The Read Optional

Home
Podcast
Archive
About
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
Most Popular
View all
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
New
Top
Community
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.
Recommendations
View all 6
Trench Warfare
Trench Warfare
Brandon Thorn
Go Long
Go Long
Tyler Dunne
Good Game
Good Game
Melissa Jacobs
Bullock's Film Room
Bullock's Film Room
Mark Bullock
Seahawks On Tape
Seahawks On Tape
Matty F. Brown

The Read Optional

AboutArchiveRecommendationsSitemap
© 2023 Oliver Connolly
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great writing