Scoop City: Inside The NFL
Episode: Are the Bears & Caleb Williams Actually the NFC North’s Best?
Date: November 19, 2025
Hosts: James Palmer, Dianna Russini
Overview
This episode dives deep into the Chicago Bears' transformation under head coach Ben Johnson and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Palmer and Russini discuss whether the Bears are currently the best team in the NFC North, examine their late-game magic, and debate how sustainable their recent heroics are. The hosts also touch on quarterback turmoil across the league, the Vikings' Justin Jefferson saga, and preview the all-important Colts-Chiefs matchup. The show closes with a rapid “12 Surprises of 2025” segment and listener Q&A about the future of the Eagles’ “tush push” play.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Falcons QB Michael Penix’s Injury (03:28–04:44)
- News: Falcons confirm Michael Penix’s season is over after a partially torn ACL.
- Dianna Russini: “He’s had two ACLs on the other knee...this will be really his third ACL reconstruction in eight years.” (04:44)
- Penix’s durability is questioned; expectations were high but unfulfilled. Attention now shifts to Kirk Cousins leading Atlanta.
Quarterback Updates: Aaron Rodgers and Bears Expectations (05:23–06:47)
- Rodgers wants to play Week 12, motivated by facing Chicago.
- Dianna Russini: “If you’re Chicago, would you rather face Aaron Rodgers right now or Mason Rudolph?...We’re a new regime here. We’re different.” (05:58)
- The Bears’ regime change from last year marks a crucial pivot in franchise culture.
Divisional Leaders and Playoff Probabilities (06:47–09:07)
- Steelers and Bears both lead divisions but have the lowest playoff odds among divisional leaders.
- Dianna Russini on the Steelers: “They will go above .500 again...How could you possibly bet against them?” (08:01)
- Palmer and Russini agree AFC North and NFC North are unusually volatile.
Chicago Bears: Late-Game Heroics & Ben Johnson’s Impact (09:58–14:25)
- Stat: Bears have won 5 games in 2025 when trailing in the last 2 minutes (09:58).
- Russini: “They’re just like a walking, breathing heart attack in Chicago...the one-A story is that Ben Johnson was the absolute best hire for this team.” (09:58 & 11:23)
- Team identity is defined by different players stepping up late; post-game celebration videos reinforce Ben Johnson’s leadership.
- Caleb Williams shows “clutch gene,” but consistency and timing remain works in progress. Russini notes: “People around the league point out...the Bears are really fun, but Caleb still has a little way to go. But...of course he is the quarterback of the future.” (12:17)
Bears’ Defense and Contest with the Eagles (13:37–14:49)
- Bears lead the NFL in turnovers (22), contributing to their resilience.
- Russini is not ready to call Bears “scary” yet—they face the Eagles on Black Friday in a test of their legitimacy.
Vikings Deep Dive: J.J. McCarthy & Justin Jefferson Dynamic (16:18–22:49)
- The Vikings’ season hinges on JJ McCarthy, whose struggles have hampered Justin Jefferson’s production.
- Russini: “Justin Jefferson...he’s kind of the role model for how you want to be. Not the typical WR1 diva.” (17:58)
- Palmer: “He’s open, Diana. I’d be frustrated!” (19:34)
- Jefferson’s patience is lauded, but statistical drop-off and evident frustration can't be ignored.
- McCarthy’s metrics are historically poor: “Lowest third down passer rating since 2000, and the second lowest third down completion percentage since 2000.” (22:27)
- Offseason questions loom about the Vikings’ direction with McCarthy.
Chiefs vs. Colts: High-Stakes AFC Showdown (22:49–27:51)
- Chiefs’ playoff odds could drop to 36% with a loss to the Colts.
- Stat: “Chiefs, 56% chance to make the playoffs right now. Lose this game to the Colts, they drop to 36%.” (23:43)
- Russini on KC’s regression: “Their numbers were actually higher this year...it’s the way in which they’re winning. It’s almost like they’re out of luck this season.” (23:43)
- Lou Anarumo (Colts DC) has been a “mad scientist” against Mahomes—expect a heavy tactical battle.
- Palmer: “If you’re a young quarterback and you have an experienced play caller, it’s a bit of a cheat code.” (42:44)
The 12 Surprises of Week 12 (30:23–44:01)
Quick Hits and Notable Reactions (with timestamps for biggest surprises):
- Broncos lead AFC (30:53): “No shot. Competitive, yes. But to be this out in front…very surprising.” – Russini (31:44)
- Colts have #1 offense (32:14): “The surprise is a little bit on us for being so poorly educated on what it could be based on what the roster is.” – Russini (32:14)
- Stafford as MVP front-runner (33:25): “Not that surprised—he’s so damn tough. Highest he’s ever finished is 8th.” (34:17)
- JSN as best WR in the NFL (34:53): “This is shocking to me...I could barely pronounce his name a few seasons ago.” (34:53)
- Mike Evans’ 1,000-yard streak ends (35:32): “I tend to stick with history but...he’s getting older. It was going to end eventually.” (35:47)
- Drake Maye leads NFL in passing yards and completion % (36:33): “I am shocked. He looks like he’s been doing this for 10 years.” (36:33)
- Saquon Barkley’s yards per carry drops (37:33): “I’m medium shocked… it’s not talent, it’s usage and blocking.” (37:53)
- Ravens, Chiefs, Lions would miss playoffs (38:51): “Holy cow, the NFL is drunk like me right now on the beach.” – Russini (38:51)
- Record 68-yard FG by Cam Little (39:59): “Yes, I’m shocked. Aubrey would have been my pick for that.” (39:59)
- CMC leads 49ers in targets and catches (40:11): “He is the most reliable player right now on the most unreliable injury report.” – Russini (40:44)
- All 3 second-year QBs—Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Bo Nix—are top winners (42:07): “No way. We haven’t seen this in so long.” (42:08)
- Packers and Cowboys have same sack total despite Parsons trade (43:15): “That surprises me. I thought the Packers would have significantly more.” – Russini (43:24)
Listener Q&A: The Tush Push’s Future (47:16–50:59)
Listener Question (Jacob Robinson): Is there any chance the Eagles’ “tush push” play will be banned or changed because of officiating issues?
- House Reaction: Widespread dissatisfaction is about the officiating, not safety.
- Russini: “It would be embarrassing for the league if this did get banned because they can’t officiate it. Like, that’s not a good look.” (48:44)
- The core issue is often false starts/neutral zone infractions that are not easily fixed by banning the “push” aspect.
- Palmer’s theory: “What if the officials are calling it poorly on purpose to help it get banned?” (51:12)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the Bears’ Identity:
“They’re just like a walking, breathing heart attack in Chicago...the one-A story is that Ben Johnson was the absolute best hire for this team.”
– Dianna Russini (09:58, 11:23) -
On Caleb Williams:
“There’s five, I talk to offensive coordinator about this, Diana. It’s like, there’s like four or five plays a game where you’re like, holy bleep.”
– James Palmer (12:34) -
On Justin Jefferson:
“He’s not the typical WR1 crazy diva...he’s kind, kind of soft at times and spirited.”
– Dianna Russini (17:58) -
On Chiefs Playoff Picture:
“Chiefs, 56% chance to make the playoffs right now. Lose this game to the Colts, they drop to a 36% chance.”
– James Palmer (23:43) -
On Tush Push Officiating:
“Everyone is disgusted by the way this thing is officiated...just officiate it well.”
– Dianna Russini (48:48)
Timestamped Highlights
- 03:28 Injury update: Michael Penix, Falcons
- 06:47 Steelers’ playoff odds & schedule
- 09:58 Bears’ late-game wins & Ben Johnson’s impact
- 11:23 Ben Johnson’s postgame celebrations
- 12:34 Caleb Williams' growth and wow plays
- 13:37 Bears’ league-leading defense
- 16:18 NFC North/East: Bears vs. Eagles preview
- 17:58 Vikings: Justin Jefferson’s leadership despite frustration
- 22:27 JJ McCarthy’s alarming third-down struggles
- 23:43 Chiefs vs. Colts: playoff odds impact
- 30:53 The 12 Surprises of Week 12
- 42:07 Unexpected 2nd-year QB successes
- 47:16 Listener Q&A: Future of the “tush push”
- 48:44 Why banning the tush push over officiating would be “embarrassing”
Conclusion & Predictions
- Dianna predicts Chiefs 24–21 over Colts; Palmer flips it to Colts 24–21 (52:57).
- The NFC North is far from settled, with the Bears gaining buzz but still unproven, while questions swirl around other division leaders and would-be contenders.
- The state of quarterback play, especially among young starters, and coaching hires continues to define the evolving NFL landscape.
For fans who missed the episode, this summary captures all major storylines, key stats, in-depth analysis, and the natural banter that makes Scoop City a must-listen for NFL insiders.