Scoop City: Inside The NFL

Episode: Patriots Cinderella Story Turns To A Reality Check For a Super Bowl Return
Date: February 12, 2026
Hosts: James Palmer (JP), Dianna Russini, Chase Daniel
Guests: Chad Graff (Patriots beat), Mike Jones (The Athletic)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the aftermath of Super Bowl 60, where the Seattle Seahawks triumphed and the New England Patriots experienced the sting of defeat after their Cinderella playoff run. Hosts and guests dissect Seattle’s Super Bowl parade and legacy, but the heart of the show is a frank reality check on the Patriots: identifying the gaps that kept them from a title, dissecting roster needs, and pondering the blueprint for another run. Later, Mike Jones ranks NFL teams most likely to rebound in 2026, offering hope and skepticism for fans whose teams missed the postseason.

1. Seattle Seahawks: Super Bowl Parade & Afterglow

[02:00 – 06:52]

Key Points

• Seattle's First Super Bowl Parade Since the Legion of Boom Era:
  James Palmer reflects on his experiences covering Super Bowl parades and explains why these events matter so deeply to fans who may never enter a stadium.
• Sam Darnold’s Emotional Speech:
  Darnold thanks the organization and points out the “belief” they had in him when others doubted.
• A.J. Barner Fires Up the Crowd:
  Barner’s quick, playful remarks encapsulate Seattle’s chip-on-the-shoulder attitude.

Notable Quotes

• Sam Darnold:
  “A lot of people… didn’t believe in me, but it didn’t matter because the ones that are close believed in me, including y’all.” (04:36)
• A.J. Barner:
  “First, we did not care. Second, we still don’t care. Third, the Super Bowl Hawks live here. God bless. Go Seahawks. We love you, Seattle.” (06:20)

2. Patriots’ Reality Check: What Stands in the Way of a Super Bowl Return

[06:52 – 22:42]

Guest: Chad Graff (Patriots beat writer)
Host: James Palmer

Patriots’ Playoff Ride: Lessons and Next Steps

A. Where Did New England Fall Short?

(08:12 – 09:41)

• Offensive Line Issues:
  • The O-line, with four new starters, improved from “worst to middle-of-the-pack” but was exposed by Seattle’s defensive front.
  • For Drake May (QB) to reach his ceiling, the O-line must climb from “16th best” to “top 10.”
  • Veteran mentorship has been lacking; the line needs stability and possibly a new right tackle if Morgan Moses retires.
• Passing Game Limits:
  • Drake May excelled, but the team’s lackluster history drafting WRs and uncertainty around Stefon Diggs’s contract leaves a talent gap.
  • Patriots might target upgrades at tight end, possibly via free agency or the draft.

Chad Graff:
“The Patriots offensive line just has to get better. They had four new starters this year ... for Drake [May] to totally hit his ceiling … that’s got to get up to like number 10.” (08:12)

B. Personnel and Roster Questions

(09:41 – 15:49)

• O-Line Technicals:

  • Will Campbell is locked in at left tackle, but technique tweaks are needed (echoed by Joe Thomas and Mitchell Schwartz).
  • Jared Wilson likely moves from guard to center; possible cuts coming at other interior O-line spots.
  • Morgan Moses’s return is uncertain—could retire to focus on family.

• Skill Position Upgrades:

  • WRs: Patriots unlikely to pursue a “diva No. 1” (like A.J. Brown), given scheme and history.
  • TE Market: Names like Kyle Pitts, Isaiah Likely, Dallas Goedert, and David Njoku are possible.
  • Roster flexibility: 11 draft picks and ample cap space open possible big swings.

James Palmer:
“What really would have helped? A veteran left guard. … People don’t understand how the guy next to you matters so much.” (12:24)

C. Patriots’ “Go All-In” Potential and Defensive Upgrades

(15:49 – 18:32)

• The Case for a Max Crosby Trade:
  • Patriots, previously rebuilding, now have the flexibility (draft capital and cap) to pursue a star like Crosby.
  • Massive culture/fit with Mike Vrabel; the region would be electrified but wary of the “all-in” risks.

Chad Graff:
“The Super Bowl run kind of changes everything…for the first time, you can actually contemplate a move like that.” (15:49)

D. Coaching Dilemma: Defensive Coordinator

(18:32 – 21:42)

• Who Runs the Defense?
  • Terrell Williams, Vrabel’s longtime confidante, missed time due to cancer (now cleared).
  • Zach Kur, the interim DC, was instrumental in the postseason run.
  • Vrabel’s tough choice: honor loyalty, but momentum is with Kur.
  • Possible solution: Williams elevated to assistant head coach, Kur remains as DC.

Chad Graff:
“Can you really tell Zach, hey, you were so freaking good in the playoffs, that defense was rolling. Why don’t you go coach linebackers and just take a back seat for a bit? That also doesn’t really seem fair.” (19:32)

E. Extensions and Cap Management

(21:42 – 22:13)

• Christian Gonzalez (CB) due a big payday, with QB Drake May’s contract negotiation looming as a future cap-resetter.

Chad Graff:
“You’ve got to re-sign and extend Christian Gonzalez. And then next year … Drake May is about to reset the quarterback market.” (21:52)

3. Ranking NFL Teams Most Likely to Rebound in 2026

[24:38 – 40:20]

Guest: Mike Jones
Host: James Palmer

Mike Jones walks through his new Athletic ranking of the top five teams best poised for a 2026 turnaround.

Top Five

#5 – Kansas City Chiefs (6–11)

• Despite a down year, the Mahomes-Reid-Spagnuolo trio and foundation give cause for quick rebound.
• Need better weapons and pass-rushers.
• Curious to see how Eric Bieniemy’s return could “re-energize” the offense.

Mike Jones:
“If you have a strong foundation, you’re able to bounce back and weather storms a little more quickly than some other teams.” (26:04)

#4 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8–9)

• Strong start in 2025 evaporated with injuries and disruptive coordinator shuffles.
• Baker Mayfield’s health was a major gap; new OC Zach Robinson brings renewed optimism, especially with key weapons potentially returning.

#3 – Cincinnati Bengals (6–11)

• Joe Burrow’s health the X-factor; with him and Zac Taylor back, Cincy is among contenders.
• Defense and potential loss of Trey Hendrickson are open questions.

#2 – Detroit Lions (9–8)

• Coordinator turnover and O-line injuries led to regression.
• Still elite in drafting and offensive design, but coordinator Drew Petzing’s fit is watched closely.
• Jameer Gibbs is “a megastar in the waiting.”

Mike Jones:
“They never were able to quite get right…but this is a strong team. They believe in running the football. … They should be back in the mix again.” (34:22)

#1 – Baltimore Ravens (8–9)

• Coming off a coaching change after 18 years (John Harbaugh out), but new HC Jesse Minter has organizational familiarity and defense-first bona fides.
• Lamar Jackson remains an “elite” weapon; offense may get a jolt with a creative, young OC.
• The team’s “stale” feel under Monken is seen as fixable with energy and accountability.

Mike Jones:
“They have one of the most … dynamic quarterbacks in the league. I think that things have gotten stale there. … The franchise needed a jolt.” (36:23)

4. Coaching Carousel: Right Hires or Missed Opportunities?

[42:25 – 46:42]

Discussed by Mike Jones & James Palmer

• Best Hire: Jesse Minter (Ravens) viewed as the top get—knows the Ravens culture; brings a new voice.
• Disappointment Over Diversity and Pipeline:
  • Laments for overlooked talent: Brian Flores, Vance Joseph, Anthony Weaver all omitted from head jobs despite “strong leadership.”
  • Coaching hires skew white, especially in offensive coordinator pipelines.

Mike Jones:
“It was disappointing … as talented as Brian Flores or Vance Joseph and neither one of those guys get head coaching jobs. … The whole offensive coaching pipeline is very white. It's not diverse.” (44:44)

• Skepticism on Some Recent Hires:
  • Mike LaFleur, Mike McCarthy (Giants), Jeff Hafley come in for particular scrutiny.

Mike Jones:
“If you wanted a defensive guy … now we’re, you know, in that trend of the anti-Sean McVay, the Mike McDonalds, Jeff Hafley. It was interesting. We'll see how they play out. But I'm kind of skeptical.” (46:14)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Chad Graff (on Pats' Super Bowl journey):
  “The super bowl run kind of changes everything. … You were probably the third best team in the NFL this year behind Seahawks and Rams.” (15:49; humorously honest, expressing the emotional and operational shift for the franchise.)

• James Palmer (on Anthony Weaver):
  “Every time I've talked to Anthony Weaver, I'm like, I don't play in the NFL, but I would play for you, Anthony Weaver, every time I speak to him.” (46:26; capturing coach charisma)

Key Timestamps

• Seahawks Parade / Sam Darnold: 02:00 – 06:52
• Patriots' Offseason & Reality Check (Chad Graff): 06:52 – 22:42
• Teams Most Likely to Rebound (Mike Jones): 24:38 – 40:20
• Coaching Carousel Reflection: 42:25 – 46:42

Tone & Style

The hosts blend NFL-insider depth with locker-room banter and journalistic clarity. They don’t shy from humor or candor (“Do you want to know how long I have to wait for that guy?” —James Palmer about Chad Graff, 01:41), balancing affectionate ribbing with expert insight.

For New Listeners

This episode is an essential download for NFL fans seeking insider-level context on both the heartbreak and hope that define the postseason comedown. It combines emotional moments (Seattle’s crowd), tactical breakdowns (Patriots’ O-line woes), roster speculation, and league-wide perspective with a frank look at the realities and realities yet-to-come for coaching diversity.

Whether you’re a Patriots/Seahawks diehard or just crave smart NFL talk, this is the elite “Scoop City” the title promises.