unCovering the Birds with Jeff McLane

The A.J. Brown trade - were the Eagles winners or losers? | Reaction & analysis 01.06.2026 26m

A.J. Brown is officially an Eagle no more! We knew the move was coming for weeks, if not months, but that doesn't make the departure of the Pro Bowl wide receiver and Super Bowl champion any less jarring. The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane and Dave Murphy react to general manager Howie Roseman's trade with the New England Patriots. unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

OTA recap and reactions | Practice plays, press conferences, and projections 28.05.2026 39m

Feast your ears and eyes! This week's organized team activities in South Philadelphia marked the first look at the 2026 edition of the Eagles. The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane and Olivia Reiner check in and report on the sounds and sights from practices and press conferences that could offer clues about the direction the Eagles are headed as preparations begin for next season. 00:00 OTA’s are here and it’s time to react 01:45 Parsing through Jalen Hurts’ first offseason comments about A.J. Brown 07:44 More about Hurts and leadership 15:06 First impressions of Sean Mannion’s offense 24:24 From Andrew Mukuba to the offensive line, recapping noteworthy practice takeaways 36:48 Will A.J. Brown be here after June 1st? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

Ertz keeps the faith | How struggles led beloved tight end to find a higher calling 21.05.2026 34m

By all accounts, Zach Ertz is one of the most beloved players in modern Eagles history. Not only does he rank statistically as the top tight end to ever play for the team, he caught the decisive touchdown to bring Philadelphia its first Super Bowl victory, earned multiple Pro Bowl selections, and was regarded as a locker room leader. But for as strong a mark as he left on the city, Ertz had a couple tough moments with the franchise, experiences that caused him to look inward and face his demons. During a recent visit with The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, the 35-year old Ertz reflected on how finding strength through faith helped him overcome an embarrassing mistake and bring greater balance to his life. 00:00 The infamous olé 06:00 Overcoming shame 12:04 Finding faith 22:15 A frosty, tense finish to a memorable run 32:00 Could there be a comeback? LINKS - Jeff’s feature on Zach Ertz: https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/zach-ertz-knee-injury-rehab-hall-of-fame-20260413.html - Zach Ertz’s olé block on Cincinnati Bengal Vontaze Burfict: https://x.com/CrossingBroad/status/805477126141079553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E805477126141079553%7Ctwgr%5Ec2e4d682ec7b00e13d68f4f9414773542e629d98%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fjawnville.com%2F2016%2F12%2F05%2Fzach-ertz%2F unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

From first-time players to new coaches, the earliest of impressions | Eagles rookie camp recap 04.05.2026 45m

The Eagles held a rookie minicamp over the weekend, which means that, for the first time this offseason, there are actual on-field football things to talk about! The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Olivia Reiner were on hand, and share what they learned from practice observations and locker room conversations. Plus, Jeff gives context to the recent departures of two key members of general manager Howie Roseman’s front office staff. 00:00 Eagles rookies report to camp! 01:26 Olivia’s [very brief] takeaways from A.J. Brown’s youth football camp 02:15 Analyzing the Makai Lemon first-round pick and some early indicators of his intangibles 11:33 The intrigue surrounding second-round tight end selection Eli Stowers 19:50 Will the Jonathan Greenard trade pay dividends? 25:08 Loose ends about later-round acquisitions 31:05 What the departures of Alec Halaby and Bryce Johnston mean for the Eagles' front office unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

How should the Eagles attack the draft? | Analysis with Devin Jackson 20.04.2026 51m

The Eagles have a solid stash of draft picks (8) and, for a team just one season removed from winning the Super Bowl, a lot of positions that need to be addressed. Several elite members of the offensive line could be on the verge of retirement, while the wide receiver corps appears destined to lose a dynamic member. After bolstering the defense in the early rounds of the draft in recent years, will general manager Howie Roseman pivot this spring? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Devin Jackson combine their reporting and analysis to forecast how the Eagles might attack the 2026 NFL Draft, which gets underway Thursday in Pittsburgh. 00:00 How should the Eagles attack the draft? 03:45 Offensive line priorities and options 12:33 The latest on A.J. Brown and potential trade ripple effects on draft 19:07 Slim chance at top tight end 30:51 But what about the defensive prospects… 41:57 Finding third-day gems 45:38 Could there be…a quarterback worth considering? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

Talking A.J. Brown, the draft, and more Eagles football with the Gov | Josh Shapiro interview 10.04.2026 25m

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is a die-hard Eagles fan, and just like you, he’s got takes on the offseason, A.J. Brown, Jalen Hurts, and stadium plans. By the nature of his day job, however, he’s also ecstatic that Pittsburgh will become the epicenter of the NFL universe in two weeks, when the Steel City hosts the draft. It marks the second time in 10 years the Commonwealth has welcomed the marquee event. Which positions does Shapiro think the Eagles should address? How about whether the team needs to move on from Brown? Shapiro discusses these topics and more, including owner Jeffrey Lurie’s recent remarks about Lincoln Financial Field’s future, with The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane. 00:00 Talking Birds with the Gov 02:14 How will a Philly guy be received in Pittsburgh during the NFL Draft? 06:30 What should Howie Roseman do when the Eagles are on the clock? 09:54 “I freaking love [A.J. Brown] wants the ball” 11:27 Jalen Hurts and the treatment he gets from fans 14:29 Special Eagles memories 19:06 Reaction to Jeffrey Lurie’s recent stadium remarks 22:12 Predictions for the Eagles’ 2026 season unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

Truths (and half-truths?) from Jeffrey Lurie's annual address | Owners meeting recap 02.04.2026 55m

The annual NFL owners meetings has become the only event of year the Philadelphia Eagles formally make owner Jeffrey Lurie available to meet with reporters. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane covered the event, and puts Lurie’s recent remarks - from new stadium speculation to Lurie’s commitment to quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver AJ Brown - under the microscope with columnist Marcus Hayes. 00:00 Truths (and lies?) from Jeffrey Lurie’s owners meeting press conference 02:00 Quick comments about the possibility of a new stadium 05:07 Is Nick Sirianni as safe as Lurie suggests? 12:22 How committed is Lurie to Jalen Hurts? 18:57 What Lurie’s remarks reveal about A.J. Brown’s future? 26:09 Jeff and Marcus react to ESPN’s report about Hurts 34:38 Relitigating Hurts’ impact in the locker room 44:20 Hurts’ fit in Sean Mannion’s offense unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

Last ride for the vets on offense? | What the Eagles' offseason strategy is signaling 23.03.2026 43m

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has stuck to a steady, mostly predictable formula this offseason: add depth to appropriate places via pragmatic, sensible signings. Whether his strategy stays the same moving forward remains unclear. Just last week, Roseman dipped his toes into a growing NFL trade market, and with the draft weeks away, along with the flurry of transactions that typically comes with it, perhaps he’ll find opportunities to mix up his approach. This storyline is one of several The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane plans to follow during the league’s annual meeting at the end of the month. He and colleague Mike Sielski look ahead to the questions and issues Roseman, head coach Nick Sirianni, and owner Jeffrey Lurie might face in Phoenix, AZ. 00:00 What Howie Roseman’s offseason strategy signals about the offense’s timeline 10:37 Early thoughts on how the Eagles might approach the draft 13:55 Obligatory A.J. Brown update 24:32 Sydney Brown: from 3rd-round pick to trade asset 31:32 Why EDGE rusher and the pass rush have become the biggest defensive concerns of the offseason 38:36 Could Roseman have a trick up his sleeve? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

Free agency | What’s happened, what could happen next 13.03.2026 47m

NFL free agency is underway, and the first week was kind of...just nuts and bolts for the Eagles. Howie Roseman made sensible, measured decisions, highlighted by a major investment in homegrown defensive talent and the smart, short-term signing of a proven corner back. Compared to past years, though, Howie SZN has been relatively chill. What does this initial strategy foreshadow for the rest of the offseason? Could the roster still undergo dramatic change before spring workouts begin? And how does the A.J. Brown situation affect the Eagles’ personnel approach? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane is joined by colleague Jeff Neiburg, as they evaluate Roseman’s moves and analyze their implications. 00:00 Reading tea leaves from the first week of free agency 02:07 Ripple effects from free agent departures, and the need for depth at EDGE 12:52 The Jihaad Campbell question mark and Riq Woolen signing 21:05 What’s going on with Dallas Goedert? 28:40 More on Davis and what his new contract means for Jalen Carter 39:07 The latest on A.J. Brown unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

Albert Breer forecasts free agency 05.03.2026 49m

A year ago, the Eagles’ roster seemed sound and solid. The franchise was coming off its second Super Bowl, buoyed by electric skill position players on offense and young, bruising talent on defense. Following a disappointing 2025 season, the personnel situation feels anything but stable. A.J. Brown might be on the trading block. Key contract decisions loom. Several positions could use an upgrade. In other words, the time is yours, Howie Roseman. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Sports Illustrated’s NFL senior writer Albert Breer offer an Eagles free agency forecast days before the craziness gets underway. 00:00 The most consequential free agency season of Howie Roseman’s career? 01:30 A national view of the Eagles heading into free agency 05:25 Jalen Phillips, Max Crosby, and the edge rusher market 16:59 Dallas Goedert’s value on the open market, and to the Eagles 21:51 Tough choices on Nakobe Dean and Reed Blankenship 25:15 A.J. Brown combine gossip; what are the Eagles asking? 35:28 To extend or not to extend; the Jalen Hurts question 41:25 In hindsight…Milton Williams vs. Jalen Carter unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

Howie Roseman, Nick Sirianni speak! 24.02.2026 38m

AJ Brown’s future, Sean Mannion’s hiring as offensive coordinator, Jeff Stoutland’s awkward exit, the Eagles’ strategy for free agency and the draft. These storylines have dominated the Eagles’ offseason. More than a month after the team’s unceremonious exit from the playoffs, its top two decision makers finally weighed in on these topics as well. Ahead of this week’s NFL combine, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Olivia Reiner participated in a beat reporters-only interview session with general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni. Listen as they discuss their main takeaways. 00:00 Roseman and Sirianni speak! 01:13 Roseman and Sirianni address the AJ Brown situation 10:26 Sirianni indicates the offense will be different under new coordinator Sean Mannion 20:15 Sirianni gives his side of the Jeff Stoutland story 26:34 How coaching changes could affect Howie Roseman’s offseason personnel strategy unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

A.J. Brown, Sean Mannion's impact, and contract decisions: what the league will be saying about the Eagles at the combine 19.02.2026 55m

The offseason is about to blast into full swing and, unlike this time a year ago, the Eagles are surrounded by question marks. On the heels of the team’s failed bid for another Super Bowl, coaching changes ensued, which are expected to usher in a significant philosophical pivot on offense. But with next week’s scouting combine approaching, the Eagles, along with the rest of the NFL, will start to focus more on personnel decisions. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane has covered plenty of combines, and knows where and how to dig up juicy intel. He and Inquirer colleague David Murphy examine Eagles storylines that figure to be front and center when the league descends on Indianapolis. 00:00 Getting gossip at the NFL’s biggest power broker mixer of the year 02:36 Forecasting A.J. Brown’s future 13:34 Which Eagles free agents could stay, go 20:55 Contract extensions and their implications on the defensive line 29:45 Diving into Sean Mannion and his scheme 37:01 How much will the Eagles change the offense? 44:20 Closing the book on Jeff Stoutland’s exit, Chris Kuper’s hiring unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

Stoutland, Fangio, Mannion: What Jeff’s been hearing at the Super Bowl 05.02.2026 50m

The Eagles failed to make it back to the Super Bowl this year, but, as The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane can vouch for during his trip to the Bay Area, the team is still dominating conversations around the league. That’s because in the past week, the Eagles hired a new offensive coordinator, parted ways with a revered assistant, and, much to their relief, got word from their defensive guru that he’ll be returning for another season. Jeff checks in from San Francisco to talk with The Inquirer’s Olivia Reiner, as the two sift through what they’ve been hearing and what fans can expect now that the Eagles’ coaching staff is rounding into form. 00:00 Jeff Stoutland’s exit, and its “messy” handling 14:55 With Stout out, could Lane Johnson be next? 17:11 Why Vic Fangio came back 27:30 Jeff McLane talks with Klint Kubiak about pupil Sean Mannion 30:15 What Jeff and Olivia know about Mannion and his potential impact on the offense, Jalen Hurts 44:40 How the Eagles’ coaching moves reflect on Nick Sirianni unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason, including breaking news updates and reactions.

The Eagles' offensive coordinator search, Jalen Hurts, and more with The Athletic's Michael Silver 28.01.2026 42m

Banged up offensive line? Underperforming star skill players? A quarterback who failed to lift his team? The 2025 edition of the Philadelphia Eagles checked all those boxes on offense. Sure, you could make a scapegoat out of the first-time offensive coordinator, but placing the blame squarely at the feet of Kevin Patullo would misrepresent the extent of the Eagles’ problems. The Athletic’s Michael Silver recently wrote an article about the Eagles’ offensive woes, and, in a conversation with The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, framed these issues in the context of the franchise’s ongoing search for Patullo’s replacement. 00:00 Why is the Eagles' offensive coordinator search taking so long? 13:27 Factors that prompted Mike McDaniel and Brian Daboll to pass on Eagles 19:00 The Jalen Hurts effect 28:45 The national media perspective on Hurts 32:37 Could Jeff Stoutland's responsibilities be changing? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason, including breaking news updates and reactions. And here’s a link to Mike Silver’s article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6976115/2026/01/16/eagles-offense-jalen-hurts-nick-sirianni-aj-brown/

What do Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman really think of Nick Sirianni? 16.01.2026 41m

There was a lot said during the Eagles’ end-of-season news conference, but nothing stood out more to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane than a comment general manager Howie Roseman made about his head coach, Nick Sirianni. What did Roseman say, and why was it so noteworthy? McLane and Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes read between the lines in this recap of Roseman and Sirianni’s Q&A with reporters. 00:00 What did Howie Roseman say? 17:43 Front office power dynamics between Roseman, Nick Sirianni, and Jeffrey Lurie 23:24 Kevin Patullo, Jalen Hurts, and the blame game 33:17 Will A.J. Brown be here next year? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason, including breaking news updates and reactions.

The Day After: What's next? 12.01.2026 46m

The Eagles might have been disappointed, but deep down, they likely weren’t surprised. The team that showed up in a 23-19 Wild Card loss to the San Francisco 49ers was the version of the team the Eagles had been for most of the 2025 season. Good enough on defense, yet woefully ineffective on offense. Instead of rebooting repeat Super Bowl dreams, the Eagles’ matchup with the 49ers marked the fitting end to a frustrating season. From an inconsistent quarterback to an inexperienced playcaller who too often was overmatched, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Dave Murphy sort through the factors that contributed to the Eagles’ early playoff exit, and quickly shift their focus to potential changes looming in the offseason. 00:00 The Eagles were who they knew they were all along 02:17 Intel about Kevin Patullo’s future 09:23 Jalen Hurts’ shortcomings exposed 20:17 What should the Eagles do with A.J. Brown? 26:25 More on A.J. Brown and potential replacement options 34:01 Other stay / go considerations 37:34 Will Lane Johnson retire? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason, including breaking news updates and reactions.

A Super Bowl repeat? Reasons for hope, doubt 09.01.2026 31m

A common refrain from the NovaCare Complex during the Eagles’ up-and-down 2025 regular season has been that finding ways to win, regardless of style or circumstance, is the team’s greatest strength. Based on the group’s track record, especially the past two years, the claim would be hard to dismiss. The Eagles’ belief in themselves, however, will be put to the test this weekend, when the playoffs begin Sunday with a Wild Card matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles might not be entering the postseason looking like the world-beaters that romped in last year’s Super Bowl, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of pulling off another title run. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane shares his reasons for hope and doubt for the possibility of a repeat. 00:00 Which version of the Eagles will show up Sunday? 02:22 Top reason for hope: Uncle Vic 09:06 Could Jalen Hurts run more? 13:05 The Lane Johnson effect 18:17 The biggest reason for concern... 27:43 About Kevin Patullo, and his future unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

The Day After: An early look at Eagles vs. 49ers in Wild Card round 05.01.2026 36m

Should the Eagles have rested most of their starters in Sunday’s regular season finale? After they blew a chance to jump up to the two-seed in the NFC, the question was certainly fair and ripe for debate. But the truth is, there’s nothing the Eagles can do about it now. They lost to Washington, and are subsequently locked into a Wild Card round matchup with San Francisco, an opponent with which the Eagles are very familiar. How do the teams - at first glance - matchup? What did the regular season reveal about the type of football we can expect from the Eagles in the postseason? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Mike Sielski start to forecast this weekend’s showdown at Lincoln Financial Field. 00:00 Was the rest worth it? 03:54 Did the regular season finale reveal anything new about Kevin Patullo, Tanner McKee? 14:53 What should Tank Bigsby’s role be in the playoffs? 20:45 Sizing up the 49ers 31:21 Do the Eagles have enough for another Super Bowl run? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

The Day After: Can the Eagles sustain this formula for another deep playoff run? 29.12.2025 26m

With only one game to go in the regular season and the playoffs looming, there’s little reason to think the Eagles’ offense will or is capable of changing its stripes. The defense, on the other hand, continues to prove its dominance (as it did again in Buffalo), regardless of which players it has available, or the opponent it faces. This combination, while imperfect, has still positioned the Eagles for a top-three postseason seed. But will the formula be enough for the franchise to duplicate last winter’s Super Bowl run this year? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Olivia Reiner weigh in. 00:00 Acceptance; this is what the Eagles are 02:14 What the heck happened to the offense in the second half? 09:35 How should the Eagles approach their offense moving forward? 14:10 A defense capable of carrying a team 19:20 To rest or not; the tradeoffs unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

The Day After (the day after): Are the Eagles really playing their best? 22.12.2025 37m

Are the Eagles really playing their best football of the season? That was their head coach’s claim following the team’s solid performance against Washington last weekend. But despite the Eagles outscoring the opposition by a combined 60-18 margin in back-to-back wins, trends are emerging with both promising and cautionary implications. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Jeff Neiburg highlight these developments, and address whether they agree with Nick Sirianni’s current assessment of the defending Super Bowl champs. 00:00 Nick Sirianni says the Eagles are playing their best football. Is he right? 10:20 Shades of 2024 - Saquon Barkley and the run game are looking great 18:40 Handing out three defensive stars 27:17 Should the Eagles start looking for another kicker? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.