<p>Right about now, each spring, NFL teams ask themselves the same question:</p><p><em>How soon is too soon to start a rookie quarterback?</em></p><p>There’s proof that patience pays off. (Mahomes, Rodgers, Young, etc.)</p><p>There’s proof that a baptism by fire can work. (Manning, Marino, etc.) </p><p>Matt Hasselbeck played 18 seasons in the NFL and studies the game extremely closely today. His litmus test is the best I’ve heard yet. He believes a young quarterback is ready for live snaps when that QB masters third-down protections. Understand this chaos? You’re ready. </p><p>He is a big believer in the clutch gene, too. </p><p>Here on the Go Long Podcast — our third time catching up — Hasselbeck offers his fresh insight at the sport’s most important position. </p><p>Hope you enjoy this one. </p><p>This episode is available in full to paid subscribers and I’ll transcribe later if words are preferred. </p><p><strong>As a member, you’ll gain access to everything: all features, all pods and </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://www.golongtd.com/p/part-6-rb-notre-dames-jeremiyah-love"><strong>Bob McGinn’s 42nd annual draft series running now</strong></a><strong>. </strong></p><p>Topics on the pod with Hasselbeck include…</p><p>* What did Philip Rivers teach the NFL by playing well at 44? He sent one very clear message.</p><p>* What’s going on in Tom Brady’s mind? </p><p>* “News” is manufactured this time of year. It drives Hasselbeck mad. For some, draft season is the ultimate grift.</p><p>* Flag Football. Yay or nay?</p><p>* Why Hasselbeck believes Fernando Mendoza “checks all the boxes” and will excel in the pros with the Las Vegas Raiders. He calls the Indiana QB “amazing.” </p><p>* He saw a completely different Geno Smith in 2025 — on and off the field. </p><p>* Caleb Williams & Ben Johnson. The partnership worked in Year 1, following <a target="_blank" href="https://www.golongtd.com/p/house-of-dysfunction-part-i-the-curious">a tumultuous rookie season</a> for the No. 1 pick. Why? And will it sustain? Hasselbeck was critical of the Bears QB before. </p><p>* Who ascends in ‘26? There’s one quarterback that Hasselbeck believes we do not discuss nearly enough: Brock Purdy. (Of course, he still loves Drake Maye, too.) </p><p>* Mike Evans may be the 49ers’ missing piece. </p><p></p><p>We’ve had Hasselbeck on the podcast twice before. He always brings the goods.</p><p>Here are those episodes and transcriptions, icymi.</p><p>We’ve gotten into Hasselbeck’s own rise at great length before.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.golongtd.com/p/how-the-nfl-works-s1-e8-quarterback"><strong>Quarterback Bliss with Matt Hasselbeck</strong></a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.golongtd.com/p/q-and-a-matt-hasselbeck-on-jordan">(and words)</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.golongtd.com/p/1-on-1-how-matt-hasselbeck-learned"><strong>How Matt Hasselbeck learned to believe</strong></a><strong> </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://www.golongtd.com/p/q-and-a-matt-hasselbeck-still-wants"><strong>(and words)</strong></a></p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.golongtd.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">www.golongtd.com/subscribe</a>