The Read Optional | Oliver Connolly | Substack

2025 NFL Season

The art of play sequencing -- and how Sean Payton rediscovered his mojo

The Broncos broke with tendencies to set the Packers up and drill them over the head

Dec 16, 2025 • Oliver Connolly

The Adjustment Bureau: Is Lou Anarumo back?

Checking in on the Lou-issance in Indianapolis

Oct 3, 2025 • Oliver Connolly

Do the Falcons have a Pistol problem?

Zac Robinson has given Atlanta an offensive identity. But does it make any sense?

Oct 1, 2025 • Oliver Connolly

How 'Bout Micah Parsons?

The Packers have the perfect marriage of a once-in-a-lifetime player and a creative scheme

Sep 11, 2025 • Oliver Connolly

Why the Pistol will be back en vogue

What's old is new again

Aug 2, 2022 • Oliver Connolly

The Book of Fangio

The 'Fangio Defense' has taken over the NFL. Shawn Syed breaks down Fangio's philosophy, core concepts, and the nuances of a scheme that has altered the…

Jan 11, 2023 • Shawn Syed

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?

Sep 23, 2021 • Oliver Connolly

Reacting to John Harbaugh joining the Giants

The fit, the staff, the roster, the expectations and what comes next

Jan 15 • Oliver Connolly

50:51

AFC Wildcard recap & Divisional round preview

What's going on with Herbert? How far can Josh Allen carry the Bills? Do you Bo-lieve?

Jan 14 • Oliver Connolly

1:40:31

Breaking down the NFC's Wildcard round

Analyzing the first round of the playoffs

Jan 13 • Oliver Connolly

1:28:37

Emergency Podcast: Mike Tomlin leaves Pittsburgh

Where will Tomlin land next? And what's next for the Steelers?

Jan 13 • Oliver Connolly

55:31

Keys to the game: Wildcard Round Preview

Picking out the decisive matchups and schematic battles in the first round of the playoffs

Jan 8 • Oliver Connolly

1:14:46

Updates on the coaching carousel

What next for Mike McDaniel?

Jan 8 • Oliver Connolly

52:38

The ramifications of John Harbaugh's firing

What it means for the Ravens, Giants, Dolphins and the broader carousel

Jan 7 • Oliver Connolly

51:52

Breaking down the NFL's coaching carousel

What comes next in Atlanta, Cleveland, Tennessee, Washington, Arizona, Vegas and more

Jan 6 • Oliver Connolly

2:13:14

What next for the Lions?

Looking at the state of the Lions, Ravens, Steelers and more

Dec 30, 2025 • Oliver Connolly

2:02:02

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Podcasts

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Smart Football. Explaining Why. NFL Newsletter and Podcast.

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