Go Long Podcast

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

Six touchdowns later, survey says… Unleash Josh Allen.These Buffalo Bills returned their shootout ways in a 44-32 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Reigning MVP Josh Allen was outstanding. Here on “Real Football” with longtime NFL exec/scout Jim Monos, we dive deeper into what this win means for this team at this time.Topics on Episode 3 include…* Why the Las Vegas Raiders are a case study into how not to build a team from scratch. The Geno & Jeanty law firm hasn’t produced. Tom Brady, the owner, is off to a rough start.* Buffalo has issues… but there’s a clear solution: Allen in Full. That much was clear vs. Tampa Bay. What a performance. * There’s hope for the Bills in the 2006 Indianapolis Colts. That run defense was even worse. Here’s the 2024 “Smash the Window” series referenced on the pod. * Keon Coleman was benched. It was third time Buffalo needed to discipline him. What should Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott do with their top pick from ‘24? There’s an easy answer, Monos says. It’d send a message.* Shedeur Sanders finally played. Shedeur Sanders was awful. * Dan Campbell is probably still going for it on fourth down. (Yes, we both love it.)* Caleb Williams hasn’t found much of a rhythm at all in games this season. He completed half of his passes on Sunday. And yet? The Bears keep on winning. We try to make sense of the league’s most unlikely 7-3 team. Full video and audio is available right here at Go Long. Reminder: If you prefer to listen inside Apple, you can set up a private feed right here. And to get your paid pod on Spotify, instructions are here.Paid subscribers can access the 100-minute episode in its entirety. No ads. No sponsors. “Real Football” — like everything at Go Long — is fueled by you.ICYMI, here’s my story from Highmark Stadium.And here’s last week’s Friday Feature on Emeka Egbuka. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

Good afternoon, all. The New England Patriots’ storybook season continues tonight. Mike Vrabel’s vision is coming to life sooner than the most optimistic locals could’ve expected. Drake Maye currently has the best case for MVP. It took one dynasty crumbling to ashes for the Patriots to rebuild again. But for two decades, the greatest coach ever (Bill Belichick) and greatest quarterback ever (Tom Brady) lorded over the NFL.There have been many books written about those Patriots.Now, there’s a definitive account of one of the best debates in sports.Longtime NFL scribe Gary Myers has a new book out: “Brady vs. Belichick: The Dynasty Debate.” We chatted with Gary about his last book — “Once a Giant” — and welcome him back on the podcast talk “Dynasty.” Loved our chat. Right when you think you know everything there is about this quarterback and this coach, Myers gleans fresh anecdotes. We also touch on the Brian Daboll firing in New York. Video and audio is above. You can purchase a copy of “Brady vs. Belichick: The Dynasty Debate” right here. Related: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comIn the city that dubs itself “Titletown,” the expectation is always title or bust. These Green Bay Packers resemble anything but a championship offense at the moment.Is it time to have a Matt LaFleur Conversation?A Brian Gutekunst Conversation? A Jordan Love Conversation?Good thing Bob McGinn is back from vacation to help us answer these questions. It w…

One week after clobbering the best player in the sport, the Buffalo Bills were smacked themselves by a team fresh off firing their general manager.Huh?Here on “Real Football,” we’ve got to pan a magnifying glass over Sean McDermott, Brandon Beane, Josh Allen and the Bills with a man who once ran this team himself from May ‘13 through May ‘17: former director of personnel Jim Monos. You won’t want to miss Jim’s fresh take on the team. We examine what’s going wrong and where these Bills go from here… with some major news breaking mid-pod: the firing of New York Giants coach Brian Daboll.That fourth-down kick in Chicago was a bad omen. John Mara made the surprising midseason move. Since recording, McDermott dismissed the idea of bringing Daboll back on his staff. As we’ve covered extensively, these two didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye at One Bills Drive. Could time perhaps heal those wounds? Let’s not forget the relationships that Daboll had with both Allen and owner Terry Pegula. Those matter, too. Several players on those Bills teams believed this team would’ve won multiple Super Bowls if Allen and Daboll were united beyond 2021.We discuss in full with reporting from our three-part series a couple years back.Either way, this Bills defense needs work and the offense must rediscover its rhythm against Tampa Bay this week. As always, we spend the first chunk of the show analyzing the week’s games. (Holy, New England.)Go Long subscribers can access the full show. Real Football — your weekly dose of unfiltered pro football discussion — is completely powered by you. Reminder: Paid subscribers can also listen on Apple via a private feed.Bob McGinn will also return this week to talk NFC North. Keep an eye out for that Tuesday PM.Miss Episode 1? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

Good evening! And here’s hoping you’ve all transitioned to Christmas music. It’s time.Back from our reporting trip to Tampa, I hit record on a Substack Live to preview Week 10 in the NFL quick. Good news for the Minnesota Vikings. It sounds like Aaron Jones (shoulder/toe) is a go. He is the subject of our Friday Feature this week.The beloved veteran opens up about his deceased father and the promise he made to him their final hours together. Hope you enjoy. Whoa nellie, did we get A LOT of exceptional Mailbag questions from you all. Rather than rush it, I’ll post midway through next week. Exceptional submissions by all. Feel free to keep ‘em coming at golongtd@substack.com. ICYMI, the first episode of “Real Football” with co-host Jim Monos is live. Our hope is for this show to serve as your weekly two-hour peek behind the curtain on how this NFL works. Monos brings the goods. Subscribers can access in full. And thanks to everyone who hung out on the live broadcast. Love seeing new names.Want to join future shows and ask questions? Download the app right here and flip notifications on. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comAnd… we’re off! Welcome to “Real Football.” Each week, I’ll be joined by longtime NFL personnel man Jim Monos. Episode 1 is officially LIVE. We spend the first hour analyzing the previous week’s games and the second hour examining three Super Bowl contenders nobody saw coming: Seattle, New England and Indianapolis. As discussed, we’re back to bringing y…

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

ORCHARD PARK, NY — Good evening, all. I’ll write a column on the Buffalo Bills’ win over Kansas City Monday AM. This could prove to be a seminal moment for this 2025 edition. In the meantime, here’s a quick video recap from the field.Yes, the Bills have been here before. They have this team’s number in the regular season.But, yes, this win is also extremely encouraging for everyone at One Bills Drive. They’ve never made Patrick Mahomes, an all-time great, look this bad.Want to join future Substack Live videos? Be sure to download the app 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

They are not merely squeaking by teams, no, these Indianapolis Colts have been smashing opponents. This Daniel Jones-led operation is scoring more points than any team in football. Our Friday Feature this week zeroes in on one badass who makes this thing go — wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Can the Colts keep this up?Or will the magic fairy dust wear off?To learn more, we welcome Zak Keefer of The Athletic back onto a Substack Live. Zak is based in Indianapolis and has written numerous outstanding features on this club for years. He can see this formula working. Offensively, this offense is basically playing downhill each week. Be sure to join future Live videos by downloading the app.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

Winter is coming in the NFC North. All four teams must make their move or start plotting for 2026. Green Bay is rolling as the current No. 1 seed in the conference. Detroit — at full strength — has a case to make as the best team, period. Minnesota must figure out if J.J. McCarthy is the answer at quarterback. And there’s growing public skepticism as it pertains to that No. 1 pick in Chicago.Our Hall of Famer, Bob McGinn, is on vacation this week. But I did talk Packers with two other NFL reporters who run their own sites on Substack: Peter Bukowski of The Leap and Vikings with Matthew Coller of Purple Insider. Video is above and audio is below.Thanks, all.We’ll pick up the Ty & Bob Pod when McGinn returns!Miss last week’s podcast with McGinn? Catch up 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

Baker Mayfield is squarely in the MVP hunt. Sam Darnold’s renaissance rages on in the Pacific Northwest.And raise your hand if you saw the Daniel Jones revival coming.Elsewhere, Carson Wentz’s fairy tale story isn’t so merry. Aaron Rodgers? It is... complicated.On this episode, we explore quarterback revivals (and a hell of a lot more) with the exceptional Lindsay Rhodes of SumerSports. There’s a good chance you remember Lindsay from her days running the show at NFL Network. Now? She’s helping fans see a totally different game on Sundays. At SumerSports, she analyzes the sport on a deeper level. Together, we try to solve some of the biggest questions this season... with a blend of analytics and human nature.Over at GoLongTD.com, your home for longform, we’ve got a feature LIVE on the state of the Buffalo Bills. I spent a day hunting for answers inside the locker room.Also, it’s Jordan Love vs. Aaron Rodgers under the Sunday Night Football glow. Here’s my column on what this game means for the new face of the Packers franchise.As always, the best way to support our independent journalism is with a paid subscription to Go Long. Thank you for building 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

The NFL wasn’t ready for an African-American star quarterback in the late 70s.Warren Moon forced the league’s hand.We chat with the legendary Pro Football Hall of Famer all about his unparalleled rise from to the University of Washington to the CFL to nine-time Pro Bowl passer. Moon previously hung out with Go Long subscribers on a Happy Hour. He’s now opening up on the burden he carried as a star in college and the pros. Moon never really was able to enjoy all of his success and openly wonders how he would’ve performed with a clear mind.But today? His impact on the sport is obvious every Sunday.We also get into his mentorship of No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. He’s always giving the Titans quarterback advice.Which QBs does Moon like to watch today? Josh Allen is near the top of his list.Be sure to rate, review and share the podcast and subscribe to GoLongTD.com for all feature stories, all columns. We aim to take you places others will not. 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

Chicago rolls along. Miami is fried. Cleveland has hope (really). And speaking of hope? Yeah, the Giants lost but the bigger picture was always Jaxson Dart. Here’s the replay of our latest Substack Live, hitting on a handful of games and taking your questions. Be sure to download the app to join future recordings: 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 Buffalo Bills are 4-2. They’ve got the reigning MVP under center.And yet? Code Red panic has swept through Western New York through the team’s bye week. These surely are not 4-2 vibes.What a big game upcoming vs. the Carolina Panthers. To sort through the team’s current issues, I welcome back Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News onto the Go Long Pod. There’s problems on defense, problems on offense and, no, Josh Allen hasn’t been himself. The good news? All it may take is for Allen to shift back into Sicko Mode. He’s a cure-all force on this roster. Personally, I liked Brandon Beane’s approach to the roster over the offseason. There are many ways to help your quarterback and this still strikes me as a Simulate to January team.That being said, it’s been ugly of late. We discuss it all. Be sure to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts.The Go Long Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, everywhere you access your shows. ICYMI…* Ben Johnson is worth every penny* ‘I’m a sick f--k:’ Why Al-Quadin Muhammad is the missing piece for the Detroit Lions* McGinn Files: Inside the rise of Chris Jones, the Kansas City Chiefs’ mercurial star* Dan Campbell, the Cleveland Browns and what could’ve been 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 a funky season, hasn’t it? No dominant team. Philadelphia’s fall. Baker Mayfield’s rise. Baltimore’s disappearance. And we’re really just getting started. Loved chatting this week with former pro linebacker Tre Watson. He spent the summer of 2019 in Miami Dolphins training camp before bouncing around the XFL, CFL, UFL and you may recognize Watson as the brother of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson. Today, he’s coaching high school football, commentating college games for ESPN, raising two kids and co-hosting the Hitman’s Haven Podcast with his father. We hit on an array of topics here on the Go Long Pod.* Why high school football is peak sports joy.* NFL life. He saw firsthand how ruthless this league can be. Not every coach is merit-based like Mike Vrabel.* Christian’s recovery. He’s witnessed his brother’s “freakish” traits and work ethic his entire life. In the 2024 regular-season finale, Christian tore his ACL. Now, he’s on the cusp of returning to action. How did he recover so fast?* What makes his brother a weapon? Christian caught 29 passes for 620 yards (21.4 avg.) and two touchdowns last season but his impact on this Packers offense runs deeper. Tre explains.* What’s missing in Green Bay? Something is. Matt LaFleur’s club keeps banging on the title door and can’t get in.* The Baker Mayfield Effect. He’s the MVP frontrunner right now. Tre Watson lives in Tampa, Fla., and fills us in on the buzz locally.* His greatest memories once the NFL lights dimmed. One moment in St. Louis sticks with him. Thank you for listening and subscribing, everyone.You can follow Watson on X @MDQue_33.Video and audio is available above. You can also access this episode everywhere you pod, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube. 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

Don’t look now but after a pair of 25-24 wins, the Chicago Bears are 3-2 with winnable games ahead. Here on the Ty & Bob Pod, we dissect the Monday night game in full. What’s sustainable? What isn’t? It wasn’t pretty. Issues remain. But Ben Johnson is proving he’s worth every nickel as this team’s head coach.Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions met their physical match in a hungry Kansas City Chiefs team. Safety Brian Branch — a player who enjoys crossing the line — will now pay the price for a terrible cheap shot, too. It was a rough second half for the Lions offense. Jared Goff may be in the MVP conversation, but something was missing in this game. Finally, we get to the Green Bay Packers fending off a pesky Bengals bunch. Josh Jacobs gives this team an element of physicality it’ll need when the games really count.The full 1-hour, 42-minute show is available to our paid subscribers.Our Bob McGinn, as always, guides you through his film review.Position to position, you’re guaranteed to learn something new.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

The Washington Commanders and Chicago Bears take the Monday Night Football stage this week, a matchup featuring the No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks from the 2024 draft.We’ve explored both the Commanders and Bears at length here at Go Long.Loved having the opportunity to chat with Ben Standig who launched his new Substack “Last Man Standig” this fall. Ben has covered the Commanders for a long time and does excellent work in always thinking outside the box.Thanks to all who joined.As always, be sure to download the app for all stories, all audio narration and all future Substack Live videos.And for those who missed it, here are the links to our series — “House of Dysfunction” — from a month ago:* Part I: The Curious Case of Caleb Williams* Part II: Inside the Chicago Bears’ “rigged trial” at No. 1 overall* Part III: Who’s the boss? 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

Here’s your weekly dose of NFC North talk with my co-host Bob McGinn.The Lions steamrolled the hapless Cincinnati Bengals, 37-24, back in David Montgomery’s hometown. This one meant something special to the hard-charging back. Be it Jared Goff’s pinpoint precision, Jahmyr Gibbs’ jukes or Amon-Ra St. Brown’s brilliant route running, these Lions have A-level players all over the field.And the best of the bunch just may be the man the Lions sorely missed last season: Aidan Hutchinson. He saves his best for last in games.Elsewhere, the Minnesota Vikings inched past Cleveland across the pond.Justin Jefferson proved he’s QB-proof. McGinn dissects his special game.Finally, McGinn relives Brett Favre’s unforgettable debut at Lambeau Field vs. the Bengals. We appreciate you all listening, watching and sharing with a friend.ICYMI: * PATRIOT REIGN? How Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye can restart a dynasty of their own* Drake Maye changes the AFC calculus* GL Pod: NFL Revolution with Michael Silver* The Jalen Hurts File? All he does is win... 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 in August, I caught up with my pal Michael Silver at Buffalo Bills training camp in Pittsford, NY. It’s always a treat. One of Silver’s stories invariably leads to another. And another. And another. And another. And this day, we were discussing the eccentric main characters of his book, “The Why is Everything: A Story of Football, Rivalry and Revolution.”Silver clearly got the goods. I couldn’t add it to Audible fast enough. Somehow, his book managed to exceed all expectations.Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, Matt LaFleur, Mike McDaniel and Raheem Morris drove the sport in a very new direction. Their innovations became commonplace. But to my surprise, Silver’s epic is far, far more than X ‘n Os. The personalities of all the above are fascinating. Thus, I couldn’t wait to welcome Silver onto the Go Long Pod here to discuss in full. Video and audio are above. You can also check this episode out on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, everywhere you pod. (Be sure to rate, review and share on the platform of your choosing!)Of course, we naturally weave the coaches into this 2025 season. McDaniel is feeling the heat in Miami. LaFleur is trying to get Green Bay over the hump.Most of all, do yourself a favor and work “The Why is Everything” into your library. The Amazon link is here. You’ll be left wanting more. Be sure to read all of Silver’s excellent work at The Athletic. He’s also on X @MikeSilver. Thanks, all.ICYMI…The New England Patriots are coming. But how exactly did the Bill Belichick Era turn to rubble? Why did Jerod Mayo fail? We look backward and forward in our latest longform piece at Go Long for paid subscribers. Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel are out to create a dynasty of their own. 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