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A crucial crossroads is here. The Eagles have reached the bye and, as timing would also have it, the NFL trade deadline, mired in their worst slump of the Nick Sirianni era. There’s no doubt the franchise needs to course correct, but how? With who? Will players be on the move? Could coaches’ jobs be on the line? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Olivia Reiner conduct an autopsy of the Eagles after their seventh straight loss - a 19-11 defeat to the New York Giants - and look at the big picture of an organization that has swiftly fallen far from its Super Bowl glory two years ago. 00:00 What changes could Eagles make during bye week and ahead of trade deadline? 14:10 Should we even talk about the Giants game? 21:30 A step in the right direction on defense… 25:38 How much are Howie Roseman and Jeffrey Lurie to blame for current state of Eagles? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

With the Eagles’ season gradually going up in flames, there’s been plenty of external finger pointing. The offense, specifically the line, has drawn considerable ire, especially in light of the Eagles parting ways with longtime, beloved assistant coach Jeff Stoutland. Stoutland’s track record on the offensive line is Hall of Fame-worthy. This year, with Chris Kuper as Stoutland’s replacement, the line has regressed. Should Kuper shoulder most of the blame? What really happened between Stoutland and the Eagles that caused their relationship to fall apart? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane dives deeper into one of the biggest “what ifs” from a frustrating season, framing Stoutland’s exit around four key questions. 03:04 Question 1: Why did Jeff Stoutland and the Eagles part ways? 08:18 Question 2: Did any of the Eagles’ offensive linemen want Stoutland’s role to change? 15:20 Question 3: How did the Stoutland - Eagles divorce happen? 18:52 Question 4: If Stoutland were still on the coaching staff, would it make a difference this year? 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! You can also watch unCovering the Birds on the KYW Newsradio and Philadelphia Inquirer YouTube channels.

The Eagles have problems. Eight games into the season, that much is sure. But which ones are symptomatic, versus the ones that are systemic? From the head coach to the personnel, from coordinators to the front office, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and David Murphy scrutinize the micro issues that point to some of the larger dilemmas the Eagles are now facing: should they start to pack it in this season, and who will be held accountable for the team’s shortcomings? 00:00 Should the Eagles let their current mess burn? 13:12 What should the Eagles’ 3-5 year plan be? How much is general manager Howie Roseman responsible for the roster issues? 27:10 It’s easy to just blame Nick Sirianni 31:13 Trade deadline thoughts? unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.

When Jalen Carter is at his game-wrecking best, he’s as unstoppable a force as there is in the NFL. Such was the case during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run two years ago. But since then, between injuries and uneven play, the defensive tackle’s contributions have been inconsistent. On the heels of general manager Howie Roseman signing Carter to a historic contract, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane looks at the costs of the extension - both in terms of dollars and cents, as well as roster construction. Plus, Jeff advances storylines for the Nov. 10th NFL trade deadline, and, in his weekly mailbag, addresses some reporting about the Eagles’ salary cap situation. 00:00 Carter finally faces the media 01:17 The impact of expectations 06:06 Some concerning numbers 08:02 Does Carter owe the media, fans an explanation? 11:37 Trade deadline preview 16:12 How Howie Roseman's moves could affect Nick Sirianni's future 16:42 Mailbag: Will there be a salary cap “doomsday?” 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.