chat at length with quarterback Kenny Pickett. * You can count on K.J. Osborn* Why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers believe* The Resurrection: ‘I want to bring championships to New York’* DNA of the Lions, Part I: Vanquishing 'bad juju'* DNA of the Lions, Part II: The obsessed ones* Rise of the Jaguars* 'The Problem' is The Future* The Vikings changed the culture. Now what?* ‘I won’t be denied’* You'll see Nyheim Hines 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

The 2023 NFL season is here. Hallelujah.I’ll be sharing loads of big news over the coming days at Go Long. Ecstatic for everything ahead. Until then, let’s preview each conference on the flagship podcast with co-host Jim Monos. First up: the AFC. Mahomes. Burrow. Allen. Lawrence. It’s an old-school, Mortal Kombat exercise in “Choose Your Fighter.” You can access all podcasts right here at Go Long, as well as Apple, Spotify, YouTube and everywhere you listen. It’s a good time to add the Go Long Podcast to your rotation, too, with two more shows on the horizon. (And microphones that are a million times better.)Thanks, everyone.Subscribers can access everything at Go Long. All stories, all podcasts, all Zoom Happy Hours. Thank you for supporting our 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

It was only a matter of time. Stefon Diggs is back in the news with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith dropping quite a nugget.The Buffalo Bills wide receiver denied that he wants out of Buffalo. That’s expected. So, how should we process this all? (Let’s not take every comment from every player/coach as gospel, either.)Also, the Buffalo Bills’ starters were embarrassed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in their 2023 dress rehearsal. We decipher what matters and what doesn’t with co-host Jim Monos. There are a few concerns the Bills must monitor.Jonathan Taylor wants OUT. Will he get his wish? It’s complicated.Also, we discuss Joe Schoen. The New York Giants general manager was born for this job, and I’ll have a longform story soon at Go Long for subscribers.You can listen to the audio above, watch the video below or access the Go Long Podcast anywhere you get pods. We record live at Fattey Beer Company in Hamburg, NY. 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

Hannibal Navies found his reason to live after a nine-year NFL career and is doing everything he can to help other players find their purpose.The longtime NFL linebacker who spent time with Carolina, Green Bay, Cincinnati and San Francisco relives all of the highs and lows with Go Long.You can listen to the audio above, watch the video below or access the Go Long Podcast wherever you get your pods, including Apple and Spotify. Navies is an open book on everything…* He was 13 years old when his father died and saw Dad take his last breath. The moment grew to define Hannibal Navies. (Similar to what Dallas Clark experienced losing his mother.) Football became a “guiding light” in the mean streets of Oakland, as he was forced to grow up. Fast. * Navies details how he gravitated toward the violence of playing linebacker… with vivid memories of his best collision at the position. (The hit required smelling salts.)* Fourth and 26. This gut-wrenching play in the divisional round of the 2003 playoffs will, of course, forever live in Packers infamy. Navies was sent on a blitz and still thinks about the play to this day. He knows that Packers team had a chance to win the Super Bowl. * His health today. He has a herniated disc in his back and a bulging disc in his neck. * How he found a true “passion” and “purpose” in life after football. He’s helping other players adjust to life after football with a strong emphasis on mental health. He’s now the vice president of Development United Charitable/Athletes Charitable and uses all of his own ups and downs in life to help anyone who’ll listen. To him, it’s not about reinventing yourself. Rather “re-developing” yourself. 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

Dan Campbell is mastering what so many coaches spend their entire lives never understanding. You cannot manually stick that syringe of motivation into a player.Professional football players must be innately obsessed. Campbell knows exactly what he’s looking for with GM Brad Holmes in building this team. Miss our two-part deep dive on the Lions? * DNA of the Lions, Part I: Vanquishing 'bad juju'* DNA of the Lions, Part II: The obsessed ones We now take the conversation to the podcast with co-host Jim Monos.Audio’s above with video below.The Lions were broken both physically and spiritually by Matt Patricia. How did Campbell put a team together in his vision? Is the hype for real? You can listen to the Go Long Podcast everywhere you get your podcasts, including Apple, Spotify and, of course, right at GoLongTD.com.Thanks, 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

Players apparently are not happy with Eric Bieniemy’s intensity at practice. Ron Rivera didn’t exactly cool the flames.Wasn’t the elimination of Dan Snyder supposed to eliminate drama? We dive into it all on the Go Long Podcast. Co-host Jim Monos survived an ownership change himself in Buffalo and shares his insight. We may already be seeing those in power scrambling for the life rafts. That’s what happens in the NFL. Also, we get into Johnny Manziel’s wild rise and fall and Monos looks back at what it’s like to cut a player this time of year. You can listen to the audio above or watch the video below from Fattey Beer Company in Hamburg, NY.Our 2023 Kickoff series of features continues Friday A.M. with a penetrating look at the Detroit Lions, and how this team transformed from Matt Patricia-to-Dan Campbell. The secret’s in the DNA. This feature will only be available to subscribers.Thank you for joining 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

We don’t delve into the world of college football often but — with Lance Leipold — it’s time to make an exception. Because if this man can turn Kansas Football around, there will be statues.The more you learn about Leipold, the more it sounds like he’s the coach this team has been searching for all these years. Our Wisconsin readers no doubt remember Leipold’s absurd dominance at UW-Whitewater. Nobody won more often. Our Buffalo readers will fondly recall his work rebuilding the UB Bulls into a conference power. Everywhere he goes, Lance Leipold fixes things. Last season, the Jayhawks made their first bowl game since 2008. How? It’s all rooted in a true passion for the sport.Our full conversation can be heard at the embed above and everywhere you access your podcasts, including Apple and Spotify. Go Long is fueled by our readers. Thank you for supporting our independent journalism. No ads. No corporate monoliths. Subscribers have access to all season-preview stories dropping through the month of August, including our latest on the resurgent Jacksonville Jaguars. 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 Jacksonville Jaguars are on the cusp of competing for a Super Bowl. And central to it all? Removing Urban Meyer. Hiring Doug Pederson. Empowering players in every possible way.Here’s our longform story at Go Long, icymi. Meanwhile, out in New Jersey, Nathaniel Hackett claims a “code” was violated. Sadly, Sean Payton was right — sometimes the truth hurts. So, we absolutely needed to check in with podcast co-host Jim Monos — a man who worked with both. In New Orleans, Monos was the southeast area scout. In Buffalo, Monos was the director of personnel when Hackett served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator.Live from Fattey Beer in Hamburg, NY, we dig deeper into it all. You can now listen to the podcast more easily right at Go Long and, still, wherever you get your podcasts. We’ve got the same same feed at Apple, Spotify, Amazon, etc.Thanks for listening, everyone. New here? We’d love to have you join our community as a subscriber. More season-preview stories will post throughout August. 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

Your fantasy draft is around the corner. John Hansen is a titan in the industry. And has been for ages.This felt like a perfect time to welcome “The Fantasy Guru” onto the Zoom Happy Hour. We dig into John’s rise, his exceptional new site (Fantasy Points Data) and he has alllll the fantasy advice you need in the nick of time. Sleepers? Super Sleepers? Potential busts? Stick around for the full episode. He may be quite high on one running back we got to know here.Is there someone you would like to hang out with on the Zoom Happy Hour? Let me know, and we’ll make it happen. It’s been a busy week at Go Long with our Urban Meyer tales taking off. Icymi, here’s our full story on the Rise of the Jaguars. Also, Sean Payton was 100 percent correct. The Jets should stop whining. Agree? Disagree? Let us know.Audio with Hansen is above. Video is available right 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

Arguably no former NFL exec does a better job articulating how the sausage is made quite like Andrew Brandt. He served as the Green Bay Packers vice president from 1999 to 2008, overseeing the drafting of Aaron Rodgers and negotiating Brett Favre's $100M deal. But as he explains on our latest Zoom Happy Hour with Go Long subscribers, Brandt's football life is so much more than this decade in Wisconsin. From trying to make people care about football in Barcelona to working with Ricky Williams and Master P to the Packers and, now, a life in media, this has been an unparalleled path. You can read Brandt's excellent “Sunday Seven” newsletter and listen to his podcast right here. Also, follow Brandt on Twitter whenever news breaks in the NFL. He'll supply a fresh perspective. As always, YOU can join our Happy Hours with people from across the football world by becoming a paid subscriber: www.golongtd.com/subscribe. When you join, tell me who you'd like to hang out with and we'll make it happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The man is a wealth of information. Nobody has covered pro football with the sharp insight of Peter King the last 30+ years. On our latest Happy Hour with Go Long subscribers, King is an open book on... DeAndre Hopkins to Nashville. What does he have left? The Aaron Rodgers trade. How did it go down? His reporting approach to fantasy football. Jordan Love expectations. The Mike McCarthy-Dak Prescott relationship. Brian Gutekunst's power in Green Bay. The perpetual mess in Washington D.C. (Football, that is.) Buy stock in those Atlanta Falcons Why he's skeptical when it comes to Lamar Jackson. To gain access to future Happy Hours, join our community today: www.golongtd.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You read the story. Now, let's discuss. Carlton Davis did not mince words in his conversation with Go Long. Anyone who thinks the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost something in Tom Brady, he told us, is in for a "rude awakening" this season. Here's the full story: https://www.golongtd.com/p/carlton-davis-bows-to-no-man On this episode, I chat with co-host Jim Monos about Davis, his rugged upbringing in Miami Gardens and if he's onto something. We have many stories coming soon. Join the community at Go Long today by becoming a paid subscriber. We'd love to have you: www.golongtd.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The young Tampa Bay corner offers his perspective on Carlton Davis and why the Bucs will be sneaking up on folks in 2023. Here's our conversation, in addition to the feature that ran over at Go Long. You can read that right here, icymi: https://www.golongtd.com/p/podcast-lets-nerd-out-with-mina-kimes Subscribe to Go Long today to make sure you get all stories with our season preview series around the corner. Monthly and annual options are available: www.golongtd.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ESPN's Mina Kimes joins the show, and it's incredible she even has time considering how much film she's dissecting this time of year. You see her on NFL Live and you listen to her on her podcast, "The Mina Kimes Show, featuring Lenny." Now, she takes her talents to the Go Long Podcast for an episode. Mina walks us through her life, and how she evolved into such a film junkie. There's a reason for her smooth rapport with the Live crew, too. On to NFL topics, we get her thoughts on everything: the Stefon Diggs drama, Ken Dorsey's offense, Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers and what's next for those Jordan Love-led Green Bay Packers. Of course, you can follow Mina everywhere @minakimes. Miss our profile on the (very) bold Carlton Davis? He sees Tampa Bay competing for a Super Bowl, and there's a reason why. Here's that story at Go Long: https://www.golongtd.com/p/carlton-davis-bows-to-no-man It's a great time to subscribe to Go Long. Many more feature stories ahead. Join our community today as a subscriber: www.golongtd.com/subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More players have been suspended for gambling. Most are fringe. What does this mean for the NFL? Is this the sign of a damning issue ahead or is the league cleaning up? Let's examine. Co-host Jim Monos offers his sharp thoughts, too. Be sure to subscribe to Go Long at GoLongTD.com to access all stories, including Part I of the mailbag: https://www.golongtd.com/p/mailbag-part-i-why-were-bullish-on Thanks, all. You can rate, review and share this episode to keep the podcast growing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They're the forgotten team in the AFC East, those New England Patriots. Entrusting the offense with Matt Patricia and Joe Judge tends to do that. It's about time we tried to make sense of Bill Belichick's crew, so I chat with the exceptional Ollie Connolly of The Read Optional. The UK native covers the X's and O's of American football as well as anyone in the business and just wrote this in-depth piece on the direction of the Patriots offense: https://www.readoptional.com/p/which-bill-obrien-did-bill-belichick We dig into Ollie's roots -- how he got into the NFL to begin with -- and the direction of the Patriots. Thoroughly enjoyed this conversation. Be sure to subscribe to The Read Optional: https://www.readoptional.com/ and follow Ollie on Twitter @OllieConnolly. And, of course, you can always join our community here at Go Long by becoming a paid subscriber: www.golongtd.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zay Jones turned his career -- and life -- around. Five years ago, he nearly threw himself through a window 30 floors high. Now, he's making play... after play... after play on a contender. Go Long sat down with Jones to get the whole story. You can read that here: https://www.golongtd.com/p/im-still-alive-the-zay-jones-story In lieu of his remarkable turnaround, who's next? We each have a name to discuss. Jim Monos chooses a wide receiver whose career is still young and who was traded to a new team. I go with a familiar face at quarterback. Subscribe to Go Long today to get everything we have to offer: www.golongtd.com/subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good day! Hey, don't miss our profile over at Go Long on Zay Jones this AM. I traveled to Jacksonville to sit down with the wide receiver. He relives everything, including the night he could've lost his life: https://www.golongtd.com/p/im-still-alive-the-zay-jones-story In lieu of this, what a perfect time to welcome on a Jaguars expert to the podcast. Mia O'Brien covers the team at 1010 XL in Jacksonville. You can follow her on Twitter @MiaOBrienTV. We get into the Urban days, the transition to Doug Pederson, why this feels different than the 2018 hype in Duval County and what it will take for the Jags to go the distance. Thanks to all who listen. We'd love it if you rate, review and share the Go Long Podcast. And, of course, you can get every story at Go Long by becoming a paid subscriber today: www.golongtd.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lions may have the best offense in the NFC. Can Jared Goff win them the Super Bowl? I think so. We discuss. We debate. This was a fun conversation at Fattey Beer Company in Orchard Park, NY. A wide-open NFC sure can feed some interesting dialogue. Let us know what you think. For Go Long subscribers, here's my column from this week on Goff: https://www.golongtd.com/p/why-jared-goff-is-the-key-in-the A feature from 2020 at Go Long. An exclusive with Goff as his Rams days neared an end: https://www.golongtd.com/p/jared-goff-is-ready-to-fight And a feature from the B/R days referenced on the pod, after his dreadful rookie season. Enlightening looking back: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2726189-jared-goff-rams-interview-2017-nfl-season-preview We'd love to have you join our community. Get everything Go Long has to offer by becoming a subscriber today: www.golongtd.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's going on in Orchard Park? A lot! First, Sean McDermott is "very concerned" that his star wide receiver isn't practicing. Then, he's here. And practicing. And McDermott essentially says there's nothing to see here. And Josh Allen says there's non-football stuff to work through. Let's break it all down on the podcast. With co-host Jim Monos -- the team's former director of personnel who's familiar with both coach and receiver, a man who once traded for LeSean McCoy -- we explore why Diggs may be so unhappy and where the Bills go from here. Remember to rate, review and share the podcast if you enjoy. And, of course, I appreciate everyone who subscribes to the newsletter over at GoLongTD.com to access all content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback joins the Go Long Happy Hour with VIP subscribers and opens up on his historic career. Here's the replay. Moon relives the rise of the run and shoot in Houston, "The Comeback" loss in Buffalo and reveals the secret behind his gorgeous spiral. (It involved nail clippers.) Most importantly, Moon blazed a trail for future African-American quarterbacks. It was a different time when he played. He can remember security surrounding him on the sideline in Cleveland because of a slew of death threats from fans. If you'd like to hang out with current and former NFL players on Zoom -- and get a copy of "Blood and Guts," with a Go Long hoodie -- our VIP option is always available: https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?plan=founding Thanks, all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On our trip to Detroit, I catch up with Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press. Nobody covers the team on a day-to-day basis better than Dave. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @davebirkett and read all of his work right here: https://www.freep.com/sports/lions/ We discuss how the Lions got to this point of contention and whether or not Jared Goff is the quarterback capable of elevating this team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cannot wait for this one. Hall-of-Famer Warren Moon will hang out with our VIP members this Friday night on the next Go Long Happy Hour. To join, upgrade right here: https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?plan=founding The link to hang out with Moon is here: https://www.golongtd.com/p/happy-hour-hey-lets-hang-out-with What do you get with a VIP subscription? Go Long hooded sweatshirt. (Black hoodie with Carolina blue logo.) Signed copy of "The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football." Read excerpts here! FULL Happy Hour access with current and past NFL players on Zoom. Our undying love. Your decision to support Go Long to the highest degree means the world. Thank you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We pick up with Part II right here. The first Go Long Quarterback Draft continues with co-host Jim Monos, The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn and myself. Fairburn explains why he's taking Aaron Rodgers at No. 9, a player who may or may not be on certain draft boards. Then, all three of us take calculated risks -- this is where the draft gets very interesting. A free dinner at The Grange is at stake, of course. We each will take the five best PFF grades from our seven quarterbacks. Join the Go Long community: www.golongtd.com/subscribe And be sure to read Fairburn's excellent NHL and NFL coverage at The Athletic, too. You can follow him on Twitter @MatthewFairburn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This was fun. At Fattey Beer Company's Hamburg location, I'm joined by co-host Jim Monos and recurring guest Matthew Fairburn, of The Athletic, for our first Go Long Quarterback Draft. The rules are simple. We're drafting on the 2023 season alone. We each select seven quarterbacks in a snake format and, at season's end, take the best PFF grades from our top five guys. Whoever wins gets a free dinner at The Grange with the bill decided via credit-card roulette between the two losers. Monos earned the top pick... will he take Patrick Mahomes this time? Where will Josh Allen go? And, holy, does Monos have a surprise in store with his third pick. Enjoy, and be sure to catch Part 2 in the feed. Subscribe to Go Long today to join our community: www.golongtd.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's the plan? It doesn't appear the Raiders have one. Yes, they can get out of the Jimmy Garoppolo contract if he injuries his foot. Yes, injury clauses are common. But this mess speaks to the larger problem in Las Vegas. Subscribe to Go Long at www.golongtd.com/subscribe to access all stories, all Q&As, all podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When in Tampa, one must visit Cigar City Brewing to drink Jai Alai. So why not share some IPAs with one of the most downright curious players in the entire league? Patrick Laird started a summer reading program at Cal, had fans getting his stat line tatted on their thigh as a rookie with the Miami Dolphins and remains an intensely-curious individual to the bone. He's entering his fifth pro season in 2023, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We chatted about everything: His wild rise, the value of reading a good book in the Twitter Age, the concept of "free will" (he's not a believer) and how football can be such a powerful force of good. He knows such tribalism is core to our biology. If you'd prefer to read, that's also available over at Go Long: https://www.golongtd.com/p/part-i-patrick-laird-will-make-you We'd love to have you as a paying subscriber. Join the community today to get all stories, all Q&As, all podcasts: www.golongtd.com/subscribe. And remember! The best way to grow the podcast is by sharing, rating and reviewing. Thank you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We know it's difficult finding time to read stories... especially when it's 80 degrees and sunny outside. Over at GoLongTD.com, I'll start including audio narrations of our longform stories. Here's Part II of "What Happened to Kevin Kolb?" The written story: https://www.golongtd.com/p/part-ii-what-happened-to-kevin-kolb The best way to support Go Long is by becoming a paid subscriber. You can join our community right here: www.golongtd.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We know it's difficult finding time to read stories... especially when it's 80 degrees and sunny outside. Over at GoLongTD.com, I'll start including audio narrations of our longform stories. Here's Part I of "What Happened to Kevin Kolb?" The written story: https://www.golongtd.com/p/part-i-what-happened-to-kevin-kolb The best way to support Go Long is by becoming a paid subscriber. You can join our community right here: www.golongtd.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our Go Long OTA tour continues through rain-soaked Florida. Expect many features in the coming weeks at Go Long from the trip. Subscribe today if you'd like to join the community! www.golongtd.com/subscribe In the meantime? Let's catch up with Chris Mathis, the executive producer of The Ronnie and TKras Show down here in Tampa on 95.3 WDAE. You can follow Chris on Twitter and Instagram @thechrismathis. He also hosts The Chris Mathis Podcast. This episode, we discuss Baker Mayfield and -- most importantly -- how Tampa Bay plans on zapping life into its rushing attack. The defense is better than most people think, though the Devin White situation is hairy... an eerily similar to a certain Stefon Diggs situation in Buffalo. Thanks for listening and sharing, everyone. We'll see over at GoLongTD.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The great adaptation is underway. We bring on co-host Jim Monos to explore Isaiah McKenzie's "snow" comments with further nuance. The Buffalo Bills have essentially taken McKenzie's advice behind the scenes to heart in tweaking their personnel. We explain. Miss the column at Go Long? https://www.golongtd.com/p/all-eyes-on-ken-dorseys-counterpunch Or McKenzie's Happy Hour? https://www.golongtd.com/p/happy-hour-isaiah-mckenzie-says-goodbye You can subscribe to Go Long any time to get everything at www.golongtd.com/subscribe. Thanks, all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You never know when a spark will lead to a wildfire, but apparently people are unhappy with Isaiah McKenzie's comments on our Happy Hour! ICYMI, here's that episode in full: https://www.golongtd.com/p/happy-hour-isaiah-mckenzie-says-goodbye Yes, the former Bills receiver believes they could've beat Cincinnati in a dome. That's debatable. But what is not debatable is that the Bills were not built to win in the snow. I wrote a column on Ken Dorsey, Joe Barry and the coordinators who could decide the 2023 NFL season right here. What a massive year for Dorsey. He did many good things in 2022 but he'll need to evolve in 2023: https://www.golongtd.com/p/all-eyes-on-ken-dorseys-counterpunch And figured it was a good time to fire up a solo pod on the matter. I also included McKenzie's comments so you can hear him for yourself. Thank you for listening and subscribing to Go Long: www.golongtd.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He was charismatic, opinionated, electric on the field and retired at the absolute peak of his powers. In so many ways, Tiki Barber was years ahead of his time. Nowadays, New Yorkers hear Barber break all sports down on WFAN. But a generation ago, he was one of the best backs in the NFL. Read the full conversation at Go Long right here if you'd like: https://www.golongtd.com/p/the-tiki-barber-story Barber talks football, life and everything in-between from clashing with Tom Coughlin to a butt-naked Eli Manning swatting his shots in the locker room to reconnecting with his estranged father. Thank you for listening, and apologies for the subpar audio on this end. The issue has since been resolved and, the good news, Barber is crystal clear! Join our Go Long community today at GoLongTD.com/subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A free-wheelin' pod from Fattey Beer Company in Hamburg, NY. We debate the "elite"-ness of Trevor Lawrence and where the Jacksonville quarterback stacks up in the AFC. Over in the NFC, good luck ranking quarterbacks. After Jalen Hurts, you can make an argument for (or against) just about anyone. So we do. And it sure makes 2023 quite interesting in Dallas where Mike McCarthy fired a bunch of longtime allies. If Jerry Jones is forced to choose between his head coach and quarterback, who would he pick? We discuss. Thanks for listening, everyone. Subscribe to the newsletter to get everything any time at www.golongtd.com/subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

His 2009 Minnesota Vikings fell victim to the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship, but it's not "Bountygate" that pisses off Ben Leber to this day. Far from it. I think you'll be surprised by his thoughts on that iconic game, Gregg Williams and this sport's ruthless reality. Also, we discuss the state of youth sports in America, playing with Junior Seau as a rookie in San Diego, his best memories from a 10-year NFL career and Leber's expectations for the 2023 Minnesota Vikings. Today, he's a sideline analyst for the team, in addition to co-hosting Twin Cities Live. Follow Ben on Twitter @nacholeber. As always, subscribe to Go Long at GoLongTD.com to get everything we have to offer. Thanks, all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The conversation continues here on the podcast with co-host Jim Monos. For every Patrick Mahomes, there's Kevin Kolb. Tragedy to the triumph. Yet, as Kolb explained over at GoLongTD.com, everything that came with his four concussions was worse than the concussions themselves. His darkness was quite terrifying. Yet over the past decade, he has found his way out. Here on the podcast, we discuss violence and football. ICYMI, here's the series that ran at Go Long. Thank you reading, everyone. Part I: https://www.golongtd.com/p/part-i-what-happened-to-kevin-kolb Part II: https://www.golongtd.com/p/part-ii-what-happened-to-kevin-kolb Become a Go Long subscriber today: www.golongtd.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He's back. Isaiah McKenzie hangs out with subscribers on the Go Long Happy Hour. Everything is on the table with the former podcast co-host, too. His Bills exit, and why he was surprised by Brandon Beane's 180-degree turn. (Deonte Harty's contract raised his eyebrows, too. Kudos to his agent.) Brian Daboll's offense vs. Ken Dorsey's offense. What's the difference? A lot. He explains. The playoff loss to Cincinnati. What the hell happened? Snow, he says, was a factor. Is Stefon Diggs genuinely unhappy in Buffalo? McKenzie provides all context for the receiver's angry exit and cryptic tweets. Heading to the Indianapolis Colts. He cannot wait to lead a young team quarterbacked by rookie Anthony Richardson. Want to participate in future Go Long Happy Hours? You can join all sessions by becoming a VIP subscriber today. You'll receive Happy Hour access, a Go Long hoodie and a signed copy of "The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football." https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?plan=founding It's all about you, too. Let me know which players -- past or present -- you'd like to share a beer with, and I'll track 'em down. Also, ICYMI, my two-part series on Kevin Kolb's surreal decade is live at Go Long: https://www.golongtd.com/p/part-i-what-happened-to-kevin-kolb Thank you, everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Both teams took running backs in the first round and both teams have a master plan. Will it work? I discuss live at Fattey Beer Company in Hamburg with co-host Jim Monos. Also, on the docket: A ton of Lamar Jackson/Ravens talk. The two sides finally reached a compromise. Turns out Jackson didn't need an agent after all: https://www.golongtd.com/p/lamar-jackson-and-the-ravens-give Subscribe to Go Long to get everything we have to offer right here: www.golongtd.com/subscribe Thanks, all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why? A solo pod to discuss. This might be the best spot for the polarizing Kentucky quarterback. Also, this was a solid weekend for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks. Subscribe to Go Long today to get all draft coverage, including Bob McGinn's 39th Annual NFL Draft Series: www.golongtd.com/subscribe The Atlanta Falcons step into the ring: https://www.golongtd.com/p/the-atlanta-falcons-have-stepped Lamar Jackson and the Ravens give hope to humanity: https://www.golongtd.com/p/lamar-jackson-and-the-ravens-give Scouts on Van Ness, Kincaid, more: https://www.golongtd.com/p/the-mystery-of-lukas-van-ness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here's our latest "Happy Hour" at the site! From last night, our Hall of Fame sports writer hangs out with Go Long subscribers to talk Packers and wrap up the 2023 NFL Draft. It's a rip-roarin' good time. Join our community today at www.golongtd.com/subscribe And for full Happy Hour access with players around the NFL, a Go Long hoodie and a copy of "The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football," you can become a VIP subscriber right here: https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?plan=founding Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let Detroit and Atlanta cook -- running backs are back, baby. Why Anthony Richardson and the Colts are a perfect fit. Dalton Kincaid is exactly what Buffalo needs. Houston's no longer interested in losing on purpose. Seattle got excellent value. All of these takes, and more, on a solo pod this evening. I think we'll all look back at this as the day the Falcons became a legitimate threat: https://www.golongtd.com/p/the-atlanta-falcons-have-stepped Scouts on Van Ness, Kincaid, Banks: https://www.golongtd.com/p/the-mystery-of-lukas-van-ness Happy Hour with Bob McGinn: https://www.golongtd.com/p/the-mystery-of-lukas-van-ness Thanks to all for rating, reviewing and sharing the pod! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What will Buffalo do? Head coach Sean McDermott has had final say since taking control, but can everyone agree that going offense is the best strategy? A philosophy change is needed: https://www.golongtd.com/p/the-buffalo-bills-can-win-the-super Be sure to subscribe to Go Long to get Bob McGinn's entire draft series. You can still join at 25% off: https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?coupon=3941a13f On the pod, we go Bills-heavy. After a string of C drafts -- their Super Bowl window still open -- McDermott and GM Brandon Beane need to hit. Also, there's plenty of talk with co-host Jim Monos about the dynamics of the draft room. Who has final say here? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We learned everything we needed to know about the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets with this trade. New York is desperate. Green Bay was diligent. The trade details bear it all out. GM Brian Gutekunst made the absolute best of a brutal situation. For more, here's my column at Go Long: https://www.golongtd.com/p/brian-gutekunst-is-the-captain-now New to Go Long? You can subscribe to Go Long at 25% off this draft week to access Bob McGinn's entire 39th annual NFL Draft Series. https://www.golongtd.com/3941a13f Choose the annual rate with this special, and you'll also receive a copy of "The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How much should teams factor in his 18% on the cognitive test? Our Bob McGinn at Go Long turned heads with his reporting on the rise of the S2 test. Alabama's Bryce Young (98%) blew Stroud away, hence the Ohio State quarterback's fall. Some teams are concerned: https://www.golongtd.com/p/part-3-qb-bryce-young-has-the-s2 On the podcast, longtime personnel man Jim Monos and myself discuss what this all means? Stroud made throwing a football look so effortless in college, but this performance on a test gauging split-second decision-making is a problem. We also reprise the Anthony Richardson debate with one scout seeing a combination of Michael Vick and Brett Favre in the Florida quarterback. Not a paid subscriber? Right now, you can join the community at 25% off: https://www.golongtd.com/3941a13f Thanks, all. Be sure to share, rate and review the podcast if you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes, you've got to read between the lines. San Francisco dropped the first bread crumb on Wednesday with NFL Network reporting the team is receiving calls on Trey Lance. If Brock Purdy's health stays on track and if Sam Darnold picks up the offense as a No. 2 -- wild as it seems -- the 49ers just may move on from their third overall pick in 2021. On a solo pod, let's explore potential landing spots. It's a fantastic time to subscribe to Go Long. Access Bob McGinn's entire draft series by upgrading today at 25% off: https://www.golongtd.com/3941a13f Part 1 is live: https://www.golongtd.com/p/part-1-wrte-hallelujah-its-the-year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This year's colossal character risk? Georgia's mammoth defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Every team at the top of the draft is doing everything they possibly can to dissect a prospect who may wreck NFL offenses... but who also may not love football that much. And who also has major off-field concerns. Co-host Jim Monos relives red flags past inside the NFL draft room. Also, his Buffalo Bills possessed another large man who violently moved other large men on a football field: Marcell Dareus. Is the comparson fair? Yes and no. (Also: Here's the feature referenced on the podcast that I wrote on Dareus at the Buffalo News: https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/bills-dareus-keeps-playing-through-life-s-losses/article_be1b05a5-f8a3-5141-9ecc-afa19476e595.html) Bob McGinn's 39th annual draft series begins Wednesday, April 18. It's accessible to all paid subscribers at Go Long: www.golongtd.com/subscribe. Head on out to Fattey Beer Company's Orchard Park location Wednesday, April 26 for a pre-draft extravaganza! Details: https://www.golongtd.com/p/its-time-for-a-go-long-draft-bash Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rebuilding? Maybe. But this is a team that can win in this year's NFC. A quick solo pod today, with thoughts on the Green Bay Packers as the draft closes in. Make sure your subscription is locked and loaded with Bob McGinn's 39th annual draft series set to begin Wednesday: https://www.golongtd.com/p/bob-mcginns-39th-draft-series-begins Also, Jim Monos and myself will be at Fattey Beer Company on Wednesday, April 26, to hang out. Details: https://www.golongtd.com/p/its-time-for-a-go-long-draft-bash Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim Monos sees a lost cause. I see an extremely high ceiling and an extremely low floor. Full column at GoLongTD.com: https://www.golongtd.com/p/how-anthony-richardson-becomes-a We engage in a hearty debate live at Fattey Beer's Orchard Park location. Be sure to subscribe to Go Long to get Bob McGinn's entire 39th annual draft series, beginning next week: www.golongtd.com/subscribe Rate, review and share to grow the pod... thanks everyone! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Subscribers to GoLongTD.com can read the full mailbag. Thanks to all who submitted questions: https://www.golongtd.com/p/mailbag-did-miami-close-the-gap Here's a pod preview of the written content, with thoughts on the Denver Broncos' peculiar offseason and the Miami Dolphins chase of Buffalo. Also, I chatted with Hall of Famer Ron Wolf about the Packers and quarterback hunting in today's NFL: https://www.golongtd.com/p/ron-wolf-the-packers-and-a-philosophy Thanks all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arguably nobody knows the quarterback's game better than Mike Rodak of AL.com. He has seen every snap. He covered Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones and Jalen Hurts at Alabama. (And he'll forever hold a special place in the hearts of Bills fans.) Rodak's insight is exceptional. Even given Anthony Richardson's unique size, speed and power arm, it'll be awfully difficult for any team to pass on Young. You can follow Rodak's coverage of the Crimson Tide at AL.com and follow him on Twitter @mikerodak. As always, we'd love to have you as a paid subscriber at Go Long. Thanks to all who have joined! www.golongtd.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hear the former Buffalo Bills quarterback (and Buccaneers champ) like never before on this Happy Hour Replay. To join our hangouts sessions, upgrade to a VIP membership. You'll get a hoodie, a signed "Blood and Guts" and full Happy Hour access. And, please, let me know who YOU want to hang out with: https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?plan=founding Rob Johnson details all elements of the quarterback controversy with Doug Flutie and shares countless never-told-before stories. Enjoy. To get a sense for these Happy Hours, you can sift through all replays in the archive: https://www.golongtd.com/s/happy-hour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

That's right! We'd love for YOU to join tonight's Happy Hour with former Buffalo Bills quarterback Rob Johnson. The man will have many, many stories to share on Flutiemania, the Music City Miracle, his concussions and, hey, the man did win a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. You're invited. Just bang this link at 6 p.m. EST (Friday): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88986912039?pwd=ZnVVTkRRVWhqajJlNW1Ya1AyS21IQT09 Typically, all Zoom Happy Hours are for our VIP members but we'd love to give you a sense of what they're like free of charge tonight. If you'd like access to all future Happy Hours, you can upgrade any time: https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?plan=founding Get to know Rob Johnson ahead of time with our Q&A from two years ago: https://www.golongtd.com/p/concussions-flutiemania-a-miracle And here's the Music City Miracle oral history mentioned on the pod I wrote from my Buffalo News days: https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/years-later-the-miracle-lingers-on-for-bills/article_43635fa0-9ada-5b12-a33f-f42cf3ddb3e6.html Hope to see you tonight! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This draft could be special at the position. Here's why the position's so important. A solo pod today. To learn how tight ends are saving the sport itself, grab your copy of "The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football." https://www.amazon.com/dp/1538723743/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_J5FZBJ580EKRQE5WQ38E_0 At Go Long, I also have a Friday Feature live on Kansas City's Jody Fortson. His rise from South Park H.S. in Buffalo to two-time Super Bowl champion is wild: https://www.golongtd.com/p/no-surrender-no-retreat-jody-fortson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Greetings! We come at you live from Fattey Beer in the village of Hamburg, NY, with some jazz music in the background. Did Calais Campbell choosing Atlanta tell us that we should start taking these Falcons seriously? We saw quite reaction on this take. Here on the podcast, it's time to delve deeper. Co-host Jim Monos worked with GM Terry Fontenot in New Orleans and there was definitely a common DNA thread to their signings this spring. Of course, the big question is whether or not Desmond Ridder is the answer at quarterback. After the Falcons talk, we revisit the Buffalo Bills' (very) public message to Josh Allen. Here's thinking they need to let Allen be Allen: https://www.golongtd.com/p/let-josh-allen-be-himself. You can get everything Go Long has to offer by subscribing to the site today at www.golongtd.com/subscribe. We'd love to have you as a member. And stick around for a pre-dinner maneuver that just may change your life... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Miss the story and full Q&A at Go Long? Here are LeRoy Butler's full thoughts: https://www.golongtd.com/p/leroy-butler-weighs-in-that-g-will The Pro Football Hall of Famer -- the man who invented the Lambeau Leap and is the team's No. 1 ambassador -- did not mince words when it comes to Aaron Rodgers. I figured we'd include a few segments from the conversation here on the podcast. Considering a VIP subscription? We'll have Rob Johnson on the Happy Hour this Friday night to chat about the quarterback controversy with Doug Flutie no one will ever forget: https://www.golongtd.com/p/next-friday-rob-johnson-hangs-with Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's never a coincidence. For a player to last a full 10 years in the NFL, he's got to have a special fight to him. That is most certainly the case with longtime safety Tavon Wilson. He spent his decade in the NFL with New England, Detroit, Indianapolis and San Francisco. After a full year out of the game, he's at peace with life post-football, too. Be sure to read our longform feature on Wilson from two years ago right here: https://www.golongtd.com/p/the-moments-that-made-tavon-wilson Here on the podcast, Wilson relives the most harrowing and intense moments from his life -- including losing his mother in drowning accident -- and dishes on everything from his playing days, including what it's really like to play for Bill Belichick. As always, subscribe to Go Long to get all stories: www.golongtd.com/subscribe. And when you upgrade to VIP status, you'll gain access to all of our Happy Hours with players from around the NFL. This Friday night, you can relive the quarterback controversy heard 'round the world with former Buffalo Bills starter Rob Johnson: https://www.golongtd.com/p/next-friday-rob-johnson-hangs-with Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Calais Campbell signing is interesting. If this veteran -- at this point of his career -- is actively choosing Atlanta, this organization must be doing something right. Now, the billion-dollar question: Is Desmond Ridder really the guy? They think so. Here's a quick first look at the Falcons with more to follow once we get Jim Monos back on. Subscribe to Go Long at www.golongtd.com/subscribe to get all content! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lamar Jackson publicly makes his intentions known. Which team could enter the chat? A solo episode today to discuss. Subscribe to Go Long at www.golongtd.com/subscribe to get all profiles, columns and podcasts. Also, be sure to rate, review and share the podcast if you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Buffalo Bills conversation must continue with the team's head coach declaring that Josh Allen needs to run less. An odd statement, true, but a statement that also aligns with how Sean McDermott has operated each postseason. We explain why the Bills cannot -- and likely will not -- water down their best player's game. Also, we talk evolution in pro football and why team's need to be open-minded. Look no further than what Tony Gonzalez did to the tight end position... even if it meant nearly getting into a fight with Mike Mularkey. "Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football" is available everywhere books are sold: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1538723743/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_J5FZBJ580EKRQE5WQ38E_0 What's Sean Payton's plan in Denver with Russell Wilson? Co-host Jim Monos sees a lane. And we add another fella to the Worst Person pantheon... Cologne Guy. You can subscribe to Go Long any time at www.golongtd.com/subscribe. A subscription will get you access to our most recent column on the Bills' direction: https://www.golongtd.com/p/the-buffalo-bills-can-win-the-super And if you want to gain full Happy Hour access, in addition to receiving a Go Long hoodie and copy of "Blood and Guts," go VIP today: https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?plan=founding Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jamal Lewis hangs out with Go Long VIP subscribers. To upgrade and join future Happy Hours, bang it here: https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?plan=founding Let us know who you want to throw back a beer with and Go Long will track 'em down. The Baltimore Ravens great may be suffering from scary CTE symptoms today but, as he explains, he'd do it all over again. Lewis was candid on a variety of topics: Life today. Finding his why. He’s a busy man in Atlanta. What made those 2000 Ravens so special. Tony Siragusa and Shannon Sharpe usually had teammates in stitches… and the rookie Lewis suspiciously was left paying most limo bills. His Tennessee Vol days, playing with Peyton Manning and his thoughts on NIL. The most vicious hit he ever took on the field. (It involves Sean Taylor.) How football served as his saving grace, his outlet in the Adamsville neighborhood of Atlanta, Ga. The reason for his choppy running style? The field he used to play on was covered in glass. Reconciling the violence of football. We all were questioning our relationship with the sport when Damar Hamlin nearly died on a field. And here’s Lewis, battling darker thoughts to this day. He explains why he’d still play a decade in the NFL and absorb all the collisions he did. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This was fun. I joined Matthew Coller of Purple Insider to dissect everything Vikings, Packers and NFC North. What's the Vikings' plan of attack with all of this roster shuffling? And why is Green Bay so adamant to rid itself of Aaron Rodgers? Is a trade close? Is Jordan Love better than Rodgers right now? We get into everything, including whether you'd take the Lions' steady build or Justin Fields' upside long term. As always, be sure to subscribe to Go Long at www.golongtd.com/subscribe to get all of our coverage. You can also subscribe to Coller's exceptional Vikings-centric Substack at purpleinsider.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Become a VIP subscriber at GoLongTD.com right here: https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?plan=founding When you do, you'll get a signed copy of "The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football," a Go Long hoodie and FULL Zoom Happy Hour access with players from across the country. Tonight, we welcome on Baltimore Ravens great, Jamal Lewis. Ask the NCAA and Super Bowl champion anything you'd like over a beer. The link is here upon upgrading: https://www.golongtd.com/p/happy-hour-jamal-lewis-to-hang-with Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What a life it's been for Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin. He lost both his mother and grandmother before playing a down at Syracuse. Both women made him the man he is today. Read the full Q&A over at GoLongTD.com, too, if you'd like. Franklin emerged as one of the best linebackers in the league last season. Problem is, his Colts went 4-12-1. This hour, he opens up on everything... How both women made him the person he is today. The moment he nearly quit football, and why that day in seventh grade shaped him. All of the losing at Syracuse. It served a purpose. A surreal 2022 season for the Jeff Saturday-led Colts. What he wants to see out of the Colts’ next starting quarterback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who separated themselves in free agency? The Jacksonville Jaguars were proof that spending in March can pay off. And across the league, owners and GMs were smart this spring. Look no further than the Carolina Panthers, a team that wisely spent after acquiring the first pick in the NFL draft. Miss our longform column on the Buffalo Bills' direction? Subscribers can read in full here: https://www.golongtd.com/p/the-buffalo-bills-can-win-the-super There's still a little time to take advantage of our 30% off special, too: https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?coupon=4fd98c2f Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They're very, very close. Here on the podcast, with co-host Jim Monos, we discuss if the Buffalo Bills are taking the right steps toward winning the Super Bowl once and for all. We like their signings. They're adding tough players who'll contribute immediately. Now, Buffalo just needs a philosophical change. To get my longform column on the need for Buffalo's philosophical change, subscribe today: www.golongtd.com/subscribe Be sure to rate, review, and share with a friend... thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Buffalo Bills are clearly avid Go Long readers, eh? Last week, they signed Deonte Harty, who shared his story in 2021: https://www.golongtd.com/p/last-month-deonte-harris-nearly-quit On Monday, Trent Sherfield was added to the wide receiver room. He opened up about his turbulent football life ahead of free agency: https://www.golongtd.com/p/the-trent-sherfield-prophecy Seems like a swell time to share my conversation with Sherfield here in the podcast feed. What a road it's been. Sherfield was a victim of some good 'ol fashioned NFL politics, as you'll learn. His work ethic is rare, and he proved in Miami what he's capable of. Considering a Go Long subscription? You've got two days left to take advantage of our 30% off special. Choose the annual rate and we'll send you a signed copy of "The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football." https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?coupon=4fd98c2f Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey! What about those New York Giants? To get the front-office perspective on GM Joe Schoen's plan, we bring on co-host Jim Monos. The Bills decided to still tear things down after winning nine games in 2017. Why did Schoen choose a different path? We discuss. We meander. The old Rex Ryan Bills enter the chat with Monos reliving the Percy Harvin signing. Somehow, Janoris Jenkins and Cliff Harris from the 2012 draft are brought up. The crazy Florida Gators days, too. And the Atlanta Falcons sure didn't hesitate to spend. Then again, they're quarterbacked by Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke at the moment. Bold strategy. You can read my column on the Giants at GoLongTD.com right here: https://www.golongtd.com/p/the-new-york-giants-had-a-phenomenal Bravo, Green Bay: https://www.golongtd.com/p/bravo-green-bay Through Monday, you can upgrade to a full Go Long membership at 30% off. Choose the annual rate and you'll also receive a signed copy of "The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football." https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?coupon=4fd98c2f Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What a week for the New York Giants. GM Joe Schoen was able to lock up Daniel Jones, and the contract is more team-friendly than you may think. Saquon Barkley sticks around on the tag. And they hope they found a new featured weapon in the passing game: tight end Darren Waller. To dive into it all, I'm joined by Pat Leonard of The New York Daily News. He's an NFL columnist, a Giants beat writer and the host of his own podcast, "Talkin' Ball with Pat Leonard." https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talkin-ball-with-pat-leonard/id1642747025 This week, you can subscribe to Go Long to get all of our content at 30% off. At the annual rate, we'll also send you a signed copy of "The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football." Bang it here: https://www.golongtd.com/4fd98c2f Thanks, everyone. Be sure to rate, review and share the podcast with a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We check in with the exceptional Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated to see why the New York Jets are taking on the massive risk that is... Aaron Rodgers. After signs of decline in 2022 -- and general apathy -- it's fair to wonder if the four-time MVP is finished. So, why add a potentially malignant quarterback to a talented roster? GM Joe Douglas has a good thing going. Orr brings a wealth of knowledge on the Jets and, particularly, OC Nathaniel Hackett. Be sure to read all of his work at SI: https://www.si.com/author/conor-orr Miss our column on the Packers' big decision? It's available for subscribers. The Packers rediscovered their backbone: https://www.golongtd.com/p/bravo-green-bay This week, you can subscribe to GoLongTD.com at a discounted rate. Join now at 30% off: https://www.golongtd.com/4fd98c2f Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Green Bay Packers have moved on to Jordan Love. The New York Jets want Aaron Rodgers. What's the hold-up? We discuss on the podcast. Also, Jimmy Garoppolo signs with the Las Vegas Raiders, Austin Ekeler wants more money and Tremaine Edmunds is off to the Chicago Bears. Will Buffalo go offense? We dive into all the headlines from the first day of "legal tampering" on the podcast i.e. the first day of free agency. Be sure to subscribe to Go Long to access all stories: www.golongtd.com/subscribe We'd love to have you join our community today, especially with some big plans ahead this offseason. Thank you for rating, reviewing and sharing! Follow us on Twitter @TyDunne and @monos42 if you'd like as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The case of Lamar Jackson is... curious. We examine an odd tag deadline day for the Ravens quarterback. Why did so many teams immediately declare their disinterest? The Ravens don't want to use Jimmy Haslam's deal as a blueprint but they should have never let it get to this point. Also, the New York Giants beat the clock to ink Daniel Jones. Don't be alarmed by that dollar figure. And what's the latest with Aaron Rodgers? Live from Fattey Beer Company, we explore it all. Subscribe at www.golongtd.com/subscribe for full coverage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The conversation continues with a look a the other three quarterbacks whose futures are unknown. Jim Monos loves what the Ravens are doing, and sees this franchise shelling out a long-term deal soon. Daniel Jones won't get 45 mill, but he should at least ask. He remains fascinating: https://www.golongtd.com/p/is-daniel-jones-the-future Derek Carr? The Saints make sense... Subscribe to GoLongTD.com for full coverage through the quarterback madness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our Happy Hours continue Friday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. (EST). We'll be kicking back with T.J. Lang, a Packers/Lions great. Become a VIP member today to get a Go Long hoodie, a copy of "Blood and Guts" and full access to all Happy Hours with players from around the NFL: https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?plan=founding Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're splitting our podcast talk into two different episodes to wrap up the wild card games. First up, the AFC. Buffalo and Cincinnati advanced but, holy, it was not easy. We discuss what went wrong for the heavily-favored Bills and begin to preview the divisional round showdown. Subscribe to Go Long today. Live right now? Daniel Jones arrives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Isaiah McKenzie heard that Damar Hamlin did not have a pulse and thought his teammate died on the football field. What was possibly going through everyone's heads that night in Cincinnati. Thank God, Hamlin has recovered and is back in Buffalo. With that good news as the backdrop, McKenzie can reflect with full blow-by-blow account on the eighth and final episode of The Isaiah McKenzie Show. On the field, teammates were shellshocked. Inside the locker room, Mitch Morse spoke up. Also, McKenzie explains what this means for the sport of football, how head coach Sean McDermott has evolved over the years and takes questions at a jam-packed Mister's Bar & Lanes. The NFL playoffs are here. Don't miss any coverage by becoming a paid subscriber at www.golongtd.com/subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What we all saw on Monday Night Football in Cincinnati was horrifying.But what’s it like as an NFL player to think your teammate died on a football field? On our eighth and final episode of “The Isaiah McKenzie Show,” the Buffalo Bills wide receiver relives the trauma.It’s true. Players thought they lost Damar Hamlin for good.Then, Hamlin started breathing again.Then, everyone headed into the locker room and it was veteran center Mitch Morse who spoke up. From the field… to the locker room… to playing football again back in Buffalo… to what this all means for the Bills, McKenzie takes you through it all. Were players prepared to take the field again? How did Sean McDermott lead in the moment? How should we view the sport itself? We get into everything and take questions from the audience. It’s been a year full of adversity for both the city and the football team. As far as McKenzie sees it, this season has only one logical conclusion. And as you all know, Hamlin has enjoyed a miraculous recovery. He’s already back in Buffalo. A huge thank you to everyone who has come out to the live show all season long. Mister’s Bar & Lanes was packed Monday night. It’s been a pleasure.You can watch and listen to the show right here at GoLongTD.com or within the Go Long Podcast feeds:APPLESPOTIFYYOUTUBEMiss a previous episode from Season 2? Catch up below…* Ep 1: Inside the gender reveal and the beatdown of the L.A. Rams* Ep 2: What was running through the receiver's mind that final play?* Ep 3: “I couldn’t move”* Ep 4: The Bills-Chiefs rematch is here* Ep 5: It's gut-check time for the Buffalo Bills* Ep 6: Is this Isaiah's last dance?* Ep 7: How the Buffalo Bills find ways to winAlso: All episodes from Season 1 are archived on our site.GoLongTD.com is completely powered by our readers. New to the site? Become a paid subscriber today to get all NFL coverage through the postseason: 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

Who plays who? Who'll win? A quick first look. Be sure to subscribe to Go Long for full NFL postseason coverage: golongtd.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Playoff spots are on the line. Go ahead and LOCK these picks in. They're good as gold. Read full coverage at GoLongTD.com. And remember to make your way over to the chat inside the Substack app to hang out with other readers during the games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GoLongTD.com is completely powered by YOU. No corporations, no advertisers. You have ONE MORE DAY to take advantage of our holiday special. CLICK THIS LINK to subscribe at 25% off. When you choose the annual rate ($37.50 the first year), I will also be in touch to send you a personally signed copy of "The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football." When you upgrade, you'll gain full access to everything at Go Long, including our feature on Daniel Jones and the New York Giants' big decision: https://www.golongtd.com/p/is-daniel-jones-the-future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Subscribers can read the full 7,000 words on Daniel Jones' future at Go Long right here: https://www.golongtd.com/p/is-daniel-jones-the-future The Giants are one win away from the playoffs. A major decision at quarterback looms. Go Long chatted with the likes of Rich Gannon, Chris Simms and Kurt Warner to see where this could go. Jones has shown toughness and leadership... does he warrant a second deal? Here on the podcast, we pose this question to a man who has been in this situation: co-host Jim Monos. (I also shared the LinkedIn message received from one member of the Giants organization.) Remember through New Year's Day, you can subscribe to Go Long at 25% off and ALSO get a signed copy of "The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football:" https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?coupon=8081e73a Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The psychology of a Super Bowl contender matters in mid-December. Wins like this are a must.The Buffalo Bills trailed by eight in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins, yet found a way. So… how? How do you quantify getting slugged in the jaw and knowing how to respond? We turn again to veteran slot receiver Isaiah McKenzie for answers. He agrees that the 2023 Bills respond in ways past editions could not. A good sign for a team trying to get over the hump. As always, the conversation leads us many directions… * His critical plays on the game-winning drive. McKenzie converted a third-and-2 and then drew a defensive pass interference on another third down. He dissects it all. * Josh Allen’s Superman leap of a two-point conversion to tie the game. Like many Bills fans, McKenzie is concerned what all of this running could mean for Allen’s long-term health. * His thoughts on Jakobi Meyers’ lateral that New England a game, ripped by many as the dumbest play in football history. How is this possible?* Cole Beasley’s return. What was McKenzie’s reaction? They’re pals, of course, but our co-host wasn’t shy last week in saying he’d like the ball more. * The frigid temps that await in Chicago. Good God.* Your questions. We had some phenomenal submissions at Mister’s Bar & Lanes with the podcast turning into everyone sharing their best ghost stories. You can watch and listen to the show right here at GoLongTD.com or within the Go Long Podcast feeds:APPLESPOTIFYYOUTUBEMiss a previous episode from Season 2? Catch up below…* Ep 1: Inside the gender reveal and the beatdown of the L.A. Rams* Ep 2: What was running through the receiver's mind that final play?* Ep 3: “I couldn’t move”* Ep 4: The Bills-Chiefs rematch is here* Ep 5: It's gut-check time for the Buffalo Bills* Ep 6: Is this Isaiah's last dance?Also: All episodes from Season 1 are archived on our site.Go Long is powered by YOU. Join our community today. We’d love to have you. Both free and pay subscriptions are available. We have a Christmas special rolling, too...As always, McKenzie loves hanging out with the fans afterward. Mister’s Bar & Lanes is located at 206 Main St, East Aurora, NY 14052. Join us for the season finale on Monday, Jan. 9, at 6 p.m. 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 has been an interesting season for Isaiah McKenzie.To put it mildly. Since our last episode, the Buffalo Bills’ wide receiver has experienced highs and lows. He tore up the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day for 96 yards and a touchdown. He caught all five balls thrown his way in New England for 44 yards. Then, in Buffalo’s 20-12 win over the New York Jets on Sunday, he had a pair of drops that ignited the furor of a Bills fan or two.McKenzie always keeps it real for listeners of “The Isaiah McKenzie Show” here at GoLongTD.com. That’s the goal: Give everyone a true inside look at the life of an NFL player. On Episode 6 of Season 2, The Face of the Franchise is candid as ever. A few topics discussed…* The offense’s malaise. What’s up? Where did the juggernaut of yesteryear go? * Collecting wins, making no apologies. It’s much easier to work through an offensive funk when you work your way to No. 1 seed in the AFC. Miami hasn’t been so lucky through its funk. * McKenzie’s drops. The elements have been a problem for all of the Bills’ receivers. He breaks it down. He hears your criticism loud and clear. * McKenzie’s role. He’s honest. He says the film doesn’t lie. It’s pretty clear that McKenzie believes he’s getting open and would like to see the ball more in this offense. It should also be noted that we recorded the pod on Monday night, before the Bills brought back Cole Beasley. * Dolphins rematch. McKenzie cannot wait to welcome Miami to the cold… even if he’d still prefer to play in a dome. How can the Bills lean into their homefield advantage. * A WILD travel story. Remember McKenzie’s tweet about needing a ride from Pittsburgh to Buffalo? He supplies the full play-by-play detail. * Last Dance? And, yes, Isaiah McKenzie absolutely buries the lede on our show. While taking questions, he mentions the idea of retiring in passing and… what!? It’s true. McKenzie says he seriously will retire if the Bills win the Super Bowl. (He’ll also enjoy his first sip of alcohol at that point, too.)You can watch and listen to the show right here at GoLongTD.com or within the Go Long Podcast feeds:APPLESPOTIFYYOUTUBEMiss a previous episode from Season 2? Catch up below…* Ep 1: Inside the gender reveal and the beatdown of the L.A. Rams* Ep 2: What was running through the receiver's mind that final play?* Ep 3: “I couldn’t move”* Ep 4: The Bills-Chiefs rematch is here* Ep 5: It's gut-check time for the Buffalo BillsAlso: All episodes from Season 1 are archived on our site.Go Long is powered by YOU. Join our community today. We’d love to have you.Both free and pay subscriptions are available: We have two shows left! As always, McKenzie loves hanging out with the fans afterward. Mister’s Bar & Lanes is located at 206 Main St, East Aurora, NY 14052.I’ll also have copies of “The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football” to sign:* Monday, Dec. 19* Monday, Jan. 9 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

Pro football will always be more mental than physical. Beyond the 4.3 speed colliding at all conceivable angles, wins and losses are determined between the ears.So, let’s say hello to the 2022 Buffalo Bills. An ultra-talented team — the odds-on Super Bowl favorites — have struggled for 2 1/2 games now. And they’re also fresh off one of the most insane finishes you’ll ever see in a sporting event. On this episode of the Isaiah McKenzie Show at Mister’s Bar & Lanes in East Aurora, NY, the team’s slot receiver relives the finish in painstaking detail. From Dalvin Cook’s 81-yarder to the goal-line stand to the overtime interception, it’s still hard to wrap your brain around this 33-30 Vikings win. McKenzie can relate to Allen’s rut, too. He lived it. He’s been down. He explains why exactly the sport is so mental and how Allen can snap out of this funk. Everything is discussed this episode…* Buffalo’s second-half woes. Why does this look like a completely different team after halftime?* His plays from the game. Yes, he stepped out of bounds on Allen’s first interception. And, oh yes, he heard all of you screaming at home to get out of bounds on that field-goal drive at the end of the fourth quarter. * How suffocating is that feeling of pressure as a pro athlete? Fans, gamblers, the front office. As McKenzie explains, players feel the heat from all angles. * Justin Jefferson’s catch heard ‘round the world. Cam Lewis was understandably hurting after this loss — if the Bills DB knocks the ball down, the Bills win. * Isaiah McKenzie’s role the rest of the season. The Bills certainly could use a dependable receiver other than Stefon Diggs to shift this passing game to a higher gear.* How McKenzie met his girlfriend. (Cover your ears, kids.)As always, the goal of this show is to take you beyond the press conferences and locker room. We want to bring you as close as possible to this league at Go Long. Live around Western New York? Come on out to one of our three remaining live shows at Mister’s. All dates are below.You can watch or listen to the show right here at GoLongTD.com or within the Go Long Podcast feeds:APPLESPOTIFY YOUTUBEMiss a previous episode from Season 2? Catch up below…* Ep 1: Inside the gender reveal and the beatdown of the L.A. Rams* Ep 2: What was running through the receiver's mind that final play?* Ep 3: “I couldn’t move”* Ep 4: The Bills-Chiefs rematch is hereAlso: All episodes from Season 1 are archived on our site.Go Long is powered by YOU. Join our community today. Both free and pay subscriptions are available: We have three shows left! As always, McKenzie loves hanging out with the fans afterward. Mister’s Bar & Lanes is located at 206 Main St, East Aurora, NY 14052.I’ll also have copies of “The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football” to sign:* Monday, Dec. 12* Monday, Dec. 19* Monday, Jan. 9 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 had a packed house at Mister’s Bar & Lanes in East Aurora, NY this week.First, a huge thank you to the East Aurora JV Little Loop squad and all families who spent their Monday night with us. Quite a turnout for a player who didn’t even suit up in Buffalo’s 38-3 throttling of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium the day prior.I suppose that’s the pull of one, “Lil Dirty.” Isaiah McKenzie was in pure form again for Episode 4. A few topics discussed… * His health. McKenzie was surprised the Bills held him out against Pittsburgh, but watching this blowout as a spectator was fun and he expects to return this week against Kansas City. (Even if McKenzie is still milking this concussion to get out of chores around the house with his girlfriend.)* Gabe Davis’ Moss-like breakout game. * Thirteen Seconds. As, yes. Thirteen seconds. Replay our final episode from Season 1 if you’d like. McKenzie thinks back to that playoff loss once more, and explains how the team moved on into the offseason. Have the Bills used the epic meltdown as motivation or are they trying to forget it and bury it? Through history, we’ve seen teams in this position choose both routes. * He has never sipped alcohol before in his life. Seriously. McKenzie explains why he’s always avoided booze. And if the Bills win it all? McKenzie promises he’ll drink for the first time ever. * Sean McDermott showed players a documentary on Team USA’s 2008 “Redeem Team” last weekend. What was the purpose behind this?* George Costanza.* With the Little Loopers in-house, McKenzie turns back the clock to when he first got into football. Believe it or not, he was an offensive lineman and he has always loved getting hit.* Once more, we open things up for a lengthy Q&A with you all… McKenzie takes the fans up on their salsa dance request, too. As always, the goal of this show is to take you beyond the press conferences and locker room. We want to bring you as close as possible to this league at Go Long. Live around Western New York? Come on out to one of our four remaining live shows at Mister’s. All dates are below.You can watch or listen to the show right here at GoLongTD.com or within the Go Long Podcast feeds:APPLESPOTIFYYOUTUBEMiss a previous episode from Season 2? Catch up below…Ep 1: Inside the gender reveal and the beatdown of the L.A. RamsEp 2: What was running through the receiver's mind that final play?Ep 3: “I couldn’t move”Also: All episodes from Season 1 are archived on our site.Go Long is your source for longform journalism in pro football. We’re completely powered by you. We’d love it if you joined our community today:Here are the remaining dates for our live recordings at Mister’s Bar & Lanes in East Aurora, NY:* Monday, Nov. 14* Monday, Dec. 12* Monday, Dec. 19* Monday, Jan. 9 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

Why exactly are pro football players different than the rest of us? Exhibit A: Mister’s Bar & Lanes in East Aurora, NY on Monday night.Isaiah McKenzie could not even move after absorbing a vicious hit in Baltimore that knocked him out of the Buffalo Bills’ 23-20 comeback win. And yet, he cannot wait to venture across the middle of the field again. He loves the physicality. He knows that’s what separates him as a slot receiver. Make no mistake, too. This was a scary moment. On Episode 3 of “The Isaiah McKenzie Show,” the 5-foot-7 receiver takes everyone through the collision and the aftermath. Concussions are obviously back in the NFL headlines and we’ve seen quite a few motionless players sprawled on the turf in NFL games this season. We all love the sport’s violence but, holy, it comes with a cost. McKenzie details exactly what that cost is.He does believe his mind is doing just fine… even though he’s currently using this concussion to get out of cleaning dishes at home with his girlfriend. When you come from where McKenzie did in South Florida — yes, a bullet once grazed him — you’ll gladly accept football’s inherent risks. Also, on this episode, we dig into Buffalo finally winning a close game. McKenzie refers to Sean McDermott as a “dad” and Brandon Beane as the “cool uncle” in taking all of your questions.As always, the goal of this show is to take you beyond the press conferences and locker room. McKenzie says himself at the end of this pod that he never wants to spew mindless cliches as if part of a “cult.” His raw honesty is refreshing. We want to bring you as close as possible to this league at Go Long. Live around Western New York? Come on out to one of our five remaining live shows at Mister’s. All dates are below.You can watch or listen to the show right here at GoLongTD.com or within the Go Long Podcast feeds:APPLESPOTIFYYOUTUBEMiss a previous episode from Season 2? Catch up below…Ep 1: Inside the gender reveal and the beatdown of the L.A. RamsEp 2: What was running through the receiver's mind that final play?Also: All episodes from Season 1 are archived on our site.Go Long is your source for longform journalism in pro football. We’re completely powered by you. Subscribe today: Here are the remaining dates for our live recordings at Mister’s Bar & Lanes in East Aurora, NY:* Monday, Oct. 10* Monday, Nov. 14* Monday, Dec. 12* Monday, Dec. 19* Monday, Jan. 9As a reminder, right now, you can pre-order “The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football” at 30% off and receive a signed bookplate. Just click this link. 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

Hindsight is a beautiful thing. These last 48 hours, we’ve all been hyper-analyzing Isaiah McKenzie’s every step that final play against the Miami Dolphins.Could he have gone out of bounds? Should he have collapsed? What was he thinking in real time? On Episode 2 of “The Isaiah McKenzie Show,” we get answers. In immense detail, the Buffalo Bills wide receiver takes you all inside his mind. The Bills fell to the Dolphins, 21-19. It was unbelievably frustrating, too, considering they outgained the home team by a whopping 497 yards to 212. McKenzie is also well aware that Buffalo ran 90 plays to Miami’s 39… in a sauna of a stadium. With the heat index soaring to 100 degrees, Bills players were melting one by one. Honestly, this might’ve been one of my favorite chats with the team’s “Face of the Franchise.” We launched this show at Go Long to take fans beyond the insipid press conference and beyond the locker room for moments like this, for when we’re hoping for real stories behind everything we saw on Sunday.You can always watch and/or listen to the full episodes right here at GoLongTD.com and within our main podcast feeds:APPLESPOTIFYYOUTUBEMuch was discussed this hour…* The heat. Bills-Fins was a scene straight out of the 1982 “Epic in Miami.” What exactly does it feel like to lock up with cramps, need IV and puke your lungs out in the locker room? McKenzie compared this game to a battlefield.* The final play. McKenzie knew he needed to gain yardage for kicker Tyler Bass after catching a short pass over the middle. McKenzie also knew he needed to stop the clock. He relives it all second by painstaking second... right to that clock hitting 0:00. Yes, he heard from fans, too. One sent him a pretty hilarious picture telling McKenzie what he should’ve done.* Finishing. It’s the last hurdle this Super Bowl contender must clear. Why do the Bills’ struggle late in games? * Ken Dorsey’s freakout. Players loved it and players have seen this side of the Bills offensive coordinator many times before.* The rivalry. Real hatred between the Bills and Dolphins is finally back after a 20-year hiatus. McKenzie assures Buffalo cannot wait to play Miami in the cold. * Up next: Lamar. Ahead of Buffalo’s playoff win over the Ravens in 2020, McKenzie played the role of Lamar Jackson on the scout team in practice. Even though he’s actually a big part of the offense now, he hopes that continues.* McKenzie vs. Hyde. My co-host is ruthless. The safety’s neck injury only ramps this up.* Your questions! We had some gems.Go Long is your source for longform journalism in pro football. Want features delivered right to your inbox? In addition to all of our podcasts? We’re completely powered by you. Subscribe today right here:All eight episodes of Season 2 are being recorded LIVE at Mister’s Bar & Lanes in East Aurora, NY. Here are the remaining dates:* Monday, Oct. 3* Monday, Oct. 10* Monday, Nov. 14* Monday, Dec. 12* Monday, Dec. 19* Monday, Jan. 9 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

Guaranteed outcomes for this weekend's games. "Free money," as the kids say. Each week, Jim Monos and myself will share three cold-hard locks for your betting needs. And considering we're now powered by Fattey Beer Company here in Western New York, we're calling these the "Fattey Locks." Have fun, all! Read all Go Long coverage at GoLongTD.com. This week? A feature on Colts cornerback Stephon Gilmore: https://www.golongtd.com/p/i-want-to-be-the-best-corner-to-have Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not all gender reveals hit the mark. Many crash and burn.Not all touchdown celebrations pan out, either.Yet, Isaiah McKenzie certainly nailed this one. After scoring his first touchdown of the 2022 season, the Buffalo Bills’ slot receiver screamed “It’s a boy!” into the camera. As we all know now, the message was for his sister. The side-by-side videos quickly went viral.There was much to discuss on Season 2, Episode 1 of “The Isaiah McKenzie Show.” We relived the Bills’ 31-10 smackdown of the Los Angeles Rams live from Mister’s Bar & Lanes in East Aurora, NY. * McKenzie dissects the two plays you all saw at home: his drop that led to an interception and his moment of redemption in the third quarter. His seven-yard touchdown catch says so much about playing in the slot. It’s a thinking man’s position.* How are the Bills handling historic Super Bowl expectations? An absurd amount of people are betting on this team to win it all. Fans may be nervous, but the players are not. * Stefon Diggs vs. Jalen Ramsey. It was not a fair fight. McKenzie, who describes himself as Diggs’ personal “babysitter” explains how Diggs went off. * What surprised him most from the win? The Bills’ dominant defensive line. (Even if Von Miller can’t dance.) * The last half of the show, McKenzie brings it back to the offseason. He could’ve signed with seven different teams as a free agent. Other clubs offered him more money than the Bills. But the receiver who arrived in Buffalo way back in 2018 says he wanted to finish the job right here because of his bonds with teammates. * How did he blow up in training camp? Good ‘ol fashioned hard work, and McKenzie got the message loud and clear when the team signed Jamison Crowder.* Ken Dorsey’s first game calling plays as the Bills’ offensive coordinator. McKenzie likes what he sees.Go Long is an independent newsletter that covers pro football through a longform lens. Subscribe today to get all stories, all podcasts, all analysis delivered to your email inbox:The purpose of this show? To go beyond the press conference and the locker room. We want to give fans — the ones pouring millions of dollars into this sport — an authentic view of the sport. Something beyond poll-tested, sanitized cliches. Season 1 of The Isaiah McKenzie Show was a riot, so we’re back. You can watch or listen to all episodes right here at Go Long. If podcasts are your thing, all episodes will also be shared within the Go Long Podcast feed. Here is Episode 1:APPLESPOTIFYYOUTUBEAnd, remember, you can watch the show LIVE at Mister’s Bar & Lanes in East Aurora, NY. The remaining seven episodes will all be on Mondays at 6 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

These aren't the Packers we're used to seeing. This season, they're trying to win with defense and special teams. Will it work? We ask the one man who'd know better than anyone on the beat: the Journal Sentinel's Tom Silverstein. What a fun time reconnecting with an old friend. Silverstein details what made LeRoy Butler great in light of the safety's Hall of Fame induction and breaks down Green Bay's chances of getting over the Super Bowl hump this season. His answer may surprise you, too. The formula certainly has changed for this franchise -- they'll just need the quarterback to buy in. To read our piece on Kenny Clark and get everything Go Long has to offer, subscribe to the newsletter today right here: golongtd.com/welcome Clark isn't holding back in 2022: https://www.golongtd.com/p/kenny-clark-speaks-out-the-best-me Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now that we’re a full week removed from the NFL Draft, how should the Green Bay Packers feel? Our resident draft (and Packers) expert, Bob McGinn, expounds on his critical column that ran earlier this week. He believes GM Brian Gutekunst hasn’t done enough at wide receiver for his MVP quarterback. I believe he absolutely has — and knows the team needs to win a new way. (With defense.) So, we have a hearty disagreement. The back half of the pod is on all things Aaron Rodgers, Gutekunst and Green Bay.But first? McGinn goes long on his draft series. ICMYI, all nine parts are archived at GoLongTD.com and linked below for our subscribers. You won’t want to miss the good, bad and ugly from scouts on all of the top prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. McGinn explains how these relationships develop and why such an uncut perspective is important and rare. After all, things aren’t as rosy as they may appear on TV. We opened up this episode of the Ty & Bob Pod for all, so you can listen via the audio player above or download the episode on our main Go Long Podcast feed over at Apple and Spotify. Not a subscriber? You can upgrade right now to gain access to everything we have to offer at Go Long as well as all episodes of the Ty & Bob Pod from this past season. (Archived here.)Thank you, everyone!Links:* My 32 final thoughts on the NFL Draft. The Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens nailed it.* Bob McGinn’s column on the Packers’ draft, and why he believes the GM came up short.* Toward the end of the show, I reference my conversation with Sammy Watkins for a story at Bleacher Report. Here’s that feature. * Miss our profile on Yannick Ngakoue? Sat down with the Indianapolis Colts’ 27-year-old edge rusher in Florida for this. What a life he’s had, from an abusive father to cockroaches in his bedroom to depression as a pro.And here are all nine parts of McGinn’s draft series. See how the NFL scouts ranked the prospects at every position:* Part 1, WR/TE: Does size matter?* Part 2, OL: Trevor Penning, 'total prick' in trenches, leads class of ass-kickers* Part 3, QB: Bet on teams in need rolling the dice* Part 4, RB: How special are Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker?* Part 5, DL: Will Jordan Davis devour NFL offenses, too?* Part 6, Edge: It’s a do-or-die decision* Part 7, LB: Who is green-dot worthy?* Part 8, DB: Could Tariq Woolen change the cornerback game?* Part 9, ST: When will we see a one-man kicking crew? 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 is time. The much-anticipated second annual 2022 Go Long Draft Extravaganza is here. This year, we'll cut back a bit. Join us at 6 p.m. (EST) tonight for an hourlong chat. Jim Monos will share his best draft stories and we'll discuss this year's class. All log-in information is right here: https://www.golongtd.com/p/2022-draft-extravaganza-join-us-for?s=w Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Western New Yorkers love them some Isaiah McKenzie. We saw that right away on Thursday night.A huge, huge thank you to everyone who packed Mister’s Bar & Lanes for our final live episode of the season. It’s easy to see why the Buffalo Bills wide receiver is so beloved, too. You won’t find many NFL players this authentic and this honest with the public through the stressful ups and downs of an NFL season. And, really, that was the goal with this show at Go Long — to give all football fans a true look inside into this league. Poll-tested press conferences often only reveal so much. And, holy, what an emotional roller-coaster this 2021 season has been for McKenzie, from the kick return called back in Tennessee to getting benched by Sean McDermott after a 41-15 loss to the Colts to playing hero in Foxborough to one of the most insane finishes you’ll ever see in an NFL game. McKenzie has discussed it all… even that hilarious reason he did not attend Notre Dame. If you missed any previous episodes, they’re all linked below. This week? McKenzie guides everyone through the Bills’ surreal 42-36 overtime loss in Kansas City. What was going through his mind sitting on the bench afterward?Who said what in the locker room? Why exactly was the defense sitting back in such soft coverage to his knowledge? Do players even know what happened?Where is McKenzie at through his “5 stages of grief?”McKenzie is just as flabbergasted as the fans. And, now, he’s a free agent. McKenzie discusses the next step, too. After proving himself with limited opportunities, free agency could be interesting. Does he want to be back in Buffalo? You can watch and/or listen to The Isaiah McKenzie Show right here at Go Long. Audio and video options are both available above.Or, if podcasting is your thing, the shows are always available right inside the main Go Long Podcast feed on Apple and Spotify as well as its own standalone podcast feed on Apple and Spotify. All episodes also can be found on our YouTube channel.Thank you again, everyone. Go Long is a completely independent newsletter committed to finding a story you have not read (or heard) before. If you’d like to support independent journalism, you can upgrade to a full subscription right here: Miss a past episode? You can catch up right here:Ep 8: An inside look at '13 Seconds' and the ‘5 stages of grief’Ep 7: One shining momentEp 6: What happened to the Bills?Ep 5: ‘I was grazed by a bullet once’Ep 4: The true story of 'Lil Dirty'Ep 3: Why it's time for the Buffalo Bills to give him a scout team 'bonus'Ep 2: Inside the Bills’ demolition at ArrowheadEp 1: From Miami Gardens to Orchard Park 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 happened? Bob McGinn joins to dissect the destruction. Subscribe to GoLongTD.com to get all episodes of the "Ty & Bob Pod" today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Go Long is a newsletter dedicated to enterprising pro football journalism. Free and paid subscriptions are both available. You can support this publication best by subscribing here: Nobody sifts through the rubble of a playoff loss like Bob McGinn who’s seen quite a few calamities this time of year over the last decade.On this final in-season episode of the Ty & Bob Pod, we relive every angle of Green Bay’s 13-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The loss is not quite as stunning as you may think. We all should’ve seen this coming.Aaron Rodgers has made a habit of shrinking in January. His performance at Lambeau Field this time around was particularly meek. A blend of apathy, locking into Davante Adams and, shockingly, not reacting quick enough to the 49er defense doomed the likely MVP. Bob breaks it down.The critical third-and-7 run by Deebo Samuel is on cornerback Jaire Alexander, and speaks to the bigger problems the Packers had re-incorporating starters. And what about those special teams? Good God. Green Bay tried to break even on special teams yet again in 2021 and paid the price dearly. The blocked punt that changed this game was no accident, rather the culmination of year-long disinterest. From the front office to the coaching staff to the players, the Packers’ NFL-worst specials teams is on everyone. Overall, they proved to be a team with too much dead — Marcedes Lewis, Randall Cobb, etc. — and not enough core special teams players. Bob talked to people around the NFL to learn more.And, of course, the Packers now head into an offseason of uncertainty. A huge Thank You to everyone for listening to our podcast this season — we’re beyond appreciative and floored by your support. This site is totally powered by you. No ads, no corporations. Your good word has helped this podcast and newsletter spread all season long. If you haven’t, be sure to weigh in on the Packers’ loss in the Discuss thread and we hope you enjoy the pod.Bob McGinn’s Football Awards (maximum is 5, minimum is one-half)* RECEIVERS: 1 1/2* OFFENSIVE LINE: 1 1/2* QUARTERBACKS: 1* RUNNING BACKS: 4 1/2* DEFENSIVE LINE: 3* LINEBACKERS: 4* DEFENSIVE BACKS: 3 1/2* KICKERS: 1 1/2* SPECIAL TEAMS: one-half* OVERALL: 2STARS OF THE WEEKOne. Aaron Jones, RBTwo. Rashan Gary, OLBThree. Davante Adams, WR 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 around here? Welcome! The “Ty & Bob Pod,” at Go Long, is a weekly examination of the Green Bay Packers (with a look around the NFL, too). Bob McGinn has covered pro football over six different decades and offers his one-of-a-kind perspective.You can access every episode by subscribing right here: OK, so Jimmy Garoppolo is many tiers below the Green Bay Packers’ starting quarterback. He’s banged up, too. Still, as Bob McGinn breaks down, this is not a good matchup for the Packers. The 49ers prefer a mashing brand of football and are a completely different offense than the one that fell just short of a win at home vs. these Packers in September. Deebo Samuel has emerged as a 1-of-1, hybrid threat. He’ll line up at running back and wide receiver and is not fun to tackle. Rookie Elijah Mitchell is the sort of decisive, one-cut running back his head coach loves, too.Defensively, the 49ers’ defensive line is the best in the business.Not to mention that this team has been in win-now mode for a while. I tend to think the Packers win a close one because we know how the Garoppolo story ends. He’s proven to commit the big mistake in the big moment. That was the case when these teams met before — as we wrote in a column here — and again in a near-collapse against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Round. Meanwhile, MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers simply does not turn the ball over, and he has a strong rushing attack to lean on himself this postseason. This feels like an A.J. Dillon sort of game.Bob sure does make some compelling points, though. You’ll learn everything you need to about the 49ers on this week’s “Ty & Bob Pod.”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

New around here? Welcome! The “Ty & Bob Pod,” at Go Long, is a weekly examination of the Green Bay Packers (with a look around the NFL, too). Bob McGinn has covered pro football over six different decades and offers his one-of-a-kind perspective. You can access every episode by subscribing right here: Who knows what the future holds? This could be Aaron Rodgers’ final season with the Green Bay Packers. Davante Adams will be a free agent. This team might even lose an assistant to a head coaching job.The pressure’s on Green Bay to get it done this season with this team. We delve into the team’s Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions but more so look ahead to the playoffs because, now, the real season begins for the No. 1-seeded Packers. They’ve got the talent to win it all but there are certainly questions. For two hours, we dig into all of those questions…* A cavalry of stars are returning from injury: left tackle David Bakhtiari, outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith and cornerback Jaire Alexander. You want their talent on the field, obviously. But it’s also a heck of a lot more complicated than that. Especially if Green Bay must face that 49ers’ run game in the playoffs again.* Did Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn supply teams a mini blueprint vs. Rodgers? He made everything a tick more difficult on the back end at Ford Field. Bob explains.* Green Bay sure could use a healthy Marquez Valdes-Scantling flying downfield in case a shootout looms.* Then, there’s the potential of a Tom Brady rematch. He has quite an MVP case to make himself this season and always diagnoses what’s wrong in any defense. If these teams meet again, should Green Bay be concerned? The 44-year-old is as dangerous as ever.* Jordan Love’s appearance started strong, but turnovers got him in the end. Exactly how confident should Brian Gutekunst be in his 2020 first-round pick at this point? * Special teams. Special teams. Special teams. It’s remarkable the Packers won 13 games given the play of this unit. We also talk some MAC basketball with a dash of Joe Judge. It’s time teams stopped saying “relieved of his duties.” too. We offer a new phrase that NFL teams can officially use during a week like this. And in “McGinn’s Memories,” Bob looks back to what life was like when head coaches held press conferences after getting fired. Lindy Infante’s presser was a doozy.Thanks, everyone. Miss a past episode? Here is the full archive of the “Ty & Bob Pod.”Bob McGinn’s Football Awards (maximum is 5, minimum is one-half)* RECEIVERS: 3* OFFENSIVE LINE: 2 1/2* QUARTERBACKS: 1* RUNNING BACKS: 3 1/2* DEFENSIVE LINE: 2 1/2* LINEBACKERS: 1* DEFENSIVE BACKS: 1* KICKERS: 2 1/2* SPECIAL TEAMS: 4* OVERALL: 2STARS OF THE WEEKOne. Dean Lowry, DLTwo. Josiah Deguara, TEThree. Allen Lazard, WR 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

To all of our new subscribers… welcome! The “Ty & Bob Pod” is one of the three podcasts at Go Long. Here, each week, Hall-of-Fame sportswriter Bob McGinn meticulously breaks down the team he has covered since the 70s: the Green Bay Packers. Bob is one of a kind. I think you’ll love his unique eye for the sport, his ability to shuffle through notes at high speeds and, of course, his convincing argument to microwave your morning coffee. (I’m in. It’s life-changing.)And to our regulars, thank you. You make these two hours part of your life every damn week and we do not take that for granted. As always, hit us with your thoughts in the comment section below.We kick off this week’s episode with New York Giants talk. Owner John Mara has quite a mess to clean up but will he attack the mess with a wrecking ball or a squeegee? Bob provides his perspective on our two-part series.As for the Packers, it was another ugly win. If the officials throw the flag on Baker Mayfield’s fourth interception, this is probably a much different conversation. Alas, the Packers held on, 24-22, to improve to 12-3. With wins over the Vikings and Lions to close the season, they can ensure the road to the Super Bowl goes through northeast Wisconsin in the NFC.Cornerback Rasul Douglas, one of GM Brian Gutekunst’s crown-jewel signings, continued his banner season. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers had basically the same sort of game he’s had every week.And Mayfield? He is the topic du jour and he wasn’t as bad as you might’ve thought. All four picks weren’t on Mayfield and let’s not forget the state of his body, either. He's in major pain. Then again, he was the No. 1 overall pick in 2018. We discuss the present and future of the Browns quarterback. The “Rating the Packers” rundown starts ‘round the 18-minute mark if you want to cut to the nitty-gritty.Thanks again, all. Scrambling for a Christmas gift? As the New Year approaches? Share our football storytelling right here if you’d like:Bob McGinn’s Football Awards (maximum is 5, minimum is one-half)* RECEIVERS: 3* OFFENSIVE LINE: 3 1/2* QUARTERBACKS: 4* RUNNING BACKS: 3 1/2* DEFENSIVE LINE: 1 1/2* LINEBACKERS: 2 1/2* DEFENSIVE BACKS: 3* KICKERS: 3* SPECIAL TEAMS: 3* OVERALL: 3 ½STARS OF THE WEEKOne. Aaron Rodgers, QBTwo. Rasul Douglas, CBThree. Aaron Jones, RB 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 month it’s been for Isaiah McKenzie.Not sure we’ve seen a turnaround quite like this anywhere in the NFL this season.Way back when the Buffalo Bills were shellacked by the Indianapolis Colts, 41-15, the receiver/returner was promptly sent to the bench. Head coach Sean McDermott appeared to be making an example out of McKenzie after his fumble in the blowout loss. And right then, as he explains on this week’s show, McKenzie feared his career with the Bills may be finished.He was inactive in New Orleans, then inactive against the Patriots at home.McKenzie got called back up for a handful of plays in Tampa Bay and finally — with wide receivers Cole Beasley and Gabriel Davis both on the Covid-19 list — McKenzie was needed. He did not disappoint, either. In Buffalo’s 33-21 win in Foxborough, he caught 11 passes for 125 yards with one touchdown. Again and again, quarterback Josh Allen looked for McKenzie in crucial situations and now Super Bowl hopes are very real again for the Bills.On “The Isaiah McKenzie Show,” at Go Long, McKenzie digs into it all…* The benching. He breaks down his conversation with McDermott and what happened next personally. It took a few sleepless nights to get past his head coach’s decision. McKenzie was in his own head. This wasn’t easy.* How he dominated Bill Belichick’s defense. Not many receivers can live to tell these stories but McKenzie knew that in man-to-man coverage, no cornerback could keep up with him. So, he ate Myles Bryant's lunch.* His rapport with Josh Allen. He’s convinced they still have a rare connection that goes back to 2018 when Allen was a raw rookie out of Wyoming and he was just trying to save his NFL career after the Denver Broncos gave up on him. The two are tight. Allen believed in McKenzie with Beasley and Davis both out.* Spending Christmas Eve with complete strangers. It's the ultimate Western New York story, isn't it? McKenzie was hungry, let folks know on social media and, voila, all of a sudden he's at the kitchen table with a family. He explains how it all happened.* His Georgia Bulldogs are playing in the College Football Playoff. He wants a piece of ‘Bama in the title game, too.* Remember when McKenzie’s chest landed on the ball? He’s still feeling the effects of that one.* What does the future entail for McKenzie? He’s been joking with teammates that coaches only use him one game a year, so who the heck knows what happens next. Maybe now, a calendar year later, he is this team’s secret weapon.You can watch and/or listen to The Isaiah McKenzie Show right here at Go Long. Audio and video options are both available above. Or, if podcasting is your thing, the shows are always available right inside the main Go Long Podcast feed on Apple and Spotify as well as its own standalone podcast feed on Apple and Spotify. All episodes also can be found on our YouTube channel.We do have one more in-person show scheduled at Mister’s in East Aurora, N.Y. for next week, though stay tuned to GoLongTD.com for updates.Thanks, everyone.Go Long is a completely independent newsletter committed to finding a story you have not read (or heard) before. If you’d like to support independent journalism, you can upgrade to a full subscription right here:Miss a past episode? You can catch up right here:Ep 7: One shining momentEp 6: What happened to the Bills?Ep 5: ‘I was grazed by a bullet once’Ep 4: The true story of 'Lil Dirty'Ep 3: Why it's time for the Buffalo Bills to give him a scout team 'bonus'Ep 2: Inside the Bills’ demolition at ArrowheadEp 1: From Miami Gardens to Orchard Park 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 reason the Los Angeles Rams have treated draft picks like junk mail was to win the Super Bowl this season. That’s it. Nothing else is acceptable for Sean McVay’s club. One year ago, they lost to the Packers, 32-18, in the divisional round. Together, Matthew Stafford, Jalen Ramsey, Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr., were supposed to flip that score and elevate the Rams back to the Super Bowl which is, conveniently, in their own stadium this season.So, how’s that working out? Not good.The Packers delivered the Rams a numbing reality check on Sunday evening at Lambeau Field with a 36-28 win. On this week’s “Ty & Bob Pod,” we dissect it all… and also give Bob a moment to bask in Michigan’s gigantic triumph. Davante Adams, again, showed why he’s one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. AJ Dillon, again, blasted a defender into tomorrow. The defense allowed a couple big plays but, again, didn’t need to do anything crazy schematically with Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary mauling folks.And while Stafford remained Stafford with another pick-six, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was even better than you think. His sterling numbers don’t tell the full story, either. The reigning MVP was surgical downfield and helped his own offensive line a ton against one of the best defensive fronts in the league. Enjoy the full podcast above.Thanks, everyone.Bob McGinn’s Football Awards (maximum is 5, minimum is one-half)* RECEIVERS: 4* OFFENSIVE LINE: 3 1/2* QUARTERBACKS: 4 1/2* RUNNING BACKS: 3 1/2* DEFENSIVE LINE: 4* LINEBACKERS: 4* DEFENSIVE BACKS: 3 1/2* KICKERS: 2* SPECIAL TEAMS: 3* OVERALL: 4STARS OF THE WEEKOne. Aaron Rodgers, QBTwo. Rashan Gary, LBThree. Adrian Amos, S 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

No, this is not how the Buffalo Bills wanted to be playing football into late November. There is legitimate cause for concern.Unlike last season, they’re not routing opponents with ease. The Indianapolis Colts effectively punched the Bills in the mouth, again and again, through a 41-15 win on Sunday.So, what now? As we wrote at Go Long, the Bills’ problems run deep into the fabric of how this team was built. They’ll have a chance to turn things around quickly on Thanksgiving Day at New Orleans. The fans who pour millions of dollars into the NFL don’t get the full story unfortunately with locker rooms closed off to the media this season, which is one reason we started the Isaiah McKenzie Show — he is willing to give everyone a real feel for how this league works through the ups and the downs. As always, McKenzie is honest this episode. He digs into the loss, the mood and his own fumble at the end of the first half.We also discuss McKenzie’s highly successful BBQ restaurant in Miami. It has become an incredible passion of his with “La Traila Barbecue Miami” voted the No. 1 BBQ spot in South Florida. And for a good half-hour, McKenzie takes everyone’s questions at Mister’s Bar & Lanes in East Aurora, NY. You can catch the Isaiah McKenzie Show right here at GoLongTD.com or wherever you get your podcasts. It has its own feed on Apple and Spotify, while we also include the show on our flagship Go Long Podcast Apple and Spotify feeds. All full videos are posted at the Go Long YouTube page, too. I appreciate everyone for coming on out or listening/watching wherever you are. We still have four episodes to go, one of which will be held at Mister’s on Jan 3. Feel free to make your reservation for that show today.Go Long is a newsletter dedicated to enterprising pro football journalism. Free and paid subscriptions are both available. You can support this publication best by subscribing here:Miss a past episode? You can catch up right here:Ep 5: ‘I was grazed by a bullet once’Ep 4: The true story of 'Lil Dirty'Ep 3: Why it's time for the Buffalo Bills to give him a scout team 'bonus'Ep 2: Inside the Bills’ demolition at ArrowheadEp 1: From Miami Gardens to Orchard Park 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

Central to the Buffalo Bills’ turnaround last weekend was the man known as “Lil Dirty” himself. Isaiah McKenzie injected needed life into the Bills against the New York Jets as only McKenzie can with some pregame battle cries, a big punt return and his first touchdown of the season. On Episode 5 of The Isaiah McKenzie Show, here at Go Long, the receiver/returner takes you inside the team’s massive energy shift. How can a team look so bad one week and so good the next? He explains. Buffalo needed this 45-17 win with much tougher games ahead.Afterward, the team’s head coach praised McKenzie, too. Sean McDermott noted McKenzie’s maturation and the fact that he doesn’t come from much.So, here on the show, we take a deeper look into McKenzie’s upbringing down in Miami Gardens… and he shares a story few people in his life know. A bullet easily could’ve taken his life. It’s quite chilling, to say the least. So many of his friends weren’t so lucky. And, finally, McKenzie has some fun breaking down the Bills’ wacky wide receiver room. Without question, this position group could have its own sitcom with Stefon Diggs (“He’s the queen, the Madonna”), Cole Beasley (“Vaccine Boy”) and Emmanuel Sanders (“Splinter”) all supplying the laughs and tears on a day-to-day basis. Little do people know that McKenzie is one trying to keep Diggs calm, too.Thanks for watching and listening, everyone. Remember to submit questions for McKenzie to [email protected]. As always, you can get every single episode in these posts right at GoLongTD.com, and wherever you get podcasts. The Isaiah McKenzie Show is available on the Go Long Podcast and also has its own Apple and Spotify channels. If YouTube is your thing, all 10 episodes can be found on YouTube.As a reminder, half of the episodes will be held right at Mister’s Bar & Lanes in East Aurora, N.Y. We still have two left if you’d like to hang out with us in-person — on Monday Nov. 22 (6 p.m.) and Monday Jan. 3 (6 p.m.). It’s a rip-roarin’ good time. Hope to meet you there and, also, paid subscribers to Go Long get first dibs on a table. The first three shows were all jam-packed so feel free to upgrade at the button below and make your reservation online right here. (Just include your email in the special request section so we can confirm your subscription.)Miss a past episode of The Isaiah McKenzie Show? Catch up right here:Ep 4: The true story of 'Lil Dirty'Ep 3: Why it's time for the Buffalo Bills to give him a scout team 'bonus'Ep 2: Inside the Bills’ demolition at ArrowheadEp 1: From Miami Gardens to Orchard Park 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

Surely, the Green Bay Packers expected more drama from their dramatic quarterback this 2021 season. They know him better than anyone.But… this? My God, what a week this was.Unless you’re just waking up from a coma, you’ve followed the madness. Aaron Rodgers was caught in his lie, went scorched earth on The Pat McAfee Show and then, without their MVP quarterback, the Packers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 13-7, at Arrowhead Stadium. The deception seems to be what ticked everyone off most, the fact that Rodgers wanted the world to believe he was vaccinated back in late August.So, on Tuesday, Rodgers offered a non-apology by saying: “Anybody who felt mislead by those comments, I take full responsibility for those comments.”There’s quite a bit to unpack here — off and on the field.Bob offers his full thoughts on Rodgers and we closely examine Jordan Love’s first start. It was a challenge but, as the tape shows, the miscues weren’t all on Love, either. Head coach Matt LaFleur did his young quarterback no favors. On the defensive side of the ball, there was a lot to like in KC, too.Also, this week’s “McGinn Memory” is another beaut. Bob looks back at another quarterback’s first appearance. Appreciate you all listening and waiting an extra day for this week’s pod. Bob McGinn’s Football Awards (maximum is 5, minimum is one-half)* RECEIVERS: 2* OFFENSIVE LINE: 2* QUARTERBACKS: 1 ½* RUNNING BACKS: 4* DEFENSIVE LINE: 3* LINEBACKERS: 3* DEFENSIVE BACKS: 4 ½* KICKERS: 1 ½* SPECIAL TEAMS: one-half* OVERALL: 2 ½STARS OF THE WEEKOne. A.J. Dillon, RBTwo. Darnell Savage, SThree. Krys Barnes, LB 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

Teammates said he smells… and has bad breath… and talks too much junk so, of course, we had to give Isaiah McKenzie an opportunity to snipe back here on Episode 4 of The Isaiah McKenzie Show at Go Long. On the Buffalo Bills’ own sponsored video clip on social media, McKenzie was roasted good.McKenzie doesn’t hold back with his response.From there, we learn more about the real “Lil Dirty” on the Isaiah McKenzie Show, live from Mister’s Bar & Lanes in East Aurora, N.Y. * The nickname does have merit. He explains. Turns out, Stefon Diggs is to blame for the nickname taking off, too. * McKenzie tends to fall asleep any given moment. Maybe it’s a team meeting. Maybe it’s on a hardwood floor at home. Without warning, McKenzie passes out any second of any day. His sister offers some insight, too. * The team’s 26-11 win over Miami. How did Buffalo turn it around? This sure wasn’t looking good at halftime. McKenzie again offers a rare peek behind the curtain, explaining who spoke up in the locker room to get this offense rolling. Also, do such motivational speeches work? And can guest speakers like Phil Mickelson really resonate? * Are opponents trying to hurt Josh Allen after plays? That appeared to be the case at the end of this win. Allen was not thrilled with Christian Wilkins of the Dolphins. * Sadly, McKenzie has never heard of Jim Croce (or Christmas Vacation or George Costanza or Comedy Central), but we do learn which musician he listens to exclusively before every game. His answer may surprise you. Slow, sad music is what actually gets McKenzie’s mind right. * He’s living out of a hotel today, but that wasn’t the case as a kid. McKenzie takes us all back to growing up in a one-bedroom apartment with eight siblings in Miami Gardens. Cockroaches and mice became his close friends. * The Jacksonville Jaguars are up next so, naturally, we wonder if his head coach Sean McDermott would ever get caught up in the, uh, shenanigans their head coach did. You probably know the answer to that one and McKenzie, again, is hilarious when it comes to his head coach. * Your questions. McKenzie answers everything for a good 20 to 25 minutes, promising to give one young fan in attendance the football if he scores a touchdown against the Jaguars. Thanks for watching and listening, everyone. As always, you can get every single episode in these posts right at GoLongTD.com, and wherever you get podcasts. The Isaiah McKenzie Show is available on the Go Long Podcast and also has its own Apple and Spotify channels. If YouTube is your thing, all 10 episodes can be found on YouTube. We’ve got six eps to go, two of which will be held at Mister’s Bar & Lanes in East Aurora, N.Y.Tables fill up fast so if you can make one of the final live shows — Nov. 22 and Jan. 3 (both at 6 p.m.) — be sure to make your reservation on the Mister’s Bar & Lanes website via OpenTable today. Paid subscribers to Go Long get first dibs on a table so, if you’d like, upgrade right here as well.McKenzie loves hanging out with fans afterward. It’s a family-friendly environment, so feel free to bring your kids.Ep 3: Why it's time for the Buffalo Bills to give him a scout team 'bonus'Ep 2: Inside the Bills’ demolition at ArrowheadEp 1: From Miami Gardens to Orchard Park 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’s high time for Isaiah McKenzie to get the ball more in Buffalo. (A 101-yard kick return is proof of that, right?) It’s not time for anyone to hire Isaiah McKenzie as their next babysitter. (This story will crack you up.)He’s masterful at getting underneath the skin of teammates. (Just ask Micah Hyde.)He runs for miles… upon miles… upon miles every practice. (And sure wouldn’t mind a scout team “bonus” in his next deal.)These are just a handful of the many truths we learn on Episode 3 of the Isaiah McKenzie Show. Again, we record live from Mister’s Bar & Lanes in East Aurora, N.Y., and it’s a rollicking affair. We start off by reliving the Bills’ 34-31 loss in Nashville, where McKenzie was nearly the hero. His touchdown with three minutes to go was called back on a hold. From there, we look back at the moments that made McKenzie growing up. The questions from folks in the audience were fantastic, too.You’ll get the inside story on Dawson Knox’s two-point throw with a broken hand.With Halloween around the corner, McKenzie power ranks his top 5 candies. And I think you’ll enjoy McKenzie’s take on “taunting” in the NFL.A huge thanks to everyone who came on out to pack Mister’s. Remember, we’ll be there on site for three more episodes at the dates below. Make your reservation today. Subscribers to Go Long get first dibs at a table. Just note your email address in the comments section on Open Table or let them know on the phone.Monday, Nov. 1 (6 p.m.-7 p.m.)Monday, Nov. 22 (6 p.m.-7 p.m.)Monday, Jan. 3 (6 p.m.-7 p.m.)You can catch all 10 episodes of the Isaiah McKenzie Show, throughout the season, right here at GoLongTD.com, over on the flagship Go Long Podcast, on its own Apple and Spotify feeds and, of course, YouTube. Have a question for McKenzie? Email us at [email protected], everyone.Go Long is a newsletter dedicated to enterprising pro football journalism. Free and paid subscriptions are both available. You can support this publication best by subscribing 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

To fans, the Buffalo Bills’ 38-20 domination of the Kansas City Chiefs felt like more than just another regular season win. This was the team that knocked the Bills off in the AFC title game, after all.To players, it sure felt special, too.On Episode 2 of the The Isaiah McKenzie, we relive the Buffalo win — from the weather delay to the budding Chiefs rivalry to Josh Allen vs. Patrick Mahomes. McKenzie signed with the Bills in 2018, so he’s seen Allen’s maturation up close. What may surprise you is that he had no clue who Allen even was upon arriving in Western New York. The receiver explains just how much his quarterback has grown since that rookie year. And, big picture, Sunday night’s result is giving the 2021 Bills a ton of confidence.“We know — we know — that we have to beat them,” McKenzie said on this week’s episode, “to show not only just them, but the world, that we come to play this game to win this game to show you that we’re not just any Buffalo Bills team. We’re not just a Buffalo Bills team that’s around to make it to the AFC Championship Game or have potential to make the playoffs every year now. We’re trying to win something bigger than that. “The Chiefs, last year and the year before, were the standard. Patrick Mahomes. Tyreek Hill. Travis Kelce. I can go down the line. Tyrann Mathieu. They were the standard. Those guys had been winning. In order to beat them, you have to find winners that want to beat them. “We’re trying to win and we know we have to go through them.” There’s X ‘n O talk on how his jet sweep action helps fuel this offense as well as the roots of his fearlessness as a returner — McKenzie once suffered a concussion back in high school that knocked him out.We give McKenzie a chance to elaborate on his Notre Dame decomittment. Our clip from last week, nearing 200K views, seemed to trigger the Fighting Irish a bit. (Yes, McKenzie was told he couldn’t have, uh, sexual relations on campus.) With Georgia ranked No. 1 in the nation, we also look back to McKenzie’s college days, his relationship with Kirby Smart and how dangerous he was at wide receiver. Mel Kiper Jr. once compared his game to Antonio Brown. Finally, we received some fantastic questions from subscribers, including one on Sean McDermott. McKenzie takes it upon himself to loosen his head coach up around One Bills Drive. Thank you everyone for listening and watching this new show at Go Long and feel free to share episodes with a friend. All air right here at GoLongTD.com, as well as Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Live nearby? Hang out with us in real life. Five of these 10 episodes are held at Mister’s Bar and Lanes in East Aurora, N.Y., with the next show slated for Monday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. (EST). Go Long subscribers get first dibs on a table — and they go fast! — so be sure to reserve your table today and note in the Open Table comment section that you’re a paid subscriber with your email address to confirm.The remaining live show dates are below: Monday, Oct. 25 (6 p.m.-7 p.m.)Monday, Nov. 1 (6 p.m.-7 p.m.)Monday, Nov. 22 (6 p.m.-7 p.m.)Monday, Jan. 3 (6 p.m.-7 p.m.)Past episodes of The Isaiah McKenzie Show:Ep 1: From Miami Gardens to Orchard Park 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

Anyone watching the Green Bay Packers’ 25-22 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoon needed either two Advils or two IPAs immediately after.Depending on how you process such madness.What a bizarre finish. All that truly matters is that Mason Crosby drilled the 49-yarder to win it and the Packers are 4-1. But on this episode of the Ty & Bob Pod, we try to make sense of it all. Davante Adams continued his weekly annihilation of NFL secondaries, Randall Cobb made the play of the day and what about De’Vondre Campbell? The linebacker signed off the street continues to be the playmaker the Packers desperately need right in the middle of their defense.We dive into Campbell’s surreal background on this episode. (I actually got to know him well in Atlanta for this profile that ran at Bleacher Report.)Campbell did not merely slip through the cracks in the pros to wind up in Green Bay — that’s been the story of his life.* Nobody even wanted Campbell out of high school. He didn’t even get a questionnaire from a Division III school, let alone visit a powerhouse. His three coaches in high school never sent his tape out to colleges, so a 13-sack senior season went virtually unnoticed. His team stunk. He was a lost prospect in the state of Florida.* The only reason he got a shot at a JUCO in Kansas was his performance in a postseason all-star game. * His football career should’ve ended right there in Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College when Campbell suffered a severe — an extremely severe — concussion. A simple conversation with friends would trigger a ringing in his head and, five minutes later, Campbell would forget the conversation entirely.* Campbell missed the entire football season but stayed at Hutchinson because he knew moving back to Fort Myers could mean a life of selling drugs.* And that concussion proved to be a blessing in disguise, giving Campbell three years of eligibility once he got to the University of Minnesota. Of course, once he got to college, he could’ve lost his mother. She suffered a heart attack and needed to be rushed to the hospital. This, after surviving breast cancer earlier in life.All details are on the pod.As always, Bob provides his “Rating the Packers” series right here. Starting around the 17-minute mark, he begins by putting Adams’ unbelievable 2021 season in historical perspective and details how the team’s No. 1 receiver dominated a very good Bengals defense.Just how difficult was Cobb’s reception to set up Crosby’s game-winner? Bob doubts that some of the best receivers in team history would’ve even entered that part of the field. Dean Lowry and Kenny Clark were both excellent up front, again.What’s going on with the kicking operation? Bob breaks it all down to a science. The answer may surprise you. And we dive into our two-part series at Go Long on ex-Packers quarterback Don Majkowski. He’s paying for a lifetime of hits.Thank you, everyone, for making this podcast part of your life. We’d love it if you shared with a friend. Miss a previous episode of the podcast? They are all archived at GoLongTD.com right here.Bob McGinn’s Football Awards (maximum is 5, minimum is one-half)* RECEIVERS: 4 ½* OFFENSIVE LINE: 4* QUARTERBACKS: 4* RUNNING BACKS: 4 ½* DEFENSIVE LINE: 4* LINEBACKERS: 4* DEFENSIVE BACKS: 3* KICKERS: 1* SPECIAL TEAMS: 2* OVERALL: 4STARS OF THE WEEKOne. Davante Adams, WRTwo. Dean Lowry, DLThree. Randall Cobb, WR 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

And… we’re off.What a fun time at Mister’s Bar and Lanes in East Aurora, NY launching “The Isaiah McKenzie Show” this week. Thrilled to share the show with all of our readers and listeners at Go Long right here.We explained the premise last week, ICYMI. In a sport increasingly watered down by press conferences, the hope is for fans to really get to know one of its most dynamic personalities: Bills receiver/returner Isaiah McKenzie. These 10 episodes should show everyone a side of the game they haven’t seen before. McKenzie is one of a kind, so we’ll dive into it all: The Bills. The league. The world. His surreal background. You can get all episodes via video or audio — whichever you prefer — right here at GoLongTD.com. Both formats are embedded in this post above. Further, you’ll be able to locate the show on Apple, Spotify and our YouTube channel as the files matriculate to those channels. Longform storytelling is always the focus at Go Long and we’ll keep churning out the written word at our regular clip, but I’ve also had a lot of readers tell me they want to plug podcasts into their ears while they’re mowing the lawn, driving to work, changing diapers, etc. Hopefully The Isaiah McKenzie Show, Go Long Podcast and Ty & Bob Pod help accentuate our coverage here. (Note: Keep an eye out for our next big story dropping Friday AM.) Here’s what’s cookin’ on Episode 1 with McKenzie… * The Bills’ current obliteration of opponents. They’re outscoring teams 118-21 the last three weeks. What’s the mood internally with Sean McDermott and all of the players? More importantly, into this rematch with the Kansas City Chiefs, is this a Super Bowl-or-Bust type of season for the Bills?* McKenzie’s unique role in it all. How do you hijack a game when you’re getting the ball a handful of times on “minimum wage?”* His career started in Denver and, honestly, should’ve ended in Denver. A flurry of muffs threatened to ruin McKenzie mentally. He opens up on how he totally refocused when the Bills threw him a life raft in 2018 — with advice everyone can apply to their own lives. * Growing up in Miami Gardens. It was not easy — and we’ll dig into this more throughout the 10 episodes — but McKenzie was sure to have a little fun as a kid, too. Too much fun, actually. One prank pulled on his grandmother is an all-timer… and led to a whupping he’ll never forget.* Struggling in school. He was no fan of class, no. Yet when college football became a real possibility, McKenzie started to shape up.* The, uh, reason McKenzie decommitted from Notre Dame. Don’t miss this. You’ll learn something new about this school today. * His new dog, “Papi,” is in the house at Mister’s.* Your questions. The last 15 minutes of The Isaiah McKenzie Show will always be about you and anything on your mind. McKenzie is asked who his best friend on the team is, his pregame ritual, his role on offense, Cole Beasley and what it’s like returning a punt with a tackler right in his face. (We’ll be sure to pass the mic ‘round next time, too.)Thanks everyone. This will be a lot of fun.Want to see a show in person? Make your reservation via Open Table through the Mister’s website. If you’re a subscriber, you get first dibs, too. (Our other five episodes are via Zoom.)Monday, Oct. 25 (6 p.m.-7 p.m.)Monday, Nov. 1 (6 p.m.-7 p.m.)Monday, Nov. 22 (6 p.m.-7 p.m.)Monday, Jan. 3 (6 p.m.-7 p.m.)If you can’t make a show in-person, be sure to drop any questions for McKenzie to me at [email protected]. And we’d love it if you subscribed to Go Long, right here, to get everything we have to offer: 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

Russell Wilson. Aaron Rodgers. Justin Fields. Tim Tebow. Oh my! What an insane offseason it's been at the quarterback position. It's only right to dedicate a full episode to what it's been like for Chicago, Green Bay, every team living through drama at the most important position in sports. Jim Monos has lived these QB decisions himself in NFL front offices and weighs in on Sean McDermott wanting to stick with Tyrod Taylor in Year 1 back in '17. We dissect the Bears pursuit of a franchise quarterback, after this takeout story up at GoLongTD.com. Of course, we have to get into all things Rodgers/Packers again. His passive-aggressiveness ramped up a notch on Kenny Maybe's final ESPN appearance.  Also... TEBOW. Irate over the Jaguars giving him a chance at tight end? Please use that energy toward something more productive. Thanks for listening, everyone. Be sure to rate and review the podcast if you enjoy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The New Orleans Saints' offense has been a well-oiled machine for a good 15 years and a major reason why is this guard up front: Jahri Evans. Count on seeing this four-time All Pro inducted into Canton one day. He joins the show to get into everything... His wild rise to the NFL. (Monos' Dad coached him in college) Life in the trenches -- the toughest D-linemen he faced. Playing with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay (2017), and his prediction for what's coming next. He knows how the QB is wired. How Sean Payton prepared his team for that onside kick in the Saints' Super Bowl win.  Why he believes in Jameis Winston in post-Brees New Orleans. Thanks for listening, everyone. Be sure to rate and review our podcast if you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is Jordan Love possibly thinking right now? Who is Jordan Love as a quarterback? On the Go Long Zoom Happy Hour, we got those answers from the man who knows the Green Bay Packers quarterback best: His private QB coach, Steve Calhoun, who's been in Love's life back to ninth grade. When you subscribe to the Go Long newsletter at GoLongTD.com, you get full access to these weekly hangouts with people from around the league. Here's another sneak peek. Subscribe any time at $7 per month or $70 per year and let us know who you want to hang out with. We'll make it happen. Here is Calhoun on a quarterback he calls "a quiet assassin." Hopefully you'll learn more about the real beautiful mystery in Green Bay right here.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three years ago, Doug Whaley interviewed for the Green Bay Packers general manager job. The team ended up hiring Brian Gutekunst instead and what a time it is in Green Bay right now. This episode, Whaley joins the guys to offer a GM's perspective on the No. 1 storyline in sports. Everyone agrees: Rodgers is acting overly sensitive and, frankly, afraid of the 22-year-old Jordan Love. What is the league MVP scared of in Green Bay? What could possibly be motivating him right now. And if you're Green Bay... what's the solution? We try to make sense of it all. Also, Whaley relives the time the Bills released fan favorite Fred Jackson. It wasn't easy but, as he explains, it had to be done.  Feel to rate and review this podcast if you enjoy. You can also subscribe to the Go Long newsletter any time at GoLongTD.com to get every story delivered right to your email inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NFL Draft was hijacked last week by Aaron Rodgers who, clearly, wants the hell out of Green Bay. Leak to leak to leak, it's obvious the quarterback is done with Green Bay. What now? Will he get his wish? We cover all angles of the standoff and try to figure out what's next for both parties involved.  Also, Jim Monos analyzes the precision of GM fist bumps on draft day and both take a close look at the Buffalo Bills' 2021 draft class. Did the Bills close the gap on Kansas City? They sure hope so. Subscribe to the Go Long newsletter today at GoLongTD.com  to keep up to date on all things Packers and Rodgers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He's met with the Bills virtually twice and thinks Buffalo, NY could be his next home. He's also one of the best playmaking cornerbacks available in this year's draft. This episode, we chat with San Diego State's Darren Hall, who dishes on those Bills chats, why faith is so important to him, the in's and out's of his game, the silly season that is the predraft process and so much more. He has no fear as a tackler, too. Jim breaks down Hall's game with Hall himself. Subscribe to Go Long at GoLongTD.com today to hang out with prospects through the draft. Our 25% off deal runs through the end of the week.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Doug Whaley experienced just about everything in Buffalo and got into just about everything on our weekly Go Long Zoom Happy Hour with subscribers. I figured I'd share another sneak peek here for anyone out there thinking about becoming a subscriber to the Go Long newsletter at GoLongTD.com. Each week, we have someone in the NFL on to chat with members and answer anything on your mind. The goal, always, is to tear down that wall between the league and fans as much as possible. Whaley got into it all with members last Friday... What it was like working with Russ Brandon The 2014 draft and trading up for Sammy Watkins The time he locked up with cramps in the draft war room Why synergy between the front office and the coaches is so important How tough it is to find a quarterback and what he's up to today This week only you can subscribe to Go Long at 25 percent off with this coupon right here. When you choose the annual rate, you'll get a Go Long hoodie or crew on the house, too. Thanks everyone!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What goes down behind the scenes these final days before an NFL Draft? Jim shares stories from his days with the Eagles, Saints 'n Bills.  Plus, what is San Francisco going to do at No. 3? And just how intrusive are owners this time of year? Enjoy, and be sure to subscribe to GoLongTD.com to join next week's Draft Extravaganza! All details online. You can subscribe to the newsletter today at 25% off -- get a hoodie, hang out with Doug Whaley on the Zoom Friday and have a beer on Go Long at Wednesday's hangout at Hamburg Brewing. We'll also be Zoomin' every night of the draft. Thanks, all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

College football is a monopoly... but that doesn't mean there isn't a path to success.  Down in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Jamey Chadwell found a recipe in turning the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers into a budding powerhouse. Be sure to read our full story at GoLongTD.com right here, but we figured we'd also share part of that conversation with Chadwell here in the podcast. It's remarkable how far the program has come in such a short amount of time.  Chadwell provides a rare peak behind the curtain on how they've pulled it off.  Also, for our Buffalo listeners, the Chants will be playing at UB in the fall. Should be a humdinger.  Subscribe to Go Long today to get access to our Zoom Happy Hour this Friday. Former Bills GM Doug Whaley will be sharing many a draft story. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Looking for the sleeper of the 2021 NFL draft? It's right here: Iowa State running back Kene Nwangwu. He tore his Achilles. He never was a featured back in college. But Nwangwu is faster than any other back in this draft after that 4.28 at his pro day. In addition to our story posted at Go Long, I figured I'd share the conversation we had here in the podcast to give you a sense of what's happening over at GoLongTD.com. He's a smart guy, too, as the Big 12 Scholar Athlete of the Year.  If you subscribe, thank you. And if not, you can give us a shot any time on the free email list or as a subscriber. Thanks, all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All he's done is prove people wrong his entire life. And even after dominating college football at UB - leading the nation in yards per game last season - Jaret Patterson sure isn't being hyped to a Najee Harris- or Travis Etienne-level. In this conversation with Go Long, he explains why he absolutely is every bit as good. Patterson also gets into idolizing Barry Sanders, how everything clicked at UB and why being 5-foot-6 has its advantages. Subscribe to Go Long today for more draft profiles and features. An annual subscription still gets you a hoodie or crew, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are so many talking heads this time of year but few know what they're really talking about.  We spend an hour-plus for this ep talking with someone who is in the know. NFL Network's Marc Ross spent time in the front offices of Philly, Buffalo and the New York Giants and shares many, many stories from behind the scenes: What was it like in the Eagles draft room up to the Eagles choosing Donovan McNabb over Ricky Williams? Did Ralph Wilson really demand the Bills draft a certain running back? (Yes. Yikes.) The role he played in benching Eli Manning and how it led to several firings.  The one player you should absolutely believe in this 2021 draft.  What made Kyle Williams special.  Thank you all for listening. Feel free to rate and review and give the Go Long newsletter a shot any time at GoLongTD.com.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every Friday night, subscribers to the Go Long newsletter at GoLongTD.com get access to our Zoom Happy Hours with players around the NFL. Some of our previous guests include Allen Robinson, Vince Williams, Andy Janovich, Ryan Leaf, Steve Tasker, Joshua Harris (the personal QB coach to Lamar Jackson) and D'Wayne Eskridge. To give you a sense for what's included in a full Go Long subscription, here is last week's Happy Hour with Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie. McKenzie gets into it all: His best prank of all-time, his candy power rankings, his desire to get the ball more in Buffalo and what Sean McDermott is really like as a head coach.  I hope you enjoy and consider joining our community today. We have an awesome lineup of guests planned for the rest of the offseason. The No. 1 goal here at Go Long is to humanize this game and bring you all as close to the players as humanly possible. Thanks, everyone. (Also: An annual subscription at $70 will still get you a hoodie or crew sweatshirt on the house!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NFL quarterback picture is clearing up. With two massive trades, several teams now have charted their path at the position. The stakes could not be higher. So what do we make out of Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, Trey Lance and Mac Jones?  What are their strengths and weaknesses? We get into it all with Jim Monos who has been watching all of the above a ton this last month. You'll appreciate his fresh perspective. Thanks for listening everyone.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He's ripped, he jumped higher than any prospect before, he can take over on the field, too. Josh Imatorbhebhe just may be the next DK Metcalf. Hopefully you're able to check out our draft stories over at GoLongTD.com. Subscribe today to get 'em all right in your email inbox. To give you loyal podcast listeners a feel for what's going down in the newsletter, I figured I'd share portions of our conversations with some players around the league.  Imatorbhebhe details when he realized he had an animalistic "twitch" within, how he lost it at USC, how he got it back and why he may be a better pro than college player. When you subscribe to an annual membership today, you also get a Go Long hoodie or crew. Thanks for listening and reading, all.        Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You just don't hear stories like this one. Chris Manhertz played Division I basketball at Canisius in Buffalo, NY but never a lick of football until connecting with our own, Jim Monos. One workout in Williamsville, NY led to a opportunity with the Bills and the rest is history. From New Orleans to Carolina to, now, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Manhertz has stayed in the NFL for nearly a decade... despite never playing one down before the pros. How? He chats with the guys about it all.  Manhertz found a way to survive in a league that chews up and spits out players all the time. Subscribe to the Go Long newsletter any time at GoLongTD.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How does anyone know who will draft who? Better yet, how does anyone know who projects as a real NFL talent? In Part 1 of this week's podcast, we have a little fun. Jim Monos, a NFL lifer himself, is blown away at what pre-draft hype has become nationwide. We explore the hits, the misses, the seven-round mocks and how in the hell you make sense of anything right now.  We also preview our conversation with former Canisius basketball player-turned-NFL tight end, Chris Manhertz. Subscribe to the Go Long newsletter today at GoLongTD.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whew. Get all that? What a wild, wild week of free agency in the NFL. The Buffalo Bills seem to have accomplished exactly what they wanted to do, in finding a new backup quarterback and keeping talent in-house. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders and Chicago Bears remain franchises wandering in no man's land. Jim Monos relives his favorite and not-so-favorite free agency memories, including a play-by-play account of the day the Bills traded for LeSean McCoy on the owner's yacht. Which big-money signings do we like? Which signings will send teams into purgatory? We try to make sense of it all. As a reminder, when you subscribe to an annual membership at GoLongTD.com, you'll get a free hoodie or crew sweatshirt on the house. Join the community today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

OK, so the Bills missed on Patrick Mahomes. Maybe you heard about it. But, hey, that 2017 draft wasn't all that bad. Tre'Davious White, Dion Dawkins and, now, Matt Milano are all locked in for the long term. So for this week's episode, former Bills director of personnel Jim Monos takes listeners through each selection with some stories you certainly haven't heard before. For starters, yes, Zay Jones could've been the team's first-round pick instead of White. Locking up their own core players is obviously a smart business move for the Bills, a team that was one game away from the Super Bowl. But what must they do next to catch Kansas City? We examine it all and, also, look at the NFL as a whole into free agency. Stick around for our rants on the worst type of people in the world, too. Thanks, everyone, and be sure to keep on drinking that Hamburg Brewery beer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nobody cares about 40s and the bench press. No, we miss the Combine for other reasons. The NFL World descends upon Indianapolis every year and everything truly goes down at the bars and restaurants. So, with no Combine this year, we have stories to share - from one coach trashing his own players after a playoff loss to control a narrative to Jon Gruden hanging out at Hooters to trades that go one way or another. We also take a close look at all of the quarterback movement about to go down in the NFL. Few folks know Andy Reid preferred, one, Cade McNown over Donovan McNabb once upon a time. That story, and more, from Hamburg Brewery in Western New York. Subscribe to Go Long at GoLongTD.com today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over at GoLongTD.com, we took a close look at mental health in the NFL. Be sure to head on over and subscribe if you'd like. I figured we'd share our chat with Ryan Leaf right here on the podcast as well. It was an emotional one. Leaf sharply criticizes the NFL in the wake of Vincent Jackson's death, shares his own experiences and explains how he is trying to help retirees today.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Somehow, Eric Wood was able to keep a smile on his face through all of the losses and all of the turmoil his decade as the Buffalo Bills' starting center. How? He explains. And Wood does not disappoint with many, many tales from the locker room and the field fans have not heard before. You'll laugh and, probably, you'll cry a little as well. Buffalo wasn't just close to drafting Patrick Mahomes, no. As Wood reveals, they were damn close to drafting Russell Wilson. Some in the building actually were certain that Wilson would be the QB. But Wood's toughness and perseverance, in many ways, embodies the city itself. Today, he has crossed over to the dark side of media. Nothing's off limits in this week's episode.  Please enjoy and be sure to rate and review. Thanks for listening, all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We knew this was going to be a wild NFL offseason. It has not disappointed already. Carson Wentz gets his wish in heading to Indianapolis where the fit is absolutely perfect. Jim explains why he loved Wentz so much coming out of college (and wanted to make a run at him running the Bills), and believes the Colts can now win with him at QB. Deshaun Watson is smack dab in the middle of an absolute dumpster fire in Houston. Will he escape? (We think the Texans will come 'round.) And Allen Robinson told ALL to Go Long, in print, explaining how things went south in Chicago. We dissect that conversation and why and how the Bears botched this relationship so, so badly.  Thank you for listening everyone. Please feel free to rate and review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode, the guys are joined by Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic for a deep, deep dive into all things Buffalo Bills. What a season it was for the AFC East champs... but now some difficult decisions loom. What exactly do the Bills need to do to become Super Bowl champs? This very well could be the most important offseason in franchise history, from navigating Josh Allen's contract extension, to finding a pass rusher who scares coordinators to, who knows, maybe hearing from Stefon Diggs or Cole Beasley on a new deal.  It was a fascinating conversation. Plus, we debate who's more important: Sean McDermott or Brian Daboll? At the top of the pod, we do our best to remember the incomparable Terez Paylor as well.  We could all live a little bit more like Terez. Thank you to our partners Hamburg Brewery. Check out their new beer, Hoptimonium, this Friday. It's incredible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So, did anyone see that coming? What an obliteration. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are Super Bowl champions after a 31-9 dismantlement of the Kansas City Chiefs. The Dunne & Monos Podcast gets into it all...  How did Tampa Bay physically punish KC start to finish? This game was so, so good for the sport's soul. And, for whatever reason, Andy Reid never really adjusted. Tom Brady did more Tom Brady things. He changed the culture in Tampa in more ways than one. Nobody's on his level historically. Also, what a poor performance for Jim Nantz and Tony Romo, from corny jokes to barely even touching on what should've been a much, much big story for all networks up to this game: Britt Reid. Remember to subscribe, rate and review. Thanks, all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You've heard all about how the Buffalo Bills missed on Patrick Mahomes on this podcast. But how did the Chiefs know he'd be special? We check in with the reporter who knows that team better than any other: Yahoo Sports' Terez Paylor. He shares a fascinating perspective on that 2017 draft with a close look at the inner-workings of that Chiefs' front office that included John Dorsey, Brett Veach and Chris Ballard.  The Chiefs had conviction on Mahomes, took action and now they're in the Super Bowl. Again. Also, we rank the best quarterbacks ever. Always a hearty debate.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's up, everyone? Expect plenty of Go Long podcasts this Super Bowl Week. First up, is an incredibly insightful conversation with Buccaneers.com's Carmen Vitali who joins us for the full hour. As Vitali explains, Tampa Bay sees a clear path to the upset, too. Between a ferocious pass rush, old-school corners and, well, quarterback Tom Brady, the Bucs are heading into Super Bowl LV confident as hell. This episode hits on all things Bucs, from how they try to slow down the surreal Patrick Mahomes to Carlton Davis' second crack at Tyreek Hill to the great Devin White to all of the assistant coaches on staff ready to make the jump (Monos interviewed one himself before).  Also, what is Sean McVay thinking with that trade? We dissect, debate. Thanks, all. Feel free to rate and review any time.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The great Donte Whitner joins the fellas to break down the AFC and NFC Championship games as only he can. Whitner, a two-time Pro Bowler, is one of the sharpest analysts going today and does not pull any punches on what he's seen in these NFL Playoffs. He also shares some legendary untold stories from his playing days, from Buffalo to his ruthless 49ers' defense (one that eliminated Jim's Saints in 2011) to  playing for Jim Harbaugh to playing with, gulp, Johnny Manziel.  You won't want to miss this one. Thank you all for rating and reviewing here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All season long, the Bills played fearless. With the season on the line, in Kansas City, Sean McDermott certainly did not coach that way. Doug Whaley joins Dunne & Monos to break down what in the hell happened at Arrowhead. There's quite a gap, still, between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. And McDermott's decision to kick three field goals on fourth and shorts proved to be a losing mentality vs. his mentor Andy Reid. What's next for Buffalo? Finding a way to get past KC. The guys break down the present and the future in Buffalo. Plus, Aaron Rodgers, who's always uber-calculated with his words, dropped quite a bombshell out of another NFC title game defeat. What does it mean? We discuss. And, of course, there's plenty of Mahomes and Brady and Super Bowl talk. (With a dash of Gisele.) Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

And then there were four. The guys break down how Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen got to this point in the AFC. Both found a way to improve their games drastically at specific turning points. Now, they're the future of the league itself. Dan Campbell's press conference was a kneecap-gnawing hoot. The guys talk Ted Thompson's legacy, Packers/Bucs and more before bringing on former Bills wideout Lee Evans who shares stories from his playing days. He is quite excited about these current Bills, too.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What a weekend of football. The Buffalo Bills are, officially, one win away from the Super Bowl. So, former Bills GM Doug Whaley joins the guys for the whole show to break down how they completely shut down Lamar Jackson and what this means for the city of Buffalo. Also, what happened to Jackson before his concussion? Whaley's skeptical he'll ever turn the corner. Plus, we look back at the trades that brought Jerry Hughes and LeSean McCoy to Buffalo, discuss all of the weapons in Green Bay, break down Andy Reid's bold decision to throw to win in Kansas City (every coach should attack games this way), the Buccaneers' nasty defense (and why Devin White is a "junkyard dog") and put a number to the Bills' Super Bowl chances.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're down to eight teams in the NFL Playoffs. At Hamburg Brewery, Tyler Dunne and Jim Monos break down the NFL Playoffs, specifically Bills/Ravens with former Buffalo wideout Eric Moulds. Josh Allen has been outstanding. Lamar Jackson is hot. It'll be must-see TV Saturday night and Moulds, of course, has high praise for his former team. Also, Moulds relives the wild Doug Flutie/Rob Johnson drama of 1999 and shares his own Gregg Williams stories.  And can Jared Goff pull off the upset at Lambeau? Will the Saints' heart outlast Tampa Bay's talent?  Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dunne and Monos are joined by Doug Whaley to talk all things playoffs, from the rich tradition of the Steelers Linebacker to Whaley thinking these Indianapolis Colts just might pull the upset in Buffalo. He explains why. Also, what happens on the Cowboys bus at the NFL Combine stays on the bus. Combine stories are shared. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The playoffs are here. In Part I of this week's Go Long Podcast, Dunne and Monos break down the games, and then welcome on the first guest of the podcast: former NFL safety Roman Harper. He played for Sean McDermott in Carolina, Gregg Williams in New Orleans and has stories for days on both. You may be surprised by those Williams stories, too. Also, Harper breaks down the upcoming college football title game between 'Bama and Ohio State, the physicality of football today, the day the Saints drafted him and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Go Long Podcast with Dunne and Monos is back with more beers and more stories from Hamburg Brewery. The MVP race is discussed at length. Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers or Josh Allen - who ya got? Fans will finally get to see the Bills live in action which should be raucous environment - can anyone really stop tailgating in Orchard Park, NY? And which teams have a realistic shot at dethroning the defending champs? No doubt, the Baltimore Ravens are a scary team right now. As always, many stories are shared from the Bills' pursuit of La'el Collins to Aaron Hernandez and Corey McIntyre to the magic that is Tim Tebow to... the crew's greatest tailgate memories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just like that, there are two weeks left in the regular season. In this week's Go Long Podcast, Tyler Dunne and Jim Monos break down how incredible Brian Daboll has been as the Bills' OC and how tough it'd be to replace him, compare Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen and dissect the value of a punishing rushing attack this time of year for all prolific offenses. Also, did you know Bruce Allen told the Bills that Sean McVay wasn't quite ready to be a head coach? Both Monos and Doug Whaley share their memories from multiple head-coaching searches. (Frank Reich's interview was emotional.) And January football includes this massive question, too: Should the Jaguars' owner step in to make sure his team tanks to secure Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 pick? Whaley breaks down exactly how he'd handle that delicate situation... and what may be going through Doug Marrone's head right now. Stick around for some beer talk at the end with Hamburg Brewery's John Russo Jr., too!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When do you know you have your franchise quarterback? Fans in Buffalo, Cleveland and Baltimore sure aren't questioning their QBs after last weekend. In this episode, the Go Long Podcast goes deep on Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson. Both Monos and Whaley scouted those three as underclassmen and detail their own experiences around franchise QBs. Monos relives what it's like to sit in the film room with Drew Brees and Whaley replays a wild 2004 draft when his Steelers never expected Ben Roethlisberger to fall. Plus, Dunne and Monos share wild Gregg Williams stories, Packers stories, discuss why it's important to have a badass (like Johnathan Abram) on your team and... how do you say "goodbye" to a legend quarterback? More stories you won't hear anywhere else in this week's episode of Go Long with Dunne & Monos.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the debut episode of the Go Long Podcast with Tyler Dunne & Jim Monos, the hosts relive the 2017 NFL Draft in great detail. Joined later by ex-Bills GM Doug Whaley, who will be a regular guest, all three crack open a few beers and meticulously break down just how close the Bills were to drafting Mahomes and changing the NFL forever. Yes, owner Terry Pegula fell in love with Patrick Mahomes. Yes, the Bills made out pretty damn well with Josh Allen, who had his best game of the season against the 49ers. They dig deep into it all with stories from the scouting trail (Mahomes' workout was insane), the draft war room (it was intense) and even the morning both ex-Bills execs were fired (it was raining). And looking back, both Monos and Whaley recall the former college football champion they coveted as head coach, too. Expect behind-the-scenes stories you've never heard before every week right here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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