The Eagles failed to make it back to the Super Bowl this year, but, as The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane can vouch for during his trip to the Bay Area, the team is still dominating conversations around the league. That’s because in the past week, the Eagles hired a new offensive coordinator, parted ways with a revered assistant, and, much to their relief, got word from their defensive guru that he’ll be returning for another season. Jeff checks in from San Francisco to talk with The Inquirer’s Olivia Reiner, as the two sift through what they’ve been hearing and what fans can expect now that the Eagles’ coaching staff is rounding into form. 00:00 Jeff Stoutland’s exit, and its “messy” handling 14:55 With Stout out, could Lane Johnson be next? 17:11 Why Vic Fangio came back 27:30 Jeff McLane talks with Klint Kubiak about pupil Sean Mannion 30:15 What Jeff and Olivia know about Mannion and his potential impact on the offense, Jalen Hurts 44:40 How the Eagles’ coaching moves reflect on Nick Sirianni unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason, including breaking news updates and reactions.

Banged up offensive line? Underperforming star skill players? A quarterback who failed to lift his team? The 2025 edition of the Philadelphia Eagles checked all those boxes on offense. Sure, you could make a scapegoat out of the first-time offensive coordinator, but placing the blame squarely at the feet of Kevin Patullo would misrepresent the extent of the Eagles’ problems. The Athletic’s Michael Silver recently wrote an article about the Eagles’ offensive woes, and, in a conversation with The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, framed these issues in the context of the franchise’s ongoing search for Patullo’s replacement. 00:00 Why is the Eagles' offensive coordinator search taking so long? 13:27 Factors that prompted Mike McDaniel and Brian Daboll to pass on Eagles 19:00 The Jalen Hurts effect 28:45 The national media perspective on Hurts 32:37 Could Jeff Stoutland's responsibilities be changing? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason, including breaking news updates and reactions. And here’s a link to Mike Silver’s article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6976115/2026/01/16/eagles-offense-jalen-hurts-nick-sirianni-aj-brown/

While cute and novel, the Positivity Bunny proved nothing short of an unceremonious bust. As soon as they could following a brutal overtime loss to the Chargers, the Eagles gave the preposterous 10-foot locker room inflatable the boot. It was not the good-luck charm they hoped for, and served as a reminder that, instead of wishing its woes away, this team will actually have to put in real work to turn the season around. With a potential soft spot in the schedule emerging this Sunday vs. the Raiders, there might not be any better time than the present for the Eagles to breathe some life back into themselves. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane touches base with a few trusted veterans, who share their perspective on the state of the club and the direction they think it’s headed. 00:00 The swift arrival and demise of the Eagles’ “Positivity Bunny” 03:48 What’s with the “awful” sideline vibes? 07:20 Different strokes for different folks 10:18 Jordan Davis and the importance of an optimistic mindset unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

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

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

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

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 Inquirer and 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/.

The blame game on offense this season has been a constant back and forth. One week it’s the coordinator. The next, it’s the head coach and his scheme. But after Monday’s game in LA, the pendulum took a major swing, and it was impossible to ignore the direction: right at the quarterback. Jalen Hurts isn’t the only problem, but five turnovers is unacceptable. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and David Murphy look at the implications of a historically bad performance by Hurts, and examine how the Super Bowl MVP has sunk to this level 10 months after reaching the pinnacle of his career. unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

Turn on sports talk radio or read coverage of the Philadelphia Eagles, and it's probably be impossible to find any analysis of the team’s recent woes that doesn’t reference the offense. The unit has been painfully disjointed and inconsistent to watch, unable to deploy a nucleus filled with all-pro talent. But to pin the Eagles’ issues on this factor alone would be misguided. Should head coach Nick Sirianni, offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, and quarterback Jalen Hurts shoulder a chunk of the burden? Yes, but as The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane points out, there’s plenty of blame to go around, and we shouldn’t overlook the other areas where it can be found... 00:00 Yes, the offense stinks, but there’s a lot more going on 02:17 Addressing the Jalen Carter news, and the warning signs that preceded it 06:25 Where art thou, Jihaad Campbell? 13:38 Seeking solutions at safety 17:47 The one play that summed up the Eagles’ offensive plight unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

Things aren’t getting better; they’re getting worse. The theme doesn’t just apply to the Eagles’ Black Friday loss to the Chicago Bears. It fits the narrative of the entire 2025 season. With five games to go, there’s little reason to hope or expect significant change to take place, particularly on the offensive side of the ball - unless... The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Olivia Reiner take a look at what the Eagles’ seemingly inherent flaws mean for the homestretch of the season, and how they could affect the fate of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

Just weeks after a triumphant moment, Byron Young found himself dealing with the greatest tragedy of his life. Back in March, the defensive tackle returned home to Mississippi for a festive weekend with family. Not only did they celebrate him being part of the Eagles’ 2024 Super Bowl championship team, but his aunt’s birthday as well. A day later, Young’s father, Kenny, died suddenly. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane profiled Young’s emotional journey in a recent feature. You can read the article in full on inquirer.com and via the following link: https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/byron-young-late-father-memory-key-chain-nfl-week-13-20251126.html Listen to an excerpt of Jeff’s conversation with Young on this bonus episode of unCovering the Birds. unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

It looked like Sunday’s game in Dallas was going to be everything the Eagles needed. In the end, they wound up getting exactly what they deserved. Lack of focus, poor execution, conservative play calling. The Eagles picked each of these poisons, and died a miserable 24-21, walk-off death. In the aftermath of a defeat that knocked the defending Super Bowl champs out of the top spot in the NFC, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Mike Sielski scrutinize head coach Nick Sirianni's scheme and approach, and explain how these factors have contributed to the Eagles' issues. They also forecast what the Eagles - specifically a potentially short-handed defense - can expect with the surging Bears coming to town on Black Friday. unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

Between the scheme, the quarterback, the coaches calling plays, and the rest of the players responsible for executing them, the Eagles’ offense has been a well-documented, inconsistent mess this season. But what if there were a smaller area, one that isn’t getting much attention, that could hold the key to getting the much-maligned unit on track. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane zooms in on the Eagles’ back-up tight ends, and explains why they aren’t giving the team what it needs. Plus, Jeff shares what he’s learned about the increasing noise surrounding Jalen Hurts, and the reported frustration members of the organization are feeling towards the quarterback. 00:00 Why the tight end position (especially the back-ups) is so crucial to fixing the offense 16:55 What to make of recent reports surrounding growing internal frustration with Jalen Hurts unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

A.J. Brown might have been wrong. The Eagles' offense isn't just a "s--- show;" it's looking way worse. But enough about that side of the field, at least for now . The reason why the Eagles' path to the playoffs remains promising is because their defense has been lights out, increasingly so since the team returned from the bye two games ago. The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane and Jeff Neiburg take stock of the Eagles' successes and failures at the 10-game mark, and also react to the breaking news about right tackle Lane Johnson's foot injury. unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

Anytime a player goes public and describes an aspect of his team as a “s--- show,” you’ve got a story. When the person saying it is a star whose happiness has been in question all season long, you’ve got a major headline. Such is where the Eagles and A.J. Brown landed this week. As much as Brown, his teammates, and coaches downplayed the shock value of his remarks, to think that everything is “business as usual” with the Eagles would be misguided. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane shares what he’s been hearing and what he knows about Brown, the receiver’s role this year, and how the Eagles, collectively, can get him on track in the second half of the season. 00:00 The Eagles offense, now a “s--- show” 01:55 What’s A.J. Brown’s beef? 04:26 The culpability of the coaches 09:38 The culpability of the quarterback 14:45 The culpability of the receiver 19:55 Jeff’s take on the saga unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

It wasn’t flashy, but the Eagles certainly made a statement coming back from the bye with a gritty 10-7 win in Green Bay. They beat a good team, in a hostile environment, and played with valuable intangibles that could serve them well down the stretch of the season. Yes, the offense remains a mystery. But the defense, with new and familiar faces in the fold, showed why it could very well be capable of carrying the Eagles on another deep run. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and David Murphy analyze the good, bad, and curious from Monday night's victory at Lambeau Field. unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

There was a lot said during the Eagles’ end-of-season news conference, but nothing stood out more to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane than a comment general manager Howie Roseman made about his head coach, Nick Sirianni. What did Roseman say, and why was it so noteworthy? McLane and Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes read between the lines in this recap of Roseman and Sirianni’s Q&A with reporters. 00:00 What did Howie Roseman say? 17:43 Front office power dynamics between Roseman, Nick Sirianni, and Jeffrey Lurie 23:24 Kevin Patullo, Jalen Hurts, and the blame game 33:17 Will A.J. Brown be here next year? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason, including breaking news updates and reactions.

The turnaround the Eagles orchestrated in less than three weeks was no small feat. The defending Super Bowl champs went from looking listless to inspired, showcasing a dominant, balanced performance against an opponent that had blown them out just two games earlier. From Jalen Hurts' poise and precision to Saquon Barkley's first breakout day of the season, the Eagles, which also boasted a punishing pass rush in their 38-20 win over the Giants, are looking more and more like the group that reached the top of the NFL mountain last February. Now that the bye week is here, The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane and Mike Sielski take stock of the 6-2 Eagles, what moves general manager Howie Roseman might consider making at the trade deadline, and how well positioned the franchise is for the homestretch of the season. 00:00 Guess who's back? Saquon's back! 06:41 Why did it take the Eagles seven weeks to tweak running game? 15:43 Does Howie Roseman need to make a trade for more defense? 23:22 Did A.J. Brown finally cross a line? 31:38 Mike's hot take about Nick Sirianni unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

Can the Eagles finally get Saquon Barkley going? The question feels like it’s the last big one left for the Eagles’ offense to answer this season, which has seen the group go through ups and downs during the first half of the year. But on the heels of the Eagles deploying a more under-center, play-action flavored attack in Minnesota to tap into an explosive passing performance, there’s growing optimism inside the NovaCare Complex that the team is getting closer to unlocking its record-setting running back. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane examines key reasons why Barkley and the Eagles’ run game have struggled, and whether a rematch with the archrival Giants could prove the right antidote. 00:00 The next big issue to address on offense... 01:42 Are the run game issues all on Saquon Barkley? 06:30 Jordan Mailata breaks down the Eagles' different run schemes 10:02 The impact of under-center runs 15:42 How Barkley is dealing with his drop in production 20:13 Where health is hurting the Eagles the most unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes dropping each week throughout the season.

Not only was Jalen Hurts called upon to step up, he got a phone call in the middle of his post-game press conference in Minnesota. “When you win, everyone wants to call you,” he joked. In the Eagles’ 28-22 victory over the Vikings, the star quarterback was certainly a winner, delivering one of the most statistically-impressive performances of his career. The 326 passing yards and three touchdowns were much needed, as Hurts, along with the dynamic receiving duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, led the way in getting the Eagles back on track after a two-game slide. What changed on offense, where plenty of criticism has been directed this year? How did a couple of welcomed faces help the defense clamp down? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Marcus Hayes give their takes on the Eagles’ success in Week 7. 00:00 Jalen Hurts: perfection marks major progress 05:29 Offensive adjustments pay explosive dividends 16:51 Welcome back, Nakobe Dean and Jalen Carter! 21:25 Concerns about the edge and…Brandon Graham?!?! unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

“Solutions.” This has been the buzzword of choice for Nick Sirianni this week, as he and the Eagles try to turn things around after back-to-back losses. The Eagles’ head coach says he’s not in the business of assigning blame; instead, he wants answers. So, in the spirit of Sirianni’s spin, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane examines one of the biggest issues holding the Eagles back - Jalen Hurts’ recent inconsistencies - and offers up ways the team can help the quarterback recapture the dynamic form he’s displayed during his career in Philadelphia. 00:00 The “solutions” business 04:22 Solution 1: Designed runs 08:06 Solution 2: “Autonomy,” and Hurts’ pre-snap protections 13:26 Solution 3: The drop-back passing game 16:50 Solution 4: Speeding up the pre-snap operation unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes dropping each week throughout the season.

There’s clearly something wrong with the Eagles. All that “wait-and-see” couching about it being early in the season and the need to be patient, that stuff is out the window after the team’s ugly 34-17 loss to the New York Giants. The defeat was the second in five days for the defending Super Bowl champs, which now have a mini-bye to not only lick their wounds, but figure out how to get back on track. How much of the blame goes to the players? Could first-year offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo already be on the hot seat? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Olivia Reiner sort through the messy storylines from a disappointing night at the Meadowlands. 00:00 What (and who) is wrong with the Eagles? 03:56 “This is a team that should have been able to handle the [Denver] loss better” 06:01 About the offensive coordinator’s job… 13:12 They Sirianni-Patullo-Lurie dynamic 17:57 What happened to the quarterback-run game? 19:50 Injuries and other defensive concerns unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

The Eagles aren’t on the brink - not even close. But with a quick, four-day turnaround looming before their next game, another bad performance could change the tone around the team, and fast. In the aftermath of the Eagles giving up 18 unanswered points en route to a 21-17 loss to Denver, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Jeff Neiburg pick apart what went wrong, and what can be fixed before Thursday’s matchup with the Giants. 00:00 Why it's not time to panic, yet... 05:48 Too many dropbacks for Jalen Hurts, too few touches for Saquon Barkley 10:28 Hurts' one, key recurring problem throughout his career 15:38 The missed deep connection between Hurts and A.J. Brown, and what it represents 18:50 Cutting the defense some slack 22:00 Were the "bad" calls really that bad? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

When the Eagles opened their locker room to the media this week for the first time since leaving Tampa with a victory, A.J. Brown’s latest social media-instigated saga was the focal point of the media. Reporters swarmed his locker stall, waiting for the star wideout to explain himself. One locker over, however, the team’s other stud receiver stood and smiled. Over the years, DeVonta Smith has seen this show before. While Smith has been far less outspoken than Brown, he too has experienced a dip in production through the first month of the season. How does Smith feel about it? What does he think the Eagles can do to get him more involved? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane goes one-on-one with the Slim Reaper to find out, and takes a closer look at the dynamic between the Eagles’ dynamic pass-catching duo. 00:00 “I ain’t part of the story…” 02:38 How DeVonta Smith is handling his own slow start to the season 06:36 Can two “alpha males” co-exist? 11:37 A.J. Brown, self-explained 14:25 The state of Brown’s relationship with Jalen Hurts 17:50 What the future holds unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes dropping each week throughout the season.

How can a team so successful continue to be the source of so many questions? This remains the state of the Eagles. They’re 4-0, and have gone 20-1 over the last 365 days. But in each game the Eagles have played this season, they've shown some concerning flaws. Following the team's 31-25 win in Tampa, The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane and David Murphy try to make sense of what they've seen, and do some reading between the lines about A.J. Brown's latest cryptic comments. 00:00 4-0 but we still don't know: what are the Eagles? 04:54 Tale of the tape on offense 10:38 Jeff's postgame interaction with A.J. Brown 16:40 Baun, DeJean, and Mitchell: three game-changers 22:08 The final word on A.J. Brown: the Eagles need him unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

Nick Sirianni hasn’t lost much in his four-plus seasons as Eagles head coach, but there’s one team that has his number: Tampa Bay. He’s 1-4 all-time against the Buccaneers. The Eagles’ two most recent defeats to the Bucs, road games in the Wild Card round of the 2023-24 playoffs and Week 4 of the 2024 regular season, were so embarrassing they threatened Sirianni’s job security. But there’s far more to the Eagles’ struggles in Tampa than heat. Sirianni’s counterpart, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles, has proven a pesky, painful thorn in the Eagles’ side. As the Eagles travel to Raymond James Stadium for the third time in two years, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane examines how Bowles’ blitzes have posed problems for the Eagles, and what Sirianni, quarterback Jalen Hurts, and the rest of the offense can do to counter them in Sunday’s battle of unbeatens. 00:00 Welcome to Tampa: nightmare city 02:35 Why Todd Bowles has been so good vs. the Eagles 12:19 How Nick Sirianni, Kevin Patullo, and Jalen Hurts can hack Bowles’ blitzes unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes dropping each week throughout the season.

The Eagles’ 3-0 start to the 2025 regular season has been full of imperfections, but the NFL is a bottom line business, and the defending Super Bowl champs have shown a remarkable knack for adapting to whatever circumstances are needed to win. Their latest victory, an epic 33-26 comeback over the LA Rams, featured a second half for the ages, capped by defensive lineman Jordan Davis blocking a would-be game-winning field goal and racing it back for a walk-off touchdown. Are the adjustments the Eagles made in erasing a 19-point deficit sustainable, or will they prove to be a flash in the pan? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Marcus Hayes look at what needs to carry to Week 4’s trip to another one of the league’s unbeaten teams, Tampa Bay. 00:00 An imperfectly perfect 3-0 start 01:10 First reactions to walk-off win over Rams 03:58 The double-edged sword of Nick Sirianni’s sideline temperament 05:43 The truth to AJ Brown’s comments about letting Eagles’ “killers” do their thing 11:50 Why it might be time to take off the “kid gloves” with Jalen Hurts 17:49 Second-half changes on offense: promising or a mirage? 19:40 Will this be the year Hurts and the Eagles break Todd Bowles’ Tampa hex? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

The Eagles might have been disappointed, but deep down, they likely weren’t surprised. The team that showed up in a 23-19 Wild Card loss to the San Francisco 49ers was the version of the team the Eagles had been for most of the 2025 season. Good enough on defense, yet woefully ineffective on offense. Instead of rebooting repeat Super Bowl dreams, the Eagles’ matchup with the 49ers marked the fitting end to a frustrating season. From an inconsistent quarterback to an inexperienced playcaller who too often was overmatched, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Dave Murphy sort through the factors that contributed to the Eagles’ early playoff exit, and quickly shift their focus to potential changes looming in the offseason. 00:00 The Eagles were who they knew they were all along 02:17 Intel about Kevin Patullo’s future 09:23 Jalen Hurts’ shortcomings exposed 20:17 What should the Eagles do with A.J. Brown? 26:25 More on A.J. Brown and potential replacement options 34:01 Other stay / go considerations 37:34 Will Lane Johnson retire? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason, including breaking news updates and reactions.

Jalen Hurts might not be the fastest. He might not be the most agile or smooth either. In spite of all that, Hurts has still established himself as one of the most dangerous running quarterbacks of all-time, and he’s done it by relying on a signature move. From his days playing football in the neighborhood just outside Houston to his ascent to Philadelphia Eagles’ star, Hurts has turned the “Dead Leg” into a serious weapon. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane talks to the Super Bowl MVP about the origins, evolution, and effectiveness of his maneuver, while also exploring ways the Eagles could expand Hurts’ role even more in the ground game. 00:00 Meet the ‘Dead Leg’ 03:21 The origins of a signature move 10:58 How Nick Sirianni and Nick Patullo can expand Hurts’ impact on the ground game unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes dropping each week throughout the season.

The Eagles’ 20-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs was a good win. Pretty? Not so much, at least on the offensive side of the ball. The passing attack didn’t really establish a deep threat (again). There wasn’t much rhythm to the play calling. But when you go on the road and defeat an opponent hungry and motivated to avenge an embarrassing loss in the Super Bowl just seven months earlier, should style points matter? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Mike Sielski debate this question, and explain why, for as much as the offense has looked disjointed through two games, Eagles fans should have plenty of confidence in the club’s defense. 00:00 “Like a home-cooked meal, but the steak was tough” 01:07 Sorting through some of the warning signs on offense 14:30 The most encouraging signs from Vic Fangio’s defense after two games 16:14 Have the Eagles’ found their new safety in Andrew Mukuba? 21:07 Enjoy the Tush Push (while it lasts…) unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

What should we make of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo’s debut? It’s an obvious question, one that calls back directly to one of the most significant subplots of a season in which the Philadelphia Eagles are bidding for a second straight title. The answer, however, is less clear. Were there positives to pull from the offense’s performance in the Eagles’ opening night, 24-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys? Absolutely. But the group struggled as well, particularly in the second half. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane analyzes the state of the Eagles' offense after one game, and looks ahead to key adjustments Patullo needs to make with week two's Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs looming. 00:00 What should we make of Kevin Patullo’s debut as offensive coordinator? 12:33 Patullo’s close relationship with head coach Nick Sirianni, and why it could prove a double-edged sword 18:09 Get A.J. Brown the ball! unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

The Eagles’ opener was a lot of things - ugly, bad, and, ultimately in terms of the outcome, good. Jalen Hurts? Nice! Jalen Carter? Yikes. Adoree’ Jackson? Is it already time to move on? It’s early, just one game. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane isn’t ready to make any blanket statements or knee jerk reactions, but he does have some first impressions from the Eagles’ 2025 debut. Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Olivia Reiner joins the podcast to recap the 24-20 victory over the Cowboys. 00:00 What was Jalen Carter thinking? What are Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman thinking? 05:47 Why Jeff was all in on Jalen Hurts’ performance 07:57 Olivia looks at A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and the rest of the offense 11:38 Already time to move on from Adoree’ Jackson? 15:09 It wasn’t all bad on defense… 17:04 Final thoughts on Carter, and how the spitting incident reflects on unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

It was a long preseason and, quite frankly, a pretty dull one, too. In other words, for a team like the Philadelphia Eagles, which kept its core intact and is looking to accomplish the exact same thing this year as last year, it was perfect. But don’t let the lack of drama or juicy position battles fool you. The reigning Super Bowl champions still have some big questions to answer once they start playing for keeps Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field against the Dallas Cowboys. Will Saquon Barkley, recently voted the no. 1 player in the NFL, be able to dodge the presumptive defensive target on his back? Is the secondary deep enough to withstand the offseason departures of key veterans? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane tackles these issues and more as he sets the table for the 2025 regular season. 00:00 Time to get down to regular season business 02:45 Forget the yards - what type of season do the Eagles need Saquon Barkley to have? 08:59 Tyler Steen won a starting job. Is he ready? 17:40 True of false: we should be worried about the secondary 24:00 On edge about...EDGE unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

The offense hasn't looked great, and the defense is still searching for answers at certain positions. But Jalen Hurts' vibes? They're all good, and noticeably different from last season. What's the reason for the change? The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane explores this questions, while addressing other key issues that emerged during the Eagles' joint practice sessions this past week with the Cleveland Browns. 00:00 A different Jalen Hurts? 5:05 What’s up with the offense? 9:32 Jalen Hurts’ growth 14:35 DeVonta Smith up with A.J. Brown down 17:51 Landon Dickerson: short-term relief, long-term concerns? 22:15 The state of the secondary, three weeks into camp 27:43 How Jordan Davis turned his stock around unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

It was one of the most infamous spectacles in Philadelphia sports history: Terrell Owens working out in his driveway, hours after getting kicked out of training camp. The backdrop was a months-long contract dispute. Owens, the electric wide receiver who finally helped the Eagles get to their lone Super Bowl of the Andy Reid - Donovan McNabb era, felt that he deserved more money than he signed for a year earlier. The Eagles’ front office, led by team president Joe Banner, thought differently. Ahead of the 20th anniversary of the August 10th, 2005 incident, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane looks back on the behind-the-scenes details - and absurdities - of the standoff, with help from former offensive coordinator Brad Childress and fellow Eagles beat reporter Bob Brookover, who, like Jeff, was in T.O.’s driveway when the ordeal happened. Plus, in this week’s “Extra Point” segment, Jeff shares what he’s been hearing about quarterback Tanner McKee, and other players who left impressions - good and bad - from the Eagles’ 34-27 preseason-opening win over the Cincinnati Bengals. 00:00 Tales from T.O.’s driveway 26:35 Eye-openers and disappointments from Eagles preseason win over Bengals unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

To run or not to run? With Jalen Hurts entering his fifth season as the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting quarterback, the question becomes increasingly pertinent. Listen, there’s no doubting the dynamic that Hurts’ legs bring to the Eagles’ offense. For proof, look no further than the backbreaking scrambles he delivered in the team’s dominant Super Bowl victory over Kansas City in February. But as Hurts approaches his 27th birthday (August 7th), while already having reached the notable milestone of 75 career starts, his workload on the ground relative to his peers around the NFL takes on greater significance. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane begins his journey through the Eagles’ 2025 season by examining Hurts’ role in the run game. Plus, on the heels of Jeff Stoutland receiving a deserved award, Jeff shares a couple stories about the revered offensive line coach, and ponders how much longer Stoutland might stay on the job. 00:00 Will Jalen Hurts run less this season? 15:05 The legend of Jeff Stoutland continues to grow unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

How prepared are the Eagles to defend their Super Bowl title? This question likely won’t get answered until the regular season kicks off in a few months. Odds are, it might even take longer than that; a few games, perhaps, to gauge the Eagles’ 2025 potential. But one thing is for sure: NFL teams begin building their DNA and habits in the spring through organized team activities and minicamps. With the Eagles having wrapped up their workouts earlier this week, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane takes account of everything he saw and heard down at Eagles headquarters, and, based on early tea leaves, forecasts what to expect going into training camp - especially on defense, where coordinator Vic Fangio will once again have to manage substantial personnel turnover. 00:00 “Fake news” 05:18 Will this be Jordan Davis’ year? 11:09 Bye bye Bryce Huff; hello new opportunities for edge rushers 16:12 Jihad Campbell update 19:49 Cooper DeJean could have dual role 23:43 Replacing C.J. Gardner-Johnson 27:45 What to expect from offense unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

There are lots of sources you can go to for comprehensive NFL Draft analysis, but there’s only one Mike Mayock. The suburban Philadelphia native and The Haverford School graduate played a few years in the league after a strong stint at Boston College, but his biggest claim to fame is indisputably as a draft expert. Between his seemingly endless familiarity with prospects and an ability to articulate their fits with NFL teams, Mayock has earned a reputation as a go-to draft guru. So, that’s who The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane turned to when he wanted to go in-depth on the Eagles’ 2025 draft picks. From the move up to nab Alabama's Jihaad Campbell to rumblings that other general managers were reluctant to do deals with Howie Roseman, Mayock examines the Eagles’ rookies with two questions in mind: do they have the potential to positively impact the franchise’s title defense, and can they make up for talent lost earlier in the offseason? 00:00 Tackling the Eagles’ moves in the 2025 NFL Draft with analyst Mike Mayock 04:03 First-round pick Jihaad Campbell: where to play him and injury concerns 12:28 Second-round selection Andrew Mukuba: does size really matter? 19:45 Don’t sleep on the third-day prospects 26:05 What’s been Howie Roseman’s secret to drafting quality starters in recent years? 33:47 Rumor or real life: Are other GMs avoiding trades with Roseman? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

A common refrain from the NovaCare Complex during the Eagles’ up-and-down 2025 regular season has been that finding ways to win, regardless of style or circumstance, is the team’s greatest strength. Based on the group’s track record, especially the past two years, the claim would be hard to dismiss. The Eagles’ belief in themselves, however, will be put to the test this weekend, when the playoffs begin Sunday with a Wild Card matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles might not be entering the postseason looking like the world-beaters that romped in last year’s Super Bowl, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of pulling off another title run. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane shares his reasons for hope and doubt for the possibility of a repeat. 00:00 Which version of the Eagles will show up Sunday? 02:22 Top reason for hope: Uncle Vic 09:06 Could Jalen Hurts run more? 13:05 The Lane Johnson effect 18:17 The biggest reason for concern... 27:43 About Kevin Patullo, and his future unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.

Imagine this: you’ve got an exclusive, high-profile, high-pressure gig; only 31 other people on the planet do what you do. You’re on vacation; your regular spot in a relatively obscure location. Then, off in the distance, you see someone familiar approaching. Could it really be one of your professional peers, out for a leisurely bike ride in the same vacation town? A little more than a decade ago, longtime Baltimore Ravens executive Ozzie Newsome and Eagles general manager Howie Roseman weren’t close. A chance encounter along the Alabama gulf shore changed that, and sowed the seeds for a valuable friendship - personal and professional - between the two NFL personnel men. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane examines the role that Newsome’s mentorship and other key moments in Roseman’s life have played in propelling the Eagles’ GM to the top of his profession. 00:00 A chance encounter with Howie Roseman 04:38 Jake Rosenberg reflects on life with a young Howie 06:47 What makes Roseman a great GM? 13:54 In lockstep with Jeffrey Lurie 18:50 The Chip Kelly crisis 28:18 Another shot 36:24 Roseman’s legacy unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

The weather in Palm Beach during the annual NFL owners meetings was touch-and-go by South Florida standards. One attendee, however, was certainly shining brighter than most. Yes, Jeffrey Lurie, on the heels of his Philadelphia Eagles winning a second Super Bowl title in seven years, was aglow. Not only that, his public comments sent a clear message to the rest of the league: he expects the franchise to keep winning, and winning big. The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane reads between the lines of Lurie's remarks at the owners meetings, and also sits down with Sportsradio WIP’s Hugh Douglas, who recently aired some thoughts on his show about Jeff's personality. 00:00 Jeff addresses his supposed "dry" personality 05:28 Hugh Douglas explains his comments, talks Eagles 24:14 A debrief from the NFL owners meetings unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

We know Howie Roseman is passionate. Obsessive, too. These traits have revealed themselves constantly throughout his 15-year tenure as the Philadelphia Eagles’ general manager, propelling him to the top of his profession. The characteristics, however, show up in other parts of his life as well, specifically one of his favorite endeavors away from the game. Join The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLaneas he chats with Roseman about his “other” big obsession, and explores how it overlaps and has become intertwined with his day job - building a championship-winning roster for one of the most successful NFL franchises in the last decade. 00:00 Howie Roseman's other obsession 05:10 A serious eater 09:13 The origins of a foodie 15:53 How Roseman's football and foodie worlds intertwine unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

It’s been a little more than a month since the Philadelphia Eagles smashed the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59. While the Eagles’ front office has been forced to move on from the victory rather quickly due to a flurry of offseason activity, the afterglow from the team’s second championship run still remains strong. A recent live taping of unCovering the Birds between The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Eagles Radio Network analyst Mike Quick demonstrated as much. At FitlerClub in Center City, the duo discussed plenty of topical items, from recent free agency developments to new coaching hires, but also put key storylines from the Eagles’ 2024 title run into perspective: Where does Jalen Hurts belong in conversations about elite NFL quarterbacks? How has Nick Sirianni become so effective at his job in such a relatively short period of time? And what makes Saquon Barkley one of Mike’s favorite all-time Eagles? Plus, Jeff and Mike take questions from the audience. Listen to hear great stories from the Eagles’ historic season, and find out if Jeff and Mike think the team is capable of bringing another parade to Broad Street next year. 05:16 Reaction to recent free agency developments 19:17 How Nick Sirianni is evolving and maturing as an NFL head coach 24:22 Is there any reason why Jalen Hurts should not be considered an elite NFL quarterback? 27:22 Kevin Patullo has never called plays in the NFL; should we be concerned? 33:12 Why Saquon Barkley instantly became one of Mike’s favorite Eagles 46:19 Rapid fire 52:00 Jeff’s big reveal to Mike, audience Q&A unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

The scouting combine. It’s the NFL’s ultimate mixer. Every year, prospects, powerbrokers, pundits, and aspiring professionals in the football industry descend on Indianapolis at the end of February for a week of talent evaluation, networking, and late nights. The TV networks covering the combine want you to see the drills, testing, and player soundbites. The reality, though, is that the real action takes place outside of public view, as covert conversations begin to shape the offseason’s juiciest storylines. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane is a veteran of the combine. From the corridors of Lucas Oil Stadium to the white cloth-covered tables at the legendary St. Elmo Steakhouse, tag along for an immersive, behind-the-scenes glimpse at one of the NFL’s busiest, high-profile events. 00:00 Behind the scenes at the NFL Combine 26:37 Who's next? Eagles that need to step up in 2025 unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the offseason.

What was the post-game celebration like inside the locker room and beyond? Who kept the festivities going way into the early hours of the morning? In the afterglow of the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, it was time to party, and the Eagles didn’t let the well-earned opportunity pass them by. From the mellow yet gratified vibes of the team’s defensive guru to the veteran who wanted to savor the championship feeling a little longer a second time around, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane gives you a fly-on-the wall glimpse of over six hours of Eagles’ revelry in New Orleans. Featuring interviews with owner Jeffrey Lurie, general manager Howie Roseman, defensive end Brandon Graham, and more. 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.

The last time Carson Wentz was in a Super Bowl, he was on the wrong end of a fairy tail script - injured and watching from the sideline as Philadelphia Eagles’ back-up quarterback Nick Foles led the franchise to its first ever title, finishing the job that Wentz started during the regular season before getting hurt. This year, should anything happen to Kansas City starter Patrick Mahomes, Wentz, now the Chiefs’ second-stringer, would be a snap away from being summoned to create a little magic of his own and help the team three-peat. During Super Bowl week in New Orleans, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane spent some time with Wentz, who he hadn’t interviewed in four years. Hear what the former Eagles’ no. 2 draft pick has to say about his outlook for the future, and how the passing of time has allowed him to put his stint in Philadelphia in perspective. Plus, in a new “Pick Six” segment, Jeff chats with Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens about the art of making beef jerky and life on his family’s farm. Jeff also previews some of the key X’s and O’s ahead of Sunday’s clash at Caesars Superdome, and gives his prediction for the game. 00:00 Catching up with Carson Wentz 17:55 “Pick Six” with Cam Jurgens 24:40 Super Bowl 59 matchups and prediction 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.

This time a year ago, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni sat next to each other awkwardly on the dais at team headquarters, enduring a barrage of pointed press conference questions as they dissected the franchise’s emphatic failure to live up to the previous season’s Super Bowl run. Adding to the tension was prior speculation about Sirianni’s job, and whether he would return for 2024. Good thing he did. Fast forward to this winter, and the Eagles are back on the NFL’s biggest stage, days away from their latest shot at a second title. What factors gave Roseman the conviction not to blow the Eagles up? How did Sirianni navigate coaching staff changes and months of intense scrutiny to right the ship? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane gives you an all-access press pass to recently-embargoed media sessions with both men, who reflect on this season’s dramatic turnaround. Plus, in a follow-up to a story about Vic Fangio published on the podcast earlier in the season, Jeff dives deeper into the mind of the Eagles’ defensive coordinator through interviews with mentors, coaches, and players Fangio’s crossed paths with over the course of his lengthy career (is it really true he never laughs?). And be sure to stick around for a conversation with Merrill Reese, the Eagles’ Hall of Fame radio play-by-play announcer, who discusses preparing for his latest Super Bowl broadcast. 00:00 Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni reflect 15:52 Inside the mind of Vic Fangio 29:30 Merrill Reese preps for another Super Bowl Links referenced in the podcast: Vic Fangio podcast feature https://www.audacy.com/podcast/uncovering-the-birds-with-jeff-mclane-e8fbc/episodes/week-13-vs-ravens-vic-fangio-at-last-611f1 Jeff’s Fangio profile in the Inquirer https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/vic-fangio-eagles-chiefs-super-bowl-2025-20250205.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.

It was a dynamic play, a defining moment during the Philadelphia Eagles’ playoff run that helped propel the team closer to its second-ever championship. Whether they ultimately achieve that goal remains to be seen. But what’s already certain is that, regardless of the outcome in Super Bowl 59, running back Saquon Barkley’s snow-blanketed, 78-yard touchdown burst in the NFC divisional round against the LA Rams will go down as one of the greatest sequences in Eagles’ postseason history. How did Barkley’s run materialize? Who were the other key players involved? What was going through their minds as it became clear Barkley had busted loose? Relive the MVP candidate’s memorable run with an oral history compiled by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, who recently made the rounds in the Eagles’ locker room to get a step-by-step account of what happened. Plus, in a new “Pick Six” segment, Jeff finds out why this season has been Jahan Dotson’s favorite in his three years in the NFL, despite the wideout posting the lowest numbers of his career. They also dish on Penn State preferences, and the vibes inside the Eagles’ receiver room. 00:00 An oral history: Saquon Barkley’s snow-covered, 78-yard touchdown run 11:36 “Pick Six” with Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson Links referenced in this episode: NFL Films’ clip of Saquon Barkley’s 78-yard touchdown vs. LA Rams https://www.reddit.com/r/nfl/comments/1i66rfu/highlight_nfl_films_footage_of_the_78_yard_saquon/ Vote for unCovering the Birds for the Pen and Pencil Club’s Philly News Awards! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CVEk9HIqnFFM3JqaedQRV_XoecIUatZMv9zxJEZKTRY/viewform?edit_requested=true 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.

Jalen Hurts puffed a big a** cigar. Gillie da kid led a dance party. A pair of team-changing rookies basked in the shine of new hardware. These were just some of the snapshots from the Philadelphia Eagles’ victorious locker room following their NFC championship win over the Washington Commanders. Want to hear more? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane serves as your fly on the wall during the Eagles’ postgame celebration, and frames key factors that not only helped the team get back to the Super Bowl, but will also likely determine whether the group can exact revenge on the Kansas City Chiefs for a second championship. 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.

Should the Eagles have rested most of their starters in Sunday’s regular season finale? After they blew a chance to jump up to the two-seed in the NFC, the question was certainly fair and ripe for debate. But the truth is, there’s nothing the Eagles can do about it now. They lost to Washington, and are subsequently locked into a Wild Card round matchup with San Francisco, an opponent with which the Eagles are very familiar. How do the teams - at first glance - matchup? What did the regular season reveal about the type of football we can expect from the Eagles in the postseason? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Mike Sielski start to forecast this weekend’s showdown at Lincoln Financial Field. 00:00 Was the rest worth it? 03:54 Did the regular season finale reveal anything new about Kevin Patullo, Tanner McKee? 14:53 What should Tank Bigsby’s role be in the playoffs? 20:45 Sizing up the 49ers 31:21 Do the Eagles have enough for another Super Bowl run? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season, including day-after-game reactions.