Go Long Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Real Football: 2024 Quarterback Class, revisited Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

Six teams placed six high-stakes bets on April 25, 2024.

It’s now Year 3 for all six quarterbacks.

With Drake Maye’s mind-boggling struggles, injuries to Caleb Williams/Jayden Daniels, more Bo Nix fourth-quarter magic, the J.J. McCarthy trade and Michael Penix’s return from another ACL, I thought it was a perfect time to discuss the 2024 quarterback class in full here on Real Football with co-host Jim Monos.

All QBs can still veer all possible directions.

We start in Foxborough where Maye’s career arc is particularly shocking.

Last season, he nearly won MVP. The North Carolina product zapped life into the entire organization and played beyond his years. Three games into this 2026 season, he’s arguably been the worst starter in the league. What happened? Can he rekindle his magic? So much about playing quarterback is rooted in confidence.

QB to QB to QB, we get to ‘em all.

Daniels is hurt, again, but hustling to get back. His first half in Dallas was encouraging. Williams had a front-row ticket to the Case Keenum Show at Soldier Field. What’s next for this quarterback we’ve tracked closely?

The Vikings found a team to take McCarthy off their hands. I explored why it didn’t work out in our Kyler Murray two-parter. Now, let’s get a scout’s perspective on Real Football.

Meanwhile, all Nix does is turn it on in the fourth quarter. Listeners of the pod remember Monos pegging Denver as the team that’d draft Nix far back as the NFL Combine that spring. He worked with Sean Payton in New Orleans. (We still like these ‘26 Broncos.)

Then, there’s Penix. Atlanta has life after clobbering the Packers. This QB is all, all, all arm.

Enjoy the show.

Thank you for growing Go Long. We’re completely fueled by you.

No ads, no gambling spam. Only your good word.

Keep an eye out for our next team deep dive very soon.

It’ll be exclusive to 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

Ty & Bob Pod S5 E3: Case Keenum’s Finest Hour Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

The full two-hour, five-minute episode is available to Go Long paid subscribers above.

If you prefer to listen on Apple or Overcast, bang it here to sync your subscription. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here.

Case Keenum defied the odds on Monday Night Football, shredding the Philadelphia Eagles for 247 yards on 24-of-34 passing with two touchdowns and no turnovers and no sacks.

How did he do it? Our Bob McGinn details on this episode of the Ty & Bob Pod.

Also, Ben Johnson must’ve enjoyed seeing a quarterback operate with such timing. This 27-7 dismantlement could have the Bears coach thinking about the short and long term.

This was a convincing punch to the 2024 champ’s mouth.

Elsewhere, the sight of a third-string quarterback lighting it up for Chicago must’ve been especially painful for the team that once tortured this team. The Green Bay Packers hit a new low in their 35-14 blowout loss to Atlanta on Thursday Night Football. McGinn explains where everything went wrong and how Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst are trying to fix the offensive line on the fly with the Laken Tomlinson and Mekhi Becton signings.

Since recording this episode, Green Bay also has signed veteran guard Kevin Zeitler.

Will this act of desperation work? McGinn reached out to some NFL scouts to see what these signees have to offer. Fascinating insight.

The Minnesota Vikings again rode their defense to victory. After Justin Jefferson went down, quarterback Kyler Murray struggled to find a rhythm.

They’re 3-0. They’re riding a defense that attacks.

The Detroit Lions held off a Jets rally to get back on track. Questions on D remain.

And stick around for the weekly McGinn Memory. Once again, my co-host looks back to Bart Starr’s coaching days.

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

Bills-Chargers: Zero apologies necessary for Joe Brady and co. Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Offensively, it was ugly. Five turnovers could’ve doomed the Buffalo Bills.

But defensively? This is the sort of victory Joe Brady loves to see this time of year.

Some teams fold when everything starts going wrong. (Hello, Matt LaFleur.)

Other teams treat the football like a hot potato and still find a way.

Here’s a quick recap on the Bills’ 24-16 win over the Chargers. The last time Buffalo won a game despite committing five turnovers? That’d be against the Jim Harbaugh-quarterbacked Indianapolis Colts in 1997.

Oh boy, does Harbaugh have his work cut out for him with these 0-3 Chargers.

It’s time for everyone to stop with the annual Justin Herbert hype. He stunk on Sunday.

Still, give this new Bills credit for stepping up. Greg Rousseau, CJ Gardner-Johnson and others supplied the needed stops.

What does this game say about Buffalo moving forward? Video and audio is above and also accessible on our Apple, Spotify and YouTube channels.

As a programming note, I will not have an Aftermath column today and promise it’s for good reason. Chipping away at something much bigger that’ll roll out later this week.

Thank you reading, listening and sharing with a friend.

Here’s a quick feature on the physical transformation of Bills defensive tackle DeWayne Carter, 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

The Jermichael Finley Conversation Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

One moment, Jermichael Finley is dreaming of championships and a gold jacket. The Green Bay Packers tight end truly believed he was turning a corner.

The next? He’s motionless. He’s told he may never walk again and starts imagining a life of eating through a straw.

Football can be cruel.

His life completely changed in one split-second.

Thirteen years later, Jermichael Finley tears open those old wounds right here on the Go Long Podcast. Back in my days covering the team at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, I got to know Finley the player and the person. There simply weren’t tight ends sculpted like this 6-foot-5, 250-pounder. His potential was obvious to everyone watching those record-setting Packers offenses. There were ups and downs. He missed the team’s 2010 Super Bowl run with a meniscus tear in his knee.

And with one collision vs. the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 20, 2013, his career abruptly ended.

Since then, I’ve checked in on Finley a few times. He was never shy answering any questions about his former quarterback. To which, Aaron Rodgers has since responded multiple times. Most recently, the Steelers QB said his former tight end “just wasn’t a smart person.”

So, yes, we Finley’s perspective on this comment. He looks back at their relationship.

I think his view on the dynamic will surprise you, despite the fact that he hasn’t spoken to Rodgers since he laid on a hospital bed 13 years ago.

Above all, Finley has matured into a man completely at peace in life.

Down in Texas, he’s been busy raising five boys with his wife Courtney. His oldest is a wide receiver at Notre Dame, and look out. The next Finley boy (London) is coming.

Jermichael Finley is finding true purpose in life, and that’s a quantum leap for all ex-players… let alone the players whose careers end in such horrific fashion.

Video and audio of our full conversation is above.

I will also share a transcript later today for those who’d prefer to read.

Thanks, all. Go Long is powered completely by you.

We’d love it if you helped grow our community today.

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

Ty & Bob Pod S5 E2: What makes this Minnesota Vikings defense so damn ruthless? Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

This Vikings-Bears game at Soldier Field was everything everyone should love about football — hard hitting, inclement weather, every inch was earned.

Here on the Ty & Bob Pod, we dissect it all.

Two games in, the Minnesota Vikings should be feeling damn good about themselves, too. Brian Flores has his unit hunting, and the defensive coordinator is armed with an ascending star in edge rusher Dallas Turner. So, what makes this blitz-happy Vikings defense unlike any other? McGinn has studied the film (as only he can) and I’ve spent some time around the personalities who make this defense go. We discuss in full this episode.

Meanwhile, what a whirlwind of emotions in Chicago. After torching Carolina for 59 points, Ben Johnson’s crew was held to a mere field goal in its home opener. Quarterback Caleb Williams writhed in pain one moment — this looked (and sounded) like a season-ender. Testing has revealed a week-to-week hamstring injury. When should the quarterback return to action? Case Keenum may be the man under center on Monday Night Football vs. Philadelphia as Tyson Bagent works through the concussion protocol.

One major difference between these two teams: linebacker play. Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson are humming for the Vikes.

Elsewhere, the Green Bay Packers survived the wretched swamps of New Jersey.

It was ugly. It was win. Javon Bullard is bringing his words to life and Lukas Van Ness had his best game as a pro. But, goodness, what about that offense? The Zach Bako-Bewele injury is a killer up front.

Finally, it was a miserable night in Orchard Park, NY for the Detroit Lions. There are holes throughout Dan Campbell’s defense. How will the head coach adjust on the fly?

Stick around for a “McGinn Memory” looking back to a 1981 Packers trip to Shea Stadium.

We’ve got two-plus hours of NFC North talk for you each week at Go Long.

New here? McGinn, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has covered the NFL since 1979. We’re former co-workers at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Subscribers can access all episodes, all season long.

* ‘Who’s going to take this yard?’ The Arrival of Eric Wilson

* The Promise of Aaron Jones

* Canton is still the goal for Aaron Jones

* The Kyler Murray Project, Part I: Liberated

* The Kyler Murray Project, Part II: The Great Unknown

* Tate Ratledge feels no pain

* Javon Bullard is the dagger

* ‘Kill ‘em all:’ The Sean Rhyan Code

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

Bills-Lions Aftermath: Josh Allen ‘n Joe Brady are a wagon on offense, so... what about that D? Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

What a night it was at Highmark. The Buffalo Bills authored a storybook inaugural game against the Detroit Lions with, of course, Josh Allen taking centerstage.

Here’smy column from the 41-31 win. This “lunatic” of a quarterback with a smelling salt hanging from his mouth is playing more free than ever. (And he’s not alone.)

And, icymi, here’sour story off an exclusive 1 on 1 with owner Terry Pegula.He details why football always needed to stay in Western New York.

“The Bills are here. The Sabres are here. And they’re going to stay here.”

In addition to our two main podcasts — “Real Football” (with Jim Monos) and the “Ty & Bob Pod” (with Bob McGinn) — we’ll get into the habit of dinging record on a Bills show. As most know, Monos served as the team’s director of personnel from May ‘13 to May ‘17 and always brings a fresh perspective.

Today, we try to make sense of Allen’s performance and a perplexing defense. They made plays up front, but clearly this scheme is a major work in progress.

Enjoy the show? Share with a friend. We’re fueled by you.

Thanks, all.

Links from the week…

‘Legacy:’ Terry Pegula opens up on his mission to keep the Bills in Buffalo

‘Dangerous:’ Say hello to the new Buffalo Bills juggernaut offense

Real Football: Is Patrick Mahomes BACK?!

Ty & Bob Pod S5 E1: Inside the Packers-Vikings meltdown

Unfortunate Situation: Vikings roar and Matt LaFleur chokes (again)

Monos Report: What’s real and what’s fake in the NFL?

Do or Die for C.J. Stroud

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

Ty & Bob Pod S5 E1: Inside the Packers-Vikings meltdown Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

We’re back. Welcome to another season of the “Ty & Bob Pod.”

Each week, I’ll be joined by Bob McGinn to discuss the NFC North.

To those who remember McGinn’s weekly Rating the Packers column at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the format is familiar. He studies the film of the NFCN teams — Packers, Bears, Lions, Vikings — and offers a fresh perspective on…

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

Real Football: Is Patrick Mahomes BACK?! Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

I believe it’s illegal in at least 27 states to publicly doubt Patrick Mahomes.

He has earned that right.

He was a central the-one-that-got-away figure in our first story ever at Go Long.

There’s a strong case to make that Mahomes is the best quarterback ever this side of Tom Brady. The Kansas City Chiefs star has captivated us all with a magic to his game.

Yet, last season, Mahomes posted career lows across the board and the Chiefs missed the playoffs. In my piece on C.J. Stroud and the gnarly Texans defense, sources detailed the team’s blueprint vs. Mahomes — one that Philadelphia used in the Super Bowl, one that bludgeoned the QB into submission. Houston made him look downright bad in 2025.

Of course, the three-time champion and five-time Super Bowl participant is also coming off a torn ACL. This could dull mobility, too.

Under the Monday Night Football glow, Mahomes started sluggish, ran for one touchdown and threw short for two more in a 31-10 win over Denver.

What do we make of his performance? Where do Mahomes and the Chiefs go from here?

This is our main topic on “Real Football” with co-host Jim Monos, our longtime NFL scout.

Andy Reid and Brett Veach restructured this team in major ways in an attempt to create a new championship window. (Holy, Kenneth Walker Jr.)

We get into plenty on the first episode of the regular season.

* Everything Mahomes. (Also: I loved the QB’s trainer, Bobby Stroupe, sharing our story as motivation.)

* Drake Maye’s scary debut. Aberration? Or cause for concern?

* Juggernaut Chicago Bears offense.

* Matt LaFleur’s Week 1 dud.

* Baker Mayfield’s $55M/year contract. If Monos was the Buccaneers’ GM, what would he have done?

* Why I still love the Ravens. New playcaller Declan Doyle, 30, supplied quite a first impression.

* UPSET ALERT. Monos believes the Indianapolis Colts will beat KC this week. We rapid-fire predict all Week 2 games.

Full video and audio is above.

As a reminder, you won’t be peppered with one advertisement at Go Long and that’s only possible because of you. So thank you for watching, listening and sharing with a friend.

Subscribers can also catch the two-hour, 12-minute NFC North podcast with Bob McGinn. He dissects all the action as only he can.

Here’s our mission into Year 7, icymi.

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

Last Call! Final 2026 NFL Season Musings with Todd Haley & Jarrett Bailey Sep 12, 2026

Show notes

EAGAN, Minn — Packers. Vikings. Week 1 at U.S. Bank Stadium.

We’ll be on-hand for all festivities. Cannot wait to reboot our Gameday Chat. Tune in for all sights, all sounds and all tomfoolery with fellow readers around the country. Always a good time. We’ll discuss anything and everything you’d like all Sunday.

After two midweek clunkers, I’m feeling good about the Sunday slate. Or maybe it’s just the random Blake Bortles jersey I spotted at my layover in Detroit. Either way, let’s get the party started with Jarrett Bailey & Todd Haley of the insightful Pump Fake Podcast. Subscribe to their channel here. You know Haley from his long career coaching in the NFL — from WR coach to Arizona Cardinals’ Super Bowl OC to Kansas City Chiefs head coach to Steelers OC with a year in Cleveland we absolutely touch on. Bailey is an NFL writer at SB Nation and the producer of Behind the Steel Curtain.

We rip through a medley of topics on the cusp of this season.

* Aaron Rodgers’ podcast appearance on Not Just Football broke the Internet. He’s saying whatever he wants. Agree with him? Disagree? Bring it on. All of it.

* But as a quarterback — 43 years old in December — what does Rodgers have to offer? And what is Pittsburgh’s ceiling?

* Bailey has the Tennessee Titans making the playoffs, and explains why.

* Haley steers the focus to Robert Saleh. He wants the Titans HC to bring all of his sideline energy as a coordinator to the head job.

* Kyler Murray? No, Haley is not quite as bullish.

* None of us believe Chicago will make the playoffs. There’s got to be a odd man out in the NFCN.

* Which wide receiver did Haley need to convince to embrace blocking? His answer definitely shocked me.

* Does he still think about that ‘17 playoff loss to Jacksonville?

* C.J. Stroud and the Texans. We’ve got a deep dive live for subscribers.I hit on a few themes covered.

* You’ll want to stick around for Haley’s story from the 2018 draft. He was in Cleveland then and, dammit, he tried his best to convince owner Jimmy Haslam to draft Josh Allen. He relives that spring in full.

* Super Bowl picks.

Video and audio is above, and be sure to subscribe to our Apple, Spotify and YouTube channels.

You can follow Bailey and Haley on X, and listen to the latter on Sirius XM Radio.

Miss any season preview stories? All links below.

Do or Die for C.J. Stroud

Tony Pollard is the NFL’s hidden warrior

The “Big John” Simpson Creed

Tate Ratledge feels no pain

The Kyler Murray Project, Part I: Liberated

The Kyler Murray Project, Part II: The Great Unknown

‘We will be the best offensive line in football:’ Q&A with Alec Anderson, Buffalo Bills enforcer

‘Who’s going to take this yard?’ The Arrival of Eric Wilson

Jordyn Brooks is the captain now

Dregs to Domination: The Aaron Brewer Blueprint

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

Substack Live! Previewing Bills-Texans with Jay Skurski… Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

Greetings from Orchard Park! I’ll be getting on a plane to Minneapolis Friday AM for Packers-Vikings. But first? Let’s talk some Bills-Texans with Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News.

It’ll be an AFC heavyweight fight at Reliant Stadium… a place that’s been a house of horrors for Josh Allen.

What changes in 2026? We discuss the matchup and the identity of the Bills here on a quick Substack Live video.

This Texans defense is a different animal, as we learned.

Now, Joe Brady takes charge. His boss, Brandon Beane, certainly understands the stakes of this season.

Also: Keep an eye out for an extensive C.J. Stroud piece soon. Nobody in the NFL faces more pressure to produce.

Want to join future Substack Lives? Download the app right here.

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected