Scoop City: A Show About the NFL

Exclusive: Zaire Franklin on Why the Colts Could Surprise This Season

Date: September 12, 2025
Hosted by: The Athletic's James Palmer, with guests Jordan Rodrigue, Jake Seeley, and Zaire Franklin

Episode Overview

This episode of Scoop City dives deep into why the Indianapolis Colts have emerged as a surprise team early in the NFL season, featuring an exclusive interview with Pro Bowl linebacker Zaire Franklin. Hosts also break down the changing roles of backup quarterbacks, dissect early team performances, highlight under-the-radar players, and serve up actionable fantasy football insights. With a lively tone and strong on-the-ground perspectives from players and insiders, this episode caters to football fans eager for both in-depth Xs-and-Os and human-side storytelling.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Life as a Backup Quarterback

(02:17 - 11:05)

• Jordan Rodrigue’s feature on backup QBs: Explores the mental and emotional balance required for backups—always preparing as if they'll start, yet knowing their shot comes only if disaster strikes.
  • “They have to balance this extremely high level of intensity and competitiveness...while also coming with the existentialism and selflessness of: it will never matter unless it’s a worst-case scenario.” — Jordan Rodrigue [04:19]
• The room dynamic: Backups often serve as mentors (e.g., Chad Henne to Mahomes), quietly preparing, staying competitive, yet helping the team above all.
  • “I love talking to backup quarterbacks… That’s how you get an idea of what’s going on in the room.” — James Palmer [05:00]
• Emotional conflict: Many backups know they could still play as starters, making their mental adjustment uniquely challenging.
• Backup transitions: Mac Jones as SF 49ers backup—a competitive player in a high-stakes situation, echoing debates from his draft year about his fit with Kyle Shanahan.

“Mac Jones is definitely the player you bring in when you want to make sure you imbibe that [competitive] juice all throughout the layers of your depth chart.” — Jordan Rodrigue [09:08]

Chargers, AFC West & the Evolution of Justin Herbert

(11:05 - 17:54)

• Chargers surprise: After week one, the AFC West saw three teams win—not including the Chiefs. The Chargers look more imposing and complete on both sides of the ball.
  • “They’re built on offense to be physically imposing... The quarterback is also using his legs more. Justin Herbert’s got a little edge to him this year that maybe we haven’t seen.” — Jordan Rodrigue [12:53]
• Defensive innovations: DC Jesse Minter is lauded as a creative rising star; Derwin James is praised for versatility, especially after shutting down top TEs.
• Herbert’s moment: Statistically elite, but without playoff wins—will this be his "Manning-year"? Herbert now given more responsibility; the offense is tailored to his strengths.

“They installed a bunch of run concepts...this is more of this game legitimately being put into the quarterback’s hands.” — Jordan Rodrigue [15:46]

Cowboys Run Game & Other Under-the-Radar Week One Takeaways

(17:54 - 23:08)

• Cowboys’ emerging run game: Improved scheme, particularly running inside and utilizing pre-snap motion, has unlocked new dimensions. Brian Schottenheimer’s influence is praised.
  • “There is a lot of complete inversion of probably what they came into the game wanting to do... It shows a multiplicity that did not exist in this Cowboys run game before.” — Jordan Rodrigue [19:03]
• Javonte Williams resurgence: After significant injury and being written off by many, Williams displayed burst and physicality.
• Highlighting Michael Penix: Atlanta’s young QB (nearly 300 yards, game-tying drive) is overlooked due to others’ headlines but may be a breakout player.
  • “Nobody’s mentioning Michael Penix...he played really really well and I’m excited to see what he does moving forward.” — James Palmer [21:25]

Exclusive: Zaire Franklin Interview

(25:38 - 37:31)

A Surprising Colts Offense

• Week One dominance: Indy’s offense scored on every drive—a feat not matched since 1977.

  “To be honest with you, you get a little bored. You want to have a little more of a hand in the win...offense was so dominant.” — Zaire Franklin [26:17]

• Daniel Jones' performance (“Danny Dimes/Indiana Jones”): Franklin credits Jones' efficiency and “point guard” mindset, expressing confidence built from camp.

Rookie Impact—Tyler Warren

• Elite rookie tight end: Warren distinguished himself even in non-padded practices (“Sunday plays”).

  “He loves the nasty parts of the game...he just wants to be one of the guys, wants to grind it out. He loves blocking, he’s feisty.” — Zaire Franklin [29:27]

Defensive Identity under Lou Anarumo

• Aggressive style: The Colts’ defense is now more proactive, aiming to dictate and disrupt.

  “We play on our toes...making the offense consistently adjust to the things that you’re doing. Keeping them uncomfortable, keeping them guessing.” — Zaire Franklin [30:24]

The Art of Tackling ("Steve Irwin on the Field”)

• Franklin’s favorite animal to tackle?

  “I like to go after the biggest guy... I’m gonna definitely have to go with, like, an elephant or a gorilla.” — Zaire Franklin [32:08]

  • “Just gotta get his legs. That’s it. If I get a knee down, I win.” [32:25]

Handling Criticism & Week One Lessons

• Responding to doubts: After years of media skepticism and an ex-teammate’s comment, Franklin reflects the Colts’ pride and resolve.

  “We’ve been taking a lot of bullets...everybody been couldn’t wait to kick us while they felt like we were down.” — Zaire Franklin [33:59]

  • But he also notes, “We can’t overreact to winning week one. Nobody ever remembers who had the best week one...it’s about who’s consistently growing and getting better.” [35:04]

Defending Mobile QBs

• Evolving responsibilities: Defenders must now anticipate QB mobility after covering.

  “It’s just another element...after you take care of your coverage responsibilities, knowing these guys are capable of making plays with their legs.” — Zaire Franklin [36:02]

Fantasy Football Deep Dive w/ Jake Seeley

(40:01 - 51:31)

Karaoke Rankings & Football

• The segment opens with lighthearted debate over karaoke songs—Jake's list includes “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and “Teenage Dirtbag.”

  “These are pinnacle butchered at every karaoke bar type of place.” — James Palmer [41:44]

Wide Receiver Concerns

• Disappointing receiving duos: Lions, Eagles, Dolphins duos struggled in Week 1; however, Jake is not worried about the Lions/Eagles, but expresses concern about Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle due to schematic stubbornness in Miami.

  “I don’t know how you start [Tyreek and Waddle] in week two.” — Jake Seeley [45:39]

• Roller coaster rides: For inconsistent WRs (like AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith), best practice is to set and forget—don’t try to predict their booms/busts week-to-week.

  “You just got to keep them in your lineup every single week...the biggest mistake people will make is trying to pick the games where they think they will have big games.” — Jake Seeley [46:41]

Up-and-Comers to Watch

• Cedric Tillman emerging: Surpassing Jerry Jeudy in target share and production, with potential for Devonta Smith-like outputs.

  “Cedric Tillman...I think he’s going to win a lot of people some leagues this year.” — Jake Seeley [49:16]

Running Back Dilemmas

• Kenneth Walker’s role confusion: Hype was high but usage has plummeted; “benching” is a real Week 2 consideration due to Zach Charbonnet’s emergence.

  “Walker is used as the pass-catching down option...he’s no longer a top 15 running back.” — Jake Seeley [50:45]

• Tyrone Tracy: Possibly a sell-high candidate with a timeshare looming.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On backup QBs:
  “The position is...‘I have to get myself ready as if I’m going to start the game, while knowing it will only matter if it’s a worst case scenario.” — Jordan Rodrigue [04:19]
• On defensive mentality:
  “We play on our toes...we dictate, we want to be aggressive.” — Zaire Franklin [30:24]
• On playoff breakthrough QBs:
  “Justin Herbert and Peyton Manning are the only players with more than 125 passing touchdowns and zero playoff wins in their first five seasons. Do you know what Peyton did in his sixth?” — James Palmer [15:02]
• On perseverance:
  “Nobody ever remembers who had the best week one...it's about who's consistently growing and getting better and making plays when the plays count.” — Zaire Franklin [35:04]
• On tackling hypotheticals:
  “I’m gonna definitely have to go with, like, an elephant or a gorilla...just gotta get his legs. That’s it.” — Zaire Franklin [32:08]

Notable Timestamps

• 02:17 – Jordan Rodrigue on backup quarterbacks and learning styles
• 09:08 – Discussion of Mac Jones as a competitive backup in San Francisco
• 12:44 – Deep dive into the Chargers’ offensive and defensive evolution
• 15:02 – The "Manning year" for Justin Herbert?
• 17:54 – Cowboys’ revamped run game and Schematics
• 21:25 – The overlooked strong debut by Michael Penix
• 26:17 – Zaire Franklin on the dominant Colts offense in Week 1
• 29:27 – Tyler Warren’s rookie impact
• 30:24 – Franklin on Colts’ aggressive defense under Lou Anarumo
• 32:08 – Zaire Franklin on which animal he’d like to tackle
• 33:59 – Response to criticism and "taking bullets" as a team
• 36:02 – Defending mobile quarterbacks in the modern NFL
• 40:01 – Jake Seeley’s karaoke song rankings
• 45:39 – Fantasy advice: Concerns about Miami WRs
• 49:16 – Spotlight on Cedric Tillman as a rising fantasy player
• 50:45 – RB role confusion and advice on Kenneth Walker

Final Thoughts

This episode balances league-wide strategic insights, Colts-specific excitement, player psyche, and fantasy football smarts. Zaire Franklin’s straightforward, competitive edge and optimism for the Colts, combined with nuanced football analysis and community-minded banter, make for a rich and engaging listen—especially if you want to know why Indy could really surprise this year.