Scoop City: Inside The NFL

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)

Brief Overview

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.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Eagles' Season in Jeopardy: Offensive Disarray & Leadership Void

(02:14–12:55)
Guest: Zach Berman (The Athletic – Eagles)

• Mini-bye Week Self-Scouting:
  • Team focus: Improving ineffectiveness on 1st and 2nd down – avoiding “behind the sticks” scenarios that kill drives.
  • Zach Berman: “One of the big takeaways during the bye this year was the ineffectiveness on first and second down and how that’s putting them behind the sticks.” (06:27)
• No Radical Changes Expected at OC:
  • Kevin Patullo stays as play-caller, but rhythm and predictability remain problems.
  • Running game struggles: Notably poor output from Saquon Barkley compared to past Eagles RBs.
  • Passing game issues: Lacks explosive and intermediate plays.
  • Zach Berman: “Their ineffectiveness running the ball...Saquon hasn't been able to have that 100-yard game yet.” (07:33)
• Leadership Departures: A New Locker Room Dynamic:
  • Significant defensive turnover: Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Darius Slay all gone; Lane Johnson remains on offense.
  • Leadership now by youth, especially on defense (Georgia alumni core); void is most pronounced on D.
  • Zach Berman: “Before Adoree Jackson became a starter here, the Eagles only had one starter over the age of 25 on defense.” (09:40)
• Defensive Issues – Edge and Corner Dilemma:
  • “Chicken and the egg”: Problems with both edge rush and secondary, not one covering up for the other.
  • Major losses at edge, including Sweat, Graham, Huff, and recent retirement of Za’Darius Smith.
  • Secondary depth thin; injury to Quinyon Mitchell especially concerning.
  • Expectation: GM Howie Roseman likely to make a move, with edge rusher most probable.
  • Berman on roster building: “Howie’s never going to stay still. We know that, and they know the window's now.” (12:37)

Notable Quote

“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)

2. Chargers: Resilient in the Face of Injuries, Riding Rookie Breakouts

(12:57–21:25)
Guest: Dan Popper (The Athletic – Chargers)

• Chargers Injury Update:
  • Khalil Mack’s IR window opening; possible defensive boost against the run.
  • Joe Alt (LT) progressing; offensive line slowly getting healthier.
• Running Back Revelation:
  • Kamani Vidal steps up with a 124-yard game, showcasing depth until Amari Hampton returns.
• Offensive Adaptations:
  • Game plan adjusted to protect QB Justin Herbert with heavy use of quick-game, screens, and max protect on play action.
  • Dan Popper: “They got the run game going...really smart...max protect...pick your battles as far as when you were pushing it downfield.” (15:24)
• Justin Herbert’s Strength & Toughness:
  • Compares Herbert to old-school, “OG” quarterbacks; can take hits and still deliver.
  • Quote from Will Dissly (Chargers TE): “He’ll hang in there and he’ll take a big hit and he’ll still effing sling it.” (17:28)
• Colts Matchup Preview:
  • Stopping Jonathan Taylor and TE Tyler Warren are keys.
  • Focus on Derwin James covering tight ends in man coverage, especially in the red zone.
  • Popper’s scouting: “I start with Tyler Warren when I’m scouting the Colts.” (19:16)

Notable Quote

“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)

3. Broncos: Fatigue, Faltering Offense, but a Defense on a Historic Tear

(21:29–32:36)
Guest: Nick Kosmider (The Athletic – Broncos)

• London Game Fallout:
  • Broncos requested not to take a post-London bye, setting up a unique, potentially risky stretch.
  • Four home games in five weeks could be a launchpad for playoff contention before meeting the Chiefs.
• Demands on Denver’s Offense:
  • Still plagued by 3-and-outs, stalled by penalties and negative plays early in drives.
  • Bo Nix’s progress: Year 3 is typically when QBs “really hit the ground running” under Sean Payton; expectations may have been too high for him in year two.
  • Issues persist in utilizing the middle of the field in the passing game.
  • Nick Kosmider: “Year three was when Michael Thomas had 149 catches because they had just figured out the perfect way to utilize him.” (26:32)
• Defensive Standouts:
  • Safety Talanoa Hufanga’s presence solidifies the back end and brings leadership.
  • Riley Moss: Heavily targeted but holding up, allowing Joseph to dial up aggressive blitzes.
  • 30 sacks in six games, 30 more than any other NFL team since 2024.
  • Dre Greenlaw’s return will provide even more depth and “could change the course of our entire defense,” as per Sean Payton.

Notable Quote

“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)

4. PLAYER INTERVIEW: Lad McConkey (Chargers WR) on Resilience, Room Chemistry, and Justin Herbert

(35:43–43:31)

• Season-Saving Play Against Miami:
  • Team saw must-win as a potential turning point.
  • Lad McConkey: “Not gonna say a defining play, but very well could be like a defining game… we gotta get back on track and get that game, and it can jump start the rest of your season.” (36:07)
• Justin Herbert’s Impact:
  • Still amazing teammates with play-making after breaking tackles, out-of-structure throws.
• Best WR Trio?
  • Room versatility: He, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston can move inside/outside; highlight room depth, cite chemistry and camaraderie.
• Debunking OC Stigma:
  • Offensive coordinator Greg Roman gives wideouts more freedom than people on the outside believe.
• Rising to Depth Test:
  • Injury replacements, particularly Kamani Vidal at RB, have stepped up with confidence from camp reps.
• Preparation & Growth:
  • McConkey focused offseason on individualized training and recovery: “I feel so much better. Night and day [from last year].” (43:03)
• On Herbert’s Arm:
  • “I’ve never seen him over or under throw somebody!” (43:16)

Memorable Q&A

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)

5. PLAYER INTERVIEW: Theo Johnson (Giants TE) on Chemistry, Identity, and Facing the Broncos’ D

(44:51–54:05)

• Post-Eagles Win Energy:
  • Victory over Philadelphia was a huge momentum boost for team morale and confidence in the building.
• Team Identity:
  • “Hard nose, gritty guys… let our play and our pads do the talking.” (46:31)
• Chemistry with QB Jackson Dart:
  • Partnership blossomed from OTAs; “Gronk and Brady” type relationship.
  • On changing play in real-time: “He’s been very active with making audibles and stuff, and I think it’s really shown.”
• Cam Skattebo’s Impact:
  • Running back’s physicality energizes the entire offense every day in practice.
  • Theo: “It’s contagious. It’s been really contagious for this offense of this team.” (50:06)
• Toughest Test Yet vs. Denver D:
  • Respect for Denver’s pass rush; preparation for handling protection in five-man rushes, and the challenge of being singled up in blocking assignments.
  • Feels camp competition vs. “werewolves” on the Giants D-line (Burns, Thibodeau, Dex, Abdul) sharpens readiness for top-tier defenses.
• Growth of Defensive Teammate Abdul Carter:
  • Praises Abdul’s growth on and off the field since college.
• Celebration Plans:
  • Takes pride in creative TD celebrations with Jackson Dart, promising fans something new each week.

Notable Quote

“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)

Memorable Quotes (With Timestamps)

• “Proof needs to go into action here this week against the Vikings.” — Zach Berman on Eagles’ need to tangibly improve post-bye (06:59)
• “He’ll hang in there and he’ll take a big hit and he’ll still effing sling it.” — Will Dissly (via Dan Popper) on Justin Herbert (17:28)
• “Year three is kind of when you really…hit the ground running [in Sean Payton's system].” — Nick Kosmider (26:32)
• “You get to your spot and get open, catch the ball, move the chains, and everybody’s happy.” — Lad McConkey, Chargers (39:33)
• “It’s contagious. It’s been really contagious for this offense and this team.” — Theo Johnson on teammate Cam Skattebo’s energy (50:06)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Eagles’ Season Outlook: 02:14–12:55
• Chargers Injury/Colts Matchup: 12:57–21:25
• Broncos: London Fallout & Defense: 21:29–32:36
• Lad McConkey Interview: 35:43–43:31
• Theo Johnson Interview: 44:51–54:05

Tone & Style

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.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

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