Dust off your Robert Porcher and Dorsey Levens jerseys. For my money, the NFC Central-turned-North hasn’t been loaded in nearly three decades. Both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions are fresh off seasons in which they were a breath away from thinking Super Bowl. No. 1 pick Caleb Williams has a realistic chance to cure the Chicago Bears’ century-plus-long quarterback problem. Even the Minnesota Vikings have good reason to be hopeful. Here on the podcast, we’ll devote individual episodes to previewing each division up to Week 1.As always, I am joined by former NFL scout Jim Monos. He’s been around Donovan McNabb and Drew Brees for long stretches of time and sees the potential for several years of epic QB duels in the North. Live at the site now is a column on the well-oiled machine Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have built in Detroit. Subscribers can read here.Video and audio of the “Go Long Show” is accessible here at GoLongTD.com, as well as everywhere you get your podcasts, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube.Our 2024 NFL Season Preview features are rolling out, icymi: * David Long Jr., and the beast within* 'Undeniable:' Christian Kirk will attack this defining momentGo Long is your independent home for longform journalism in pro football. New here? It’s a great time to subscribe.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.comHey, things did not go according to plan for Rob Johnson in Buffalo. But that’s life. He’s not living with regrets.Here’s the full Happy Hour Replay with the former NFL quarterback.Johnson relives that quarterback controversy with Doug Flutie — was their bad blood? We all saw the hits Johnson absorbed on the field. Which was the worst? How’s life today?…

Nobody has covered the Buffalo Bills longer than my friend, Chuck Pollock. What a fun walk through history this podcast was with the longtime Olean Times Herald sports editor who’s now writing for the Olean Star and Wellsville Sun here in Western New York. Chuck takes listeners right through his time covering the Bills from 1973 to today. You’ll hear everything from O.J. Simpson stories to Johnson vs. Flutie memories, and we discuss the team today.For background, I owe so much to Chuck. Still remember giving him my “2000 NFL Draft Preview” guide as a 13-year-old on a solo trip to the Times Herald for a school project. He promised he’d offer an internship opportunity when I turned 16 and, sure enough, called three years later. Since then, he’s been a mentor, a friend and countless other TH interns will tell you the same: Chuck Pollock isn’t only an exceptional boss and writer. He is an A+ human being.Even if you’re not a Bills fan, you’ll enjoy Chuck’s stories about covering the NFL back in the 70s, 80s and 90s.It was a different time. You never quite knew when a fight may break out on the team plane. Audio and video is accessible here at GoLongTD.com, and everywhere you podcast, including Apple and Spotify.As a reminder, Go Long subscribers can join Friday night’s Happy Hour with former Bills quarterback Rob Johnson at 7 p.m. (EST). Feel free to join and ask anything you’d like.Thank you for joining our community, and helping us grow.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

There is nobody quite like Wyatt Teller on the line of scrimmage. He is 6 foot 4 inches, 315 pounds of whiskey-loving, alligator-hunting hell for defensive players. The Cleveland Browns have had arguably the best rushing attack since 2020, and he’s a primary reason why. Go Long readers may recall getting to know Teller in this story a few years back. With the 2024 season closing in — and hope building in Cleveland — this was a perfect chance to chat again with the gregarious Teller. Holy, he has many stories to share. Audio and video are both available above, and you can access all Go Long Podcasts on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. This conversation was both entertaining and exceptionally insightful. Inside…* Teller has seen flashes of “absolute greatness” in Deshaun Watson. He explains why they’ve got faith in the QB.* What happened between the Browns and Baker Mayfield? His theory will surprise you.* His Buffalo Bills exit. He was shipped away. Why? * Bill Callahan. The longtime offensive line coach is quite a hard ass. He helped elevate Teller’s game, but — wow — the man could be ruthless. (Callahan is off to the Tennessee Titans. Teller is very honest on the subject.)* Life in the trenches. We know how David Long harnesses anger. Teller’s approach is different. * Who’s the one All-Pro defensive tackle that absolutely hates playing Teller? * His blocking style. Teller breaks down what makes his game unique. It’s an art form. * Talking to opponents about Jesus between plays. * Why Chris Jones is the best player he has ever tried to block.* Expectations in Cleveland. Is this a team that can reach the Super Bowl in 2024?Enjoy. This was a fun one.The full Q&A transcript is also right here.Go Long is your completely independent home for NFL journalism.We aim to bring you football in the raw. We are powered by you.ICYMI:Here is our profile of Teller from 2021.And his Happy Hour hangout with subscribers in 2022.Our 2024 Season Preview features are now going live. First up, the surreal life of David Long Jr., a man who epitomizes the brutality of the sport itself. For years, the Dolphins linebacker has managed to turn personal tragedies into a truly unique playing style. But at what cost? 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

More teams have officially placed their quarterback bets. Six of the first 12 picks in the 2024 draft were QBs.Which rookies have entered the best possible situation? We examine on this week’s episode of the Go Long Show. Caleb Williams has an opportunity to exorcise a century of demons in Chicago. (Part I and Part II of our series, icymi.) Jayden Daniels, the quarterback drawing Randall Cunningham comps from one former college coach, is co-host Jim Monos’ choice. We don’t stop at the top QBs for this exercise, either. Each of us choose three rookies total at three very different points in the draft. Two running backs might’ve landed with the perfect playcaller. Be sure to draft both in the late rounds of your upcoming fantasy drafts. Two quarterback fliers are also worth keeping an eye on. Audio and video of the podcast is available here and everywhere you pod, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube. The show is fueled by our friends at Fattey Beer in Western NY.We’re getting closer to our regular stream of stories at GoLongTD.com, too. Expect our first season-preview piece this week. All will be accessible to subscribers. Clips from the show on our Go Long TD YouTube page: 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! Hope everyone has prepared their grills and country-music playlists accordingly for July 4. First, a quick programming note. When it gets quiet here at Go Long, I promise that’s a good thing. This lull in the NFL calendar is prime time to chip away at bigger projects. Will be sharing the first extensive feature on Monday morning. Until then, here’s a new episode of the Go Long Show with co-host Jim Monos.Hard Knocks is taking a look at the New York Giants, a club we’ve examined from Dave Gettleman to Joe Schoen and many Daniel Jones decisions along the way. And so far, so good. We’ve actually been treated to substance. For the Giants, this 2024 season is clearly all about the quarterback who has started 61 games. The Giants’ calculated gamble is that a refurbished interior line, a new No. 1 wideout (Malik Nabers) and two-plus years with Brian Daboll elevate their $40 million QB. There is much risk involved. We discuss. If you’re the general manager of a football team, would you hang onto the previous regime’s best players? Or start over? Monos shares his thoughts. Feel free to rate, review and share wherever you access podcasts, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Thanks, all.Go Long subscribers can access all features, columns and podcasts.Thank you for joining our growing community! From last year:The Resurrection: ‘I want to bring championships to New York’Q&A with one Giant great, icymi:The Tiki Barber Story 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’re never quite sure when or how a quote or anecdote from a story will rip through the modern NFL news cycle. Three weeks ago, I wrote a story trying to make sense of the Dallas Cowboys’ bizarre offseason rooted in conversations with those who’ve worked in the front office. The note was somewhat buried in a bigger-picture piece. But, yes. One former personnel man said he believes Mike McCarthy has grown “fed up” with how this team operates under Jerry and Stephen Jones. Jerry’s World is a weird place, as we’ve previously examined. It’s no coincidence that contending Dallas teams fall short under this ownership. Perhaps you caught our report from McAfee or Skip or Rich Eisen on Monday.Figured it would be a good idea to flesh out a full podcast to discuss the reporting, the state of the Cowboys, everything. McCarthy should be upset. The state of affairs is never normal here, whether it’s penny-pinching in free agency (when one or two vets could be the diffference) or the scene inside the draft room (when Jerry just may brag about a sexual excapade in front of his daughter.) Full audio and video is above, and available at Apple, Spotify, everywhere you pod. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel as well for clips from all shows.Go Long is fueled by our readers. New here? Upgrade to access all such peeks behind the NFL curtain. Cowboys Column:Three-part Series from 2021:Recent Podcasts:1 on 1 with Brandon Beane:Column: 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

John Madden (“Boom!”) and Pat Summerall (“Nothing doing!”) on Sundays. Hank Williams Jr. on Monday nights. A sport not yet dulled by the suits on Park Avenue. Favre and Aikman and Young and Kelly and Elway and Marino. Football peaked in the 90s. But it wasn’t without its issues… especially at the end of the decade. One year after Jerry Rice clearly fumbled in the NFC wild card, Bert Emanuel clearly caught it in the NFC Championship Game. And that’s with the implementation of instant replay in-between. A moment like this can change the trajectory of careers. So, yes, Shaun King recalls that night in St. Louis quite vividly.This week, I caught up with King to relive that game, those Bucs teams and go deep on quarterbacks today. King watches the game closely, and always offers sharp, unapologetic analysis. Audio and video is above. You can also access this conversation everywhere you pod, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube. I’ll post the written transcript of this chat with King this weekend as well. Just landed in Charlotte for this year’s APSE convention.Discussed on the pod… * The 1999 NFC title. To this day, Shaun King is convinced that Tampa Bay was better than the St. Louis Rams. They lost that night, 11-6. But as you may recall, the final Bucs drive was riddled with controversy. * What-if’s. King has many from his time as the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback through the 1999 and 2000 seasons. That Rams game was full of ‘em, and one loss at Lambeau Field in the 2000 finale — off a missed 40-yard FG — proved to be particularly damaging.* NIL Madness. King was an assistant coach at South Florida from 2016- ‘19, and his finger on the pulse of this modern college landscape. On this podcast, he solves everything NIL. * King played with five Hall of Famers in Tampa, and shares a story of Warren Sapp’s freak athleticism.* The quarterback market today. Numbers continue to skyrocket. King’s on-board with the position having its own salary cap. * How do teams screw up at the top of the draft so often? King was never a fan of Trey Lance and Zach Wilson. He doesn’t see Drake Maye doing much any time soon, either.* Michael Penix Jr. Back at USF, King recruited Penix. He was convinced back then that the quarterback would be a star. He sees this situation playing out beautifully for the Atlanta Falcons. Haven’t chatted with anyone this bullish on Penix before. * Aaron Rodgers, he says, is the most selfish and self-centered quarterback of this generation. King’s mind is blown that the quarterback had the audacity to blow off New York Jets minicamp. He explains. * What it’s like being confused with another “Shaun King.”Go Long is your home for longform in pro football.A few similar past Q&A’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

Life is sweet for Preston Brown. He’s happy now.The middle linebacker who roamed NFL defenses from 2014- ‘19 is living in Atlanta. He’s engaged. He has two dogs. He still works out all of the time at his home gym. Brown is also a man who can finally take a deep breath and reflect on the high drama that is professional football. As always, Go Long subscribers are welcomed to join these Happy Hour podcasts and ask players anything you’d like.This episode, Brown dished on a wide, wide array of topics…* Schwartz to Rex to McDermott. The defense was always changing during Brown’s time with the Buffalo Bills. He has stories to share on all the above. The NFL could feel like WWE with Rex Ryan.* Did Mario Williams really quit on the 2015 Bills team? What made those ‘15 and ‘16 defenses so chaotic under Rex? Everything has to be perfect in this scheme. * Hell no, Donnie Henderson, he will not get you Krispy Kreme donuts in Canada. * To this day, Preston Brown wants to slap Odell Beckham. Seriously. He explains. * Off to the Bengals, he completely lost his zest for the sport and became a person he could not recognize. An extremely angry, agitated person. * You want to stay on Vontaze Burfict’s good side. * Petermania. Believe it or not, Brown agreed with the team’s decision to start rookie Nathan Peterman over Tyrod Taylor. Next, came an all-time disaster. * “$500 per pound.” Brown takes listeners through the manic race to shed weight ahead of a Friday weigh-in. Locals might’ve seen him at LA Fitness in Orchard Park, NY. You can access video/audio to this episode above and everyone where you pod, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Is there a player you’re dying to shoot the bull with on a Happy Hour? Let me know at golongtd@gmail.com. New to Go Long? We’d love to have you join our community. Meet fans from around the world.Happy Hour Replays:* Alex Green* Week 18 Preview HH* "The McDermott Problem"* Steve Calhoun* 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

A half-decade of heartbreak has convinced Brandon Beane that major change is needed to this Buffalo Bills roster.Granted, this was a team $41 million in the red at the start of the new league year.But as the Bills general manager detailed to Go Long in a 1 on 1 conversation, the team sees immense value in reinventing the roster around quarterback Josh Allen. They’re counting on new leaders emerging. The best-case scenario for Buffalo? An evolving head coach mirrors an evolving roster. We’ll see. There’s risk involved. As Beane admits, you don’t want to waste these Super Bowl opportunities. Here on the podcast, I chat with recurring guest Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News. You can follow Jay on X @JaySkurski. We previously examined the state of the team after the draft. With minicamp in the rear-view mirror and training camp up next, we try to figure out if all this change is for good. There are psychological benefits. Ownership is maintaining belief in Sean McDermott.The pressure to win — now — will always be high with Josh Allen.Audio and video is above, and you can also access the Go Long Podcast on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. New to Go Long? We’d love to have you join our community today. As a paid subscriber, you can access all of our content, including a two-part series on the Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams, the latest wackiness in Jerry’s World and why the hype is real in Houston. ICYMI:Brandon Beane details his vision for the Bills for an hour 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

He’ll become a rich man very soon. Jordan Love played his way into the upper tier of quarterback contracts late last season.Still, this was a small sample size. And opposing defensive coordinators are bound to offer a counterpunch. The same bet these Green Bay Packers placed on Love the night of April 23, 2020 applies in June 2024. This is a player worth the investment. On this episode of the “Go Long Show” — with co-host, longtime NFL personnel man Jim Monos — we shift the quarterback conversation to Love. GM Brian Gutekunst wants a deal done before training camp, but Love probably doesn’t mind the sight of other quarterbacks raising the market price. In related news, Tua Tagovailoa sounds like a man who wants a deal done ASAP. As discussed in Part I of the mailbag, these two negotiations may be linked on Athletes First’s side. We know the Miami Dolphins will lean into their identity.Finally, we wrap the pod with thoughts on a special breed in this sport: NFL offensive line coaches.You can catch audio and video of this episode above and everywhere you pod including Apple, Spotify and YouTube. (Feel free to rate, review and share!)Go Long is your home for longform in pro football. To our members, thank you.New here? The best way to support our independent journalism is with a subscription.ICYMI:* Mailbag, Part I: Mahomes Effect, Love's contract, PEDs, NIL, UFL, Watson, the 2024 playoff sleeper* What in the hell are the Dallas Cowboys doing?* The NFL is going global. Here's why.* 'I'm not done:' Latavius Murray has the NFL Running Back Survival GuideFrom the Love archives: * Love, lost: On Davante Adams' unfortunate miscalculation* Jordan Love (and his GM) send a message to the NFL* Bravo, Green Bay* It's Jordan Love Time* 'He’s going to prove everybody wrong'* Let the Jordan Love Era begin in Green Bay* The Green Bay Packers have a plan (it's genius, too)Up next:* A column on the team bound to be hyped more than any other into 2024: the Houston Texans.* The rest of your mailbag questions. 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 year ago, Super Bowl visions danced in their heads. The Jacksonville Jaguars, fresh off a thrilling run to the playoffs, appeared poised to launch themselves into serious contention once and for all. We chronicled the 180 from life under Urban Meyer to Doug Pederson. The Jags started 8-3. A No. 1 seed was in sight.Then… disaster. The Jaguars failed to qualify for the dance, losing to the Tennessee Titans in the regular-season finale.It’s been a busy week on the road for Go Long reporting on features you’ll see over the coming weeks. When in Duval County, it’s always a must to catch up with Mia O’Brien of 1010XL. For this Go Long Podcast episode, O’Brien explains how the Jags got to this point and we both try to figure out if Pederson, quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the Jags can get their mojo back in 2024. This isn’t the AFC South of old. The stakes are clear with the defensive coaching staff reset this offseason.Enjoyed this conversation. Be sure to follow O’Brien for all things Jags.You can listen right here at Go Long, as well as on Apple, Spotify and everywhere you pod. Thank you for supporting our independent journalism here at Go Long. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

Now is not the time to hyper-analyze and agonize over OTA reps. While tempting, it’s dangerous to watch a few 7-on-7 throws and make bold proclamations about a quarterback’s “chemistry” with a rookie receiver. However, this is a perfect opportunity to take a deep breath and see where a few teams stand post-draft because not every team got what it wanted on draft day. Hello, New York Giants. A club that tried and failed to trade up for North Carolina’s Drake Maye.We’ve spent plenty of time vacillating over Daniel Jones’ future here at Go Long. His career appeared all but finished in NY at the end of Dave Gettleman’s tenure, Brian Daboll helped resurrect his career, Joe Schoen believed with a big contract and yet the Giants still felt compelled to explore the possibility of Maye after another injury-marred season. The Giants can theoretically move on after this 2024 season. Ushering in a rookie made sense.Instead, Schoen could only go so far with his trade offer. Instead, Eliot Wolf refused to move off the No. 3 pick and took his QB. Where does this leave the Giants? And how is the entire NFC East shaping up? It’s hard to make much sense of the Dallas Cowboys’ inaction. We discuss all of this (and “Beach Metal Detector Guy,” Mike McCarthy, Jayden Daniels, Mike Tolbert and Caitlin Clark) on the Go Long Show with longtime NFL personnel man Jim Monos.Quick programming note: I’m on the road in Florida for stories you’ll see over the coming weeks and months. Cannot wait to share. A lot planned. After the mobile microphone broke in the carry-on bag — and after a rat race for a replacement in Jacksonville — the sound’s not quite as crystal-clear as usual. But it’ll get the job done and the show must go on.Thank you for listening, everyone.Audio is above, video is below and you can also access episodes on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.Go Long is your home for longform in pro football. We’ll forever pursue stories worth your valuable time that go beyond the press conference. To our subscribers, thank you. New here? The best way to support our independent journalism is with a paid subscription. 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

Alex Green lost football, then he almost lost his life. The former NFL running back shares his chilling story with Go Long on our latest Happy Hour session. This may be our most compelling yet with Green, the ex-Packer, detailing his descent into a gripping addiction to alcohol, weed and cocaine. In harrowing detail, he relives the night he nearly overdosed.Thank you to those who joined the Zoom call and brough such excellent questions.As a reminder, these are always open to our paid subscribers. Is there a former player you’d like to hang out with? Let me know at golongtd@gmail.com.Green was exceptionally transparent, expanding on everything he initially revealed in January 2022. Audio and video is above, and available everywhere you access podcasts, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube. * Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley gunning for his torn ACL in those Packers/Lions games. (Who would’ve thunk it?!)* After tearing up defenses at Hawaii, Green was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round. He was surprised himself. Football stories are shared sporadically, including the (now hilarious) night Green and DuJuan Harris watched their employer draft Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin. They knew they were toast right then. * Jets Football wasn’t real NFL football. * His fall. Once Green finished with the NFL and CFL, he slipped into a cycle of “depression, anxiety, a lot of fear.” He became somebody else, coping with the anguish by filling his body with drugs. He cut people out of his life. He became a total recluse heading down a very dark path. In his mind, drugs became a “best friend.” Specifically, cocaine. * Hopelessness eventually set in. Staring at a mountain of cocaine, one night, Green was prepared to overdose and end his life. (“It’s right there. You’re that close.”) With one message — I need help — one conversation saved his life, then changed his life. The fact that this text message reached the right person is a miracle itself. He explains. * Transforming his life was not possible overnight. Eliminating suicidal “ideations” and discovering meaning in his life has been gradual. He’s still working at it. But Green wants to help everyone he possibly can. * We take the conversation big picture. Green knows many former players deal with the same emotions. The pain can be both physical and mental when the cheering stops. Similar conversations/features at Go Long, icymi: * The Fight for Erik Kramer's life * What happened to Kevin Kolb?* The Majik Man's Final Comeback * Ryan Leaf wants to save NFL players' lives * The impossible life of LeRoy ButlerOur two-part series on the Chicago Bears & Caleb Williams: * Part I: All falls apart* Part II: 'Mini Mahomes'Go Long is your independent home for longform journalism. No ads, no sponsors, no corporate masters. We’re completely powered by you. Our goal is to both humanize this sport and lift up the curtain.Subscribers can access all player profiles, all team deep dives and join these Happy Hour sessions. 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 Chicago Bears have been in desperate need of a Big Bang at the quarterback position for, oh, 105 years.Hello, Caleb Williams.The Heisman Trophy-winner out of USC is unlike anyone before him, lip gloss included.Our extended two-part series examines where the Bears have been and where the Bears are going at quarterback. Let’s continue the conversation right here on the podcast with co-host Jim Monos, the longtime personnel who’s spent nearly two decades in NFL front offices himself. Audio and video is available above and everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube.Both stories are available below to our paid subscribers.Thanks to all who’ve join our community to support independent journalism.Hope to see you tonight on the Alex Green Happy Hour. Part I: All falls apartPart II: 'Mini Mahomes' 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 are quarterbacks locked into mega contracts. There are quarterbacks on rookie deals. And then there’s a third category. Detroit, Miami and Jacksonville all are in the midst of difficult conversations with their starting quarterbacks. Publicly, the general managers and head coaches involved speak glowingly about their guy under center. Privately, as always, the conversations are more contentious. Here on the Go Long Show with co-host and longtime personnel exec Jim Monos, we explore all three situations in-depth. Jared Goff has a strong case to make in Detroit, and should be asking for north of Joe Burrow’s $55 million per year. (We explain.)Tua Tagovailoa led the NFL in passing yards and fits Mike McDaniel’s offense but there are very fair questions about his ability to win in January. Trevor Lawrence, the last man standing in a disappointing 2021 QB class, has a lot to prove in 2024. Audio and video is above. You can also access the Go Long Podcast on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. It’s a great time to upgrade at Go Long, too. Our two-parter on the Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams goes live Friday for paid 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

At No. 8 overall, the Atlanta Falcons shocked everyone.Their fans. The other 31 teams. You at home. Your grandmother who doesn’t care about football. And, without question, Kirk Cousins.GM Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris selected Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., fresh off signing Cousins to his monster contract in March. With a week to digest, we examine this decision in its totality on the Go Long Show. Co-host Jim Monos, our longtime NFL scout, weighs in with his personnel perspective.A few words Fontenot shared in a sitdown with Go Long proved prescient. The Falcons GM did say there were viable options in both free agency and the draft. After three years of living in no man’s land, they chose to be ultra-, ultra-aggressive on both fronts. Football-wise, there’s logic to follow even with Penix’s age. Of course, the two quarterbacks must now share a locker room. Every day. If Hard Knocks existed in its original form, the 2024 Falcons sure would be a compelling team to follow. How does it all play out? We discuss.Also on the podcast: Howie Roseman’s love of mock drafts, clapping for your own picks on TV, Monos’ take on the Bills’ double trade-down and Xavier Legette takes his hog hunting to Charlotte.Video and audio is above, and the Go Long Show is also accessible on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Be sure to rate and review wherever you listen, and we’d love it if you shared the pod with a friend.Go Long is your home for longform. Paid subscribers can access all features, all columns, all team deep dives.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

Brandon Beane played poker on Day 1, found his wide receiver on Day 2 and sure hopes the Buffalo Bills landed a few more long-term starters throughout the 2024 NFL Draft. It was an eventful weekend at One Bills Drive. Go Long has been tracking the direction of this team closely since last December’s three-part series, and wanted to take a moment to assess the state of affairs with the draft now in the books. On Sunday, I examined why Beane’s guts are a positive sign. Buffalo has lacked such cojones when it comes to those Kansas City Chiefs. Here on the podcast, let’s welcome back Bills beat writer Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News. We analyze why Coleman was the pick at No. 33, how he’ll fit into the offense and — mainly — why there should be some real optimism with the team despite losing so many starters this offseason. There are questions to answer. Beane now hands the baton to Sean McDermott. Don’t worry non-Bills fans. We’ll get back to the rest of the NFL on the pod, too. Jim Monos rejoins the program soon to review the draft as a whole. Audio and video is above, and you can also assess this episode on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Thanks, all.Brandon Beane's message to KC is clear: Bring it on.Bob McGinn’s nine-part draft series, icymi: * Part 1, WR/TE: Hall of Fame talent at the top, then (many) questions* Part 2, OL: Can this 'long-armed Tyrannosaurus Rex' brawl?* Part 3, QB: Gap between Caleb Williams & Jayden Daniels? Closer than you think...* Part 4, RB: Like father, like son?* Part 5, DL: Tale of two very different Texas big men* Part 6, Edge: Choose your fighter* Part 7, LB: Save the Linebackers* Part 8, DB: Film vs. 40 debate rages* Part 9, ST: New kickoff rule is a game-changer 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

Caleb Williams has been the presumptive No. 1 overall pick for months. And months. And few have questioned whether or not that should be the case. Meanwhile, LSU’s Jayden Daniels drew rave reviews from the personnel community in Bob McGinn’s draft series. Scouts would actually take Daniels over 58 percent of the quarterbacks drafted No. 1 overall since 2010, including Jared Goff and Kyler Murray. Friend of the show Conor Orr penned a fantastic read on this year’s QB class at Sports Illustrated and joined the podcast today to explain why Daniels is more talented than most think. He believes the Washington Commanders will be in very good hands. We also discuss Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. and how his career could take off in the right system and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. The hype befuddles us both. You can listen to this episode above, watch the video below or access the pod at Apple, Spotify or YouTube. Thanks, all.McGinn’s entire draft series is available to Go Long subscribers.ICYMI:* ‘He’s Randall Cunningham:’ Herm Edwards, Daniels’ coach at Arizona State, explains why.* Why Drake Maye and the New York Giants are a perfect fit* ‘Weapon:’ Why Jaylen Wright is the best running back in the draft* Gap between Caleb Williams & Jayden Daniels? Closer than you think... 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

Greetings from Fattey Beer in Hamburg, NY. What a fun time. Thank you to everyone who made it out for our 2024 pre-draft hangout. We’ll definitely do this again very soon. So great to see familiar faces and say hello to new faces. Here on the podcast, WGR 550’s Jeremy White and The Buffalo News’ Jay Skurski both cut away to discuss the state of the Buffalo Bills, which wide receiver makes sense with Josh Allen and what happened with Stefon Diggs. Xavier Worthy — whom the scouts certainly love — could be exactly what this unit needs. Listeners will need earmuffs upon hearing how one scout described the Texas speedster. But do not discount a major move up the draft board for Rome Odunze. GM Brandon Beane knows there is urgency. The “WR Train” should blare loudly, either way. You can listen to these discussions above, watch the video below or access everywhere you get pods, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube. As a reminder, Bob McGinn’s 40th annual draft series is accessible to all paid subscribers. New readers can upgrade right here to join 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