unCovering the Birds with Jeff McLane

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  Inside the Eagles' Landon Dickerson dilemma | Week 2 vs. Titans 18.09.2026 22min

  Landon Dickerson has made a career of fighting through injuries and pain, last season being the latest instance. But after the left guard looked like a shell of himself Week 1 vs. Washington, the Eagles decided to shut him down - at least for now. With Dickerson landing on injured reserve, The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane explains why, this time around, he and the Eagles are taking the cautious route. Jeff also shares what he's heard about how the Eagles might fill Dickerson's void on the offensive line, and takes listener questions in this week's mailbag segment. 00:00 The Landon Dickerson dilemma: injury history, replacements, long-term outlook 17:40 Why isn’t Makai Lemon lower on the depth chart? 19:40 Should we be worried about the defensive line? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.
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  Is this a fresher Jalen Hurts? | The Day After: Eagles vs. Commanders 14.09.2026 33min

  The Eagles eked out a season-opening win over the Washington Commanders thanks, in large part, to Jalen Hurts channeling the elements of his game that make him so dangerous. But when it comes to other areas of the offense, concerns from last year still linger. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and David Murphy assess Hurts’ performance, Sean Mannion’s debut as offensive coordinator, and warning signs on the offensive line. 00:00 Shades of 2022 Jalen Hurts??? 12:56 Concerns about Landon Dickerson and the offensive line 20:38 Sean Mannion’s first game, and thoughts on Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers 30:46 Did the defense live up to expectations? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.
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  Are DeVonta Smith, Eagles receivers ready for their moment? | Week 1 vs. Commanders 10.09.2026 23min

  The regular season is almost here! All the preseason talk has been about Jalen Hurts and new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. But there’s somebody else who will have a big say in how high the Eagles fly. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane explains why this year, in the absence of traded star A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith has to take the next step, while also taking charge of the Eagles’ wide receivers group. Plus, Jeff dips into the mailbag for listener questions about Jalen Hurts and some key roster spots. 00:00 Is DeVonta Smith ready to fill A.J. Brown’s shoes? 17:00 Yes, the Jalen Hurts scrutiny is justified 19:07 Biggest candidates to disappoint, surprise this season unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season. We're always looking for mailbag questions! Hit Jeff up on his socials, or drop a question in the comments. Jeff could answer it in a future episode!
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  Talent and question marks | Eagles 2026 regular season roster analysis 02.09.2026 36min

  The Eagles’ regular season roster is set - for now. How ready is the team for the new year, and will the talent be enough for the Eagles to get back to Super Bowl contention? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Mike Sielski examine general manager Howie Roseman’s final roster decisions in the aftermath of cutdown day. 00:00 Eagles’ 2026 regular season roster overview 04:10 How ready is the wide receiver group after A.J. Brown’s departure and Makai Lemon’s injury? 11:51 Is tight end the biggest area of concern? 21:10 The importance of the run game and offensive line 28:04 Could the defense carry the day? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.
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  Eagles or Patriots: who won the joint practices in New England? | 2026 Training Camp 21.08.2026 49min

  The Eagles’ first-stringers get little to no action in exhibition games, annual joint practices with other teams become one of the few opportunities for starters to get preseason reps of consequence. This year, the Eagles traveled to New England for two days of live workouts with the Patriots. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Boston Sports Journal’s Greg A. Bedard recap what they saw, and explain why, even after the joint practices, the Eagles still haven’t shown much of an identity. 00:00 Eagles vs. Patriots joint practices: was there a winner? 04:37 Bedard's impressions of Eagles' new offense 09:42 What will offensive coordinator Sean Mannion be able to get out of quarterback Jalen Hurts? 21:30 How has A.J. Brown looked for Patriots? 29:50 Highlighting some key one-on-one battles 36:03 Are joint practices worth it? 43:14 Jeff's mailbag unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season. We're always looking for mailbag questions! Hit Jeff up on his socials, or drop a question in the comments. Jeff could answer it in a future episode!
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  Life after Lane Johnson? | 2026 Training Camp 12.08.2026 44min

  Lane Johnson rejoined training camp this past week after a multi-day absence, but his return brought with it the announcement that 2026 is “probably” going to be his last NFL season. What does the prospect of the All-Pro’s retirement mean in both the short- and long-term? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Ryan Novozinsky take a look at what the Eagles can expect from Johnson in his 14th year as a pro, and who might be waiting in the wings to replace him. 00:00 Will this actually be Lane Johnson’s final hurrah, and if it is, who’s next? 13:42 An overdue discussion about about Saquon Barkley 26:10 Training camp stock report 38:12 Jeff’s mailbag: Makai Lemon’s status, and other key injuries unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season. We're always looking for mailbag questions! Hit Jeff up on his socials, or drop a question in the comments. Jeff could answer it in a future episode!
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  Offense vs. defense: Why one group is ahead of the other | 2026 Training Camp 06.08.2026 44min

  The Eagles are grinding their way through the second week of training camp. Some parts of the team have looked good, others remain very much a work in progress. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Jeff Neiburg assess quarterback Jalen Hurts’ play, how some of his targets are faring, and why, regardless of how the offense is coming together, the defense could be elite enough to help the Eagles contend for another title. 00:00 Jalen Hurts’ so-so start to training camp in Sean Mannion’s new offense 14:51 The importance of and questions about the offensive line 26:20 Why this defense could be good enough to position the Eagles for Super Bowl contention unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season. We're always looking for mailbag questions! Hit Jeff up on his socials, or drop a question in the comments. Jeff could answer it in a future episode!
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  The no. 1 thing Jeff and Olivia are watching | 2026 Training Camp 31.07.2026 38min

  The first two days of Eagles training camp practice in South Philadelphia are in the books. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Olivia Reiner check in with key observations and highlight emerging early storylines to kick off unCovering the Birds’ coverage of the 2026 season. 00:00 How Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense has looked under new coordinator Sean Mannion 15:10 Why the Eagles felt Jalen Carter was worthy of a new contract, and whether he’s worth it 31:21 New segment alert! Jeff’s mailbag! unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season. We're always looking for mailbag questions! Hit Jeff up on his socials, or drop a question in the comments. Jeff could answer it in a future episode!
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  Will Julian Lurie be ready to lead the Eagles? | Inside the team's succession plans 17.06.2026 27min

  Jeffrey Lurie has owned the Philadelphia Eagles, which he purchased in 1994, longer than his son, Julian, has been alive. But in recent years, the younger Lurie, heir to the franchise and now 31, has assumed a more pervasive and influential role in the organization. While the Eagles have made no secret about Julian’s increased involvement with the team, specifics about his role have been scant. In recent months, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane spoke to nearly two dozen sources on and off the record to gain a better understanding of not just who Julian Lurie is and what he does, but - most important of all - whether he’ll be ready to assume the reins as Eagles Chairman and CEO, whenever the time comes. Jeff shares the biggest takeaways from his reporting with Inquirer columnist Mike Sielski in this companion episode to Jeff’s feature article about the Eagles' succession plan, linked here: https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/a/julian-lurie-influence-eagles-ownership-succession-plan-20260617.html unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Following this episode, the podcast will be on hiatus until the start of training camp.
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  How sharp did the Eagles look? | Minicamp recap 11.06.2026 32min

  There was closure. There were opportunities to set records straight and start fresh. There was a chance for the Eagles to take the new philosophies and personnel acquired during the offseason, and give it all a test run on the field. What did the team find out about itself? How well prepared are the Eagles to hit the ground running in training camp once they return from their offseason hiatus later in the summer? The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane and Jeff Neiburg watched this week’s mandatory minicamp practices at Eagles headquarters, and analyze what they saw. 00:00 Biggest impressions of new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s scheme 09:25 Now that A.J. Brown is gone, how did the wide receiver corps look? 14:44 Jalen Hurts addresses leadership, offseason ESPN report 23:18 How good could the Eagles’ defense be? 27:57 Riq Woolen, Jalen Carter, and the EDGE rotation unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.
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  The A.J. Brown trade - were the Eagles winners or losers? | Reaction & analysis 01.06.2026 26min

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  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.
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  Albert Breer forecasts free agency 05.03.2026 49min

  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.