unCovering the Birds with Jeff McLane

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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: Brian Seltzer

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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: Brian Seltzer

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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: Brian Seltzer

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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: Brian Seltzer

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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: Brian Seltzer

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 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 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/.

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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: Brian Seltzer

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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: Brian Seltzer

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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: Brian Seltzer

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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: Brian Seltzer

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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: Brian Seltzer

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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: Brian Seltzer

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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: Brian Seltzer

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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: Brian Seltzer

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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: 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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: 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 McLaneExecutive Producer, Philadelphia Inquirer: Renee IfillDirector of Podcasting, KYW Newsradio: Tom RickertProducer: 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/.