Matt Lombardo
@mattlombardo.bsky.social
15K followers 2K following 4.9K posts
National NFL Reporter Founder/Writer/Editor: Between The Hashmarks. FOX29 Sports On-Air Contributor You can read me and subscribe here: https://MattLombardoNFL.Substack.com Have covered the NFL for 15 Seasons, including stops at NJ.com and Heavy Sports
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mattlombardo.bsky.social
🚨 BRAND NEW Between The Hashmarks Podcast 🚨

Putting breakout performances in perspective, playing fact or fiction with the NFC, including @miketanier.bsky.social and my very differing views on where the Bears are.

FULL Episode: mattlombardonfl.substack.com/p/nfl-vibe-c...
Reposted by Matt Lombardo
miketanier.bsky.social
Podding live at noon!

(It may be more like 12:05 by the time I figure out how to join the call).
mattlombardo.bsky.social
Coming up at Noon, @miketanier.bsky.social and I have a really fun show lined up!!

Join us LIVE as we go inside some of the biggest storylines and put breakout stars under a microscope 👀

open.substack.com/live-stream/...
LIVE SOON: NFL Vibe Checks and Upstart Resets (PODCAST)
Starting Oct 14 at 12:00 PM EDT
open.substack.com
mattlombardo.bsky.social
Coming up at Noon, @miketanier.bsky.social and I have a really fun show lined up!!

Join us LIVE as we go inside some of the biggest storylines and put breakout stars under a microscope 👀

open.substack.com/live-stream/...
LIVE SOON: NFL Vibe Checks and Upstart Resets (PODCAST)
Starting Oct 14 at 12:00 PM EDT
open.substack.com
mattlombardo.bsky.social
Thanks so much.

Really, the kind words and support truly mean a lot! Glad you’re enjoying the content 👊🏼
mattlombardo.bsky.social
Truly appreciate everyone who has subscribed to Between The Hashmarks lately

Insanely proud of this project and grateful for the continued support that allows me to do the work

Thanks to you, we’re now the No. 48 fastest growing publication across Substack 👀

To find out more and support my work:
Between The Hashmarks | Matt Lombardo | Substack
The very latest NFL news, analysis, and insight from sources across the league that you can't get anywhere else. Click to read Between The Hashmarks, by Matt Lombardo, a Substack publication with thou...
MattLombardoNFL.Substack.com
mattlombardo.bsky.social
Bijan Robinson is the best running back in football, and one of the premier players in the league.

Yes, I’m aware how productive and explosive Jonathan Taylor is, but Robinson’s skill set defines elite.
fantasynflnews.bsky.social
Awesome angle of the Bijan Robinson TD
Reposted by Matt Lombardo
miketanier.bsky.social
"The Bears have now won three straight, with back-to-back comebacks by 25-24 final scores. I am seeing this interpreted as a culture change. Since last year’s culture was essentially 'burning meth lab,' I’ll allow that."

miketanier.substack.com/p/vibes-vibe...
Vibes, Vibes, Vibes.
32 NFL teams, 32 vibe checks. 'Nuff said.
miketanier.substack.com
mattlombardo.bsky.social
KICKERS! MAN!!

Jake Moody gets his redemption, Ben Johnson gets an early signature win. Great game.
mattlombardo.bsky.social
Subzero chance I’m making that Seahawks-Texans 10pm kick next week.

That’s an MLB-level self sabotage of your product.
mattlombardo.bsky.social
Zach Ertz found the Fountain of Youth in a football thrown by Jayden Daniels.

The chemistry and value between these two is just off the charts.
mattlombardo.bsky.social
I remember talking to people in August at Commanders training camp about how there was a feeling this was a now or never season for Luke McCaffrey, there.

McCaffrey has three touchdowns in six games, and just caught his third after his return set up a short field. Stock rising.
mattlombardo.bsky.social
Fair. But, I’m just glad they didn’t abide by that pledge to officially become state media.
mattlombardo.bsky.social
Just tush push.

Stop being so egomaniacal that you avoid a successful play.
mattlombardo.bsky.social
Falcons slipping and then having a FG blocked after a drive stalls out? That’s tired?
mattlombardo.bsky.social
Right. On. Cue. 👀
mattlombardo.bsky.social
There seems to be some Falconsing happening …
mattlombardo.bsky.social
Fuck this regime.

Say it with your full chest. And often.

Good for WaPo, NYT, and the others. ✊🏼
mattlombardo.bsky.social
There seems to be some Falconsing happening …
mattlombardo.bsky.social
What a ridiculous touchdown catch by Chris Moore. Defender draped all over him, outrageous body control and getting down in bounds.
mattlombardo.bsky.social
Points off turnovers are the most potent weapon in football and they’re becoming the Bears’ MO.
mattlombardo.bsky.social
Jaquan Brisker has been all around the ball early in this game and then does an outstanding job jumping the route to pick off Jayden Daniels deep in the red zone.

Huge early takeaway by the Bears’ defense.
mattlombardo.bsky.social
Bad teams are picking first overall. Bad teams are bad because front offices are either bad or the coaching staff is bad.
theathletic.com
The last four No. 1 picks at QB had coaches who were fired during their rookie season:

◽️ 2025: Cam Ward/Brian Callahan
◽️ 2024: Caleb Williams/Matt Eberflus
◽️ 2023: Bryce Young/Frank Reich
◽️ 2021: Trevor Lawrence/Urban Meyer
mattlombardo.bsky.social
This felt inevitable.

Cam Ward’s traits pop off the screen but there never seemed to be a plan or coaching philosophy in place to develop and maximize them.

In today’s day and age, with everything franchises have invested in young quarterbacks, you need to see progress and Callahan made none.
rapsheet.bsky.social
Sources: After a brutal start to the season, the Titans have fired coach Brian Callahan.