The Read Optional NFL Podcast

Feb 18 2025 31 ep. 79 mins 17

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Smart Football. Explaining Why. NFL Newsletter and Podcast.

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2025 NFL Draft Tiers: Edges -- Part I

Feb 18 2025 120 mins

It’s draft season! And we kick off their 2025 NFL Draft coverage with Part 1 of our detailed look at the edge defender class, including the wonder of Abdul Carter, Jalon Walker controversy, Mike Green and much more. Edge is the leading position in this class, and we dig into the what and whys of our individual tiers.Abdul Carter — There is one issue with Carter that isn’t bei

The Big Super Bowl Preview

Feb 06 2025 58 mins

New Pod! We’re breaking down the main schematic matchups and subplots ahead of Chiefs-Eagles Part II. We’re talking about Spags’ approach to slowing down Saquon Barkley, how Chris Jones and Jalen Carter will be used as chess pieces, whether Vic Fangio will shift his approach slightly against Mahomes and a ton more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with

AFC Wildcard Preview

Jan 08 2025 67 mins

New Pod! It’s playoff time! We kick off our playoff previews with the AFC, with a long look at all three matchups. Can the Texans, Steelers or Broncos pull off an upset?Texans v Chargers - Can Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter win their matchups against Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater? Are the Chargers capable of attacking the Texans’ biggest weakness to great success? Can Nico Coll

The 2024 All-Underrated Team: Offense

Dec 17 2024 135 mins

New Pod! We have a fun pair of shows this week. Jon and I are building out our teams of underrated players from this season, going position by position on both sides of the ball. There are three stipulations: the player cannot have made an All-Pro team, Pro Bowl roster or be a rookie. Other than that, anything goes. We are starting with our offenses.Which QB qualifies for the All-U

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