The Read Optional

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Which Bill O’Brien did Bill Belichick hire?
O'Brien returned to New England this offseason, but was he brought back for a 2011 redux or to push the Patriots into the future?
 • 
Oliver Connolly
2
The Book of Fangio
The 'Fangio Defense' has taken over the NFL. In a multi-part series, Shawn Syed breaks down Fangio's philosophy, core concepts, and the nuances of a…
 • 
Shawn Syed
4
How NFL defenses are evolving to stop the boot-action explosion
In the era of McVay, Shanahan, Stefanski and LaFleur, the keeper is king. What are defenses doing to stop it?
 • 
Oliver Connolly
1
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Film Room Five: How concerned should we be about Matt Ryan?
 • Oliver Connolly
The Book of Fangio
 • Shawn Syed
4
How NFL defenses are evolving to stop the boot-action explosion
 • Oliver Connolly
1
Josh Allen, Brian Daboll, and a gameplan 800 days in the making
 • Oliver Connolly
The Book of Fangio: Part II -- Coverages & Pressures
 • Shawn Syed
1
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The email you don't want to send
Some sad news (maybe); some happy news
 • 
Oliver Connolly
11
Home & Home: The Panic Index
Listen now | It's overreactions week!
 • 
Oliver Connolly
1:24:39
It's Prediction Time!
Super Bowl champs, MVP, disaster-waiting-to-happen, breakouts stars. A round of begrudging preseason picks.
 • 
Oliver Connolly
Home & Home: Stick or Twist?
Listen now | Checking in on our preseason projections
 • 
Oliver Connolly
1:26:08
Jordan Love is ready for the big time
In moving on to Jordan Love, the Packers are attempting the impossible. They believe — and it's time to start buying in
 • 
Oliver Connolly
2023 Breakout Players: Here comes Drake London
Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts bring star-power to the Falcons' high-octane offense. The guy who will make the whole thing sing? Drake London.
 • 
Alberto Cantù
Home & Home: NFL Tiers -- Part IV
Listen now | We're on to the favorites
 • 
Oliver Connolly
1:25:33
The Read Optional
The Read Optional
Smart Football. Explaining Why. NFL Newsletter and Podcast.
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