Go Long Podcast

The bonanza continues, too. Expect more stories ‘n pods here at Go Long through the week. Malik Willis is heading to Miami. Tyler Linderbaum is off to Las Vegas. And Carolina paid a premium for Jaelan Phillips. First, here’s a replay of our livestream with “Real Football” co-host, Jim Monos.As the news was flying, we broke it down, shared stories from the road and took your questions.To join future Substack Lives, download the app and turn notifications on. Thanks for hanging, everyone. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He still believes.He has (very) high praise for the Buffalo Bills’ embattled young receiver. When in the Bay Area, you know we’ve got to catch up again with Stevie Johnson. We’ve covered his immense impact on both the position and the Bills in 2021, and then welcomed Johnson onto rip-roarin’ Happy Hours in 2022 and 2023. From Radio Row here in San Francisco at Super Bowl LX, I chatted with Johnson on a host of topics… * Igniting a flame in WNY. He saw the need for fun.* How he helped revolutionize the position… with the help of a few friends. Young receivers across the NFL say Johnson changed the sport with his inventive route running.* How he learned to cook Darrelle Revis. * Keon Coleman. How can the Bills receiver turn it on in Year 3?* Separation. It’s been a problem for Coleman, but Johnson sees a solution.* Out is Sean McDermott. In is Joe Brady. We get his thoughts on the state of the Bills.Video and audio is available here as well as Apple, Spotify, everywhere you pod.ICYMI, Go Long also sat down with Brandon Beane and Pete Guelli to guide you through the search for new head coach Joe Brady. Both had a lot to say.Subscribers can access everything from Super Bowl Week. Thank you for reading and sharing with a friend. We’re powered by you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams staged a thriller of an NFC title game. New England trudged through the snow with a tick more precision than the Jarrett Stidham-led Broncos. We dissect both conference title games here on “Real Football” with co-host Jim Monos. New here? Monos was an area scout for the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints before spending four seasons as the director of personnel for the Buffalo Bills. We discuss ‘n debate everything you saw on Sunday: Sean Payton going for it on fourth down, the Rams’ special teams disaster, Sam Darnold’s finest hour and Mike Vrabel’s dominant defense. (What a rebuild it’s been.)Of course, here in Western New York, the Buffalo Bills’ search for a new head coach is heating up. They’ve interviewed a slew of candidates, from Brian Daboll to Grant Udinski. A decision could be made soon. After all, whoever’s the new head coach will need to flesh out a staff.What is it like inside these interviews? Monos shares his experiences.Also, we expand on the need for the Bills to sync up Josh Allen with a new coach. It’s crucial. It’s been missing. This entire 74-minute episode is available to paid subscribers. No ads, no sponsors. We’re powered by YOU. Thank you for your patronage.You can access this episode in its entirety above and inside the Substack app. If you prefer to listen on Apple or Overcast, bang it here to sync your account. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here.Miss the three stories last week? Links here…* Hunt for QB-HC harmony: Why Josh Allen is sitting in these meetings* ‘What is success?’ The truth hurts...* Why was Sean McDermott Fired?Past episodes of Real Football:* Sean McDermott is out, Brandon Beane is promoted... now what?* Mile High Moment of Truth* Wild Card Extravaganza!* Soul-searching time for Chiefs & Bengals* Your move, C.J. Stroud* It’s Not Sunny in Philadelphia* An Epiphany in Buffalo* What’s wrong in Buffalo?* Meet the NFL’s 2025 Party Crashers This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

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

Of course, this one boiled down to more theatrics. These 2025- ‘26 Chicago Bears know no other way.Once again, Caleb Williams made a few mistakes throughout the course of the game. But once again, Caleb Williams supplied a throw for the ages. His touchdown to Cole Kmet at the end of regulation is one of the best our Bob McGinn has ever seen. Here on your weekly NFC North pod, we analyze everything Bears-Rams and look ahead. Year 1 did not go well for Williams but — without question — the young QB accepted Ben Johnson’s hard coaching and supplied hope for the future. This division will be a lot of fun. Go Long subscribers can access this episode in its entirety above and inside the Substack app. If you prefer to listen on Apple or Overcast, bang it here to sync your account. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here.On our free list? Looking to upgrade? You can subscribe here.Also, here is my piece on the firing of Sean McDermott.Looking forward to a Happy Hour discussion tonight. Join me at 8 p.m. (EST). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

You heard from the Texans defenders. That’s one nickname Calen Bullock, Kamari Lassiter and the gang kicked around. A simple “SWARM” works, too. This week, Drake Maye assured us all in Foxborough that he understands what’ll happen if he tries to escape the pocket to gain yards against this Houston unit.“Those guys, especially at the linebacker level, they’re trying to take your head off. … They tackle the ball carrier hard and they’ll make you pay for it.” There will be blood on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. This is — without a doubt — the greatest test yet for New England’s 23-year-old wunderkind. Let’s welcome back the excellent Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston to see how Maye and the Patriots will counter the best defense in the NFL. Phil hosts The Next Pats Podcast and co-hosts Tom Curran's Patriots Talk. Absolutely love learning everything we can from Phil. Video and audio is above.You can also catch this episode on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. OUTLAWS:* Part I: ‘We want you to remember when you played the Texans’* Part II: Why Azeez Al-Shaair and these Houston Texans ‘savages’ seek and destroyLinks:* ‘Who’s willing to shed blood?’ Hard coaching makes a comeback* ‘We’re savages:’ The Houston Texans’ defense aims for history* Mark your calendar: Isaiah McKenzie is BACK for an NFL Playoffs Happy Hour* Real Football: Mile High Moment of Truth* Ty & Bob S4 E17: Autopsy look at the Green Bay Packers’ wild-card calamity in Chicago* Hall of Fame pits greats against each other* And then there were EIGHT: On Cole Bishop & Bills D delivering, Caleb/Maye, John Schneider’s mastery, more* Matt LaFleur, the Green Bay Packers and the art of a choke* It’s Year 9. The Bills (again) have the talent to reach the Super Bowl, but will they? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

Logic points to a Denver Broncos win. They’re the team that’s rested, the team coached by a Super Bowl champ with two weeks to prepare. Playing one mile above sea level is a challenge itself. Let alone when your roster is still banged up. Logic, however, often does not apply to Josh Allen. Bills-Broncos kicks off the divisional round of the NFL playoffs this Saturday. Here on “Real Football,” we take a close look at the matchup. Jon Scott of WGRZ-TV subs in for Jim Monos this week. We get into everything…* Josh Allen’s toughness. It’s the trait nobody discusses nearly enough, but it’s infectious. * Is this Keon Coleman’s shining moment?* The D made the play in the moment at Jacksonville. Can Sean McDermott’s unit do it again?* Brandon Beane’s roster construction. We explored ahead of the postseason. The firepower at receiver is lacking, but the Bills GM evolved the offense for a road trip like this one. * Joe Brady the run-game coordinator vs. Joe Brady the pass-game coordinator.* If the Bills lose, will there be repercussions? * Tony Romo is back to narrate another Bills game. (It was rough last week.)* What do the Denver Broncos do best? Like champs past, they’ve got a pass rush.* Predictions.Thank you for subscribing, listening and watching. The best place to catch all podcasts is at GoLongTD.com and inside the Substack app. If you prefer to listen on Apple over Overcast, bang it here to sync your account. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here.My plan here in Foxborough is to talk Patriots-Texans with one of the top beat writers/podcasters in the market today. Keep an eye out for that discussion. Here’s the Ty & Bob Pod on everything Packers-Bears. And Thursday night, former Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie will hang out with subscribers on a virtual Happy Hour. Of course, we’ll have stories from 1 Patriot Place, too. Subscribers can always access every story and every podcast at Go Long. New here?Current members, thank you sharing the word.Past episodes of Real Football:* Wild Card Extravaganza!* Soul-searching time for Chiefs & Bengals* Your move, C.J. Stroud* It’s Not Sunny in Philadelphia* An Epiphany in Buffalo* What’s wrong in Buffalo?* Meet the NFL’s 2025 Party Crashers This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comOur Bob McGinn has covered the NFL since 1979. He’s seen a lot of playoff football.What happened at Soldier Field in this year’s wild-card round — without a doubt — ranks near the top of the Green Bay Packers’ most gutting defeats of all-time. I wrote on Matt LaFleur and the second-half choke. Now, it’s time for a full two-hour dissection of this 31-27 …

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

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

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

Happy New Year, everyone! And, again, thank you for fueling everything here at Go Long.Be on the lookout this weekend for our next feature. Taking a few extra days on this one. Until then? Here’s a solo pod into Week 18. The AFC North is on the line after Pittsburgh’s offensive no-show in Cleveland. We’re seeing the merits of hard coaching in Jacksonville, Chicago and New England. And what do we make of the Buffalo Bills? Is this postseason Super Bowl or Bust? I feel like we’ve all been wanting to slam that Simulate to January button, way back to Brandon Beane’s decision to go defense-heavy in the offseason.Well, it’s January. You can access video and audio of this episode above and everywhere you pod.Also, here’s this week’s two-hour NFC North show with Bob McGinn for subscribers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comNo, this is not exactly how a defense preps for a playoff run.It was ugly at Lambeau Field last weekend. Somewhere, Derrick Henry is still running. In all, the Baltimore Ravens rushed for 307 yards on the Green Bay Packers. Here on the Ty & Bob Pod, our Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob McGinn works through all carnage to explain what happened and where th…