unCovering the Birds with Jeff McLane

Latest Episodes:

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.

“A Jalen Hurts we’ve never seen” | The Day After: Eagles vs. Titans Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

The Eagles survived - again. This time, instead of holding on for dear life as they did in their opener against Washington, the Eagles came from behind in the final minutes to pull out a gutsy win at Tennessee, with their quarterback leading the way. With the Eagles 2-0, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Mike Sielski examine Jalen Hurts’ promising performance through two games, and dig into the uneven play of the defense. 00:00 A version of Jalen Hurts “we’ve never seen” 16:05 Giving offensive coordinator Sean Mannion the benefit of the doubt 21:50 The Eagles’ defense hasn’t delivered as advertised 30:35 Revisionist history: Nakobe Dean unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

Inside the Eagles' Landon Dickerson dilemma | Week 2 vs. Titans Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

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

Is this a fresher Jalen Hurts? | The Day After: Eagles vs. Commanders Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

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

Are DeVonta Smith, Eagles receivers ready for their moment? | Week 1 vs. Commanders Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

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

Talent and question marks | Eagles 2026 regular season roster analysis Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

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

Eagles or Patriots: who won the joint practices in New England? | 2026 Training Camp Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

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

Life after Lane Johnson? | 2026 Training Camp Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

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

Offense vs. defense: Why one group is ahead of the other | 2026 Training Camp Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

The Eagles are grinding their way through the second week of training camp. Some parts of the team have looked good, others remain very much a work in progress. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Jeff Neiburg assess quarterback Jalen Hurts’ play, how some of his targets are faring, and why, regardless of how the offense is coming together, the defense could be elite enough to help the Eagles contend for another title. 00:00 Jalen Hurts’ so-so start to training camp in Sean Mannion’s new offense 14:51 The importance of and questions about the offensive line 26:20 Why this defense could be good enough to position the Eagles for Super Bowl contention unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season. We're always looking for mailbag questions! Hit Jeff up on his socials, or drop a question in the comments. Jeff could answer it in a future episode!

The no. 1 thing Jeff and Olivia are watching | 2026 Training Camp Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

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

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