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A
Dude, did you order the new iPhone 17 Pro? Got it from Verizon, the best 5G network in America. I never look so good.
B
You look the same.
A
But with this camera, everything looks better.
B
Especially me.
C
You haven't changed your hair in 15 years.
D
Selfies.
C
Check, please.
E
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A
My wife just landed in Taiwan. It's 9pm there.
B
So, you know, go ahead. What's she doing? Work, travel. What do we got?
A
So we, we actually have a.
C
Friends.
A
A couple that just got married in July. And the wife is Taiwanese. Her family's Taiwanese. So they did one wedding here in San Diego and then they're doing a second wedding in Taiwan. So my whole, all my friends flew to Taiwan to like be a part of this like second wedding they're having with all her whole mom's side in Taiwan.
B
Oh, sweet.
A
Unfortunately I had. Skip it. Nature. Nature of the job.
B
Nature of the job for sure.
A
I'm so jealous. They're doing like, you know, night markets and doing all the like going out, hot springs, goodies. I'm like, yeah, I got Chargers, Colts though.
B
We got a red hot Daniel Jones, baby.
D
Let's do this.
B
Welcome into Scoop City on a Thursday. I'm James Palmer. Don't forget to like and subscribe Tell your friends, please. We have a monster show for you. And it is Thursday, so we're going to tour the NFL. We're going to take you around the league before this weekend of games, but we're also going to take you inside the locker room of a couple of teams. Theo Johnson leading the Giants with three touchdown catches. The tight end is going to join us in his pads, I believe, fresh off the field. He's going to tell us about Cam Scataboo, Jackson dart, everything that's going on with that energized offense. Also, we have lad McConkey fresh off 100 yard game. The Chargers wide receiver made the key play to potentially saving their season against the Dolphins. Also, we have several of our excellent athletic writers joining us, starting with Zach Berman, who is going to tell us if Philadelphia with a mini bye, remember, buy did a lot for them last year, maybe has fixed some of the things on the offensive side of the ball. So, all right, let's go. Let's tour the NFL. Our tour around the league on a Thursday starts off with our good buddy Zach Berman. He's got his Jennifer Lopez microphone. He's ready to roll here. Before we talk, Eagles, Zach, you were part of an interesting situation. Not sure this has happened to you before, but a gentleman is arrested at MetLife in a Saquon Barkley jersey. He's handcuffed, walks by you in the tunnel. Zach, love your work. Did the same thing to Dave Zangaro. Dave, love your work. Like, give us the backstory of what happened with your interaction with this fan that didn't have a great night, I guess, towards the end, maybe worse than the Eagles did.
C
Yeah. I'm standing by the wall outside the locker room. And as you know, in the bowels of the stadium corridor of the stadium, it's not just where the locker rooms are, but wherever people get in trouble, so to speak. And so this guy's walking down, he's in a Kellerin Saquon Barkley jersey, handcuffed behind his back, and we kind of lock eyes. And I wasn't sure if I knew him or he knew me, and he just says, love your work. I was very grateful, very appreciative. So I say thank you. And then as he's walking by or as he's, as he's walking past, I think the police officer asked who that is and he said, that's Zach Berman. And so we need to get the police officer an athletic subscription. And I appreciate the support from the guy who, who, by the way, he, he Got off once they looked at security footage. He did not start the fight in question. So this is, this is not an example of an Eagles fan gone bad.
B
I love it. That's the in depth journalism you get from Zach Berman. Figuring out if this man was wrongly accused or not is where we go with, with our journalism here at the Athletic. I had a buddy once, I remember before the Eagles and Falcons playoff game at the Vet. Just, we've tailgated all day and for some reason Zach, he just climbs over the railing and sits on the Eagles bench pregame. Is that right? In his one piece hunting gear and like Donovan McNabb jersey and he's hanging out with the, with the players and all of a sudden he' tackled by like eight people and goes to the jail at the Vet and he misses the whole game. I don't know what he was thinking, but I don't think he was in the right frame of mind.
C
Yeah, Judge Seamus McCaffrey used to be the judge down there at Veterans Stadium.
B
That's right, ma'. Am. I missed that place. I don't think players miss getting tackled on it though. Let's go to where this team is right now. The buy last year served an unbelievable purpose right in the direction that they went and, and went on and won the Super Bowl. This was kind of a mini buy after the Thursday game. Anything you can, you can tell us about what this team maybe saw in itself self scouting, something of that nature that you might see different against the Vikings coming up?
C
Yeah, it's a good question because it's comparable to, to last year in terms of the timing and also the impetus being that the offense needs to improve. So I don't think you'll, you'll see any radical shift to the run like they did last year. I think one of the big takeaways during the buy this year was the ineffectiveness on first and second down and how that's putting them behind the sticks. And you heard Lane Johnson's comments about them being predictable. And a big part of that is that when you're in obvious passing situations, right, if, if you have a penalty on first down or a negative play on first down, then if, if you're backed up in second and 15, it's hard to have a running play there. Same thing on, on, on third down as well. So really trying to figure out how they can get some positive yards in first down. Avoid these three and, but, but there's a lot that they need to fix on, on the offensive side. Kevin Patuo, the offensive Coordinator, they ran on, on, on, on Monday. All indications where there was a positive team meeting on Monday with the offensive players. But the proof needs to go into action here this week against the Vikings.
B
You know, you mentioned Kevin, I don't think there's going to be a change at play caller during the course of this season. I just think that that doesn't look to be the case. We'll see as he has the, as the year goes on, but it just doesn't appear to be that. So with him calling plays and this is his first time, anybody's been there forever, what would you say is the biggest issue? Is it rhythm? Is it, is it predictability? Is it, you know, formations that he's running out of? What would you say is maybe the key aspect of why this hasn't been successful with an offensive coordinator change?
C
Yeah, so I, I, I would obviously say the three and outs to me have, have, have been most problematic. But like when you boil it down, their ineffectiveness running the ball, they've, they've, they've always been able to hang their hat on the running game even when the passing game's not going. Saquon hasn't been able to have that 100 yard game yet. And even before Saquon Barkley got here, DeAndre Swift was a thousand yard rusher in this offense. Miles Sanders was a thousand yard rusher in this offense. So they haven't been able to get that going. And then along with that you're just not seeing the explosive plays enough in the passing game and they're really not working the, the intermediate part of the field. You're seeing either the short passes or the downfield passes. And so I think a combination of the running game and really getting the intermediate passing game going would help them quite a bit.
B
Yeah, I look at group up front too. Like I was looking at this 829 yards before contact for Saquon Barkley last year. I mean that's ridiculous. Number one obviously in the NFL, 200 more than everybody else in the league. He's got 61 this year. He's 37th in the league before contact. It's, it's been an interesting disjointedness what's going on in that group. You mentioned Lane Johnson and him mentioning that they're predictable in the locker room. When I look at this locker room and I've been around it, you're there every day though, and you see the leaders in the trenches that used to lead this group over the last several years, whether it's Fletcher, whether it's Brandon Graham or Lane or Jason Kelsey, I think Slay maybe had a role in this as well. But like all the names I mentioned, except Lane, are gone. Has that changed this room but at all? Are they looking for anybody else to now slide in as they've had the same leaders for so long? That can help kind of what's going on because this team has some, you know, behind the scenes stuff on a regular basis.
C
Yeah, it's, it's a fair question, James. And I, I, I think it's, it's more pronounced on the defensive side of the ball. Right. Because a lot of those guys that you mentioned, whether it's, it's Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Darius Slay, those were, those are players on the, on the defensive side of the ball. I think on offense, Lane's obviously the only like long term player. That's, that's, that's here. But Jordan, my lot of his leadership question. No, I'm sorry. His leadership is a big part of this team. Saquon Barkley is a leader. A.J. brown's leader. Jalen Hurts is obviously the franchise player here. He's a leader. I don' necessarily the issue there now. I do think they need to get on the same page and they would tell you that, I mean that's, that's been a major problem there. But, but I, I, I think on the defensive side of the ball, that void may be more pronounced. Zach Bond is, is the defensive leader, if you will. Reed Blankenship's there, Nicobi Dean when he gets in there. But really, before Adore Jackson became a starter here, the Eagles only had one starter over the age of 25 on defense. And you see that, that big influence of Georgia players, whether it's Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, obviously Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, and like that's kind of the core of the defense now. And so yeah, it is a leadership change from Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox and some of the guys that were there for a long time.
B
Yeah, well, listen, you're paying that offense what you're paying them. You're going to be young, probably on the other side of the ball if, if that's the way your salary is. Before we go defensively, we saw in the loss to the Giants that I learned that Jalen Carter is a very good football player and so is Quinion Mitchell. If you don't, if you don't have them, life is difficult. But at the same time, getting after the quarterback. You mentioned that second cornerback spot. Is it a chicken or the Egg kind of with that, that compliment to Quinon in the secondary that that's being impacted due to a lack of a rush or where do you see the bigger issue and does how we make a move, do you think?
C
Yeah, it's the chicken and the egg, if that makes sense. Because I think it's. You're. You're seeing an issue with both the Ed and the second cornerback spot. And I don't think that, you know, I think the two are mutually exclusive here.
B
Right?
C
It's. It's not. If you fix the edge rush, then the corner is going to be okay because really they lost a lot of talent. They lost Josh Sweat and Brandon Cram. I mean Bryce Huff wasn't a big part of the team last year, but they trade Bryce Huff, they. They lose a big chunk of their edge rushers and they don't really add to that group in a significant way. And then Zadarius Smith retires this week and then the second cornerback spot, I mean Darius Slay leaves Isaiah Rogers, someone who I think the Eagles, if they that that might be a decision they regret or wish, could have worked a little differently keeping Isaiah Rogers because he could have been that second corner. Now you're, you're cycling between Keely Ringo, Adore Jackson and with Quinon Mitchell. His, his status as a bit in question was on the practice field on Wednesday, but has a hamstring injury. If you don't have Quinon out there in a game against Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and you go on down the list, that would be costly. So I. To answer the question that you had. Yeah, I do think Howie makes a move. I think they're more likely though to make a move at edge rusher Jacorian Bennett, a player that they traded for in training camp. He's coming back soon and I think he's someone that the Eagles want to see out there. He's a young player with some starting experience. When he comes back from his pec injury, he could be in that mix as well.
B
I love it. You know how he's never going to stay still. We know that and they know the windows now and we know he's one of the most aggressive GMs out there. So keep us in the know. Zach, what how he's going to be doing and enjoy game against KOC and Brian Flores. Couple of pretty decent minds on each side of the ball the Eagles are going against this week. Have a good one, man.
C
Great. Thanks for having me on.
B
All right, moving on to one of my favorites on the Athletic staff Dan Popper joining us, covers the Chargers. A monster one, I think. A sneaky one. Dan, the entire weekend. Colts, Chargers. I'm excited for this one. I've watched everything that the Colts have done this season. We'll get into them in just a second. All the injuries that have happened with this team. Cleo Mack looks like he's might be coming back, but also, also offensively, they've just been so banged up on the offensive line and running back. Is there any anything you can tell us there of maybe anybody that's coming back and maybe are they making a move potentially at running back or is the running back that holds them over until Marion Hampton comes back already on this roster?
A
Yeah. So Khalil max 21 day activation window opened yesterday. He's been on IR since week two with an elbow injury. So he has a shot to play this week that'll be huge because the Chargers have been struggling to defend the run over the last three weeks and he's such a big part of what they do. He's such a dominant run defender. I think people overlook that when they talk about what kind of player Khalil Mack is. Joe Al spent out the last two games with a high ankle sprain. He was back on the field yesterday doing some work off to the side, making some progress there as he works his way back. He didn't have a brace on or anything, it was just taped up. So potentially we'll see what happens the rest of the week. But obviously, you know, getting your starting left tackle back to could change things. I mean, they started, you know, last week, their fifth and sixth string tackles. Bobby Hart started at right tackle, his first start since 2021. So some positive news there as far as running back. You know, I wrote earlier this week, Kymani Vidal had a great game and he really took advantage of his opportunity, rushed for over 100 yards, first time in his career. I think they're still going to see what's out there. That's, you know, what Joe Ortiz does. He's constantly going to be looking. But I think Kamani Vidal made a strong case that he could be the guy to at least hold the fort until Amari and Hampton gets back from this ankle injury that he's dealing with. He's obviously on IR.
B
Yeah. 124. I mean, that's, that's a hell of a day. 124 is 124, Dan. No matter what the run defense of the Miami Dolphins is, right. I mean, you still got to get the yards and how it goes. You mentioned this offensive line and we've seen a different Justin Herbert. Honestly, with Joel out over these last couple of games, he's been pressured A league high 99 times. I think you and I have talked before in the past about how many hits he's taken. Is there anything you see the Chargers doing to make sure that he can get through this stretch until Joe comes back or until they get some reinforcements on that offensive line to make sure they have Justin Herbert in the back end of the season?
A
Yeah, I think part of it sort of is what it is. You know, you lose your top four tackles, there's just going to be pressure. Yes, but I did think, I did think last week against Miami. The game plan was really, really well structured. They obviously were able to get the run game going, which is the key. The Dolphins run defense is terrible, and so you're not going to be able to necessarily do that every single week. But I just thought it was really smart. They got the run game going, they got into the screen game a lot of quick game, you know, utilizing lad McConkey on quick outs, utilizing Keenan Allen on quick outs. They got around a Gadsden involved in the quick game on some little flick outs to the flat, and he was able to, you know, get some yards after the catch. And then when they did push the ball downfield, which was maybe four or five times in the game, it was play action with max protect. So they had seven guys in to protect, eight guys in to protect. Really give Justin Herbert some time and pick your battles as far as when you were trying to push it downfield. And I thought you had a pretty solid offensive performance as a result. Herbert still took a couple hits when they weren't able to identify a corner blitz, for example. But for the most part, I thought Greg Roman and Jim Harbaugh, Greg Roman, offensive coordinator, obviously put together a really good game plan in terms of, you know, keeping Justin Herbert upright, you know, keeping the offense moving and trying to help out. You know, these tackles that, you know, are fifth and sixth string on the roster. So some positive signs from a schematic perspective, I thought against the Dolphins.
B
Yeah. And when you're that far down the roster, it's going to happen. And so I kind of wanted to ask you, because you're around him every day and maybe people don't know this, how strong is Justin Herbert? Because I think the hits that he's taken and the guys that he sheds and how he can still do that, I don't know if I don't know if most quarterbacks can go through what he's being able to play through in terms of contact right now and still be able to consistently make throws. How strong is Justin Dan?
A
Yeah, ridiculously strong. Cause I mean, obviously everyone's gonna focus in on the Jaylen Phillips hit where he didn't move at all despite taking hit from a 263 pound edge rusher. But you go back to the Broncos game in week three. Oh yeah, he took a clean shot.
B
From Zack Allen, who's a monster New.
A
Canaan High School, by the way. Zach Allen went to my high school shout out. High school. Yeah. 290 pound defensive tackle sheds him before rolling out to his left. And Keenan Allen. Interesting. I talked to Will Disley, Chargers tight end in the locker room in Miami and he's like, you know all these new wave quarterbacks, right? You know, you got the running quarterback, zone reed, guys that can escape the pocket. You know, Justin Herbert is like, like a, an original, an OG type quarterback. He said he reminded him of the big dogs like Ben Roethlisberger where he can do all the zone read stuff, he can get out and run, he can escape the pocket, he can do the out of structure stuff. But he, he'll hang in there and he'll take a big hit and he'll still effing sling it. That's what Disley told me in the locker room. So, you know, Justin Herbert has some of that old school mentality in terms of some of these bigger quarterbacks that would stand in there, take hits, shrug guys off and obviously has the arm talent to sling it downfield as well. So to answer your question, ridiculously strong.
B
It's just, it's just, it is fun. He's one of my favorite players to watch. I mean, it's just, it really is, is something else what he's able to do. We talked before you jumped on here that you've watched everything with the Colts. I've been enamored with this team. I feel like they're one of the most efficient offenses in football. It's not that they're balanced. It's that whatever you're looking to do defensively, they just adapt to beat. That essentially is how they operate. I kind of want to get your take on what do you think the Chargers defense has to do? Obviously stopping the run with the leading rusher in football and Jonathan Taylor. For some reason not enough people are talking about, about what he's doing. But also I think the X factor for this entire offense is Tyler Warren, I mean, he can catch the football, but they also run behind him a lot. Where do you think the focus is? Obviously stopping the runs, the cliche part of it. And you do have to do it. But. But those two players specifically, is that. Is that what you have to see? How is Derwin used? What do you. What do you think happens here?
A
Yeah, I love what I'm seeing from this Colts offense. I have a ton of respect for Shane Steichen, who is offensive coordinator for the Chargers in 2020, Justin Herbert's rookie season. Justin talked about that this week and just said he knew immediately he was a really smart guy. I have a scouting report here that I do every week on the Chargers opponent. I have 84 Tyler Warren equals weapons circled three times. So that's who I'm focused on. I mean, what a player like. And he did a lot. I watched him coming out of Penn State and they did a lot of this stuff with him. I mean, they were playing him in the Wildcat as a quarterback, but they'll get him the football in all sorts of different ways. They'll attack down the field. They get. They'll get it to him on jet sweeps. One thing that really jumped out to me is just the way that he's able to set up some of these leak routes where they'll keep him to chip and he'll either fake it or he'll chip and get out. And the way he's able to set up defenders in that way and find open spaces. So to me, that's the big matchup. And the guy that you have in Derwin James is one of the, you know, the best tight end defenders in the league. So when you get in the red zone, are you going to play some man coverage and get Derwin lined up one on one with Tyler Warren? Obviously tackling is going to be a big job with Warren because they try to get him in space and short areas and let him run with the football. He's really good after the catch, so that's the guy that I'm focused on. But it's a really well built unit. The left side of the offensive line is fantastic with Quinton Nelson and Bernard Raymond. I think Josh Downs is a really underrated player. We talked about stopping the run. The Chargers have struggled over the last three weeks, so a lot of challenges here for a unit, in my opinion, with this Chargers defense that hasn't been quite as good over the last three weeks. Obviously missing some pieces and having some injuries. But I start with Tyler. Tyler Warren, when I'm scouting the Colts.
B
Me too. It's kind of like we got a Tyler Warren love fest going on here. I mean, because so many teams are. So many teams. It's true. They're like so many teams are going jumbo right now. So many teams are using an extra offensive lineman. So many teams are like. But he, he can do all of that and still be a pass catching threat. Like, it makes it really difficult on, on the defense. They love to run behind him. You mentioned Quinton, by the way, with when they get him outside of, of the, of the box and move him out in space. He's been outstanding this year, Quentin. What a great player it's been. It's going to, I think this sneakily could be one of the best games of the entire weekend and you get to cover it. Sorry you don't get to go to Taiwan, but you do get to cover Colts, Chargers. Dan, enjoy it. Don't have too much fomo. Make sure they get FOMO from you. Covering a classic on Sunday. How about that?
A
Absolutely. Looking forward to it. This is why you do it. Big football game.
B
Let's do it. Thanks, buddy. Our road trip on a Thursday continues with a guy I get to see in person on a regular basis here in Denver, Nick Cosmonic. How is, how is life being back from London, first for you personally and then secondly for, for this team, them not taking a buy. Is this something that is kind of on your radar for Sunday against the Giants team?
D
Yeah, well, I know I was still kind of waking up and shaking the cobwebs out when we went to practice Wednesday for availability there and talking to some of the guys in the locker room, it seemed like it was a little bit of the same thing. You know, the Broncos, Sean Payton confirmed after the game that it was, it was their ask to not have their buy right after London. And, you know, that could work out well. They're playing a stretch of four home games in the next five weeks, so they do have a chance to kind of get on a little bit of a run here, but we'll see whether that has an adverse effect. They are the first team ever to play in London one week and then play a game in the mountain or west time zone the following week. So they're in a little bit of unchartered territory here. Sean Payton, you know, believes in the plan, believes that they'll be ready to go. For a Giants team obviously riding high coming into Denver, so eager to see like, kind of how they look when this game kicks off. It'll help that. Of course, they're celebrating. Demarius Thomas will go in the ring of fame. They're celebrating the Super Bowl 50 team. There will be a lot of juice from a fan base that has only gotten to see two home games so far this year. So the environment will be right. You know, it'll just be interesting to see how ready the Broncos are to match it.
B
Good point. Good point.
G
Yeah.
B
There's a chance with this, this little stretch they have before they face Kansas City. They could be eight and two, Nick. Honestly. Right. They could be in a really good spot by the time they face a red hot Chiefs team in a few weeks. We're getting ahead of ourselves or I'm getting ahead of myself, but this offense needs to play a little bit better if they want the record that I'm talking about. And you know, you wrote a really, really good P piece on the athletic. Make sure everybody checks it out about tempo and working with tempo within this offense. What I'm fascinated by about Nick is like they have a lot of three and outs.
H
They.
B
We talk about penalties killing this offense and when they go backwards or have, you know, negative or just, you know, don't get anything on first and second down. They have third and longs, which has been an issue. And they're one of the highest third and long teams in football. Their drives just stall. It. Is this an offense that we just have to accept is just where it is, that they can't get over these type of issues like other offenses do have the ability, say Drake May and the Patriots can of late. Is this just what we're going to deal with with Denver?
D
You know, there's been enough evidence so far, I mean, we're six games in now to suggest that like that's what they're going to have to overcome as a team is the fact that their offense is going to have these lulls at certain points in the game where you punt three times in a row or four out of five times and a couple of those are three and outs. You hope that they can, they can get past that and find some things that they can hang their hat on a little bit to where even if you're not scoring every possession, you are at least generating some momentum that keeps the defense off balance. You know, you mentioned Drake May. Like there is a little bit of an inevitability for the Patriots watching them right now that like they're gonna get some things going. That doesn't mean every drive is going to be successful. But right now Watching that game in London, it felt like during that game that, like, let's take for example, in the fourth quarter when Bo Nix hit Evan Ingram for that 12 yard gain to finally get a drive going. It was almost like surprising that they were able to find something because they had just been so bogged down. You see it in flashes. And I think that's the confounding part of this. Like on the touchdown drive in London, they go quick game, they get Evan Ingram matched up in space, which is the whole reason they went out and got him, and create some things off of that. You know, they go quick to the side to Marvin Mims. They. They have some nice designed, you know, stuff that gets guys open down the field and then they get bogged down again. And so that, that's going to be really the interesting thing in this home stretch. Can they find some things that they can hang their hat on so that they can avoid these, you know, Lulz, you can't. You're not going to win against good teams if you, if you punt five times in a row and they have to get out of that.
B
Yeah, truly. And you look at this team, obviously there's. There's one injury on the offensive line, but as a whole, it's still a pretty good offensive line in front of Bo Nix. They add the run game, which they didn't run the football against the jets the way they did the previous couple of weeks, but it looks like it's a different backfield than you had a season ago that Bo Nix was operating with. And it looks like over the next couple of weeks, because the last couple we've seen Evan Ingram, as you mentioned, become a. A larger part of this offense. My point is some of the issues that we thought were there in 2024 appear to be fixed in 2025 a little bit, at least to some degree. But we're seeing Bo Nix play exactly the same way. Were expectations maybe too high for Bo, you think, or is this something we're still waiting for him and Sean to feel out year two with some of the different things they want to do offensively?
D
Yeah, I think part of it, there might have been a little bit of this idea that, you know, one season working with Sean Payton under his belt was going to be enough to propel Bo Nixon to just this, like, automatic command of the offense. You know, talking to some of the people who have been around, you know, Sean Payton's system for years, a lot of them say that, like year three is kind of when you really, you know, Hit the ground running like year three was in. Michael Thomas had 149 catches because they had just figured out the perfect way to utilize him. And he had, he had developed a perfect comfort with what they were trying to do. And so. So now, that being said, I think what is missing from this offense, because you're right, they're better in certain ways. They still avoid sacks.
A
Them.
D
The sack differential that they have is still a huge component, a huge blueprint for them winning games. They're running the ball more efficiently. Sands last week, obviously, with some of the offensive line issues that they had. So those are positives. But, you know, they're still not finding enough success over the middle. I look at the, you know, the slant route that Pat Bryant ran, that just, you know, really easy outside, quick game, slant in the middle of the field, like, they got to do more of that. And that's, that's where you got to get Bo a little bit more involved in hunting the middle of the field so that again, they can. They can have more things that they can count on.
B
So that's great insight. I'm going to keep an eye out for now on Sunday against the Giants defense that we know is very good up front, by the way. Very good up front. We'll see what, what they can do in terms of protecting Bonix. I don't want to make it all doom and gloom. We have to. About this defense that has 30 sacks, that has just been absolutely unbelievable. I know we all look at the number that I just mentioned and the way Nick Benito is playing, but is there an aspect of this defense, Nick, that maybe is a big reason for this success that is getting overlooked a little bit nationally as people are looking at this as one of the best units in football?
D
Yeah, it's a great question, James. I think there's a couple things. I think Talano Hufanga has sort of like kind of put a harder top on the back of that defense. Defense, if you will, A. In terms of just his kind of ability, whether it's in coverage or just his knowledge of the game. But also it really is kind of an attitude thing. I, I think you're seeing them get attacked over the middle less frequently, you know, because of what he does. His ability to, to come downhill in the run game, you saw it Sunday, has been a big factor.
A
So I don't.
D
I, I think he's almost a guy that's getting somewhat overlooked in this. He really has solidified that back end safety spot. But, but I, I think the other thing is they cover really well. I know Riley Moss gets heat from the fan base because when you look and they do have big plays given up, it's him. Right. But a defense or an offense has to attack something. And he's getting relentlessly attacked. And quarterbacks are still completing less than 50% of their passes against him. I think generally, by and large, they cover one on one. Well, and that is what is allowing Vance Joseph to send whoever he wants at the quarterback. And he's mixing it up in such a varied way that you. I mean, you saw Justin Fields his head spinning, but it wasn't just him. I mean, Jalen hurts a guy who handles pressure really well, was confounded by a lot of what they were doing. Justin Herbert, you know, the week before that, so. Or two weeks before that. So I just think all those components coming together is what really allows them to get after the quarterback in a way that is on an absolutely historic pace. I mean, since the start of last year, they have 30 more sacks than any team in the league, 10 more this year alone and through six games. I mean, it's just ridiculous.
B
Yeah, it's unbelievable. And some of the simulated pressure that Vance has done up front has been outstanding. Last one, real quick. You mentioned Huff. Play in the middle of that defense, in the middle of the defense is kind of something that they wanted to change. They brought him in. They also brought in Dre Greenlaw. His practice window opened up. He was on the practice field this week, I believe. And I remember a conversation I had with Sean during camp where he just said, james, this. This guy is going to change the course of our entire defense. I cannot wait to watch him play. In our group. We haven't really seen it, and they're already playing like one of the best defenses in football. When do we see Dre Greenlaw and what level do you think he takes? Takes this defense?
D
Yeah. So last week, Malcolm Roach got his window activated. He was limited on Wednesday, practice full the next two days, and then played in the game against the Jets, I thought had a pretty nice impact. So if you're. If we're going kind of along that timeline, Dre Greenlaw was limited on Wednesday. We're going to be out there in a couple hours this Thursday, and we'll see whether he then progresses to full. I think he has a decent chance to play against the Giants on Sunday. I. I think that they will kind of bring him along slowly, in part because Justin Sternot, the guy that he'll ultimately replace, is playing really well, especially in Some of their pressure looks. Vance Joseph loves to send him at the quarterback. He does a really good job doing that. So they'll continue to find packages for him. And again, to your point, we haven't seen Dre Greenlaw play a game since signing with the Broncos, preseason or otherwise. And so he's going to need some time, I think, to probably get acclimated. I would imagine that when he comes back, there's going to probably be some sort of, you know, packages for him or some kind of snap count that will allow him to somewhat work his way back slowly. It might only just be this week or the first week that he does play, just to kind of get a look and again, not, not push it too fast with him. But if he does add that kind of component that you were talking about, I remember we having a conversation about that after you talked to Sean Payton. If he has that kind of impact, it's scary because they are just really buttoned up just about everywhere. That middle presence is maybe the one thing that could still get stronger. And if it does, it's just I don't know how you attack this defense.
B
And they're deep. I mean, they can rotate some spots. It's a really, really impressive group. Nick, enjoy the game on Sunday. I'll see you there, actually, because it will be, I think, one to remember for a lot of Broncos fans with them honoring dt. I think it's going to gonna be a great one. Nick, thanks for joining us. But hey, stick around, Nick, honestly. Well, that's because we have Theo Johnson, tight end for the New York Football Giants coming up later in the show. But we have Chargers wide receiver lad McConkey joining the show next. Fresh off 100 yard game. Let's see what Lad has to say about a monster matchup against the AFC leading Indianapolis Colts. More Scoop City coming up next. Have you heard of Gold's Belly? It's this amazing site that I order from all the time where you can get the most iconic famous foods from restaurants all across the US and they will ship it anywhere across the country. See covered in the NFL for years and years and years I go to all these different cities. When I'm covering the super bowl in Miami, I go to Joe's. When I'm at a pro day in Austin, Texas, I get Franklin's Barbecue because these places are so iconic. But the problem when I go back home to Denver, I am now miles and miles away from all of my favorite restaurants. Well, with Gold Belly, I had the opportunity to then get the shipped to my house. This has happened multiple times and it's outstanding. The biggest part of this for me is I grew up in Philadelphia. It is home for me. And if you want a taste of home, I have an opportunity to get a Pat's cheese stick straight from South Philly right there. Wiz wit get it sent to my house and I get it exactly as it was when I was growing up. It brings back memories. It makes me feel closer to my family. It makes me feel closer to home. So if you're looking for the perfect gift or want to impress your friends and family with an epic meal the next time you host, go to goldbelly.com and get 20% off your first order with promo code SCOOP. That's goldbelly.com code SCOOP for 20% off your first order. Trimble is the technology company that connects your physical and digital world so industries like transportation and geospatial can get hard work done faster than ever. Every day brings new challenges, decisions, adjustments, real time moments that matter. With Trimble on your team, you're in command of purpose built tech ecosystems and connected solutions that keep work flowing end to end. Turn data points into decision points, deadlines into finish lines and possibilities into profits. Check out what Trimble can do for you@trimble.com because with Trimble, you can act smarter, move faster, and lead with confidence. Trimble simple confidence at every turn.
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B
All right, welcome back to Scoop City. James Palmer with you with Chargers wide receiver lad McConkey.
A
And.
B
And lad, this is where I have to start. Everybody's talking about the way things finished against Miami. Your play. I. I know I'm. This is hyperbole, but when we look later into the season, could this be a defining play for the Chargers and the way your season goes because this is one you needed badly after dropping two.
H
Yeah, I mean, I'm not gonna say a defining play, but very well could be like a defining game. I mean, we dropped too quick right there back to back that, you know, I feel like we can all agree we thought we should have won. So it was good to just get back on track. And Jiro had talked about, you know, some teams he's been on. It's like, you know, you drop one, you got to just get back on track and get that game and it can jump start the rest of your season. So we're hoping that's, that's for us, but, you know, it's a week by week league and we got to go out and do it every week.
G
Yeah.
B
To make the play. You obviously make a, you know, yards after the cash. Make a play with your legs. Justin obviously throwing defenders off him like always. It seems like it wows all of us what he does. I mean, the throw to Keenan Allen against Denver was just unbelievable. Are you guys still wowed by this at all or is it commonplace? You know, you're just going to keep running routes because he's going to find a way to, to lose the defender and find you.
H
Oh, no, it's like you're definitely still wowed, but like you, yeah, definitely, you have, don't lose that, you know, throws he makes in, in practice or the games or whatever. Like, you know, you see him on the field, but you don't really see it. And then you go back and watch the film, you're like, oh, okay, that was, that looked a little, a little different. That looked a little more difficult than I thought. So. But he's a heck of a player, heck of a leader. So we're lucky he's our quarterback 100%.
B
Because he can get all of you guys the ball. And I look at the three of you @ the receiver spot and you and Quinton and I mentioned Keenan, like, you all kind of play it a little bit differently and I think this is the best three person combo in, in the NFL. Can you kind of talk about how, how the three of you approach it and how you use each other within this passing game to kind of get each other open and use your different skill sets?
H
Yeah, I'm, I'll speak on that. But we also. KLS is coming on. Ray Harris has played really good. He stepped up and got his first start last week. He played awesome. Get dd, back him, get back healthy. So I feel like, you know, we're deep in the receiver room and we put so much time and effort into it this offseason to just be where we want to be. And I feel like we're only getting better and we're, we're a young receiver room. Keenan's a little older, but you went.
B
And broke all those records last year, man.
H
But no, I mean, it's just I feel like what makes us so special is we can all move around and play different positions and we're all kind of, you know, different, but we're similar as in, okay, we can all run and stretch the field and put Q here, me there, Keenan there, and we can all mix and match everywhere.
B
Yeah, I love what you talk about moving you guys around and you can play inside so well, but you can also play outside. We know what Keenan can do when you met in Q. Like, but your offensive coordinator has a stigma for some reason in the NFL, Right. He's just. He could be unimaginative in the passing game. And, like, can you kind of squash that kind of perception now what we've seen, you guys go out there and be able to do. What is it like playing in Greg's offense that you like so much, specifically in the passing game?
H
Yeah, you know, you have your set rules and, okay, run the route like this, whatever. But at the end of the day, he gives us a lot of freedom.
B
I was going to say that. You seem to have it.
H
He gives us a lot of freedom. And I think that's. That comes with the, you know, the trust we've built. The trust he has in Justin and the trust he has us and like, us as receivers to go do it in practice and then obviously translate into the game. So, yeah, we, you know, we all have our bits and pieces, mix and match and do it there. But at the end of the day, you get to your spot and get open, catch the ball, move the chains, and everybody's happy.
B
Yeah, you. You're kind of a student of the game. I know you study. Study the game. Like, do you. And the game has evolved, so nobody just sits in the slot all the time anymore. But do you have like a favorite slot guy you've watched that you like, that operates from. From inside, like over the years or somebody in the game before you?
H
There's not really, like, a specific guy that I like sit there and watch. It's more of like, take a little bits and pieces from. From everybody. Like, see what works for people. Be like, okay, that release was nice. Let me try to use that. Okay, that's secondary level route that, you know, head and shoulders at the top of. Route was nice. So take little bits and pieces from everybody and then kind of go from there.
B
So, yeah, it's interesting. I had a conversation with DeAndre Hopkins a few years ago where it was interesting. He said, I study everybody that doesn't play the game like me. I can already do the things that I can do. Yeah, it's guys that do it differently than me. What can I steal from? He's like, I steal from Julian Edelman all the time. He plays it a lot differently than me.
H
And there's definitely things you watch, and you'd be like, okay, let me try that. And if it works, be like, okay, let's go. Okay, that's not my game. I can't do that. Let me revert back so there's a piece you can take from. From everybody.
B
Oh, certainly. What is this offense been like with the. Obviously, you've withstood a lot of injuries up front, specifically in the backfield as well. And then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, did you expect this performance out of your running back this past week when both guys are down? And did you see this come from.
G
From him?
H
I mean, first of all, replacing O and replacing Najee, like, those guys. Those guys are studs. But when it was Kamani's time to step up and play H2's time, Naheem, I feel like they answered the bell and they had done that, you know, through training camp, and I've seen them put in the work, so, no, I wasn't surprised. And up front got it done, too. Like, we had some great blocks and gave them some big holes, and then they. They did the rest.
B
Do you think this stretch, lad, like, you guys are going through where guys are filling in spots and in these different areas and Q goes down two for a game, like on the back end of the season, when guys are getting healthy, too, that depth pays off. This stretch pays off for you guys.
H
I think, for sure. I think we, you know, we put our head down and grind right now. People feeling in here and there, whatever it might be. But when we get everybody back healthy and then it all starts clicking, we start rolling at the right time. I think that's what. That's what it's all about.
A
Gotcha.
B
All right, before we go, I'm curious. You had such a dominant rookie season, and this was your first real. Because, you know, it's preparing for the league in your first one. But now your real off season. What did you do this off season to prepare for year two that you maybe learned, and is it paying off that, you know, specifically what you maybe tried to do this. This off season?
H
Yeah, it was. It was all about getting my body right. Honestly, last year was a struggle at times throughout the year, just, you know, getting week to week. So first was just getting. Yeah. First getting my body healthy and building like A good foundation. It's not like, I feel like in college, like, yeah, you have good strength training. You're getting stronger, getting faster, but it's. It can't be, like, individualized. You know, it's kind of the whole team. So to be able to get that individualized training and. And, you know, just getting my prep down and like, how I approach, like, before practice and recovery and stuff like that, I think it was huge for me. So I found a really good spot and I was excited about it, and I think it's definitely, definitely paid off. I feel.
B
Yeah, I was gonna say this time.
H
This year, compared to this time last year, it's night and day. I feel so much better.
B
Oh, that's massive. That's huge. All right, last one. This is the real last one. How far can Justin throw a football? Just like, we don't know, but you probably do far.
G
Far enough.
H
I don't know a number. I don't know enough, but I've never seen him over or under throw somebody.
B
I was going to say he's not going to under throw you, is he? Like, far enough?
G
Awesome.
B
I appreciate you joining, man. Thanks so much for. For chatting with us and good luck against Indy. That's a. That's a defense. Loose lose. Wily guy back there, man. Lou. And so good luck.
H
Yeah, thank you.
G
I appreciate it.
B
Outstanding stuff from lad McConkey, but we're not done, and we're not done talking to NFL players. Theo of the Giants is going to be joining us fresh off the practice field, a place where I think there's a lot of energy right now off of that win over the Eagles. More scoop city coming up with Theo Johnson.
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You look the same.
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Especially me.
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Selfies.
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Check, please.
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G
Yeah, I think the, the energy been really great in the room and the whole building. You know, I think it was a big win for us, not only just because it was against the, you know, like you said, the reigning champs, but just to give us some momentum going into the back end of the season, the last 2/3 of the season. So I think the vibes are great. The energy is really high and we're looking forward to having a good week.
B
You mentioned the vibes, the energy. You're in pads. I know the way you play and how physical you are. We know it. About your running back, your quarterback has that. What would you say? I think everybody has an opinion, but I want your on the identity of the New York Giants right now.
G
Yeah, I think it really starts with, you know, the front office and the, and the guys that they've gotten here. The last couple draft classes, free agency, they've recruited, they've had a type that they've recruited here that they've drafted, that they've picked here. And it's showing up now in the games, it's showing up on the tape guys that are just hard nose, gritty guys. You know we have a little bit of flash here and There, but, like, at the end of the day, we're going to let our play and our pads do the talking for the most part.
B
Yeah, you do that specifically, but you've been finding the end zone, man, you lead this team in touchdowns. And I'm just, you know, Jackson's talked about the trust he has in you and how. I'm curious how that has developed between the two of you and what now a few games on into this is the chemistry, like in game between the two of you?
G
Yeah, I think it really started back in OTAs when he first got here. You know, he was super excited to get here and, you know, one of the first things he said to me is like, man, we're going to be like, like Gronk and Brady, like, we're going to have that type of. That type of chemistry, that type of relationship. And it kind of started as, you know, like us being friends, and now that he started to play more, it's kind of developed more into, you know, a partnership on the field. Like, hey, this is what I'm expecting it to look like for you. Rather than, you know, us just catching, getting some catches in on the weekend and stuff. It's. It's more. We're having more in depth conversations. You know, what he's expecting, the type. The type of things that I'm going to do in my routes and stuff. So it's really growing a lot. I think it's starting to show up on the tape and I'm super excited to see, you know, where this can go, you know, the rest of the season and in the future, honestly.
B
Yeah, I thought I heard some rumblings about some. Some conversations that the two of you have had about, like, well, if we see this, maybe we'll adjust it just a little bit. It seems like you're onto something there. I feel like we're talking so much about Jackson's physical traits and what he's doing, but what about the line of scrimmage, what he's doing for you guys as an offense and how he's manipulating things? What we don't really at home see, but you guys are seeing as an offense and how is that helping all of you guys? And how are you gelling with that so far?
G
The thing we've started to do is use a little bit more tempo. You know, it's no secret we've started to play a little faster, to get on the ball a little quicker, to allow him to operate, and I think we've had a lot of success with it. So he can, you know, see what's in front of him and then be able to make the adjustments, as you said, and get the right play, call in sometime, make adjustments at the line. You know, he's. He's been very active with making audibles and stuff, and I think it's really shown, and we've found great success with it.
B
Yeah, I completely agree. And when you run the football well, it helps. And you're part of that as well in terms of how physical you guys want to be up front. I'm curious when Cam comes back to the huddle after a run where he just runs somebody over or lays somebody out, like, what is the discussion in the hudd, you guys, before maybe the next play comes in? Is. Is it energizing the way you guys are playing and the way he runs the football?
G
It is, for sure. If it's, you know, there's some plays where it's like, yo, you got to keep your head up. You're about to be playing for free this week. Yeah. And other times, it's like, hey, man, keep doing that. Like, that's the type of energy that we need. You know, he brings a ton of energy. You know, you see all the sound bites and stuff on the sideline with. With all the juice that he has. Like, that's real. Like, he's like that every single day at practice, walk through freaking the. The team, playing. Like, he's like that all the time. And. And it's contagious. It's been really contagious for this offense of this team.
B
Is there a moment today you're still in your pads that you can remember of Cam on the field that you go, yeah, this is. He's bringing it again today on a Wednesday.
G
I mean, I. I can name about three different occasions today. Jogging on the field, he's screaming like, you can hear him from. From the parking lot, the parking lot out of MetLife. You can hear him screaming and hollering. And then when you bring it up at practice, he's always yelling at everybody, hey, jogging in, jogging in, jogging in. No walking. And that's just how he's been every day. That's how he is every day. That's just him. Yeah.
B
You're going to need to bring that energy as an offense. You're facing a defense in Denver that. I think you've seen the clips. What has the film study been like? When you see a team that has, I believe, 30 sacks already this season, when you watch it, what. What ju out at you?
G
Yeah, they're they're a very sound defense. They have a lot of talented players, very stout. I think it's going to be a great opportunity for us, a great challenge. You know, this is our, I'd say our probably biggest test as offense when it comes to their front and the type of defenses they play. So, honestly, I think we're taking this in stride. We're excited for this, for this challenge, because we know we can rise to this challenge. We can rise to anything else that's going to come our way this season.
B
How much of this is going to. Is going to fall on you, Theo? Like, they bring five, right? They like to do that a lot. They like to bring somebody extra. I mean, the last couple games, maybe kind of just maybe disguise it, but they'd love to bring some extra. How quickly do you need to pick things up in some of these things on Sunday?
G
Yeah, it's going to be big. You know, there's a couple plays already where, you know, sometimes as tight ends, you have an extra helper, a tackle working with you on a run scheme or something. There's. There's a good amount of stuff we have where I'm going to be singled up just because, like you said, they bring five guys. It's just how it is. So it's going to be a great challenge for me to be able to, you know, continue to work my technique and then be dominant in the running game this week.
B
Okay, before you go, I don't want to give too much love to an opposing team's defensive front. When your defensive front is playing the way that they. They can play in the talent they have there, what you've gone against them in practice and they have a number of guys across just like Denver does. I'm curious thinking about that now. Is that. Is that a helpful aspect for maybe some of you guys up front? Because you faced it in camp with a number of guys that can get to the quarterback that you have.
G
Yeah, I think playing against the guys that we got, we refer to them as werewolves. The werewolves we have on our team has definitely helped us prepare for this season. Like Burns, how shifty he is. Explosive he is. Abdul has his change of direction, his explosiveness. Thibodeau, like Dex, all those guys have helped, not even just me, but like our whole offensive front preparing so that, you know, it's not a surprise and we're playing a good team or other good edge rushers because we're playing some of the best every single day in practice.
B
Yeah, you are. You know, Abdul, what Was it like, has he grown already? What have you seen in him as a player?
G
Yeah, honestly, I've told a lot of people I saw him at Penn State as a freshman and to see his growth from when I saw him as a freshman walking in the doors of Penn State to now, I got a ton of respect for him. I'm honestly super proud for him because he's grown a lot as not just as a player but as a person. And I think he's going to do a lot of great things in this franchise for years to come. I'm really excited for him.
B
Awesome. Theo, thank you for joining the show. Appreciate it. Leading the Giants in touchdowns right now. Hoping to get another one in Mile High. Don't do the salute. Well, if you want to do the salute, you can.
G
I don't know.
B
I've been watching the celebration. What? Like, do you have anything that we may change up? Do we, like, what is our thought when we get into the end zone now?
G
Yeah. So me and Jackson during the week, you know, we compile our ideas and then usually by Friday, Saturday, we start honing in what the celebration is going to be. Usually we build off of what we've done and it just kind of keeps going from there. So we'll see how it ends up this week, but we'll definitely have something lined up.
B
Awesome. Well, we'll be watching, man.
A
Appreciate it.
B
Get out of the pads. Thanks for stopping by.
G
Of course. Appreciate it it.
E
Thanks for watching Scoop City. Don't forget to like subscribe and feel free to leave a comment. New episodes of Scoop City drop every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
A
Dude, did you order the new iPhone 17 Pro? Got it from Verizon. The best 5G network in America. I never look so good.
B
You look the same.
A
But with this camera, everything looks pretty better.
B
Especially me.
C
You haven't changed your hair in 15 years.
D
Selfies.
E
Check please with Verizon. New and existing customers can get the new iPhone 17 Pro, designed to be the most powerful iPhone ever. Plus a new iPad and Apple One with eligible phone trade in and unlimited ultimate best 5G source root metrics at the United States One 2025 All Rights Reserve, Trade in and additional terms apply for all offers. See verizon.com for details.
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Episode: "This is WHY the Eagles will struggle to save their season"
Date: October 17, 2025
Host(s): James Palmer (primary), with regulars Dianna Russini, Chase Daniel
Guests: Zach Berman (The Athletic - Eagles), Dan Popper (The Athletic - Chargers), Nick Kosmider (The Athletic - Broncos), Lad McConkey (Chargers WR), Theo Johnson (Giants TE)
This episode arms NFL fans with insider analysis on why the Eagles are struggling to steady their season, features league-wide check-ins ahead of the weekend, and offers locker room access with exclusive player interviews. The deep dive on Philadelphia focuses on offensive woes and leadership shifts after an offseason of turnover, followed by robust discussions about the Chargers’ resilience, the Broncos’ surprising defense, and insights from breakout young stars Lad McConkey and Theo Johnson.
(02:14–12:55)
Guest: Zach Berman (The Athletic – Eagles)
“Their ineffectiveness running the ball...they’ve always been able to hang their hat on the running game even when the passing game’s not going.”
– Zach Berman (07:33)
(12:57–21:25)
Guest: Dan Popper (The Athletic – Chargers)
“Justin Herbert has some of that old school mentality in terms of some of these bigger quarterbacks that would stand in there, take hits, shrug guys off and obviously has the arm talent to sling it downfield.”
– Dan Popper (18:01)
(21:29–32:36)
Guest: Nick Kosmider (The Athletic – Broncos)
“Since the start of last year, they have 30 more sacks than any team in the league… it’s just ridiculous.”
– Nick Kosmider (30:20)
(35:43–43:31)
Q: “How far can Justin [Herbert] throw a football?”
A: “Far. Far enough. I don’t know a number… but I’ve never seen him over or under throw somebody.”
(43:11–43:16)
(44:51–54:05)
“We’re gonna have that type of…chemistry, that type of relationship [like] Gronk and Brady.”
– Theo Johnson on partnership with QB Jackson Dart (47:24)
The episode blends journalistic rigor with locker room banter and on-field wisdom, using candid, conversational language. Quotes and insight are player- and insider-driven, offering authenticity and levity even amidst detailed tactical breakdowns.
This installment is must-listen for Eagles fans seeking answers for the team’s struggles, those tracking the Chargers’ survival story, and anyone fascinated by the Broncos’ defensive dominance. Player interviews with rising stars add unique perspective, especially on locker room chemistry and how leadership transitions shape success in the NFL.
End of Summary