Podcast
Go Long
Hosted by Tyler Dunne · EN
NFL longform journalism worth your time. We aim to take you places others will not.
www.golongtd.com
www.golongtd.com
38episodes
Episodes
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Real Football: Could this whole Aaron Rodgers-Mike McCarthy thing work? A hearty debate...
1w ago01:29:45Tap to summarizeAaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy are together again. What a difference seven years make, eh? The Pittsburgh Steelers refuse to rebuild, so they’ll roll with a fading great who turns 43 years old this season. McCarthy evolved in Dallas, escaped the Jerry World rot and will try to squeeze a little more magic out of his old QB. He doesn’t need to do this. What an opportunity the coach had to develop someone else.But while one ex-Packer sees squabbling between the two as inevitable, another offers a different prediction. And my co-host Jim Monos is downright giddy. This was a fun episode of “Real Football.” OTAs can offer funky headlines. Our charge this week is simple: Which team has you legitimately excited? Monos explains why he’s in on the Steelers changes and sees hope in Tennessee. Our former NFL scout/exec says Cam Ward is the most talented quarterback in the AFC South. Meanwhile, I like how Kevin O’Connell pivoted his Vikings. Kyler Murray is set up to succeed. Maybe this is all being sold as a “competition” at quarterback. Murray was brought in to start and contend. We delve into Monos’ take that O-Line is overvalued by NFL GMs, my take on Jaxson Dart and other topics, too.Video and audio is above. You can also catch this episode on our Apple, Spotify and YouTube channels. Be sure to rate, review and share if you enjoy. Paid subscribers can access all future episodes of the show. Miss anything in print this past week?* He’s been patronized, mocked, dismissed by the football world. None of it stopped one of the sport’s smallest players. Now, it’s time to bring life to decrepit MetLife and awaken the Giants. My profile of Calvin Austin III is here.* A few thoughts on the topic du jour. No, Jaxson Dart did not nuke the locker room.* Drafting linemen high is a waste of time if you don’t have a quarterback. Monos column 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
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Why the Miami Dolphins slammed the reset button
2w ago00:33:45Tap to summarizeNew GM. New head coach. New quarterback. Oh, the Miami Dolphins are also eating nearly $200 million in dead money.This is an organization long overdue for such a complete reset. Jon-Eric Sullivan, Jeff Hafley and Malik Willis all travel from frigid Wisconsin to South Florida in an attempt to build something special from scratch.I spent time in Florida on our most recent reporting trip for features you’ll see as training camps close in. Enjoyed two very compelling conversations. In the meantime, I thought it’d be a good time to catch up Kyle Crabbs of Touchdown, Miami! here on Substack for a podcast episode. Kyle does an excellent job analyzing everything Dolphins. We look back at where things went wrong for Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa after rocketing to 10,000 feet in Year 1 and why it’s smart for this team to cleanse the locker room. Out is Tyreek Hill, Jalen Ramsey and other highly compensated vets who weren’t particularly the best leaders. Out is Tua. In are players, in theory, who are the polar opposite on and off the field.For too long, this roster’s been a mere collection of talent. Maybe now the Dolphins can build a true team. Go Long strives to deliver raw storytelling and bring you real pro football.We also rely completely on your support. Thank you for reading, subscribing and sharing with a friend. ICYMI: Joe Brady takes charge, Part I: ‘I’ll set my jaw’Joe Brady takes charge, Part II: ‘They’ve got to play us’‘My chip is deeper:’ Our 1 on 1 with Bills GM Brandon Beane 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
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The Jaxson Dart Plan: State of the New York Giants with Ed Valentine...
4w ago00:43:33Tap to summarizeOffseason hope tends to get choked out by regular-season realities for the New York Giants.Yet with John Harbaugh, there are tangible reasons for optimism. I chatted with some people inside the building for this recent piece. It sure sounds like Harbaugh and GM Joe Schoen are in lockstep — don’t be surprised if contracts get aligned. The two have worked well together. To take a closer look at the roster itself, let’s welcome Ed Valentine onto the Go Long Pod. Valentine is the man behind Big Blue View at SB Nation and Valentine’s Views on the Big Blue YouTube channel. He always brings strong institutional knowledge and insight as a man who’s covered everything from Super Bowl triumphs to Joe Judge-orchestrated quarterback sneaks. We discuss this shift from Brian Daboll to John Harbaugh, what to expect out of Jaxson Dart in Year 2 and all of the moves the Giants made around their young quarterback this offseason. There’s logic to follow. Video and audio is accessible above. Thanks, all.We’d love it if you helped grow our community today. We’ve got three recent columns available to paid subscribers live at Go Long here, icymi: Mike McCarthy doesn’t need to do thisThere’s some Azeez Al-Shaair in all of usWhy this feels real for the New York Giants 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
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Will the Green Bay Packers be better or worse in 2026? A chat with Mike Tanier...
4w ago00:47:26Tap to summarizeWe are both wearing gray Under Armour shirts. This was not planned. Apologies for the uniformed visual. As it pertains to the prospects of these 2026 Green Bay Packers… our views differ.Always enjoy welcoming on Mike Tanier of Too Deep Zone. This week, Tanier authored a critical look at the Packers — he sees a sharp decline coming. Here at Go Long, we’ve examined the psychology of the the team through Javon Bullard’s eyes and Brian Gutekunst’s construction. So, it felt like a perfect time for a hearty discussion/debate on the state of this team. Tanier dissects holes on the depth chart, whereas I put the onus on the head coach needing to maximize a new temperament in the building. Video and audio is above. Unfortunately, I could not coax Tanier into any hockey talk, but here’s a clip of Brian Campbell sending R.J. Umberger into next Tuesday.Thanks, all. Note: I’m still getting some excellent mailbag questions. If you’d like to submit one, fire away at golongtd@substack.com. Also, here is today’s story on why we could all listen to our inner Azeez Al-Shaair, 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
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Real Football: Sean McVay's tears, Ty Simpson, GM'ing in 2026 & analysis on the Buffalo Bills picks
Apr 2801:27:04Tap to summarizeSean McVay is happy. Just ask him. Don’t worry about it. See his smile? See? See?!Ah, I always love when a bit of raw honesty makes its way to the podium after a draft pick. Everyone who saw the Los Angeles Rams head coach after the team selected Ty Simpson 13th overall pick could tell he was not well. For Simpson, it’s a best-case scenario. What does this mean for the Rams? And Quarterback Hunting in general? The No. 1 storyline from the 2026 draft is the first topic discussed here on “Real Football” with my co-host, longtime NFL personnel man Jim Monos. We examine from all angles.Taking everything into account, is it best to trade up or trade down? How should a general manager proceed in today’s game?We take a close look at the Buffalo Bills’ draft selections, too. GM Brandon Beane did both with his first two choices: Clemson’s T.J. Parker and Ohio State’s Davison Igbinosun. Selections that further reflect the vision to attack post-McDermott. Monos spent time in the Bills front office and offers full analysis on the Bills’ picks after studying the film. He also shares one wild tale from the Philadelphia Eagles war room that involves a certain “FredEx.” (Not everyone’s on-board with decisions made.)Don’t look now, but the Cleveland Browns are quietly adding some talent. Now, about that quarterback…Video and audio is above. Go Long is completely fueled by you. Your support directly supports out independent journalism. Thank you for joining and growing 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
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2026 Pre-Draft Bash: Live from Wayland Brewing Company with Jim Monos
Apr 2300:49:36Tap to summarizeA huge thank you to everyone who headed out to Wayland Brewing Company in Orchard Park, NY for this spring’s pre-draft bash. Wings, beers, many football stories. It was a hell of a time. I’ll be sure to schedule more in-person hangouts into the future.Before all festivities, Jim Monos and myself dinged the record button for one more pod ahead of the draft. Video and audio of that replay is above. Where will Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love go? I wrote a column on the matter and get Monos’ thoughts as a longtime NFL scout. Also, we discuss the pros ‘n cons of this year’s wide receiver class. One scout was particularly scathing when it came to Jordan Tyson, a prospect who seems to have gained traction late. Monos weighs in. You’ll also want to hear my co-host’s analysis of KC Concepcion. Mostly, we get into organizational structure and how the draft works inside a building.Our audio sadly cut out when I shared an insane Jerry Jones story inside the draft room. Relive the surreal scene here. One major takeaway from our first live show at Wayland? The wings are severely underrated. Thanks to those who hung out on Substack Live remotely and everyone who made the trip locally. Let’s keep the party going inside the chat all three days of the draft. Go Long is powered by you.Thank you for your support. 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
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Is the time NOW for the New York Giants? A chat with Joe Praino...
Apr 2100:43:12Tap to summarizeHate being Everyone Won This Trade guy, but I do think this year’s pre-draft blockbuster makes perfect sense for both parties.The Cincinnati Bengals need to fix the league’s saddest defense. Dexter Lawrence could be the piece that gets this team back into the Super Bowl, on the heels of strong free-agent signings. For a team trying to win now, he offers more value than a raw prospect in a draft lacking star power.The New York Giants have a chance to create a team in John Harbaugh’s vision. At No. 5 and No. 10 overall, they can infuse a better-than-most-think roster with two promising pieces. Harbaugh was the top candidate on the market. How soon can he work his magic? Exactly one year ago, I chatted with comedian Joe Praino of the excellent Dirty Sports Podcast. Let’s just say Joe’s mood has changed. Significantly. He’s feeling damn good about these Giants. We get into Brian Daboll’s (unfortunate) coaching shift, Joe Schoen’s roster construction, Jaxson Dart’s ceiling and everything else. Video and audio are above, and you can also subscribe to the Go Long channels on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. And be sure to make Joe’s “Dirty Sports” part of the podcast rotation. Both Joe and Andy Ruther bring a perfect flair of insight and entertainment. Loved popping on their show earlier this offseason.New here? As always, we’d love it if you decided to join our community today as a paid subscriber. Keep it plugged into Go Long for full coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft. If you live in Western New York, join us at Wayland Brewing Company in Orchard Park, NY any time after 5 p.m. (EST) for a night of beer and football. 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
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How will the Buffalo Bills attack this 2026 NFL Draft? A chat with Jay Skurski...
Apr 1601:10:50Tap to summarizeWe can’t help ourselves. To those who aren’t on a #warpath for #BetterDays, I apologize. Inevitably, the Buffalo Sabres dominate the first 15 minutes of this podcast. This team is simply too much fun. Eventually, yes, we get into everything Buffalo Bills and NFL Draft with Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News. You can read his work here. Always enjoy lobbing questions back ‘n forth with Jay. This episode, we try to figure out which direction GM Brandon Beane and head coach Joe Brady will go in Round 1 of the draft — Edge? Nose? Linebacker? Wideout?Per usual, the conversation shifts toward the man central to everything in Orchard Park: quarterback Josh Allen. I examined Allen’s relationship with Brady in Part II of our series this week and go a little deeper here as well. There’s plenty of Brady talk and Beane talk as we make sense of a 2026 Bills team facing very real and clear expectations: It’s the Super Bowl. Appreciate everyone who joined this broadcast on Substack Live. You can catch future live recordings by downloading the Substack app and turning notifications on: Be sure to subscribe to get everything in full, including Bob McGinn’s 42nd annual draft series. He talked to scouts around the country to give you the unfiltered look at this year’s prospects. Links here.ICYMI, here’s my two-parter on Joe Brady:Part I: ‘I’ll set my jaw’Part II: ‘They’ve got to play us’ 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
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Real Football: On Joe Brady, best sports atmospheres, who we love/hate in the NFL Draft
Apr 1501:16:56Tap to summarizeWe’re one week away, folks.Soon, mocks become reality. A glorious thing. Here on Real Football — with longtime NFL personnel man Jim Monos — let’s examine prospects we love and hate at the top of the draft, shall we? Be sure to use Bob McGinn’s series as a guide, too. Links are below. His reporting is stellar as always.I’ll take the blue bloods. You cannot go wrong with Caleb Downs and Carnell Tate. Monos is high on Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. As for Miami’s short-armed Rueben Bain… not so much. We explain.We also spend a good amount of time discussing Joe Brady.At Go Long, Part I of “Joe Brady takes charge is live.” I sat down with the new Buffalo Bills head coach for two hours. His rise is fascinating. Top of the pod, we banter on the best sports atmospheres we’ve ever witnessed.End of the pod, we take a stab at what the Bills are looking for in the draft. And GMs must ask themselves a very important question: Does this player truly love football?Video and audio are both above. Thank you for fueling everything here at Go Long.As a reminder, we’ll both be at Wayland Brewing Company in Orchard Park, NY on April 22. Let’s drink some beers on draft eve. Links to Bob McGinn’s 42nd annual draft series for subscribers:* Part 1, WR: Who’s the next star wideout?* Part 2, TE: Kenyon Sadiq and the hunt for matchup nightmares* Part 3, T: Why Francis Mauigoa ‘n co. may define the 2026 NFL Draft* Part 4, G/C: Why this is the year to draft a center* Part 5, QB: The Fernando Mendoza Question* Part 6, RB: Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love? ‘The best NFL prospect in this draft* Part 7, DL: Secure your space-eater* Part 8, Edge: Deep 2026 class promises to torment quarterbacks* Part 9, LB: How should an NFL team unleash Arvell Reese?* Part 10, CB: McCoy? Delane? Hood? Inside the debate at the top...* Part 11, S: Why Caleb Downs, a ‘slam dunk,’ is one of the best players in the NFL Draft* Part 12, ST: The kicking revolution is 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
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NFL Draft Confidential with Chris Simms
Apr 700:36:16Tap to summarizeThe draft industrial complex is too often riddled with asbestos. Groupthink settles in, marinates and few analysts are willing to think outside the box in fear of social-media condemnation.Then, there’s Chris Simms. He sincerely does not give a damn. I suppose that’s what happens when the sport itself nearly kills you.What a pleasure to welcome a former Bleacher Report colleague back onto the Go Long Podcast. You can catch Simms daily on PFT Live and his Unbuttoned podcast, of course. He combines sharp insight, strong connections and his own eight-year pro career to bring the masses authentic coverage of this sport. Go Long OGs may remember our last conversation with Simms five years ago. We relived that traumatic moment in Tampa Bay:This time, the focus is obviously the 2026 NFL Draft.Topics include: * How Chris Simms studies the draft each year. His takes are always fresh — what does his process look like?* Patrick Mahomes. Once upon time, Simms was a lone ranger in his affection for the Texas Tech quarterback. What did he see that most draftniks missed? Hint: It’s probably the same thing Terry Pegula saw.* Why he is all, all, all-in on Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. The name “Joe Burrow” is seamlessly worked into his analysis.* Which prospects does Simms LOVE? He’s a big fan of one dimunutive slot receiver.* Psychos. You still need them in today’s game. Which prospect reminds him of Micah Parsons? * His take on the Buffalo Bills’ offseason, specifically the infusion of D.J. Moore into this offense. Video and audio is above. You can also access this episode on our Apple, Spotify and YouTube channels. Will get to transcribing both this conversation and our pod with Matt Hasselbeck for those who prefer words. Also: Bob McGinn’s 42nd annual draft series is almost wrapped up. Today, he breaks down Caleb Downs and the safety prospects. New here? Upgrade to a paid subscription to read in full. 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
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