Week in Review: NFL Quarterbacking 501
Week in Review: NFL Quarterbacking 501
Quincy Avery breaks down the QB position for an hour. Lions ass-kickers share their best stories. Sam Darnold has the hot hand. Daniel Jones heads to the Dawg Pound. All links are inside.
Good morning, readers! Miss anything this week at Go Long?
Here are our columns, features and podcasts from the week.
Thank you for making us your home for longform in pro football.
Our new show — “How the NFL Works” — debuts with a close look at the most important position in sports, all through the eyes of one of the best quarterback whisperers going. The game’s best turn to Quincy Avery in the offseason. Audio and video is available here for subscribers.
The Q&A transcript of our conversation is here. Quincy Avery worked with Geno Smith closely through the quarterback’s Seattle revival. How did Smith turn his career around? Also, why is Sam Darnold playing lights out while Bryce Young bottomed out? In a word: “Confidence.” Avery details.
Fancy doesn’t fly this season. You’ve got to win mano a mano. Lions players all know exactly when they fell in love with the sport’s cruelty. Now, they're bringing Dan Campbell's words to life. Graham Glasgow, D.J. Reader, Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold and Penei Sewell trace this team’s ass-kicking back to high school ball.
Ass-kicking Origins: Why the Detroit Lions are built for 2024 football
Resurgent Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold draws high praise from one NFC personnel man. Is everything scouts loved about the USC quarterback finally bubbling to the surface? Bob McGinn’s series continues. He talks to scouts across the league. It’s taken seven years, but maybe Darnold finally found the right fit with Kevin O’Connell.
The Vikings stun the San Francisco 49ers… and this may be a formula that can sustain itself. Brian Flores’ defense is humming. Also, the Packers find a way to win with Malik Willis, the Lions fall to Tampa Bay, and how concerned should Bears fans be about No. 1 pick Caleb Williams two games in? The “Ty & Bod Pod,” with Hall of Famer Bob McGinn, analyzes the NFC North in-depth.
Not every coach gets the quarterback of his dreams. But teams must also navigate the intersection of hope and delusion. The New York Giants and Cleveland Browns now meet a pivotal game for both teams. Daniel Jones played better in Washington. Next up, he’s got to win vs. Jim Schwartz’s defense.
What happened to Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila? One dogged reporter, Kalyn Kahler, made it her mission to find out. Turns out the Packers pass rusher wasn’t alone, either. We discuss on the podcast.
There are always three ways to read everything at Go Long:
Inside your email inbox.
GoLongTD.com.
Substack app.
Be on alert for a link to our Gameday Chat on Sunday, too! Hang out with readers from around the world all day long:
