unCovering the Birds with Jeff McLane

A crucial crossroads is here. The Eagles have reached the bye and, as timing would also have it, the NFL trade deadline, mired in their worst slump of the Nick Sirianni era. There’s no doubt the franchise needs to course correct, but how? With who? Will players be on the move? Could coaches’ jobs be on the line? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Olivia Reiner conduct an autopsy of the Eagles after their seventh straight loss - a 19-11 defeat to the New York Giants - and look at the big picture of an organization that has swiftly fallen far from its Super Bowl glory two years ago. 00:00 What changes could Eagles make during bye week and ahead of trade deadline? 14:10 Should we even talk about the Giants game? 21:30 A step in the right direction on defense… 25:38 How much are Howie Roseman and Jeffrey Lurie to blame for current state of Eagles? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

With the Eagles’ season gradually going up in flames, there’s been plenty of external finger pointing. The offense, specifically the line, has drawn considerable ire, especially in light of the Eagles parting ways with longtime, beloved assistant coach Jeff Stoutland. Stoutland’s track record on the offensive line is Hall of Fame-worthy. This year, with Chris Kuper as Stoutland’s replacement, the line has regressed. Should Kuper shoulder most of the blame? What really happened between Stoutland and the Eagles that caused their relationship to fall apart? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane dives deeper into one of the biggest “what ifs” from a frustrating season, framing Stoutland’s exit around four key questions. 03:04 Question 1: Why did Jeff Stoutland and the Eagles part ways? 08:18 Question 2: Did any of the Eagles’ offensive linemen want Stoutland’s role to change? 15:20 Question 3: How did the Stoutland - Eagles divorce happen? 18:52 Question 4: If Stoutland were still on the coaching staff, would it make a difference this year? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season. We want mailbag questions! Hit Jeff up on his socials, or drop a question in the comments. Jeff could answer it in a future episode! You can also watch unCovering the Birds on the KYW Newsradio and Philadelphia Inquirer YouTube channels.

The Eagles have problems. Eight games into the season, that much is sure. But which ones are symptomatic, versus the ones that are systemic? From the head coach to the personnel, from coordinators to the front office, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and David Murphy scrutinize the micro issues that point to some of the larger dilemmas the Eagles are now facing: should they start to pack it in this season, and who will be held accountable for the team’s shortcomings? 00:00 Should the Eagles let their current mess burn? 13:12 What should the Eagles’ 3-5 year plan be? How much is general manager Howie Roseman responsible for the roster issues? 27:10 It’s easy to just blame Nick Sirianni 31:13 Trade deadline thoughts? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

When Jalen Carter is at his game-wrecking best, he’s as unstoppable a force as there is in the NFL. Such was the case during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run two years ago. But since then, between injuries and uneven play, the defensive tackle’s contributions have been inconsistent. On the heels of general manager Howie Roseman signing Carter to a historic contract, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane looks at the costs of the extension - both in terms of dollars and cents, as well as roster construction. Plus, Jeff advances storylines for the Nov. 10th NFL trade deadline, and, in his weekly mailbag, addresses some reporting about the Eagles’ salary cap situation. 00:00 Carter finally faces the media 01:17 The impact of expectations 06:06 Some concerning numbers 08:02 Does Carter owe the media, fans an explanation? 11:37 Trade deadline preview 16:12 How Howie Roseman's moves could affect Nick Sirianni's future 16:42 Mailbag: Will there be a salary cap “doomsday?” unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season. We want mailbag questions! Hit Jeff up on his socials, or drop a question in the comments. Jeff could answer it in a future episode!

How were we so wrong? Heading into the season, the Eagles’ defense was supposed to be their strength. After Monday’s throttling by the Cowboys, the group reached a new low, especially on the defensive line, where major offseason investments and commitments were made. Why has a unit that showed promise in training camp failed to live up to expectations? And how will the Eagles’ five-game losing streak influence the organization’s approach to the NFL’s impending trade deadline? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and David Murphy tackle these topics and more the day after the Eagles’ 38-21 defeat to Dallas. 00:00 Eagles’ defense falls apart: what’s wrong with Vic Fangio’s group? 03:25 Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and questions about Howie Roseman’s roster-building 11:33 Problems at EDGE 23:18 Should the Eagles be sellers at the trade deadline? 31:29 Is Sean Mannion finally figuring out the Eagles’ offense? 36:29 Nick Sirianni’s future, and what lies ahead for the Eagles unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.