unCovering the Birds with Jeff McLane

Week 8 vs. Bengals: The identity question Oct 29, 2024

Hope can be fickle in football, but right now, following an impressive Week 8 victory vs. the Cincinnati Bengals, the Philadelphia Eagles have built modest momentum. What’s been responsible for the turnaround during the team's three-game winning streak? For starters, the head coach tweaked his approach, and his quarterback has responded with improved play. Are Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts sold on the evolution of the offense? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane takes a look at the Eagles’ new identity, and explains why certain players might be more eager to fully embrace it than Sirianni. Plus, with A.J. Brown putting together another dominant season, Jeff poses the question: could the 27-year old be the Eagles’ best receiver of all-time? And in this week’s “Pick Six” segment, find out which member of the offensive line Landon Dickerson has developed a secret language with. 00:00 How DeVonta Smith’s big touchdown signals change in offense 08:52 Is A.J. Brown the Eagles’ best receiver of all-time? 18:25 “Pick Six” with Landon Dickerson 31:30 Welcome back, Dough Pederson (Part II) Links referenced by Jeff in the episode… A.J. Brown podcast: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/uncovering-the-birds-with-jeff-mclane-e8fbc/episodes/raising-aj-brown-24ecc A.J. Brown article: https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/inq2/eagles-aj-brown-bio-starkville-mississippi-20230905.html unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes each week during the regular season.

Week 7 vs. Giants: Truths from Hurts' tape Oct 22, 2024

Saquon Barkley was a stud, the defense was dominant, and all seems well in Eagles Land, at least for now, following a blowout win over the New York Giants. But beyond the breakout runs and bevy of sacks, there were other noteworthy developments from the victory - some encouraging, others indicators of just how much more work the Eagles have to do as they near the halfway point of the season. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane takes a look at the coaches’ tape, and zeroes in on areas where quarterback Jalen Hurts still needs to improve. Plus, ahead of a potential matchup with Cincinnati Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell joins Jeff for this week’s “Pick Six” segment. They talk about nicknames, family, and favorite movies. 00:00 Jalen Hurts film study 12:01 Where’s Jordan Davis? 17:00 “Pick Six” with Quinyon Mitchell 24:11 Vindication for Nick Sirianni unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes each week during the regular season.

Week 6 vs. Browns: Sirianni's sideshow Oct 15, 2024

The consensus within the Philadelphia Eagles was virtually unanimous: it wasn’t pretty, but they got what they needed against the lowly Cleveland Browns - a win. The result nudged the 3-2 Eagles back above .500, and brought them within a half-game of first place in the NFC East. All good things, right? Yes, but the seemingly impulsive actions of head coach Nick Sirianni overshadowed the Eagles’ success. What did Sirianni’s back-and-forth with the crowd in the closing moment of the fourth quarter say about his ability to handle his emotions? How did members of the organization feel about his antics? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane does some digging… Plus, ahead of Saquon Barkley’s first trip back to MetLife Stadium to face his former team, the New York Giants, the star running back joins Jeff for a “Pick Six” segment and dishes on Penn State culture, Philadelphia area golf clubs, and what he wants to do after his NFL playing career. 00:00 Team sources label Sirianni's behavior "embarrassing" 16:01 'Pick Six' with Saquon Barkley 27:23 Hurts, Sirianni relationship showing signs of progress Oh, and here’s the link Jeff referenced in the episode about the time Barkley torched the Eagles in 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-D4oRMI0uCQ unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New for this season, look for fresh episodes to drop weekly in the days following every Eagles’ game.

Week 4 vs. Bucs: Sirianni defends Hurts, to a fault? Oct 01, 2024

All it took was a confident, affirming answer. But once again, instead of seizing an opportunity to diffuse speculation, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts added fuel to the fire surrounding the stability of his relationship with head coach Nick Sirianni. The question posed to Hurts after the Eagles’ lopsided loss in Tampa: given their respective leadership duties with the team, would he and Sirianni huddle up and try to help solve the Eagles’ identity issues during the upcoming bye week? “We have our moments,” Hurts said flatly. The response was as brief as it was evasive, and marked yet another instance since last season’s collapse in which Hurts left his feelings towards Sirianni open to interpretation. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane examines the duo's dynamics, and why it seems like Sirianni typically goes out of his way to defend Hurts. Plus, we pull back the curtain on Cam Jurgens’ transition to the Eagles’ starting center job, all while the shadow of his future-Hall-of-Fame predecessor looms over him. 00:00 Does Nick Sirianni shield Jalen Hurts from criticism? 11:45 Cam Jurgens' transition to starting center 21:05 Bryce Huff is "frustrated" unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New for this season, look for fresh episodes to drop weekly in the days following every Eagles’ game.

Week 3 vs. Saints: Playing angry Sep 24, 2024

The Philadelphia Eagles were angry. And on the heels of a painful loss in their home opener, they played like it. From the dominance of the defensive line, to Jalen Hurts' poised, game-winning drive with time running out, the Eagles notched a resilient Week 3 win in New Orleans. Listen as The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane takes you on a tour around the victorious winners’ locker room at the Superdome through interviews with several key contributors.

Plus, details on how and why Hurts, now in his fifth season, might finally be finding his leadership voice, and a new Pick Six interview with emerging linebacker Nakobe Dean.

00:00 Jeff chats with C.J. Gardner-Johnson

06:41 Jalen Carter tells Jeff why he thinks his performance vs. Saints was still "trash"

09:48 Jordan Davis explains why the Eagles played angry

13:07 Jalen Hurts and signs of stronger leadership

20:30 'Pick Six' with Nakobe Dean

29:40 Nick Sirianni's fourth-down decisions under the microscope

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New for this season, look for fresh episodes to drop weekly in the days following every Eagles’ game.

Week 2 vs. Falcons: Where the D-Line has gone wrong Sep 18, 2024

The Eagles’ home opener on Monday Night Football was there for the taking, and the Atlanta Falcons obliged, pulling off a stunning upset in the final minutes. There were multiple factors that led to the 22-21 loss, which dropped the Eagles to 1-1. But two weeks into the season, one problem has proven more glaring and costly than the rest: the Eagles’ defensive line, a group loaded with blue-chip talent that seemed poised to take a crucial step forward this year. Why has the Eagles’ D-line underperformed? Can practice reps and continued development alone fix their issues? Or, did Eagles’ general manager Howie Roseman and his talent evaluators make some missteps in constructing the unit? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane examines these questions in the aftermath of the Eagles’ agonizing defeat.

Plus, with Nick Foles in town for his retirement ceremony at Lincoln Financial Field, Jeff revisits an overlooked “what if” moment from the Super Bowl MVP’s career that, had it gone a different way, might have propelled his legacy to even higher heights.

00:00 Where the defensive line has gone wrong, and whether the problems can be fixed

15:05 The big "what if?" Nick Foles moment

24:10 Should Vic Fangio get a pass?

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New for this season, look for fresh episodes to drop weekly in the days following every Eagles’ game.

Here's the article link Jeff referenced in the episode.

Week 1 vs. Packers: Telling first impressions Sep 10, 2024

The Eagles went to Brazil and came back with what they were looking for - a win to open the 2024 season. From Saquon Barkley’s breakout debut to a sturdy showing from the revamped offensive line, there were encouraging signs in the team's 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers. But there was also plenty of room for improvement; issues the Eagles will have to address if they want to become a Super Bowl contender. After watching game tape, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane gives his “good” and “bad” reports from Week 1, and details what he’s been hearing about some potential personnel developments.

Plus, starting tight end Dallas Goedert joins Jeff for a “Pick Six” question-and-answer segment.

00:00 Telling Week 1 takeaways

18:01 "Pick Six" with Dallas Goedert

24:01 Linebacker rumblings...

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New for this season, look for fresh episodes to drop weekly in the days following every Eagles’ game.

unCovering: A tamer Nick Sirianni? Aug 30, 2024

Nick Sirianni survived the Eagles’ disastrous collapse last season - barely. At the heart of criticism surrounding the fourth-year head coach was a sideline temperament that, at times, crossed the line from passionate to problematic. Did he suffer from a lack of composure? Were his antics undermining how the team was treated by referees? Was his enthusiasm endearing to players, or perceived as childish? As the Eagles get set to start anew in 2024, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane asks Sirianni whether he’s changed, and talks to other members of the organization about what they've noticed.

Plus, ahead of the Eagles’ historic regular season opener in São Paulo, Jeff talks with Jake Stoutland, son of the team’s longtime offensive line coach, and his wife, Nathalia, about how football and Brazil are intertwined in their lives.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New for this season, look for fresh episodes to drop weekly in the days following every Eagles’ game.

unCovering: Training camp, Week 3 Aug 15, 2024

After beating up on mostly themselves the first two weeks of training camp, the Philadelphia Eagles welcomed a fresh challenge: a trip to New England for a joint practice with the Patriots, followed by a preseason game between the two teams. The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane traveled to Foxboro, MA to take in the action, and explains why the joint practice might have been the singular, most important event of the Eagles' preseason. Plus, he chats with longtime Patriots beat reporter Greg Bedard about a rumor that just won't go away: ex-New England head coach Bill Belichick's interest in Nick Sirianni's job...

00:00 Revelations from joint practice with Patriots

13:58 Greg Bedard on Bill Belichick's rumored interest in Eagles

27:16 Stock up, stock down report

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout 2024 training camp, and publishing weekly beginning with the start of the regular season.

unCovering: Training camp, Week 2 Aug 09, 2024

C.J. Gardner-Johnson is back with the Philadelphia Eagles, and has brought the big chip on his shoulder with him. That much was clear during his unfiltered first press conference of training camp. What makes the veteran safety tick? How did his second stint with the Eagles come together? Could he be injury prone? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane examines Gardner-Johnson’s place on the Eagles' roster, highlights DeVonta Smith’s stellar camp, and delivers a preseason stock report.

Plus, Jeff goes one-on-one with starting tackle Jordan Mailata, who discusses everything from songs he'd never try to sing to how he’s moving on after Jason Kelce’s retirement.

00:00 Week 2 training camp notes: CJGJ, DeVonta Smith, and stock report

13:48 Jordan Mailata interview

25:00 Preseason opener preview

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout 2024 training camp, and publishing weekly beginning with the start of the regular season.

unCovering: Training camp, Week 1 Aug 01, 2024

The first week of Philadelphia Eagles training camp is in the books. What key storylines are taking shape? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane has been embedded at the NovaCare Complex, and checks in with his first impressions of a group eager to embrace a clean slate following a stinging finish last season.

Plus, on the cusp of receiving his profession’s highest honor, legendary Eagles radio play-by-play broadcaster Merrill Reese talks with Jeff about a journey that has taken him from doing live M&M television commercials as a kid to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where he’ll be inducted this weekend.

00:00 Intro / Merrill Reese interview - Part I

06:38 Jeff’s training camp notebook

16:20 Merrill Reese interview - Part II

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout 2024 training camp, and publishing weekly beginning with the start of the regular season.

Up next...unCovering training camp Jul 24, 2024

Are you ready? It's time for training camp. All the speculation, hypotheticals, and "what if's" from the past six months since the Philadelphia Eagles' brutal end to the 2023 season are gone. Finally, we're on the cusp of getting answers, and The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane is here to give them to you.

For Season 4 of unCovering the Birds, Jeff plans to react to what's happening in the moment - week by week, game by game, big story by big story - and bring you the perspective and analysis of an insider embedded with the team. Think of the podcast as his audio diary of the 2024 season, and your companion for making sense of what's going on with the Eagles behind the scenes.

Listen at inquirer.com/podcasts, free on the Audacy app, or wherever podcasts are available.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts.

unCovering Minicamp Jun 14, 2024

Evidence of a disconnect, or perhaps a difference in perspective resulting from changing dynamics? For Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni, the answer wasn’t clear after the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback and head coach sounded like they were on separate pages when asked about changes to the team's offense heading into the 2024 season. What’s really happening? On the Season Three finale of unCovering the Birds, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane dives into this question and other important subplots heard and observed during spring workouts. Learn more about the Eagles’ new coordinators, emerging leaders, and key position battles as training camp looms around the corner.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts.

Pain Jun 07, 2024

Todd Herremans and Brent Celek were more than just teammates. They were friends and later business partners. As the two former Philadelphia Eagles get farther away from their playing days, they’ve found similar and different ways to heal from the physical and mental punishment of such a violent sport. From cannabis to dietary changes, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane investigates how these retired Eagles cope with pain as they transition deeper into the next phase of their lives.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes in Season 3 dropping throughout the spring.

The price of protest May 24, 2024

Death threats. Job threats. Uncertainty about the future, both short- and long-term. The consequences of taking a stand for racial justice hit Steven Means almost immediately. It was the outset of the 2016 season, and he, along with a wave of players across the NFL, felt compelled to protest multiple police killings of Black men earlier in the summer. Even though Means knew raising a fist with Malcolm Jenkins during the singing of the national anthem before a Monday Night Football game in Chicago would draw backlash, the fallout was fierce. How did Means navigate criticism from both outside the Philadelphia Eagles organization and within it? As a player with far less job and financial security than an entrenched veteran like Jenkins, why did Means get involved? All these years later, does he think it was worth it? Has the United States made progress in respect to racial justice? Through Means’ story and perspective, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane examines the price the former Eagle paid for protesting.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes in Season 3 dropping throughout the spring.

Here is a link to 'In His Words,' the first-person article written by Steven Means referenced in the podcast.

Peace of mind May 17, 2024

One former Eagle blacked out. Another had to check himself into a mental health therapy center. Both played in the NFL during the era right before the league overhauled its concussion protocols following the release of alarming findings linking football and brain trauma. What concerns do these ex-players have now about their long-term health? What about current members of the Eagles’ roster? Given all the evidence out there, are they worried about their future? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane wraps up a two-part look at concussions and their consequences through a series of short stories, and talks to a pediatric concussion expert about the risks of playing football.

Listen to the first installment in this series, which profiles former Eagles' linebacker Stewart Bradley and the team's mishandling of his concussion.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes in Season 3 dropping throughout the spring.

Head games May 10, 2024

Stewart Bradley tried to get up. He made it to his feet, took about six steps, wobbled, then crumbled to the turf. The reaction from the sold-out crowd at Lincoln Financial Field was one of collective shock. The broadcasters announcing the game were shaken by what they saw. Did Bradley really get his bell rung that badly? How could such a freakish athlete just collapse like that? The situation looked serious, which is what made it all the more stunning to see Bradley back on the field a mere three plays later…

In the first installment of a two-part look at how concussions have affected Philadelphia Eagles players past and present, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane catches up with Bradley and his former teammates to revisit one of the scariest moments in recent Eagles’ history. Jeff pulls back the curtain on how Bradley was allowed to return to play, and talks to Bradley about the impact head trauma has had on his life since his playing career ended.

In part two, "Peace of mind," Jeff catches up with Eagles' players past and present to gauge how they feel about the head trauma they've been subjected to by playing football.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes in Season 3 dropping throughout the spring.

Needle in the haystack Apr 26, 2024

Reed Blankenship could feel it - the tingling, the puncture. He couldn’t bring himself to look, but he knew it wasn’t good. Immediately, he called out for help. He was hurt - badly. In a snap second, Blankenship's trajectory changed. All of a sudden, the persistent, hard-working kid from northern Alabama farm country wasn’t so sure what the future held. Would he be able to attain his NFL dreams? Fast forward a few years later, and Blankenship, who went undrafted in 2022, has staked his claim on a pivotal role on the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense. What helped Blankenship overcome adversity? Which factors in his life shaped his character? How did the 25-year old go from undrafted rookie free agent to starting safety? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane profiles one of the team's emerging contributors.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes in Season 3 dropping throughout the spring.

Kelce's last stand: Part 2 Apr 19, 2024

It didn’t seem right. It didn’t feel fair. Jason Kelce’s iconic career as a Philadelphia Eagle came to an end in crash and burn fashion. After a promising start to the year that had experts pegging them as Super Bowl favorites, the team fell apart. There would be no repeat trip to the Super Bowl, or second championship ring. A storybook finish wasn’t in the cards. But as the pain of the Eagles’ demise receded, Kelce was able to look back on his 13-year run with pride. He brought the franchise a title, and gained thousands of adoring fans along the way. Now that football’s done, what’s next? In the second installment of “Kelce’s Last Stand,” The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane continues his journey through the Pro Bowler’s final go-round, detailing how he handled the Eagles’ collapse and what the future could hold for him.

Click here to listen to Part 1.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Season 3 begins Friday, April 19th, with new episodes dropping throughout the spring.

Kelce's last stand: Part 1 Apr 19, 2024

Jeff McLane had a hunch. He covered every moment of Jason Kelce’s tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles, from the day the team drafted him to Kelce's iconic Super Bowl victory speech on the Philadelphia Art Museum steps. The two had gotten to know each other well. Kelce wasn’t tipping his hand much heading into the 2023 season, but as far back as last summer, there were signs: the veteran offensive lineman was getting ready for an exit. A few months later, Kelce officially retired. In this two-part story, McLane, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s award-winning Eagles beat reporter for over 15 years, takes you on a “fly-on-the-wall” journey through Kelce’s last hurrah, as told from the perspective of Kelce himself and people close to him. What was really going on behind the scenes during the Eagles’ roller coaster season? How much did their eventual collapse factor into his decision? What opportunities does Kelce have lined up next? Listen to both parts of “Kelce’s Last Stand” now to hear the final chapter of a Philadelphia sports star’s iconic playing career.

Click here to listen to Part 2.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Season 3 begins Friday, April 19th, with new episodes dropping throughout the spring.

An impression, a response, and a Season 3 preview Apr 11, 2024

When did a legend realize it was time? What convinced a star’s teammate to join him in taking a bold, yet controversial, stance? Why did a mainstay turn to cannabis to cope? How did one player escape from the cumulative effects of head trauma, while another suffered from them? These are just some of the questions nationally-recognized reporter Jeff McLane sets out to tackle on Season 3 of unCovering the Birds. A veteran of the Philadelphia Eagles beat for The Philadelphia Inquirer for over 15 years, McLane has access to sources and scoops you won’t find anywhere else. Join him as he peels back fresh layers to stories you might have only heard parts of before, or never knew about at all.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and Audacy. You can listen to unCovering the Birds on the Audacy app, Inquirer.com/podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

New episodes start April 19th, 2024.

Follow Jeff McLane on X. You can read his qork at inquirer.com/mclane_jeff.

Beat reporter round table with McLane, Berman, & Kempski Feb 23, 2024

Rare is it that a reporter on the Philadelphia Eagles beat gets an off night, but such was the case February 21st, 2024. So how did unCovering the Birds host Jeff McLane spend it? Dishing about the Eagles, of course, with fellow veteran reporters Zach Berman, from All City PHLY, and Jimmy Kempski, from PhillyVoice.com. In a round table Q&A recorded live at Fitler Club in Philadelphia, the trio zeroed in on the biggest storylines surrounding the Eagles as the offseason gets ready to kick into high gear, from Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts to Howie Roseman and the roster. The group also took questions from fans in the audience. Get the inside scoop as the Eagles set sights on building towards what they hope will be a bounce-back season.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

Nick Sirianni stays. What’s next? Jan 27, 2024

It took more than a week after a disastrous end to the season for the Eagles to finally signal their plan, but Nick Sirianni is coming back for a fourth year as the team’s head coach. Whether he can clean up the mess from the Eagles’ 1-6 finish will likely determine his staying power beyond 2024, if he even lasts that long. Why would the Eagles spare Sirianni his job? What direction will he head in now that all of his top assistants have been let go? Philadelphia Inquirer beat reporter Jeff McLane checks in with an update about what he’s been hearing as the Eagles’ enter a critical early stage of the offseason.

Also, a humble grovel:

unCovering the Birds was recently selected as a finalist for the 2024 Sports Podcast Group Awards. Winners are determined by fan voting. If this series is part of your regular podcast listening routine, we’d love for you to click the following link, cast a vote, and help us try to take home ‘Best Team Podcast’ honors. Thanks so much! (voting closes January 28th, 2024)

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

Nick Jan 12, 2024

Welp. This certainly isn’t how the Eagles drew it up. When was the last time you can remember a team that clinched a postseason berth so early heading into the playoffs engulfed in so much turmoil? Such is the Eagles’ lot after losing five of their last six games in the regular season, including back-to-back clunkers to the lowly Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. You can blame the coordinators, you can point fingers at the franchise quarterback, but in many ways, this collapse lies at the feet of the head coach. All of a sudden, has the Eagles’ Wild Card round match-up with the Tampa Buccaneers become a referendum for Nick Sirianni’s job? As the Eagles get set to defend their NFC title and scrutiny surrounding Sirianni soars, Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jeff McLane shares what he’s hearing about where Sirianni went wrong this season, and what’s been on the mind of team owner Jeffrey Lurie.

Also, a humble grovel:

unCovering the Birds was recently selected as a finalist for the 2024 Sports Podcast Group Awards. Winners are determined by fan voting. If this series is part of your regular podcast listening routine, we’d love for you to click the following link, cast a vote, and help us try to take home ‘Best Team Podcast’ honors. Thanks so much! (voting closes January 28th, 2024)

To read the article about the Eagles' defensive coordinator switch referenced in this episode, click here.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

Misery Dec 21, 2023

It’s 12 hours after the Philadelphia Eagles’ latest loss, their third in a row. A promising start to the season is now a distant honeymoon, a repeat run to the Super Bowl couldn’t feel further away. It’s time to turn on the mic, and get to the bottom of what’s wrong with the Eagles. Before leaving Seattle, the scene of the latest defeat, Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane combines insider sources and analysis to examine four big picture problems with the team. Do the Eagles have what it takes to turn things around in the final three games of the regular season, and halt their current spiral towards unfulfilled expectations? Or, was this team destined to disappoint from the start?

Also, a humble grovel!

unCovering the Birds was recently selected as a finalist for the 2024 Sports Podcast Group Awards. Winners are determined by fan voting. If this series is part of your regular podcast listening routine, we’d love for you to click this link, cast a vote, and help us try to take home ‘Best Team Podcast’ honors. Thanks so much!

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New episodes drop every three weeks during the 2023 season.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

"Adapt or die" Nov 30, 2023

Throughout Brian Johnson’s formative football life, he’s always been a step ahead of the curve - both as a player and a coach. Now, in his first season as offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, things don’t seem to be coming to him quite as quickly. But has all the criticism directed at him this year been fair, or is he just an easy scapegoat? With the 2023 season entering the home stretch, and the Eagles looming as a Super Bowl favorite, Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane evaluates Brian Johnson’s debut season as an NFL offensive coordinator, and examines the high stakes surrounding his influence on the team’s success.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New episodes drop every three weeks during the 2023 season.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

The social media effect Nov 10, 2023

Kenny Gainwell has a routine. Check the phone at halftime, send a text to his parents or girlfriend, get ready for the second half. But during the Philadelphia Eagles’ Oct. 29 game at Washington, he made the mistake of engaging with a frustrated fan who sent him a direct message. After the game, a screenshot of the exchange went public, and Gainwell and the Eagles had a mess on their hands. The incident, however, revived a conversation in sports that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon: is social media good for professional athletes? Is it worth it? What are the rewards and traps? Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane posed these questions to the Eagles’ locker room, with over a dozen players sharing personal stories about social media use, and how it’s affected them and their mental health.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

Kolb, Vick, and the Kelly Green quarterback controversy Oct 19, 2023

It was supposed to be a celebration, the start of a new era. By halftime, it was a complete disaster. Sporting their classic Kelly Green uniforms, the Eagles took the field for their 2010 debut against the Green Bay Packers buoyed by hope and new starting quarterback, Kevin Kolb. Midway through the second quarter, Kolb had suffered a concussion, and all of a sudden, years of planning were on the verge of spinning down the drain. Enter Michael Vick. The former no. 1 pick had been untested on the field since serving a lengthy federal prison sentence, but with Kolb on the sideline, Vick stepped up, and reversed not only the course of the Eagles’ season, but two careers. With the present-day Eagles set to don the Kelly Green jerseys for the first time since the 2010 opener, Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane revisits one of the wildest games he’s ever covered.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

Running up that hill Sep 29, 2023

The Eagles' defensive tackle rotation is stacked - anchored by blue chip talent. So how did Milton Williams, a former third-round pick, get in the mix? Far from a household name, Williams started to show signs of promise down the stretch last year, in 2022. Now, the Eagles think Williams is ready for a bigger role. Williams, though, has always believed in himself. His father has, too, maybe even more than Williams himself. But in order to fulfill his NFL dream, Williams had to put in the work, and lots of that work was done on a hill back in Williams' hometown. Join Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane as he gets to know Williams and his roots, and talks to players and coaches about why Williams could be an important piece to the team’s success.

Follow Jeff McLane on X. You can read his work at inquirer.com.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

Raising A.J. Brown Sep 08, 2023

On the field, A.J. Brown is a fierce competitor; brash at times, and clearly one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Off the field, family, friends, and mentors see another side of the Pro Bowler. To them, he’s “Jay,” the mellow, somewhat introverted, humble kid from Starkville, Mississippi. Heck, his mom even calls him a “homebody.” But when it comes to the Eagles’ prospects for 2023 and their chances to get back to the Super Bowl, there’s no question that A.J. Brown is going to have to deliver another superb season the likes of which he produced in his first, record-setting year in Philadelphia. On the Season Two premiere of unCovering the Birds, take a trip down to Mississippi with The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane, as he learns more about the people and places that shaped one of the most important members of the Eagles’ roster.

Follow Jeff McLane on X. You can read his work at inquirer.com, including the companion story to this podcast, Myself and Mississippi.

Producer's note: for this episode, the use of headphones or earbuds is highly recommended to best hear select pieces of sound.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

We're back! Season Two coming soon... Aug 31, 2023

The 2023 NFL season is almost here, and the Eagles have a huge question to answer:

Can they not only get back to the Super Bowl, but this time win it?

A year ago, the Eagles came so close to clinching their second-ever championship. There’s no reason to think they can’t contend again.

But for as promising as the Eagles’ prospects are, not everything is cut and dry. Key coaches have been replaced. Some positions have holes. There’s also the matter of whether the team can stay as healthy as it did last season.

Regardless of how things play out, Jeff McLane will be following the Eagles every step of the way on unCovering the Birds. In Season Two, Jeff will be “covering” the Birds in real time, taking you behind the scenes to pull back the curtain on what makes the team click…or not.

Together, we’ll find out:

Do the Eagles have what it takes to win it all?

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirerand Audacy. You can listen to unCovering the Birds on the Audacy app, Inquirer.com/podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

New episodes drop beginning September 8th, 2023.

Follow Jeff McLane, who has been delivering award-winning coverage of the Eagles for The Philadelphia Inquirer for 15 years, on X. You can read his work at inquirer.com/author/mclane_jeff/.

Smile! It's Brandon Graham Aug 18, 2023

You hear him before you see him. That’s the type of person Brandon Graham is, and personality he has. From his signature cackle to his infectious energy, the Pro Bowler’s vibes permeate all levels of the Philadelphia Eagles organization. Over the last 13 years, Graham has experienced a lot with the team — the end of the Andy Reid era; Chip Kelly’s subsequently tumultuous tenure; the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory, in which he played a defining role. As the 35-year-old Graham enters the twilight of his career, he’s determined to go out on a high note. How much is retirement on his mind? Which rookie has he taken under his wing? What legacy will he leave in the locker room? Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles reporter Jeff McLane finds out on this bonus episode of unCovering the Birds.

Follow Jeff McLane on Twitter. You can also read his work at inquirer.com.

unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

"One of us" May 31, 2023

The NFL is known for a lot, but international diversity is low on the list. So how did an Indian-American land one of the most prominent gigs on the Philadelphia Eagles’ coaching staff? Sean Desai’s success is unequivocally an immigrant story, one underscored by hard work, long odds, and the support of family and friends. But for as much as he recognizes the historic nature of his ascent, Desai wants to be defined by results. His goal is to be the best defensive coordinator in the NFL, and between his training, experience, and the personnel now at his disposal, he believes he’s got what it takes to deliver. On the season finale of unCovering the Birds, Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane retraces Desai’s path, and how it’s shaped the coach and person he’s become.

Follow Jeff McLane on Twitter. You can also read his work at inquirer.com.

unCovering the Birds sponsored by Wawa is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New episodes are released every Friday.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

Face of the franchise May 19, 2023

There’s nothing harder to find in professional sports than a franchise quarterback. It’s a pursuit that all 32 NFL teams obsess over. The Eagles, though, are convinced that for the second time in less than a decade, they’ve got their guy, and are willing to pay a hefty price to keep him around for the long term. But after whiffing on Carson Wentz, why is the Eagles’ brain trust of owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman convinced that this time, in Jalen Hurts, they’ve got it right? What makes them believe Hurts is capable of living up to the massive expectations of his new megadeal, and delivering the city another Super Bowl title? Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane pulls back the curtain on Hurts’ rapid ascent, and the questions the 24-year old faces as he moves forward in his career.

Follow Jeff McLane on Twitter. You can also read his work at inquirer.com. ‘Embracing the Legacy,’ his feature on Jalen Hurts continuing the Eagles’ Black quarterback pedigree, can be found here.

unCovering the Birds sponsored by Wawa is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New episodes are released every Friday.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

Truth to power May 12, 2023

Remember Cary Williams? The former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback who one time missed voluntary team workouts to pick out sconces for his home? He was a fiery guy, a passionate player who could also be defiant, antagonistic, and defensive. By and large, during his stint with the Eagles, he was probably known just as much for his personality as he was for his play on the field. But if all you heard or saw from Williams was frustration and anger, then you weren’t paying attention. As Philadelphia Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane reveals, Williams had lots of reasons to be pissed off, from how he was raised, to how the Eagles and Riley Cooper handled a leak of Cooper using a racial slur. Williams might have a complicated past, but he's not afraid to talk about it.

Follow Jeff McLane on Twitter. You can also read his work at inquirer.com.

unCovering the Birds sponsored by Wawa is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New episodes are released every Friday.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

The "Assassin" May 05, 2023

Jason Babin was a hell-raiser. On and off the field. It’s a quality that made him both a crippling force on the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive line, and, at times, a combative presence inside the team’s locker room. His skill set was tailor-made for a specific style of play, and his personality was a perfect fit for Jim Washburn, the assistant who coached him. But back in 2012, the duo found itself in the middle of a controversial culture clash with head coach Andy Reid. If Babin was so good, what made his exit from Philadelphia so ugly? And how did he, Washburn, and the Wide-9 scheme ultimately play a role in Andy Reid’s undoing? Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane revisits one of the most tumultuous periods in recent Eagles history.

Follow Jeff McLane on Twitter. You can also read his work at inquirer.com.

unCovering the Birds sponsored by Wawa is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New episodes are released every Friday.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

Beau knows football stories Apr 28, 2023

All-pros are important. But every good NFL team needs a couple colorful characters, too. These are the players who know when and how to set the right mood in the locker room and keep things light. For the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles that ultimately won Super Bowl 52, Beau Allen was one of those guys. Beau was a solid defensive lineman who filled an important role. He also came to appreciate the funny, absurd, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that a professional football career offers. From tales of Tebowmania to make-shift parade-route restrooms, Beau shares some of his favorite (and infamous) memories of playing in Philly with Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane.

Follow Jeff McLane on Twitter. You can also read his work at inquirer.com.

unCovering the Birds sponsored by Wawa is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New episodes are released every Friday.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

What's in a draft bust? Apr 21, 2023

Getting drafted in the first round is the dream scenario for just about any aspiring football player. But for former Philadelphia Eagle Marcus Smith, it was a total nightmare, full of hellish professional and personal consequences. What if Smith, a prolific defensive sack artist in college chosen no. 26 overall in 2014, had been taken in the second or third round? What if he’d been drafted by another team instead of the Eagles? Would the prime years of his football career have turned out differently? These are questions the now-retired 31-year-old Smith often asks himself. With the 2023 NFL draft season in full swing, Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane explores Smith’s story, and how being a first-round pick, combined with having deep-seated personal issues, pushed him closer to a life-threatening crossroads.

Follow Jeff McLane on Twitter. You can also read his work at inquirer.com.

Please be advised this episode discusses mental health struggles and suicide. If you need help, call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit its website: https://988lifeline.org/

unCovering the Birds sponsored by Wawa is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New episodes are released every Friday.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

Chip Kelly: Part 2 - The Fall Apr 14, 2023

With a month to go in the 2014 NFL season, and in less than two years on the job, Chip Kelly had the Philadelphia Eagles positioned for a potential Super Bowl run. Then, everything fell apart. The Eagles lost three in a row, slipped out of contention, and missed the playoffs entirely. But instead of Kelly landing on the head coaching hot seat, the exact opposite happened: Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie gave Kelly the keys to the kingdom. In the second installment of a retrospective on the wild, unpredictable Chip Kelly era, Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane explains the role that a power grab played in Kelly’s demise, and how a recent phone call between Jeff and Kelly helped bring closure to an at-times rocky relationship.

Follow Jeff McLane on Twitter. You can also read his work at inquirer.com.

unCovering the Birds sponsored by Wawa is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New episodes are released every Friday.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

Chip Kelly: Part 1 - The Rise Apr 07, 2023

Ten years ago, during the 2013 offseason, there was no sexier NFL head coaching hire than the Eagles landing Chip Kelly. At the college level, Kelly was considered an innovator - an uptempo offensive mastermind and sports science guru. And guess what? After orchestrating a dramatic turnaround and leading the Eagles back to the playoffs for the first time in three years, Kelly seemed worthy of the hype. In the first installment of a two-part retrospective looking back on Kelly’s brief, rollercoaster tenure with the Eagles, Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane examines the factors that fueled Kelly’s meteoric rise in the NFL, and starts to address a lingering question that’s been on his mind: is the popular narrative surrounding Kelly’s legacy with the Eagles fair?

Follow Jeff McLane on Twitter. You can also read his work at inquirer.com.

unCovering the Birds sponsored by Wawa is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. New episodes release every Friday.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

"F*** this game" Mar 31, 2023

What’s it like to play offensive line in the NFL? According to Lane Johnson, not much fun. The Philadelphia Eagles’ right tackle is widely regarded as one of the best players at his position in the league. He’s won a Super Bowl and earned multiple All-Pro nods, but when he talks about his gig, he doesn’t paint a rosy picture. Pressure. Paranoia. Pain. Johnson feels like he’s living in his own horror movie. “It’s like Michael Myers is always [lurking] in the bushes.” Johnson just finished his 10th season. He says he doesn’t really look forward to games anymore. So why, then, did he agree to a recent one-year contract extension? Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane tries to find out what the passionate Johnson is really thinking.

Follow Jeff McLane on Twitter. You can also read his work at inquirer.com.

Be sure to read articles Jeff referenced in this episode:

The time Howie Roseman berated Lane Johnson

How Lane Johnson draws on his mother’s strength

unCovering the Birds sponsored by Wawa is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts, an Audacy station. New episodes release every Friday.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

The Gambler Mar 24, 2023

You’re a former Philadelphia Eagles player with career earnings in the millions. Then, you lose 60% of your net worth. What do you do next? Roll the dice some more, of course. His tactics might change, but make no mistake about it - Evan Mathis is a gambler at heart. Heck, he probably never would have become an All-Pro offensive lineman if he didn't have this mindset. He started taking risks at a young age, and hasn’t stopped. Whether it’s dropping six figures a night at a casino, or wrangling $50,000 dice games in the Eagles' locker room, Mathis is comfortable living life on the edge, especially when it comes to money. But now, as he gets set to soft launch a pricey, brand new business venture, will Mathis cash in or cash out? Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane takes a look.

To learn more about CardSeer, click here.

Follow Jeff McLane on Twitter. You can also read his work at inquirer.com.

unCovering the Birds is sponsored by Wawa. The podcast is a co-production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts, from Audacy. New episodes release every Friday beginning March 24th, 2023.

Host: Jeff McLane
Executive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee Ifill
Director of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom Rickert
Producer: Brian Seltzer

Introducing: unCovering the Birds Mar 20, 2023

Hosted by Jeff McLane, unCovering the Birds brings you stories you might not have heard about the football team that makes you bleed green. McLane has spent the last decade and a half breaking news, digging up scoops, and delivering readers of The Philadelphia Inquirer award-winning Philadelphia Eagles coverage. On unCovering the Birds, he’ll take you behind the scenes and into the world of the Birds beat with exclusive access and insider perspective.

unCovering the Birds is sponsored by Wawa. The podcast is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirerand Audacy.

You can listen to unCovering the Birds on the Audacy app, Inquirer.com/podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow Jeff McLane on Twitter, and read more of his work at inquirer.com/author/mclane_jeff/.

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