Go Long Podcast

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comAll season, we’ve been analyzing the NFC North with Bob McGinn right here on the “Ty & Bob Pod” at Go Long. The Detroit Lions took the throne in Game No. 272, but nobody’s quite ready to exhale.The playoff matchups are set.Green Bay heads to Philadelphia. Minnesota flies to L.A.Both teams are staggering after humbling defeats… especially the quarterback…

Wild Card Football is here. Maybe this weekend conjures memories of the Buffalo Bills’ 35-3 epic vs. the Houston Oilers. Or Jerry Rice’s fumble. Or Frank Wycheck’s home-run throwback. Or a Jeff Garcia rally vs. the Giants. Or Matt Hasselbeck’s overtime declaration.Will we see a classic this season? Let’s get the week started on the podcast. I’m joined again by Jim Monos, the longtime NFL scout/exec who won a Super Bowl with Sean Payton’s New Orleans and was second in command with the Buffalo Bills May 2013- ‘17. We preview each game with a longer look at Bills-Broncos. After all, it was Monos who said way back in February/March that Nix was destined to be Payton’s quarterback in Denver. You can access video and audio of the show here, as well as Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Thank you for making Go Long your home for longform in pro football. Also: I sat down with Sean McDermott ahead of his seventh trip to the postseason in Buffalo. That conversation is available to our 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

So, it all comes down to this in the NFC North: the Detroit Lions vs. the Minnesota Vikings with all of America watching. Ford Field will be ear-splitting. Homefield advantage is on the line. All season, we’ve been diving into the film on the “Ty & Bob Pod.” All season, the Packers, Lions and Vikings have exchanged body blows. Now, the tournament is closing in and you better know what you’re looking at in the mirror. Dan Campbell refused to heed Troy Aikman’s advice and played to win in Santa Clara. Detroit’s offense is humming along. The defense? That’s another story. Can Dan Campbell piece together a Super Bowl run? That No. 1 seed would certainly help. At U.S. Bank Stadium, Kevin O’Connell’s team punked Matt LaFleur’s Packers.The final score (27-25) was not indicative of the punishment. Big-game talk may be “bothersome” to LaFleur but it’s undeniably concerning that he hasn’t beaten the top teams. Green Bay wants to be a more physical outfit on offense, but it might be smart for LaFleur to unleash his $220 million dollar quarterback. This is a coach who tends to lose his cool on the sideline, too. We discuss how each of these teams are an extension of their coach. Green Bay went 0-4 against Detroit and Minnesota this season and McGinn’s numbers behind this record are startling.Is there time for the Packers to find themselves? Of course. There are a few answers out there on both sides of the ball. Audio is above. Video is below.And, icymi, here’s my conversation with Bruce Smith on “How the NFL Works.”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

Bruce Smith is hurting. He’s feeling the effects of those 299 total games played, those 214.5 total sacks (playoffs included). Many nights, he’s in so much pain that he barely grabs a wink of sleep.So just imagine how all those quarterbacks feel.Those 76 different quarterbacks he sacked.The Buffalo Bills legend is truly one of the greatest football players to ever live. On this episode of “How the NFL Works” at Go Long, Smith explains exactly how he was able to dominate offenses. The Pro Football Hall of Famer was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team in both the 80s and 90s. Nobody sacked the quarterback more than him — not Reggie White, not Lawrence Taylor. There’s a very good chance his regular-season record of 200 lasts for a long, long time. For perspective, Myles Garrett still has 98 sacks to go.And yet, Smith also knows his career could’ve crumbled if he didn’t look in the mirror and demand changes from himself. From brutal training sessions on a StairMaster to his diet to — above all — meticulous film study, Smith became a monstrous force vs. the pass and the run on the Bills team that reached four straight Super Bowls. And he did it while playing in a 3-4 defense. Indeed, there’s an art to the destruction. On this episode, Smith doesn’t hold back on a variety of topics. * His life turnaround, from 310 pounds and out of shape to 6.3 percent body fat.* His relationship with Bills fans. It has evolved. During the ‘91 season, he received racist letters and wanted out of Buffalo. One conversation with Marv Levy changed his mind.* Stories from the trenches. What did Joe Montana and Dan Marino have to say after Smith flattened them?* What kind of owner was Ralph Wilson?* What was the missing piece on his Super Bowl teams?* Josh Allen. Smith marvels at the team’s MVP-worthy quarterback today. He keeps in touch with Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane, too.* Yes, Smith believes he’s got the case to make as the greatest defensive player ever.Video and audio are available here.Go Long is completely powered by you. No ads. No sponsors. Thank you for subscribing and sharing the show with a friend.Here is the written transcript:Past episodes of “How the NFL Works:”* S1, E8: Quarterback Bliss with Matt Hasselbeck* S1, E7: BLITZBURGH with Levon Kirkland* S1 E6: The Domination of Chris Lindstrom* S1 E5: Inside Kenny Clark's Lair* S1 E4: 'Get a Quarterback' with Super Bowl champ and ex-NFL exec Jim Monos* S1 E3: Resurrecting a Franchise with Ron Wolf* S1 E2: Life After Football with Ryan Leaf* S1 E1: Building the 2024 Quarterback with Quincy AveryWe also chatted with Bruce Smith a few years back. Here’s that Q&A: 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 have locked up the No. 2 seed in the AFC.The New York Jets have locked up their status as the most dysfunctional organization in the league. I’ll have more in print on Monday from one of the worst games in Aaron Rodgers’ 20-year career. Until then, here’s a quick 15-minute Substack Live with longtime personnel man Jim Monos. By the time Rodgers swapped his helmet for a ball cap it was 40-zip. He was disinterested and a shell of his former self. The quarterback on the other sideline, Josh Allen, made his last case for the MVP award. Was it enough? We discuss. And all objective football consumers should hope for a Allen vs. Lamar divisional playoff showdown in this stadium.To catch future live videos, be sure to download the Substack app and flip notifications on. Thanks for hanging out with us, everyone.Go Long is your home for longform coverage of the NFL.Thank you for spreading the word. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

And down the stretch they come. Detroit reclaimed its mojo against the punching-bag Chicago Bears, Minnesota earned a thrilling win in the Pacific Northwest. Tonight, the Packers will face New Orleans.It’s a strange week with Christmas Eve on Tuesday and Christmas Day on Wednesday, so we dinged record on the Ty & Bob Pod a little early here. Audio is above. Video is below.Much is discussed: Jameson Williams’ ascent, Jared Goff’s fatherly presence, Sam Darnold’s elite play and the McGinn Memory brings us all back to August 1987. The same month I was born, our friend Bob here was learning the game from Forrest Gregg.I cannot thank you all enough for listening and sharing with a friend.Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS, everyone!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

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Good morning! And greetings from Lions Country, where the injuries are piling up to epic proportions.Dan Campbell set the tone this week on his radio show. This is also a team that started 4-19-1 under his watch. He managed to hold everyone together to build an NFC power. With the No. 1 seed still in view, we can certainly expect to see plenty of fight. I’ll have more from this visit through the final stretch of the season. In the meantime, take a bite out of that molded bread and enjoy this conversation with Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network. Justin has covered the Lions since 2011 and made the Substack plunge himself ahead of this 2024 season. I highly encourage everyone to check out his work. He does a hell of a job.Here on the pod, we sift through the list of injuries and gauge the Lions’ title chances. Also, we pan out for a big-picture view. From Day 1, Campbell had his finger on the pulse of the city. Now, his latest greatest test awaits.Thank you for listening. Audio is above. Video is below. You can also listen on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. ICYMI:Lions-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

At the top, the quarterback position is being played at a ridiculously high level this 2024 season. Josh Allen has viewers on the edge of their seat. Lamar Jackson, too. Patrick Mahomes is gunning for a three-peat.Jordan Love’s ascent continues.Elsewhere, a handful of organizations continue to meander through the quarterback wilderness without a coherent map and without much hope for the future. Absolutely nothing matters more in the NFL than this position. So here at Go Long, we’re constantly trying to figure out how a team can reach such bliss.For this episode of “How the NFL Works,” I chat at length with three-time Pro Bowler and 2005 NFC Champion Matt Hasselbeck to get answers. He saw the position played at a high level as Brett Favre’s backup under Mike Holmgren and Andy Reid early in his career. Then, of course, he took over as the Seattle Seahawks starter for a decade. Hasselbeck threw for more than 36,000 yards with 212 touchdowns… and he probably should have a ring, too. (We previously chatted with Hasselbeck all about his own NFL life last season — here’s that pod.)This time, we connect some of his best stories as a player with the quarterbacks of today.On this episode…* Why Hasselbeck loves coaching high school football today. It’s more rewarding than yapping on ESPN. * The power of youth. Ignorance is bliss for these 2024 Packers, the youngest team in the NFL. He sees Love playing freely, a dangerous thing this time of year. * How has Josh Allen has balanced “Clark Kent” with “Superman?” Few understood the value of a quarterback playing free like Mike Holmgren, from Montana to Young to Favre. In the Bills quarterback, Hasselbeck sees someone who knows exactly when to take over a game. And it helps when the head coach allows that to happen. * Holmgren could be ruthless, of course. He recalls the times the coach ripped into both Favre and Reid.* Who’s the MVP of the league? Hasselbeck tells us to hold our horses. There’s a path for Baltimore’s Jackson. He loves the part of his game that nobody talks about. He’s athletic, yes. But Jackson is also making full-field reads.* What are the conversations like between KC’s Reid and Mahomes as the back-to-back champ nurses a high-ankle sprain? Hasselbeck knows Reid well and takes us right into what those 1-on-1 chats sound like.* You’ll love his analysis on the rookie quarterbacks, too. Hasselbeck is (very) high on New England’s Drake Maye. As for No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams? Not so much. He says Williams needs to look himself in the mirror and ask hard questions this offseason. Thank you for listening and sharing, everyone.The written Q&A transcript is here if that’s preferred:Go Long is your home for longform. Our goal — always — is to lift up the curtain on this sport.Past episodes of “How the NFL Works:”* S1, E7: BLITZBURGH with Levon Kirkland* S1 E6: The Domination of Chris Lindstrom* S1 E5: Inside Kenny Clark's Lair* S1 E4: 'Get a Quarterback' with Super Bowl champ and ex-NFL exec Jim Monos* S1 E3: Resurrecting a Franchise with Ron Wolf* S1 E2: Life After Football with Ryan Leaf* S1 E1: Building the 2024 Quarterback with Quincy Avery This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

The Detroit Lions lost far more than a football game to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Ford Field.Twenty-one players are now on injured reserve, and that number will likely grow to 22. It doesn’t sound good for running back David Montgomery playing again this season. In a 48-42 loss, Montgomery (MCL), Carlton Davis (jaw) and Alim McNeill (knee) all went down. So… what now?The Lions found ways to keep winning when their best defensive player Aidan Hutchinson — a DPOY-level talent — was lost for the season. With three regular-season games left, they’re grab-bagging like never before. McNeill (profiled here) and Montgomery (here) have been vital organs to Dan Campbell’s team. In line for the No. 1 seed, these Lions are in danger of falling. Here on the Ty & Bob Pod, your NFC North-centric show each week, we examine everything in detail. Hall of Fame scribe Bob McGinn has been closely watching the film of all Lion replacement players all season long. He believes panic is warranted. Still, Campbell is already doing his best via an impassioned radio hit to rally his troops. Back to eating “molded bread,” these Lions face their greatest test yet in 2024. We’ve got a loaded episode for you. After plenty of Lions discussion/analysis, we transition into the Green Bay Packers thumping the Seattle Seahawks around the 53-minute mark. It was impressive. Jordan Love is playing mistake-free football, and his playmakers are stepping up. Defensively, the pass rush is coming alive.McGinn believes the Packers have the best shot at making the Super Bowl out of all three NFC North clubs, and explains why.You’ll want to stick around for his weekly “McGinn Memory” segment. One decade later, we relive the most absurd football game of a generation: Green Bay’s NFC Championship loss to the Seahawks. We all remember Brandon Bostick’s flub — an unforgivable error to many teammates — but I pointed the finger at Mike McCarthy’s passive approach then (and now) and McGinn puts that loss on the MVP Aaron Rodgers, whom he calls “the most overrated quarterback I’ve seen” on the pod. And of course, we recap the Minnesota Vikings’ 30-12 thrashing the Bears. They’ve got an opening in the North and Brian Flores’ defense has Caleb Williams coiling on the bench.Thank you for listening everyone.Go Long subscribers can access the FULL two hours of NFC North talk. We appreciate you sharing the gift of longform with a loved one this Christmas season.Audio is above. Video is below. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

Both cities are starving for a Super Bowl. Both head coaches built their contenders from scratch.Without a doubt, the finest game this weekend will take place at Ford Field between the Buffalo Bills (10-3) and Detroit Lions (12-1). Sean McDermott and Dan Campbell may seem like polar opposites in their postgame speeches. One curses like a sailor, the other does not. But both knew they needed to flip their respective buildings — and did it their ways. Here’s a podcast discussing it all with our pal Jim Monos, the Bills’ former director of personnel.We look back at the Bills’ 44-42 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and what McDermott could’ve done differently. His timeout at the goal-line has been debated nonstop, but that’s not what we focus on this conversation.Big picture, this is a head coach who has unquestionably evolved for good since a particular series dropped one year ago. McDermott has mostly coached to win and seems determined to let Josh Allen be Josh Allen. Look no further than his fourth-and-2 moment against the Kansas City Chiefs. The loss to the Rams brought back some nightmares for some locals — should there be more January concern? This is the beauty of the NFL. Seven days later, another monster litmus test awaits. Both the Bills and Lions need this one.Monos also touches on a variety of NFL topics. Video and audio are accessible here at Go Long and inside your Apple, Spotify and YouTube feeds.At one point on the show, I mention our past chat with ex-NFL QB Chris Simms. Here’s that link.Go Long is your home for longform. Thank you for subscribing and sharing with a friend.ICYMI: ‘Kill ‘em all:’ The Sean Rhyan CodeInside the sad case of Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts: 'absolute freak' to 'major disappointment'Ty & Bob Pod: Dan Campbell's 'Northern Savages,' Packers-Lions (growing) hatred & Sam Darnold's futureMatthew Stafford, the L.A. Rams and separating fact from fictionThe Case for Joe Schoen 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 game of attrition. Injuries are a fact of life.Some teams nosedive into irrelevancy when starters go down.Some tread water.Then, there’s the Detroit Lions. GM Brad Holmes, head coach Dan Campbell and the entire pro scouting staff scan the veteran market better than anyone in the league. As a result, they’re 12-1 and in line for the NFC’s No. 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

Think back to the moments that introduced you to the sport. We can all recall a play or a game that showed us why football is different. For us 90’s kids, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ belligerent “Blitzburgh” defenses were unforgettable. Greg Lloyd and Kevin Greene were wild men who set the tone — and they weren’t alone. On this episode of “How the NFL Works,” we explore what made this group special with the (massive) inside linebacker on those teams: Levon Kirkland.At 280, he could both tattoo running backs and run down the seam with tight ends. As the 2024 Steelers start to resemble a legitimate contender, it felt like a good week to go back in time. As much as the sport has changed — year to year to year — the Steelers Linebacker persists. Kirkland invites listeners into the time machine to those 90s, shares more stories about his friend Lloyd and offers his thoughts on both the Steelers of today and Clemson’s football team where he works in player development. Audio is above, and we’ll share a written Q&A later.Thank you for subscribing and sharing Go Long with a friend.Previous episodes of “How the NFL Works” below:* S1 E6: The Domination of Chris Lindstrom* S1 E5: Inside Kenny Clark's Lair* S1 E4: 'Get a Quarterback' with Super Bowl champ and ex-NFL exec Jim Monos* S1 E3: Resurrecting a Franchise with Ron Wolf* S1 E2: Life After Football with Ryan Leaf* S1 E1: Building the 2024 Quarterback with Quincy AveryICYMI, related stories: 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

After three crushing defeats, the Chicago Bears canned Matt Eberflus. It’s a move they should’ve made a long time ago. But as we discuss here on the Ty & Bob Pod, the issues run deeper in Chicago. The ownership is much stronger elsewhere in the NFC North, and it’s showing in the standings. So, what now? Should president Kevin Warren and GM Ryan Poles hire an offensive wiz who’ll maximize Caleb Williams’ talents or an old-school type who’ll build a team capable of exchanging body blows with Dan Campbell’s crew year-in and year-out? Contrary to Warren’s sale’s pitch, this is not the most coveted job on the market. Bears talk starts around the 22-minute mark.Sam Darnold and the Vikings were clutch. The Vikings are built the right way, and it’s showing late in games. We review their 23-22 win over Arizona at the 43-minute mark.Bob McGinn sees a very encouraging development in Wisconsin. This Matt LaFleur-led team has the muscle that so many Packers edition past lacked. His full Packers-Dolphins film breakdown starts at 1:02:00.And… yes. We’ve got to give McGinn the floor at the top of the pod. What a win for his Michigan Wolverines. He said he’s an “animal” during “The Game.” What does that look and sound like exactly? McGinn supplies the full play by play.As always, we cap with a McGinn Memory. It’s hard to play in the cold and the snow, but those teams down south also have a distinct advantage each September. All stories and all podcasts are always available to our paid subscribers. Thank you for supporting independent journalism and sharing the good word with a friend.Audio is above. Video is below.You can also catch Go Long episodes on Apple and Spotify. ICYMI:Russ is back... and the Pittsburgh Steelers find a new formulaSurvival Mode: The Power of Ray Davis’ PainBlack Friday Deals GALORE 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

Hey, it was a snow globe after all. Buffalo and San Francisco played in classic Western New York conditions Sunday night. Kyle Shanahan’s team continued to show zero fight.Buffalo rolled right along.At halftime, I recorded another Substack Live video with Jim Monos, the former Philadelphia Eagles scout, New Orleans Saints scout and director of personnel for the Buffalo Bills. Today, he’s the GM of the Memphis Showboats in the UFL. As always, he brings some original takes to the table. We get into several topics. * Which team in the AFC is the biggest test to Buffalo and Kansas City? * Is this truly a different Pittsburgh Steelers offense in 2024?* Bryce Young was excellent in overtime defeat vs. Tampa Bay. Monos said last week he’s been outplaying C.J. Stroud. That was the case again. A good lesson when it comes to rookie quarterbacks.* What now for Caleb Williams and the Bears?You can join our live videos any time by downloading the Substack app and flipping notifications on:As a reminder, we’ve got a “Black Friday” offer for you.New readers: Subscribe annually and we’ll send you a Go Long sweatshirt — hoodie or crew. (Email size and mailing address to golongtd@substack.com.)Current subscribers: Gift a sub to a friend or pledge to renew once your current term expires, and we’ll also send you a hoodie or crew. (Email size and mailing address to golongtd@substack.com.)Thanks, all.Our Ray Davis profile is also linked here, 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

Big Boy Football is here. It’s almost December.And all the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers keep doing is win. Combined, these three teams are 27-6. Sam Darnold fought through his inevitable midseason slump to look like the Vikes’ quarterback of 2024 and beyond. Green Bay caught a stammering 49ers team at the right time. The Lions smacked Indy, and let ‘em know. While Bob McGinn and myself strongly disagree on “taunting,” we both can’t get enough of Jahmyr Gibbs. At Lambeau, Josh Jacobs scored three touchdowns. We compare/contrast, Jacobs and Aaron Jones.And if you had to win one game, would you rather have Darnold or Jordan Love at this moment?We’ve got a loaded two hours for you.Thank you for listening.To our new readers, a paid membership gets you access to everything. Our holiday deal is live. Make the move to an annual membership, and we’ll send you a Go Long sweatshirt — hoodie or crew. This same deal applies to current subscribers who’ll be renewing or would like to gift a subscription to a loved one. Email me at golongtd@substack.com. Audio is above. Video is below. Have a phenomenal Thanksgiving, everyone.Mentioned on the pod, here’s my story on the 2024 Minnesota Vikings and Darnold’s turnaround, as well as a profile of linebacker Blake Cashman and big-picture piece on Love. McGinn’s Midseason All-NFC North team is right here. As for the McGinn Memory? Bob looks back to the majestic dominance of Ronnie Lott and Jerry Rice, specifically this touchdown by Rice vs. the Packers in 1987. 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 Anthony Richardson Experience continues to give viewers vertigo. This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.Those New York Giants have (again) entered the Tommy Cutlet stage of regret. What’s next for Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll?Elsewhere, Jordan Love keeps winning, Bryce Young has a moment of promise and Bo Nix is everything our special guest predicted.Here’s our latest Substack Live recording at Go Long. I’m joined by Jim Monos — the former NFL exec/scout — to make sense of Week 12 in the NFL. He lived these quarterback decisions and offers a very fresh perspective. I’ll continue to record these videos throughout the rest of the season. If you’d like to watch live and ask questions, be sure to download the Substack app and turn notifications on: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

Good afternoon, readers! The goal is to take you beyond the press conference as much as possible. Sometimes, that means brokering a meeting over cheese curds.On our most recent trip to Wisconsin, Go Long brought LeRoy Butler and Evan Williams together for a first (football) date. It was an incredible night. At The Lodge — not too far from Lambeau Field — the Pro Football Hall of Fame safety and the Packers rookie talked ball for a solid two hours. Be sure to read our full story here, icymi.Had some time here before the Week 12 games kicked off — thanks to Mrs. Go Long, as always — so figured I’d splice up some audio for those who’d like to listen to these two banter and dive into the X’s and O’s. Go Long is nearing its four-year anniversary.Thank you for making us your completely independent home for longform journalism.Recent stories, icymi…* The Great Anthony Richardson Debate: One scout says "He cannot play quarterback." One says "Sky’s the limit. Probably more Lamar Jackson with a little bit of Josh Allen thrown in there." Bob McGinn explores the NFL's greatest mystery.* Q&A, Chris Lindstrom and the art of offensive-line war: Nobody plays the position better. What makes the Falcons guard special? He takes you into his world. (Video/Audio here.)* Killer instinct, found: They're bound to see the Kansas City Chiefs again. That's how it works for Josh Allen, Sean McDermott and the Buffalo Bills. Sunday's 30-21 win is proof that 2024 could have a different ending.* Kenny Clark: 'I want to hold that trophy' (And the audio here.)* ‘Twenty-one months ago, I was dead:’ Go Long chats again with the man who came back to life. Damar Hamlin knows he's only getting started: "I really see myself as one of the best safeties in this league." 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

His job is thankless. Seventy thousand fans filling a stadium are not fixating their binoculars on No. 63 in black. But his job is exceptionally important to the entire operation. Down-in and down-out, he is the player unlocking doors in the offense. That’s why the Atlanta Falcons made him the highest-paid guard in NFL history last year at five years, $102.5 million.Meet Chris Lindstrom, the best offensive guard in the NFL.On this episode of “How the NFL Works, Lindstrom explains his job in meticulous detail. A profession that is equal parts brain and brawn. True, he must pummel linebackers into the turf. But being the best guard in football demands far more thinking than anyone knows. Lindstrom explains everything that goes into a wide-zone run, the “flow state,” how he harnesses intensity, how he bulked up in college, the toughest defensive tackles he’s ever faced and a ton more. This has been a peculiar season for the Falcons, obviously. We sat down with GM Terry Fontenot ahead of their wild offseason. Since then, the mandate’s been clear. This team expects to win in 2024 — and beyond — with their quarterback of the present (Kirk Cousins) and the future (Michael Penix Jr.) on the roster. One Thursday Night Football shootout against Tampa Bay supplied plenty of hope. But after racing to 6-3, the Falcons have backtracked with a pair of losses. They’ll try to get back on track against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. It’ll sure help to have Lindstrom — PFF’s No. 1-rated guard into 2024 — paving the way.You can watch the video of our conversation above. If audio is preferred, just click that icon to the left of the screen on your desktop. This episode is also available on our Apple, Spotify and YouTube channels.Here is the written Q&A transcript:Thanks, all!Go Long is your forever home for longform journalism in pro football. Previous episodes of “How the NFL Works” below: * S1, E5: Inside Kenny Clark's Lair* S1 E4: 'Get a Quarterback' with Super Bowl champ and ex-NFL exec Jim Monos* S1 E3: Resurrecting a Franchise with Ron Wolf* S1 E2: Life After Football with Ryan Leaf* S1 E1: Building the 2024 Quarterback with Quincy Avery This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.comThis isn’t the first time a Green Bay Packers-Chicago Bears football game came down to the final kick.Nor will it be the last. We take you deep into the 20-19 Packers win with Hall of Fame scribe Bob McGinn on this edition of the Ty & Bob Pod. As always, McGinn meticulously breaks down the film. Christian Watson enjoyed his finest day as a Packer. Xavie…

ORCHARD PARK, NY — Buffalo and Kansas City will meet again in January.Because of course they will.That’s how this rivalry works. Then — and only then — will the Bills truly feel satisfied knocking off Patrick Mahomes. But Sunday evening’s 30-21 triumph still felt like a major step in the right direction for Sean McDermott’s team. In sum, they played to win. They let their own virtuoso at the position, Josh Allen, take over on fourth and 2. I’ll have a column from the game at Go Long Monday AM. Until then, here’s an instant reaction video with Jim Monos, the team’s former director of personnel and 2009 Super Bowl champ with the Saints. If you haven’t yet, be sure to download the app and catch future Substack Live videos, 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