unCovering the Birds with Jeff McLane

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Big investments, little returns | The Day After: Eagles vs. Cowboys Oct 27, 2026

Show notes

How were we so wrong? Heading into the season, the Eagles’ defense was supposed to be their strength. After Monday’s throttling by the Cowboys, the group reached a new low, especially on the defensive line, where major offseason investments and commitments were made. Why has a unit that showed promise in training camp failed to live up to expectations? And how will the Eagles’ five-game losing streak influence the organization’s approach to the NFL’s impending trade deadline? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and David Murphy tackle these topics and more the day after the Eagles’ 38-21 defeat to Dallas. 00:00 Eagles’ defense falls apart: what’s wrong with Vic Fangio’s group? 03:25 Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and questions about Howie Roseman’s roster-building 11:33 Problems at EDGE 23:18 Should the Eagles be sellers at the trade deadline? 31:29 Is Sean Mannion finally figuring out the Eagles’ offense? 36:29 Nick Sirianni’s future, and what lies ahead for the Eagles unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

Unanswered questions on Jalen Hurts | Week 7 vs. Cowboys Oct 24, 2026

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The Eagles seem reluctant to address their handling of the Jalen Hurts blood clots saga, but the story isn't going anywhere. Throughout the week, in the absence of public remarks from general manager Howie Roseman or team doctors, head coach Nick Sirianni was peppered by reporters. He’s offered few details in return. After speaking with high-ranking medical officials currently or previously employed by NFL teams, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane frames four central questions about the Hurts situation that remain unanswered, while also looking at what this development means for Hurts’ future in Philadelphia. 00:00 A week after Jalen Hurts’ diagnosis, reactions roll in from around the league 06:27 Four crucial issues, according to NFL medical officials past and present 14:30 How the Eagles addressing medical issues has changed since Andy Reid era 18:19 What is Jalen Hurts’ future with the Eagles? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

Sean Mannion said it | Can the Eagles' offense really be fixed? Oct 22, 2026

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Even with all the injuries and ineffectiveness through six games, Sean Mannion is still a believer in the Eagles’ offense, saying the problems are “totally fixable.” The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Marcus Hayes have some thoughts on the state of Mannion’s group, as well as a defensive unit that’s also been underwhelming this season. 00:00 Can Sean Mannion’s offense really be fixed? 12:22 Evaluating Tanner McKee’s first start of the season 18:41 Why has the defense been so mediocre? 22:59 Has anyone heard from Jalen Carter? 29:49 Would keeping Jeff Stoutland have made a difference? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

Instant Reaction! | Jalen Hurts blood clot update implications Oct 19, 2026

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The news keeps getting worse. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will likely miss the rest of the 2026 season with a deep vein thrombosis blood clot, as well as bilateral pulmonary emboli. Moments after the story broke, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Marcus Hayes reacted to the news, looking at what the diagnosis means for the Super Bowl MVP, how the Eagles handled the situation dating back to their trip to London, and whether back-up Tanner McKee is ready to take the helm on a full-time basis. 00:00 Instant reaction to Jalen Hurts update 04:16 Eagles’ handling of Hurts diagnosis in hindsight 09:06 General manager Howie Roseman’s roster building unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

"Not dead yet": why the Eagles still have hope | Week 6 vs. Panthers Oct 13, 2026

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The Eagles are back from London, looking to leave the disappointment of a last-second defeat behind while choosing instead to focus on lessons they can learn from a third straight loss. Outcome aside, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane actually thinks there were encouraging takeaways from the game. He and Mike Sielski discuss why the Eagles’ sky, despite being ominous, isn’t falling just yet, and what the team can build on if it hopes to reverse its fortunes during a key stretch of the schedule that begins Sunday. 00:00 State of the Eagles amidst three-game losing streak 06:06 Jalen Carter resurgence sparks hope for defense 08:04 Modest gains on offense 13:28 Where Jalen Hurts has to get better 16:35 Revisiting the end of the Jaguars’ game: Nick Sirianni clock management, other key decisions 32:15 How can this offense improve schematically under Sean Mannion? 38:04 Reasons to be optimistic moving forward unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season. We want mailbag questions! Hit Jeff up on his socials, or drop a question in the comments. Jeff could answer it in a future episode!

Paving a new Lane | Week 5 vs. Jaguars Oct 09, 2026

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For over two decades, one of the guiding personnel principles of the Philadelphia Eagles organization has been to prioritize the offensive line. Through four games, and this past week in particular, the group has undergone dramatic turnover. Hall of Fame-caliber tackle Lane Johnson retired. Cam Jurgens was shipped to Baltimore in a trade. Their respective replacements have potential, but, compared to how general manager Howie Roseman has stockpiled talent on the line in the past, the options now seem less optimal. Did Roseman and the Eagles stray from a long-held philosophy? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane retraces key decisions that brought the team to this point. 00:00 The series of decisions that impacted the state of the Eagles offensive line 19:44 Week 5 mailbag! Will Jalen Hurts ever find his “home” in an offense? Links referenced in this episode: unCovering the Birds - F*ck this game https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/eagles-podcast-episode-2-lane-johnson-jeff-mclane-20230331.html Why Lane Johnson called it a career https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/lane-johnson-retirement-2026-next-for-offensive-line-20261007.html Lane Johnson’s mastery on film https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/eagles-lane-johnson-film-pff-stats-jeff-stoutland-20221012.html unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

Offensive déjà vu - Mannion, Hurts, Sirianni and a scheme that's struggling | The Day After: Eagles vs. Rams Oct 05, 2026

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Different year, different offensive coordinator, yet still, it feels like Déjà vu all over again. The Eagles had little margin for error Sunday vs. the Rams because of injuries. They played hard despite being shorthanded, but in the end, couldn’t put the Rams away, mainly because of poor execution on offense. Why hasn’t Sean Mannion's scheme clicked? How culpable are head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts in the offensive rut the Eagles find themselves in? The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane and Dave Murphy analyze the fallout from the 24-20 loss to LA. 00:00 A four-game assessment of Sean Mannion’s scheme 08:23 Jalen Hurts’ role in the Eagles’ offensive struggles 15:45 The offensive line, no longer a strength 24:53 Why so few under center plays? 28:58 The repercussions of recent Howie Roseman personnel decisions 34:02 How can the Eagles salvage this start? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

Communication breakdowns, Carter's injury, and the back-up QB | Week 4 vs. Rams Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

Just a few months ago, when Eagles training camp got underway, the defense drew rave reviews. The prevailing sentiment was that the unit was poised to dominate this year. So far through three games, Vic Fangio’s group has done anything but. From the lack of forced turnovers to missed coverage assignments, the Eagles have plenty of room for improvement. Can Fangio work his magic to get the defense on track in time for this week’s showdown with the high-powered LA Rams? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane puts the defense under the microscope, and also answers listener questions in this week’s mailbag! 00:00 How a busted defensive play vs. Chicago signals a bigger issue 10:06 Is Jalen Carter catching too much criticism? 11:42 Could there be a change coming at back-up quarterback? 15:45 Week 4 mailbag! Pre-snap motion and three glaring flaws unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

How serious are Eagles' problems? | The Day After: Eagles vs. Bears Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

It was a blowout, and it left a lot of questions. The Eagles’ 27-7 loss to the Bears Monday night at Soldier Field featured an offense that fizzled, a defense that folded, and a coaching staff that looked outmatched. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Jeff Neiburg provide a postmortem of the defense’s disappointing start to the season, critique of offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s approach, and assessment of how some of general manager Howie Roseman’s moves have panned out so far. 00:00 The defense has been a major disappointment 16:12 Sean Mannion's offense has yet to impress 34:17 Scrutinizing Howie Roseman's roster construction unCovering the Birds is a co-production of KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts and The Philadelphia Inquirer, hosted by award-winning Inquirer reporter Jeff McLane. 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!

The real implications of Zach Ertz’s return to the Eagles | Week 3 vs. Bears Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

Earlier this year, the scenario seemed far-fetched, especially after the Eagles used a second-round draft pick on a tight end. Zach Ertz overcoming a serious injury to make a nostalgic return to the city where his career began? It just didn’t feel like a possibility. Then rookie Eli Stowers got hurt in the preseason, and starter Dallas Goedert went down Week 2 vs. Tennessee. All of a sudden, the Eagles had a need. Now, the 35-year old Ertz has been tapped to fill it. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane explains how an unlikely reunion between Ertz and the Eagles came together, why both sides are hoping for more than a feel-good story, and which player on the roster could be affected by this move the most. 00:00 Inside the Eagles’ reunion with Zach Ertz 10:08 What Ertz’s signing could mean for the rest of the roster, especially a couple rookies 16:12 Week 3 mailbag: The Kenny Moore acquisition, and Jalen Hurts’ contract extension 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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