The Read Optional NFL Podcast

Dec 05 2024 27 ep. 76 mins 12

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Smart Football. Explaining Why. NFL Newsletter and Podcast.

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What is wrong with the Chiefs secondary?

Dec 05 2024 102 mins

We’re back digging into the rest of the AFC. We discuss the diverging directions of the Bills and Chiefs secondaries, Chamarri Conner issues, the Dolphins pass game staying elite with Tua, De’Von Achane’s usage/role and Bernhard Raimann’s development in Indy.Bills - How has Sean McDermott gotten this secondary to play at such a high level? What are the staples of a strong B

Is Josh Allen the midseason(ish) MVP?

Oct 31 2024 23 mins

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.comNew pod! We wrap up our AFC week by digging into compelling storylines around the conference.Bills - Are the Bills running the most distinctive offense in the NFL? What are some of the things that Joe Brady is doing to create success? Does the style maximize Josh Allen? Raiders - Has Tyree Wilson actu

Why the Colts benched Anthony Richardson

Oct 29 2024 30 mins

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.comNew pod! We’re swinging through the AFC talking about a batch of quarterbacks, a dodgy defense, and a whole bunch more.Colts - The Colts have decided to bench Anthony Richardson (the news drops after this segment, but we respond to it on the show). Is it the right move? Is Richardson progressing in

We need to talk about Brian Branch

Oct 22 2024 19 mins

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.comIt’s time for another stroll around the NFC. Lions - Brian Branch has been the best safety in football this season, largely thanks to his his versatility. How has he moved positions so seamlessly? In what ways is he more valuable than the average starting safety?Packers - Jordan Love’s process, fr

How have the Chargers built the league's best run defense?

Oct 17 2024 27 mins

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.comNew pod! We’re continuing our deep dive around the league. We’ve included time stamps from this week (shoutout to Dave Powell) if you want to bounce around segments. Chargers - How is the Chargers defense playing so well with so few big names? Has Khalil Mack found the fountain of youth? How did J

Evaluating Drake Maye's first start

Oct 15 2024 22 mins

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.comNew pod! We’re bouncing around the AFC, digging into some of the grim situations and trying to find positives (we try!). We also react to the two big receiver trades of the day.Jets - New York finally landed Davante Adams, but at 2-4 is it too late? Can they get back in the playoff picture? How will

How Washington's offensive line is fueling the best show going

Oct 10 2024 28 mins

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.comWe keep rolling with our NFC deep dive. Giants - The Giants pass rush is killing people after a rough Week 1. How disruptive has the group been? How is Dexter Lawrence amplifying the entire group with the way he rushes? Are Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux living up to the hype?Seahawks - Why is the

Robert Saleh is out. What next for the Jets?

Oct 08 2024 38 mins

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.comNew pod! We’re talking a whole bunch of whatever is going on with the Jets before we move onto our NFC deep-dive. We discuss:Jets - Was firing Robert Saleh before Week 6 the right move for the Jets? How was his tenure as HC? Does the team have a better chance to improve under Jeff Ulbrich? Do we thi

Getting a feel for the new-look Bills

Oct 03 2024 31 mins

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.readoptional.comIt’s time for our second trip around the AFC this week. Jon and I discuss:* Whether we should be concerned about the sluggish start for the Chiefs offense despite the team’s 0-4 start* What has undercut KC early on — and what’s the deal with the shot plays?* The new-look Bills offense. Why was

Why can't the Cowboys stop the run?

Sep 24 2024 112 mins

It’s NFC week! Who’s ready? On this pod, we cover a lot of ground, including:Eagles - Vic Fangio’s masterful gameplan and Jalen Carter’s brilliance crushed a previously humming Saints offense. How did Fangio do it? Could Philly’s defense be turning the corner? What did they expose about New Orleans?Saints - New Orleans battering ram of an offense came to a screeching halt