Why Dak Prescott is NOT the problem for the Dallas Cowboys

Summary

---

Scoop City: A Show About the NFL

Episode: Why Dak Prescott is NOT the problem for the Dallas Cowboys
Hosts: James Palmer, Dianna Russini, Chase Daniel
Date: September 16, 2025

---

Episode Overview

This episode zeroes in on why Dak Prescott should not be blamed for the Dallas Cowboys' struggles, delivering deep insights into his performance and the team’s overall situation. Hosts James Palmer, Dianna Russini, and Chase Daniel also take a broad look across the NFL’s biggest quarterback headlines, including Joe Burrow’s injury, the state of the Chiefs’ offense, and young quarterbacks like Caleb Williams. “Sunday Scaries” segments focus on real concerns for several prominent teams. The group wraps up with hot takes on both undefeated and winless teams two weeks into the 2025 season.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NFL Quarterback Injuries and Adjustments

Joe Burrow’s Turf Toe – Shades of Concern

• Joe Burrow has undergone surgery for turf toe, which will sideline him for at least three months, putting a massive dent in the Bengals’ season prospects. The hosts explain the seriousness of the injury and why “turf toe” is a far more significant setback for quarterbacks than many realize.
  • Chase Daniel: “When you’re not a football player … you just hear ‘turf toe,’ you’re like, ‘ah, he stubbed his toe on the turf … get out there!’ But it’s really the stabilizer of your foot.” (06:19)
  • Burrow's history with season-ending injuries is fueling talk about his durability compared to other “Big Four” QBs.
    • James Palmer: “It really is the one thing that separates him from the other three in what we call kind of the big four in the NFL.” (10:14)
  • The Bengals’ lineup is constructed entirely around Burrow, amplifying the challenge for coach Zac Taylor during Burrow’s absence.
    • Dianna Russini: “This entire team has been built around Joe Burrow … This is a chance for [Zac] to show the type of coach he is.” (11:21)

The Bengals Now: Jake Browning, Coach Zac Taylor, and Survival Mode

• Jake Browning steps in: The crew explores what it takes for a backup QB to transition midseason and how coaching pivots when a franchise QB is out.
  • Chase Daniel: “When the starter goes down mid-game … I haven’t got any reps this week at all with the ones… You gotta do as best you can to just, on short notice, get through the game and win.” (15:20)
• Taylor’s test: Can Zac Taylor join elite company by winning without his high-level starter?
  • Daniel: “The only coach that I've really seen win without a high-level quarterback … it's Kyle Shanahan. That’s it.” (12:47)

2. Kansas City Chiefs – Struggling Out of the Gate

• With the Chiefs off to an 0-2 start, the hosts dissect the offensive identity crisis caused by injuries and missing pieces at receiver.
  • Daniel: “They felt really good about their vertical passing attack this year, but they haven’t had Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy, or Rashee Rice … at the same time, not one snap.” (19:00)
  • The team is forced to emphasize the run, but with a thin backfield and Travis Kelce showing inconsistencies, the explosive element is lacking.
  • Daniel: “Physically, I think Travis Kelce does not look the same like he did two or three years ago... It is true. One of your best players on the offense is letting you down offensively.” (24:45)
• Up front: Left guard and right tackle remain soft spots; offensive line investment hasn’t solved every problem.
  • Dianna Russini: “They don’t pass the eye test for me right now … especially with Patrick Mahomes’ leadership.” (21:24)

3. Why Dak Prescott is Not the Cowboys’ Problem

Dak’s Elite QB Play

• Chase Daniel: “I don’t know if there is a quarterback in the NFL right now that is playing the position of quarterback better than Dak Prescott’s playing.” (27:53)
• Prescott’s play recalls his near-MVP candidate form from two years ago—he looks thinner, more mobile, and is seeing the field exceptionally well.
• Supporting cast boost: The addition of George Pickens and revitalized pre-snap motion have opened the offense, enhancing read options for Dak.
  • Daniel: “When Mike McCarthy was the head coach … pre-snap motion was not a big thing in Dallas. Now it is … now you’re giving Dak Prescott the answers to the test.” (29:32)
• Team Issues Beyond Dak: Lackluster defense, especially without Micah Parsons, is the real concern.
  • Dianna Russini: “As great as Dak can be, he's going to need some help on that defense.” (31:13)

4. Emerging and Struggling QBs

• Russell Wilson vs. Jackson Dart in New York: Wilson may have bought himself time with a huge statistical game, but pressure from rookie Jackson Dart lingers—and the team's 0-2 record has the coaching staff under scrutiny.
• Caleb Williams/Chicago Bears Growing Pains: High expectations for rookie QB Williams and new head coach Ben Johnson have so far resulted in struggles, although “flashes” provide hope.
  • Daniel: “It's probably not fair for us ... to say hey, can all those scars be erased in two games? And the answer is absolutely not.” (47:03)

5. Sunday Scaries – What’s Wrong with These Teams?

• Pittsburgh Steelers' Defense: The ‘Steel Curtain’ reputation is waning; they have given up nearly 400 yards per game over the first two weeks.
  • Daniel: “The Steel curtain is no longer ... It seems to be a pattern.” (48:57)
  • Turnovers masked deeper issues last season; with less luck now, the flaws are exposed.

6. 2-0 and 0-2 Teams: Fraudulent or For Real? (55:34)

• Fraudulent 2-0:
  • Dianna: 49ers—wins have been ugly, relying on depth QBs with key pieces hurt.
  • Chase: Bengals—Success seems unsustainable with Burrow out long-term.
  • James: Cardinals—Cautions enthusiasm, noting weak early schedule.
• 0-2 Teams Worth Believing In:
  • Dianna: Titans—Sees QB Cam Ward as a breakout candidate: “He had tremendous moments ... I do think that he is good enough to get this Titans team into the win column...” (58:37)
  • Chase: Chiefs—Faith in Mahomes to turn things around: “It’s the Chiefs, man. Let’s go… I just think the Chiefs will be fine.” (59:47)
  • James: Bears—Believes patience will pay off with Ben Johnson/Caleb Williams, even if success doesn’t come this year.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Dak’s form:

  • “I don’t know if there is a quarterback in the NFL right now that is playing the position of quarterback better than Dak Prescott’s playing.”
    — Chase Daniel (27:53)

• On Joe Burrow’s injury:

  • “Turf toe is … one of the most painful injuries you can have.”
    — Chase Daniel (07:22)

• On the Chiefs’ offense:

  • “Physically, I think Travis Kelce does not look the same like he did two or three years ago.”
    — Chase Daniel (24:45)

• On Chicago’s new regime:

  • “Ben Johnson is my greatest example of why playing hard to get works. Because it doesn't even matter if you're that great. If you just play the game…”
    — Dianna Russini (47:57)

• Sunday Scaries theme:

  • “The Steel curtain is no longer … seems to be a pattern.”
    — Chase Daniel (48:57)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Joe Burrow's injury update and implications: 05:07–12:00
• Backup QB perspective & Bengals outlook: 15:20–17:32
• Chiefs' offensive issues with injuries: 18:00–22:31
• Travis Kelce's struggles and offensive masking: 24:03–25:07
• Why Dak Prescott is not the problem: 27:43–31:21
• Caleb Williams/Bears development pains: 39:53–44:31
• Steelers’ fading defense: 48:15–51:00
• Fraudulent 2-0s and hopeful 0-2s: 55:34–61:22

---

Conclusion

This episode masterfully deconstructs current NFL narratives, debunking easy outs like blaming Dak Prescott for the Cowboys’ woes. Listeners walk away with a clearer view of team dynamics beneath the surface scorelines—whether it’s the necessity of patience with young or injured rosters, or the deeper systemic problems that even star power can’t solve. With honest, expert-level debate and some playful banter, this is essential listening for any fan seeking to understand the state of the NFL through the lens of quarterback play and the teams built around them.

---

Transcript

[A]

You know how many times users searched football on eBay.com last season? Try 12,000 per hour. That's because ebay has been the home of collectibles since 1995, with unrivaled selections of trading cards and memorabilia. Premium Singles, Unreal Live Card Breaks Truly unique game Used gear. All the epic finds you need are right here on ebay. Collect with confidence by downloading the ebay app on the App Store or by going straight to eBay.com TheAthletic that's eBay.com TheAthletiC get busy building your collection today.

[B]

As you've probably heard by now, we've teamed up with BetMGM. This season we'll be using BetMGM lines to make all of our picks and we'll have special offers for our listeners each week. If you haven't signed up for BetMGM yet, use bonus code TheAthletic and you'll get a one year subscription to the Athletic plus the up to a 1500 dollars first bet offer on your first wager with BetMGM. Here's how it works. Download the BetMGM app and sign up using bonus code TheAthletic. Make your first deposit of at least ten dollars. Place your first bet on any game and claim your voucher for a one year subscription to the Athletic. See betmgm.com for terms. U.S. promotional offers not available in D.C. mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario or Puerto Rico. Gambling problem call 1-800- gambler available in the U.S. call 877-8-HOPE NY or text hopeny4673 369 in New York, call 1-800-next step in Arizona, 1-800-327-5050 in Massachusetts, 1-800-bets off in Iowa, 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help in Michigan, 1-800-981-0023 in Puerto Rico. First bet offer for new customers only in partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Don't forget, if you haven't signed up for BetMGM yet, use bonus code TheAthletic and you'll get a one year subscription to the Athletic plus up to a fifteen hundred dollar first bet offer on your first wager.

[A]

Avoiding your unfinished home projects because you're.

[B]

Not sure where to start.

[A]

Thumbtack knows home so you don't have.

[B]

To don't know the difference between matte, paint finish and satin or what that.

[A]

Clunking sound from your dryer is.

[B]

With thumbtack, you don't have to be a home pro.

[A]

You just have to hire one.

[B]

You can hire top rated pros, see price estimates and read reviews all on the app download today.

[C]

The worst is when you have that Sunday night Buffalo game and you had warning shots all day and you're holding tight because you're cold and the next day you're sore.

[A]

Your whole like between your shoulder blades is like killing. Cuz you've been like this the whole time.

[C]

Yes. Oh my gosh, I have so been.

[A]

It's a physical game cover. In these games chase physical situations.

[D]

I can tell.

[C]

And well, cuz chase. The thing is when the camera comes on, you can't act cold cuz then you look like a wimp, right? So like you're like this, holding, holding. And they're like, okay, coming to you, coming to you in five.

[A]

And you're like, next day I wake up, I'm like, did I play? Like my whole body hurts.

[C]

I know I might as well at this point.

[D]

Y' all are funny.

[A]

It's a Monday. Welcome into Scoop City presented by ebay. I'm James Palmer alongside Chase Daniel alongside Diana Rossini. We have a lot for you on this Monday as we have a resident quarterback with us. We're remember, don't forget to like and subscribe. Everybody. How's everybody doing? How was their Sunday of football watching?

[D]

Well, good, I guess.

[C]

I was just actually thinking about how I spent so much time Googling turf toe.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Because I, I just, I don't like the name. I would like it to be something that sounds scarier than Right, so.

[D]

Oh, the big toe. It was my wife's birthday yesterday, so I didn't watch a lot of football, but the games I did watch were really good.

[C]

What a good husband. You missed football for a birthday?

[D]

I had my phone out at lunch and at dinner and she was like.

[A]

Ah, yeah, listen, I did the same thing. I somehow in the middle of the afternoon was told by my wife that we're going to see our friends. My son's friend who's in school with him and my buddy who's his dad were both in the Sound of Music. My buddy who's never acted before played Captain Van Trapp. I picked the last row so I could watch the Eagles, Eagles, Chiefs, Chiefs game. Going like this. Just like listening to the Sound of Music and watching at the same time. Every watch I was up late.

[C]

Am I the only dork that sat in front of my TV all day?

[A]

No, that's not dork. That's what I wanted.

[D]

That's not dork. Yeah, that's what that's what I'm saying. The wives are not as really, you know, we got stuff to do.

[A]

That's what I wanted to do, was watch football. And listen, we're going to still bring you everything about football today. We're going to talk about Caleb Williams. Chase is going to tell us if maybe some of these things are correctable or what kind of spot we're in with the second year quarterback in Chicago. But speaking of quarterbacks, Dak Prescott has been balling. Chase is going to break that down for you. But we also stick with the position and this one on the negative side of things. And Joe Burrow in that turf toe that Diana's been spending all of her hours googling and figuring out what our timetable is. We're going to start with. This is what we're hearing. Diana, where are. Yeah.

[D]

Then we'll follow.

[A]

Where are we with Joe Burrow? What is the timetable? Where are we at with. With the dreaded, misnamed turf toe?

[C]

Yes. All right. So Joe Burrow has elected to get the surgery, which is essentially going to put him out for minimum three months, all depending on how the recovery goes. And Chase, tell me if you agree with this. I had somebody in the league explain it to me this way. He was like, look at turf toe. Almost like. It's like the big toe of your foot is like the knee of your foot, meaning it has all those ligaments and all those things that are in your knee. Your big toe has two. So unfortunately for Borrow, he tore a bunch of those ligaments in there, not just one multiple. So that is why the surgery is required because there's also a lot of pain that goes in with that. And obviously you can't play the quarterback position if you can't put all your weight on your foot, which, as we saw, saw he couldn't even put his foot down. He was struggling, you know, when he was. What was it? Hopping back to the locker room. So, Chase, what I mean.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Is that exactly how you understand it is.

[D]

It is. And, and, and I'm with you. Like when, when you're not a football player or, or, or maybe an athletic trainer or. And you just, you just hear the word, like the casual fan hears the word turf toe. You're like, ah, he stumped his toe on the turf and get out. He's good, he's fine. It's just. And I've been on some teams with guys who've had it. And even like the first time I heard it, like, as I'm playing, I'm like, bro, like, just shoot it up and get back out there. It's really the stabilizer of your foot. And especially. Especially a position such as, like, quarterback or receiver, where you're constantly pushing off of it or bracing it for, like, climbing up in the pocket if it' right foot or left foot. Like, every one of those. I went through every scenario in my head, and it's one of those things where turf toe is, like. You see, Dion, like, Deion Sanders has been dealing with big toes, like, forever, and he almost had to have his feet stay approached, like, toes amputated. And, like. So, like, this is not that situation, but it's literally like, it is all the ligaments, like you had said, Diana, that just, like, come loose. And. And I would say the one thing that people don't talk about is the pain tolerance. Like, it's not something you can just, like, go out there and play. I've heard, and I haven't had it. It's one of the most painful injuries you can have. And so when he got surgery and was already out there that he's getting surgery, I'm like, man, it must be way worse than we think. And then getting in front of it will allow it to heal. And I've had people not get surgery and seen people not get surgery on it, and it just doesn't heal because you're always on your foot. You're always on your feet. So I think this is the smart way to do it, to get to a place where, hey, if they are in playoff contention, like, maybe he can come back. The way I read it, I'm like, dude, if they're not in the playoff, like, there's no way the dude's coming back this year. Like, it's just, like. That's hard to say for Cincinnati Bengals fans because you say it's three months, but, dude, it's a. It's a major, major injury.

[C]

Yeah. Remember Justin Herbert had it last year? Remember, that's where we. We dove to last year as well. So. And. And he played through it. Right. I think he's the example of.

[A]

But remember, because there's different grades. Right, Diana?

[C]

Right.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Right. Brock Purdy is dealing with turf toe as well, but it's a lower grade injury. He doesn't.

[D]

Does that just mean you tear less ligaments in it? Right.

[C]

Exactly what it is. Okay, so apparently Brock's. He doesn't have multiple ligament tears. He just has one, whereas Joe Burrow has multiple, which is why we saw him in such great pain. So obviously, you know, I agree with you. This is gonna be a tough return. I don't doubt him. You know, he's gonna try to want to be out there, but obviously we just, you look at the injuries just continue to pile up year after year for Joe Burrow and, and you, you gotta feel for that.

[D]

But if you're, if you're Bengals fans, like, like first of all, you start two and oh like it's been so much made about the starts. The Cincinnati Bengals, this past year's like one in nine in the last like five years or whatever in the first two games of the year. Now they're 2, 0 and they haven't played great. But you, you lose dude, you lose your guy. Like do, do we call him. And I'm, I'm not just saying this like do people call him injury problem? Like, like he, he's missed the playoffs in back to back years, right, James? And then like yeah, let's, let's go through it.

[A]

I mean it's, you know, the rookie, the rookie year, he has the acl, right? Comes back the next year, he's an all pro and wins comeback player of the year. Then in 2023 he has the wrist which knocks him out and he comes back the next year and wins comeback player of the year and he's an all pro. It's not like he doesn't bounce back from these things. He comes back and plays brilliantly, but he's had two season ending injuries in both of those years and now he's going to have his third in six years. So that term, Chase, you're right. Might start creeping into people's minds because it really is the one thing that separates him from the other three in what we call kind of the big four in the NFL.

[D]

Yeah, the big four. Well, and to your point, James, it's like he's a top four, like bonafide top four quarterback. And I would say the way he played last year was, was probably the best he's ever played. It just didn't translate to wins and pure like stats and throwing the football. It's just hard to think about like man, like him losing out on another season after the Bengals paid all those guys, right? Dian they gave them all they wanted. And even like, and I thought it was dumb, but like the Zach Taylor hot seat talks, right? Like all this stuff like where does that land now? Because you're, you're playing with a, like I, like Jake Browning, right. James and Diane, but like you're playing with a backup and you don't have a good enough squad.

[C]

Well, let's be clear. This entire team has been built around Joe Burrow, which is why they paid the guys that they did, which is why they've been all in on this. Give Joe Barrow once he what he wants and we'll win. And he's proven that, that, that when you support him and what he wants, they're going to have success. Obviously, Trey Hendrickson actually turned out to be the stud for them yesterday. Right? Definitely why they pay him there. But, but look, you talk about the Zach Taylor element in all this. I want to see Zach Taylor really have a breakout season as a head coach with Jake Browning. Right? Because he comes from that tree of, of coaches that we respect, that we talk about on the show all the time. The Kevin O', Connells, the Sean McVeighs, the Kyle Shanahan's, the Matt LaFleur's, Raheem Morris. Those guys all come from that same world, the same branch, we'll call it. This is a chance for him to show the type of coach he is. Because I don't think the three of us right now could sit here and say we think that Zach Taylor is a top 10 coach in football. We all say Joe Burrows a stud. Jamar Chase is a stud. So I just think this is such a great opportunity for Zach to come out here, maybe get through this gauntlet of games that they've got, right? They're facing five playoff teams from last season. Come out of this thing maybe on top and maybe your prayers are answered and Joe can come back. But I just think this, this to me is a big test.

[D]

But how do you do that though? Like, like you're. Here's the thing, Diana, right? Like, the only coach that I've really seen win without a high level quarterback and any Darnold like Kevin o', Connell, right? It's like Kyle Shanahan, but yeah, I mean, Brock Purdy, seventh round pick. Like, yeah, like, those are the only. Yeah, sorry. And those are really the only two. It's just like the squad is not good enough to, to, to win and get into the playoffs in the AFC north without like one of the best quarterbacks in football. Like, I know, like, we're not overreacting at all. We're just saying the facts. It's just going to be really difficult for Zach Taylor to do that. I hope he does. It's just like the facts of the matter is like, it's just. Man, you guys know how much quarterbacks mean.

[C]

Yeah, no, no, they, they do, but look at what they have there.

[D]

Yeah, no, I got, you know, if.

[C]

It'S going to take that much, right. We're watching the Chiefs last night and it's like, gosh, Patrick would kill to have one of these guys.

[D]

Well, let me, let me, let me ask you something. Sorry, James. Just while it's in my head. So are they going to roll with Browning or like, are there other guys out there that they think can play at a high level right away? I haven't really checked the free urgent market.

[A]

There's a healthy Kirk Cousins hanging out in Atlanta with this helmet.

[C]

I, I reached out to some people and I don't get the sense Atlanta's moving Kirk Cousins right now, so it's.

[A]

Become an enjoyable situation. I'm just, I just remember the off season when everybody was like, there's no way this is going to coexist here with Michael being the guy.

[C]

Brown, he's done what, four and three with them when he played well, he.

[A]

Played well of his passes when he filled in in 20, 23. Diane is right.

[D]

He threw three interceptions though yesterday.

[A]

Right. Yesterday through three picks, he did leave him on a game winning lengthy drop.

[D]

Still one.

[A]

But I still look at it to what Diane is saying and what you're saying, Chase and I think we need to ask this to you before we move on because we have your skill set here and being someone that's been a backup quarterback and know the job and know what now Jake Brown is going to have to do. They had four games last year where they scored more than 30 points and lost four like that. Nobody else has done that this season. So we know Joe Burrow struggled with that. Right. Playing opposite of this defense a year ago. What does Jake Browning do now moving forward? What's his process? What, what is going on in the building as they prepare for him to be the guy? What do you do?

[D]

Well, there's a lot of, there's a lot of stuff that goes through your head when the starter goes down mid game, right? It's like, all right, the first thing is like, man, I haven't got any reps this week at all. With the ones. Let me try to do as best I can to like just on a short notice, like just get through the game and win. And he did that and I applaud him for that. Then really sort of after the game ends, you don't know what's happening with Joe. You don't know the timeline. Then, then it goes to your head. I'm like, okay, am I gonna get another week. Oh, man. I think, okay, good. Like I'm excited. I gotta prep. And then all of a sudden you're like three months, you're like, oh boy. Okay. So like now you're like, okay, no looking over my shoulder. I'm the guy.

[A]

I'm part of Joe's parking spot.

[D]

I'm parking in Joe's parking spot spot. And. And then the whole offense sort of switches from what Joe Burrow did well to now. We got to be able to run the football. We got to do what Jake Browning does well. We have to play good defense. So from Jake's point of view, he's been in this situation before. I think he started seven games at the during that season, like you were saying. So that gives you a little bit of hope. If you're the Cincinnati Bengals in the Bengals fan base, at least you, you, you've been through this situation. You can look back on all your notes.

[A]

You can say, hey, what did I.

[D]

Do well in for those seven games? What did I do crappy in those spreads? What do I need to change going back. And I'm sure they're having those conversations today and probably Jake feels a lot better about the situation because, dude, at the end of the day, you get to the best receivers in football. Like, you just, you just can't turn the football over. You're not going to be asked to win games. You can't lose these games.

[C]

Yeah. That's why this is an opportunity for Zach Taylor. This is his chance. Come back to your spot quarterback prepared, ready. And to take advantage of an offense that has some studs on this roster that can help them win some games. So I just think this is such a big opportunity for Teller to go from where we view him right now. Right. Which is just like in the middle of the pack to really elevating himself as a head coach in this league by getting the most out of a backup quarterback to pacify these next few weeks to see if Joe Burrow comes back.

[A]

It's huge. It's huge. Hey, Jake Browning's been been in this system his entire NFL career, so he knows it. This is where he' been. So we'll see what, what he can do and what what Zach Taylor can do. We talked a lot of quarterbacks, but we want to talk about a couple more. So right now let's cut to the chase.

[D]

Oh, let's go.

[A]

That had some aggression to it. We're talking about Chase's team, the Kansas City Chiefs. They've started 02 the last time they started 02, 2014. Chase, you were on that team.

[D]

I was. I was there. You were Alex Smith. I was there.

[A]

There. This is rarefied air, though, for Patrick Mahomes. This is not something that he has been through. He's never lost three games in a row. If you include the super bowl from the season ago, this is three in a row. This is different. What have you seen from this offense? Is it correctable? Let's start with Chase prior to the return of Rasheed Rice. Do they have to wait six weeks for this thing to be fixed or can they start making some adjustments that you see offensively well, before that happens?

[D]

Yeah, that's a great call. I do think that, you know, speaking with, speaking with some people within the organization that are really close to the happenings, that they just, they sort of have to change who they thought they were going to be coming into the year with the deep ball. And we saw Thornton take. Take that touchdown and it's just, it's really hard to do a 360 right away. Right.

[A]

But.

[D]

But no one I trust more than the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid and play caller Matt Nagy, like, like Patrick Mahomes. And when I say that they felt really good about their vertical passing attack this year, but they haven't had Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy, or Rasheed Rice in the two years they've had these guys on the field at the same time, not one snap. And so that really changes the way you're able to call football games. And you saw it yesterday, a completely different game plan, really, than I've seen Andy Reid and a few years. We are going to run the football now, Mahomes, I get it. But they had 121 yards rushing. And for me, that's a good sign for the Kansas City Chiefs. Even if it is Mahomes, they're not.

[A]

Going to separate from people second week in a row.

[D]

Yeah, and they're. And they're not going to separate from people. And look, you can't, you can't have that onus on Mahomes to do that. But he understands, and I think this is the biggest thing. He understands how games are supposed to be won. Like if Kelsey doesn't drop the pass, if they don't have stuff go right, wrong and different, all this stuff. Like, I, I just saw that game yesterday as a, like a complete. Like, we're going to try to keep the ball on the ground. We're not going to try to like, win it through the air until we have to. And Then Homes obviously throws that, that deep pass down the middle. But their defense, it's like that. They held Philly to 4 yards of play and I have these stats like 216 total yards and you're holding Philly an explosive offense to that. So their defense is still like that. Like, like let's just be sure to understand like Steve's back and now I know the Chargers first game, they just have to come together as a team. I just saw it was like a complete360 and like I just want them to get their guys back. When they get their guys back like receiver wise this sounds like excuse they're going to be more, more explosive. And so it's just, it is fixable. It is fixable.

[A]

I'll ask you both this. I know they want to be more explosive. You're going to need some time to throw the football if you want to be explosive.

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

Is left guard still an issue? Right tackle still an issue? Talking to people there, it's. We need both those spots to play a little better. You've seen Trey Smith get beat at times already. Chase, that's one of the highest paid cards in football. They do think Josh Simmons on the left tackle spot. Been fine, been fine so far for a rookie. But up front, Diana, that's a part of this equation as well, isn't it?

[C]

Look, they don't pass the eye test for me right now. Right. And I'm usually in Chase's camp of ah, give it time. The Chiefs are the chief but they are an extension of what they were last year. And if they have to remodel this offense here, I have the confidence that this team can do it, especially with Patrick Mahomes leadership. But you guys kind of blow past the fact that Mahomes is, you know, legs are the reason why they, they're rushing the ball. Well, I don't think that's good.

[A]

We're sustaining.

[C]

It's like good in the off season. Look, it's fine. He uses his legs as a threat but, but they have no run game. They, you know, I told you in the off season that at least this summer that they were, were in the market for a running back and they obviously weren't able to get one because we can see that, that they need help now. Look, they think that Xavier Worthy is close to getting back. Okay, so that's good news. So that will obviously help the deep threat and some of those exclusive explosive plays. But what about Travis Kelsey? You know, two weeks in a row in the red zone causing problems Whether it's a drop ball or stop running.

[D]

On the route, stop running around Chargers.

[C]

What is it? Are we gonna do what we did last year, Chase where we were like, ah, give him a chance, he'll warm up. Or are we gonna be a little harder here?

[D]

Look, everyone knows, like, physically I think Travis Kelsey does not look the same like he did two or three years ago, right? And, and it's very easy to point the finger and rightfully so, right? Like the first week you run in and according to him, right, you run into Xavier Worthy separates his shoulder. He was supposed to set the depth. He didn't, right? Then he stops running on a, on a shallow cross route that he didn't. And then he drops a ball which, look, he can catch, he can catch. And even Mahomes was like, hey, I can put it up a little bit higher there. And it's just, it's a tough catch. Got to catch it. It's just bad luck if, if he makes one of those plays. Like, we're not, we're not having this conversation. And I know he's not. So it's, it's easy to do that. However, he's still like on some of these shallow crossroutes yesterday in man to man coverage and some of this run after the catch, like, he still got it at times. And that's something that Andy Reid says to older players, especially on like rest days. Like, hey, I don't got to see it every single day, but I got to see it a lot of the time. And I've seen those early season, like, hey, he's got it. But it is, it is true. I mean, it's like, hey, you know, one of your best players on the offense is letting you down offensively. Like, he should be the leader out there and he should be the ones making those plays and he, he wants nothing more than to make those plays. But it's a fair, it's absolutely a fair, fair argument for sure. Diana.

[A]

Let me ask you guys this before we move on is what you said. Chase triggers something in my brain when it says, you know, he can still do it. I don't know if he can do it as consistently as we've seen he can. Which is usually what happens when players get older, right? It's still there. It's just no doubt consistently is the issue. And I think the consistency that he's been able to do it has been what's masked some of these problems over the course of the last several years. Since Tyree Kill left, right, it was we can always rely on Travis and Patrick's magic. We can always rely on that connection. And when I went back and looked at all of these drafts since they traded Tyree Kill, there's not a lot of capital put towards the skill positions around Patrick Mahomes. It's been to the offensive line, it's been to the defense. And they've tried to patchwork it. Right. Chase with guys like juju Smith Schuster or Kaderius Toney comes in, or you try DeAndre Hopkins or you try MVS. All these different players have come in as compliments because you always had Travis Kelce there. So has that kind of masked some of the issues that we just didn't notice with this passing game because you always had Travis.

[D]

Well, look, there's no doubt, there's no doubt that, that it has masked it because you do have Travis. But like, I'll, I'll just go back and I. And everyone knows, like, I'm a huge Brett Veach fan. Like, I think he's like, other than how, like one of the best. No, no, no, no. Years. Yeah, but my, but my point I think is like if you have Rasheed Rice, if you have Hollywood Brown, if you have Xavier Worthy all on the field last year or even some this year, it just, it just looks way different now. Injuries and suspensions and off field stuff. Like, yeah, like that's on the players a little. Not the injuries, but the off, like off field stuff. I think if you have those guys, you're taking all the pressure off of Travis Kelce to be perfect and you're allowing him in spots like third down and red zone to be really good. So if you see those guys on the field, I think it helps Travis Kelsey out. But here's, here's the one thing before we move on that, that I want to like, really ask you guys if you can, if you can say on, let's see, October 12th after the Lions Chiefs game that they're three and three. Do you feel good about that? Because it wasn't a few years ago that they started 3 and 3 or 4 similar to that because they have gone to the scale. Like they got the Giants. They should beat the Giants Ravens.

[A]

Ah.

[D]

Like they're playing good. They're playing really good. Right. They get them at home though. Then they Jags. Jack, they should beat the Jags and then Lions. So like two of these next four are going to be really difficult if they can get to three and three. Like, I, I would feel really comfortable then because then you get Rashid Rice back in that process. Then you know Xavier Worthy's healthy. Then you get Hollywood Brown on the field and then I just think you really get into the, the meat of your schedule. So I'm looking at them like, hey, I don't think it's going to be, hey, they're going to win four straight. If you can get to three and three and you can feel about like what our identity is on offense, we know what it is on defense, if you can get that, I think you're going to see something similar to a couple of years ago.

[A]

Okay. Okay. Well, 12% of teams since 1990 have made the playoffs after starting 02. I think the Chiefs could be one of those handful of teams that actually still find a way to do it. But those are pretty steep odds when you look at the numbers. Sticking with the quarterback position. Let's go to the just maybe the most exciting game of the weekend. Everyone with, you know, with Cowboys and the Giants easily the most exciting and Dak Prescott chase like he goes for 361. He's played well in two games now and maybe what this offense can do has been overshadowed and what they're building in camp with the addition of George Pickens and Javante Williams. How about that? Run the football. I think he went for 97.

[D]

Yeah, he's looked good.

[A]

He's looked really good. Is this a different offense than what maybe we were expecting or is it all just we have a healthy Dak Prescott and we should have expected this.

[D]

I don't think offensively you would have, anyone would have expected what the Dallas Cowboys have done through two games. Because you go into Philly and almost win that game. Right? And you look at just pure what Dak has put on tape this year. It's looked like two years ago where he was second in MVP voting. And I will say this, like, I don't know if there is a quarterback in the NFL right now that is playing the position of quarterback better than Dak Prescott's playing. Look, the Cowboys aren't. The Cowboys aren't a good team. Like they're. I don't think they're a good team. Like team wise defense is struggling. But if you tell me that you're going to have Dak Prescott playing at the level he's playing and the way he's graded out and what I've seen on film through two game. Right, Josh Allen. Sure, whatever. James, thanks for ruining my thunder. But like Dak, but Dak Prescott, dude, it's like he's healthy. He looks Thinner, but like, in a good way. He's. He's really dialed in his diet. And then like, I don't think it can be talked about enough is the addition of George Pickens because the. The one on one balls outside, he's playing, I feel like with a little bit more effort. And he's opening up the inside for CD Lamb and Jake Ferguson. And when I watch watch on tape, that's what I'm seeing. Another thing I'm seeing that I'm sure a lot of you are seeing was when Mike McCarthy was the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys and the play caller for the Dallas Cowboys, pre snap motion was not a big thing in Dallas. Now it is. Now you're giving Dak Prescott the answers to the test. Now you're giving a man zone reads. Now you're sort of blitzing the defense. I don't know the exact numbers, but I think it's over 40% of the time on every snap you. You on. On the game, you're moving somebody pre snap motion. It's just a way it. The offense does look different now. Now, I'm not talking about the Cowboys as a team, but if you're just looking at pure quarterback play, man, the way Dax playing right now has been excellent.

[C]

Yeah. Chase from my very little eye.

[A]

Diana, come on.

[C]

Actually have big eyes.

[D]

You little eye. That's not the saying, Diana. That's not the saying.

[C]

It's so not the saying. What is it?

[A]

I spy with my little eye.

[C]

I spy fe in the pocket. That's what I almost. I want to say. I almost forgot he was like that. And I know that sounds weird, but there's been times where we've had conversations on the show where I don't think we were very sold on deck. Right. And. And the last two games, especially in this one against the Giants, I just saw things in his game that I was like, oh, yeah, that's why he's good. That's why he's paid so much money. He's just making plays on his own, but also just standing tough, standing tall, standing big right in that pocket and being patient. And to me, that's just a really good sign. Now, if he could play on the other side of the ball and help this pass rush, they'd have a lot go two ways, opportunity. But look, I think we're gonna do this all season long. We're gonna ask over and over again, does this team miss Micah? Right. And I don't think we need to ask. I think we just know that's the answer. Yes, they do. They're always going, he's that good. So we can probably just tear off that band aid now and just all agree they meet, they miss him. And that secondary misses him specifically because how many times do we see neighbors running by? How do you let the ball go over your head like that?

[D]

Yeah, that's a whole nother conversation, right?

[C]

Like communication. There's so. There's so much to go to that. But to me, that, that, that's always going to be the story. As great as dad can be, he's going to need some help on that defense.

[A]

Certainly. No doubt they got a little bit of it. They got the hired assassin who just waits and waits until he signs to another team. Genevieve on Clowney is going to be headed to the Dallas Cowboys maybe to, to help that defense a little bit. And Diana, what you said really triggered something in me. Before the hamstring injury last year, I remember talking to people in Dallas who were like, you know, after the ankle, like, it took him a minute to feel very confident and have the confidence. You're talking about not inside the pocket, but outside the pocket. When he broke the pocket and moved, which he moves better than, probably people give him credit for, he was, you know, always had it in the back of his mind. That happens with a lot of players with injuries. And I think what you're seeing is a guy that's just very confident in his legs. You saw the hand, he looked great scrambling down the middle of the field. And so like, he is playing with the whole boatload of confidence in a run game. That has a really interesting scheme to it, I think. And they're going 4.8 yards of carry with Javante Williams. It's not, it's not bad. It might be fun to watch guys. It might be actually fun to watch Dak operate this offense. How about the guy on the other side? We've been watching him each and every week. In Russell Wilson, did he buy himself some time when he goes out there and let me see where it's at. What'd he throw for? Like, career high?

[D]

Career high. Career high.464.

[C]

Pat Shermer was the coach.

[A]

I mean, is this, is this a moment to where Brian Dable and company penalties aside, discipline issues aside, that, that, that maybe this is a positive, that we are going to keep this guy as our quarterback right now and fend off Jackson Dart, who did see the field, by the way, in this game.

[C]

And we've been talking about that, too, about how they were going to feature Jackson at some point here and get them in the mix here. You know, someone that runs a similar offense to Russell Wilson. But look, they. They understand. And look, Russell Wilson does, too, that. That Jackson dart is. Is. Is ready. Right? Like, they. They want to put him out there, but they don't want to rush it either. If they can get the most out of Russell Wilson and he can get them some wins and they think maybe in some practices, just because of his experience and his knowledge of the game, he may have the slight edge on this. They want it. They want that to work. I just think it was important for Russell to play well yesterday for the whole situation. And Russell addressed it. He even said it like, he's been blocking out the noise. He. He knows what we're doing. We're all saying it.

[A]

He's good at that.

[C]

Right. Like, you know that the organization wants the young rookie to government come in there and light it up. So credit to him for stepping up. And I just think, actually, outside the things that you just said, James, in terms of the issues of this Giants team defense, I just think that they came ready to play. That. That's what I liked in the Giants. Like, that's what made me. Even though they're 02, they don't feel it to me. And maybe I'm giving them too much credit because I want to see some success here, but I just. I like that. I like that Russell came and didn't get scared off by all this.

[D]

Yeah, I mean, I. Look, I'm. I can go both ways. I can see both ways of this. Russell Wilson, Jackson, Jackson, Dart. Like, did he buy more time? Sure. Like, what's your record? You're. You're owing to. And look, this is nothing to do with Russell Wilson, because Russell Wilson and I even said it to my wife, actually, as we were watching this at lunch. I'm like, any in Russell's my, like, literally my neighbor. It's like, I don't know if Russell's had a better game as a pro, like, throwing the football down the field than against Dallas. And I don't know, and I don't know yet because it's way too early to tell him. We're not going to overreact immediately, though. I love overreacting. I don't know if that's because Russ has, like, looked that good, which he had, or if it's because of the Dallas Cowboys defense. Like. Like, I. It's hard to understand because Russ didn't look great in week one. So. Yeah, I mean, sure. You bought him more time. I don't think they're going to make some. Some change. Do I still think he's before Halloween. I'm going to win our bet on this show. Absolutely. Like, I think Jackson dart's going to play, but you have to win. Like. Like, I still don't know, Diana, because You only played Russ 10. If they're not winning with Russ, like, do. Does Brian Dabel have a job at the end? Like, if they're not winning. Like, we were talking about this situation. So I don't know. I still think a Jackson dart probably going to play. I do think it's an interesting dynamic because you have to show hope. And that's what I've been saying this whole time now. They showed hope, but they still are.02. Like they feel owing to. To me. Because they're owing to. Right. Like, Like, I know Diana's saying like it because she's up there in New York and. And all that stuff. And it feels like different but like they're still owing to and their schedule does not get any easier.

[A]

No. And you want to make sure you're selling the correct hope. Chase, I'm not sure if this is even the correct hope.

[D]

Come on now.

[A]

That's. That's a great way to put what you're looking at. All right. We got more coming up on scoop city. Presented by ebay. We have our Sunday scaries. Kind of a Halloween theme as Chase brought up. Halloween. Is Russ like a trick or treater in your neighborhood? Is the family out there? Did they come to your door?

[D]

I did see Russ trick or treating two years ago with Sierra in a neighborhood that we actually went. I actually did see that. That was so random.

[C]

What was he?

[D]

Wow. He was dressed in all black. I don't know. Boogeyman. Something else. The boogity man. Okay.

[A]

Anyway, that's a seinfeld reference. Okay. More scoot city. Said it by ebay coming up. You saw that play when your quarterback dropped back, looked off the safety and threw a dime deep for the go ahead touchdown. Well, that's not just hall worthy. That's wall worthy. And you can own a piece of it when you shoot shop. The unrivaled selection of trading cards and memorabilia on ebay. The home of collectibles since 1995. Huddle up. With 132 million users around the world to find that rookie autograph you can't find anywhere else. Premium trading cards, singles and sealed boxes. Unreal. Live card breaks. Truly unique game. Used memorabilia. All the epic finds you need are right here on eBay. Plus with the eBay authenticity guarantee for trading cards, you know what you buy is the real deal. Collect with confidence by downloading the ebay app on the App Store or by going straight to eBay.com TheAthletic that's right, your collection journey kicks off right here, right [e-mail] theathletic come through and collect with us today.

[C]

Popsicles, sprinklers, a cool breeze. Talk about refreshing. You know what else is refreshing this summer? A brand new phone with Verizon.

[A]

Yep.

[C]

Get a new phone on any plan with select phone. Trade in and MyPlan and lock down a low price for three years on any plan with MyPlan. This is a deal for everyone whether you're a new or existing customer. Swing by Verizon today for our best phone deals. 3 year price guarantee applies to then current base monthly rate only. Additional terms and conditions apply for all offers.

[A]

Hi, I'm Derek Classen, host of the Athletic Football Show.

[D]

Today I want to talk to you.

[A]

About Boost Mobile offering reliable nationwide coverage backed by a 30 day money back guarantee. Love your service or get your money back, no questions asked. Boost Mobile offers the same nationwide coverage, network, speed and service consumers are used to, but at more affordable prices. Why would you pay more if you don't have to? Boost Mobile also understands that change can be scary, which is why they allow you to try their service risk free for 30 days. And if you're not happy, you can get your money back. So start saving on wireless today with Boost Mobile's unlimited plans starting at just $25 a month. Visit your nearest Boost Mobile store or find us [e-mail] After 30 gigabytes, customers may experience slower speeds. Customers will pay $25 a month as long as they remain active on the Boost Unlimited plan. Customers who cancel within 30 days of activation will have Boost service fees refunded, activation fees if applicable, and phone payments will not be refunded. The Boost Mobile network together with their roaming partners covers 98% of the US population. 5G speeds are not available in all areas. Welcome back to Scoop City presented by Ebay on a Monday. James Palmer, Diana Rossini, Chase, Daniel with you. And it is the Sunday scaries. We do this every single Monday, the three of us. And this is one that maybe the entire Chicago area might be feeling. Chase as well. We got two weeks of Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson together. Everybody in South Chicago, on the north side, on the south side, they're all wondering are we seeing Any progress? Are we seeing any development as the Bears now fall to 02? Caleb Williams goes 19 of 30 for 207 yards, two touchdowns, a pick. What are we seeing in the development? Should this be a Sunday scary or could this turn into something. I don't know, the mask comes off and hooray, it's not so scary anymore. Yeah, I think.

[D]

I think it's. I think it's Sunday scary right now. I mean, they're. They're 02. They have a really good roster. And we felt like, at least when I say we, I felt like they were going to be better in a really. Probably the toughest division in football in the North.

[A]

Right.

[D]

And when you just look at quarterback play, even from last week, not even this past game, Caleb was really good on the first drive. Okay. On the second drive, and then really struggled with accuracy issues in the second half. And I was like, okay, you know what? It's first game with new offensive coordinator or, Sorry, with new play caller and head coach. And then you just look at this. This next game, they got their butts whipped. Like, it was. It was a butt whooping. And there's really no way around it. Like, I've been in facilities and I've been in quarterback rooms and team meetings. The next day after you just get your butt handed to you, and there's just no way you can feel good about what anyone put on tape. Like, I thought Roma dunes played well, and that's about it. Like, Like, Like I thought Rome played well. Like, I don't think that offensive line is where it should be. I don't. I don't know. DeAndre Swift is good, but had a fumble. Right. Like, and I think that when you look at Caleb and Ben, like, there's gonna be some growing pains. I would have least liked them to win a game.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

And. And I don't want to get too crazy, Diana, and be like, hey, like, we've seen head coaches, you know, that call plays that come into the. Because you, you do have to understand as a head coach that calls plays, you have to really focus on the entire team. And right now, the entire team, they're not playing well.

[C]

Yeah. Like, Matt Eberflus never allowed 50 points in a game, and his. And it always felt like that was a disaster. Right. But they never allowed that as a defense. So all parts of the Chicago Bears need to take a hard look at themselves and make these improvements. I think it's easy for us to just say Caleb, because I think all eyes are on right now. Because we want to see that improvement. And look, he is talented, he's athletic. He has these flashes of it. Right. But it's obviously not there yet. And I think that there is a mystery to Ben Johnson and I think that's allowing the hype to feel bigger than really what the product is. Right. Because we're like, what is this? Could this be this idea that he's going to be what he was in Detroit? I think we should probably call it right now. Ben Johnson's offense is not going to look like what it did in Detroit for a while.

[A]

They are going to have different pieces.

[C]

Yeah, but like you mentioned that you thought it would be better. I, I was guilty of that too. And when I started to think about it, it was, were we giving Ben Johnson too much?

[D]

Why are you making so much sense right now?

[C]

I had two cups of coffee.

[D]

Stop it.

[A]

Super smart cups of coffee. Coffee.

[C]

So, you know, do.

[D]

Are we point, Diana.

[C]

It's the idea of what it is, I think rather than probably the reality. He needs time. Caleb needs time. This offense needs time. You keep talking about this roster being fantastic. Yes, they have had really high draft picks, but when you start really digging on this rebuild that Chicago's been under for the last few years, I, I wouldn't call them a great roster. When we think great rosters is the team they played. It was the Philadelphia Eagles. It's, you know, it's.

[D]

It's even great, I think.

[A]

Great. Yeah.

[D]

But, yeah, I would say the, the only pushback a little bit to that, Diana, is just like, we help.

[A]

We.

[D]

We thought there was all this growth and we thought there was all this in, in training camp. Look, it's only two weeks, right? Like, calm down. I just. And I think this is probably coming from a fan's perspective because I want Chicago to do well. I played with them. It's just. Just the frustration level from not even getting a win. And, and I know it's early in the season and James had this crazy stat about owing two teams. Like, I just.

[A]

It's not crazy.

[D]

You would like for them. I'm just saying it's. It's a. It's like a.

[A]

It's like, oh, I thought you're calling me crazy. I get very sensitive on Mondays.

[D]

Go ahead.

[A]

Crazy.

[D]

But it's just, it's the frustration level because there was this renewed hope. There was like, you're paying Ben Johnson 15 something million bucks. And, And I just don't think right now he's done a great job of really managing the whole team and it's early and I. We're not overreacting, but when you look.

[C]

We can control it without crushing him too.

[D]

Then when you look at Caleb, I think, I think that's the biggest thing. More than Ben. Than Ben. It's the Caleb stuff. Because there, that's, that's Daniel. You said it. There have been flashes in. The flashes have been really good. Like not, not, not great, but really good. Better than last year. And it's just like, why can't you put a whole game together of that? Or why can't you put two straight quarters of that? And, and look, it's early and they're still figuring out what they like and all this stuff. And I get that.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

I just think that's the frustration level.

[C]

And Detroit came in, they're pissed off again about that packers game too. Right. So there's a little bit of that element. 511 yards of offense. They had seven 20 plus yard plays, like pulled everybody. They were smoking out there. Which also tells you Green Bay is probably really good, by the way.

[A]

Yeah, Very, very good.

[C]

But that being said, you know, I do think it was. It was. Yes, Detroit came to play, but more concern for what the Chicago Bears team is going to do next against the New York Giants. Right. They've, they've got the. Excuse me, the. Dylan.

[A]

Diana, I think you're spot on because to me, is the entire league of executives, general managers and owners insane? Because they all wanted Ben Johnson. They were all trying to court him, they were all trying to get him. Are they all wrong? Like, I don't see that being the case. Right. I don't see that being the case. The other side of it that does perplex me a little bit is he's been. Been waiting for the right spot for a couple of years now. Right. But at the same time, that's a few seasons where we've heard that he's been preparing to make sure that he can find the balance between being a play caller and a head coach. He's been preparing for several years to be a head coach again. There's no substitute for actually doing it and having to do it and having to pick your staff. I've talked to a number of guys who have, you know, chasing their first year as a head coach and, and they talk about, man, I didn't pick the right staff. I don't know what I need around me until I go out and have to do it. There's all these things Ben is trying to learn on the fly and trying to really fix a quarterback. And that's what I want to ask you. Chase was last year, in my opinion, possibly a step backwards for Caleb Williams because of the situation. Is there more for Ben Johnson to fix and deal with because of last year or it's just a race. No bad habits were created, Nothing negative happened. I'm just curious if that plays a part in everything they're working with to try to build this thing and build this thing the right way.

[D]

Yeah, I mean, look, there was no doubt Caleb took a step back last year. I mean, he had, he's had three different play callers in like seven months. Like, like he's had, he's, he's experienced in the middle of the year. He's experienced all sorts of stuff in his rookie year and he's experienced not knowing how to study film and he's experienced all this stuff. Yeah, there's scars. Absolutely. And so like, it's probably not fair for us or me, I mean, you're pretty level headed. I was the one that wasn't. But like, it's probably not fair for us to, to like say, hey, can all those scars be erased in two games? And the answer is absolutely not. But he is a very talented quarterback and Ben Johnson was the most courted head coach in recent years. And results, it's a results based business and there have not been any results.

[C]

Ben Johnson is my greatest example of why playing hard to get works. Because it doesn't even matter if you're that great. If you just play the game a.

[D]

Little, well then coaches contracts are all guaranteed.

[C]

Everyone is in. Right. Because he did it so well. And by the way, I am not out on Ben Johnson. I've heard so many great things about him. I think the show can agree. They just need some time.

[A]

They need some time. Exactly. Well, there's a group that's been together for a minute now and that is the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. Man, there are veterans on that side of the ball and man, do they have a reputation for being really the staple of how football's played in Pittsburgh. But they have now given up 394 yards in week one. 395 yards. Now here in week two, they're one and one. I think this is a Sunday scary chase that this unit needs to fix some things. And it's not just these first two weeks. It dates back to last season.

[D]

Yeah, I mean, you're right. It was like, yeah, absolutely. It's a Sunday scary. I mean, look at the offenses you face. No, no offense to the Seahawks and Jets, but you're giving up almost 400 yards a game and 3111 half points per game. You still got to face the Ravens twice, the Bengals twice. Bills, lines, packers. Like, you better fix it and fix it fast. Because for all the stuff and noteworthiness of the off season and how we covered Aaron Rodgers, like, Aaron's look good. Like Aaron's look good. Like he hasn't looked bad. That's for sure. He's looked better than he has last year. Yeah, but still he's looked good. He's looked good. Like you, you would say if, if Rogers just stat wise and on film what he's put out there. Like, they should win these games. And the, the Steel curtain is no longer. Like they have an older defense. Like, like the, you know, you know, it's bad a little bit when Jalen Ramsey comes over and he moves the safety. It's some. In some slot corner. He's not playing just pure outside corner. And he's the best player in defense right now. Like obviously Watt. Right. But like you. That's not what you want. Like, that's not what you. What you want to have happen. And, and Sam Darnold, I mean, came in and just sort of sliced him up. Like, it's just. It's tough because they. And we probably should have been on it and I know Diana was on it and James, you're probably on it too. It's like, all right, like, Russ played well to start the season last year. So the defense and the defense completely tanked the last like 10 games of the year, like eight games of the year. And it just has. It seems to be a pattern. Like, like I just. In. In. That's the thing. Like, I don't know how you fix it because that's what the Steelers for so long have been built on is run game and defense. Like, I think Jaylen Warren's playing great. Like, sure, D.K. beckoff's doing good. Like, but that defensive side of the football. Yeah, that was insane. The defense side of the football is just not there, man.

[C]

Yeah, I don't think their run game is as good as you may be giving them credit for.

[D]

I said Jalen Warren. I didn't say run game.

[C]

Oh, okay. Yeah. I was going to say, I think the things that we think of the Steelers, it's an automatic good defense. Good, good ground game and just doesn't seem to be there right now. And Aaron Rodgers is also getting smacked around a lot. Like he's 41, getting hit too much. Like that that's going to be a problem. Who's there? Backup in Pittsburgh?

[A]

Mason Rudolph.

[C]

Mason Rudolph. I forgot he's still there.

[A]

He's still there.

[D]

Mason Rudolph.

[A]

Mason Rudolph. Yeah, it's really because I hinted at it and I just wanted to put some more context to it. I covered a couple of these games down the stretch. I was at their playoff game against Baltimore. In three of their last six games, they gave up over 28 points. They were giving up over 380 yards a game over the final four. And Chase, you know this. They tied for the NFL lead in enforcing turnovers last year. That can mask a lot of issues that you're having as a defensive unit when you can force a boatload of turnovers and there's something that doesn't happen year in and year out. It's a hard thing to remain consistent with. And they thought, I was told that maybe Minka Fitzpatrick was part of this. Maybe he has aged a little bit. He wasn't dominating the middle of the defense the way they thought. And so they made this switch. And Jalen Ramsey's been playing well, but T.J. watt doesn't have a sack. And they're struggling to kind of find some ways to be effective as a defense. I think this is a. Actually a legitimate concern when we look at what happened at the end of last year and that it hasn't changed coming into this year. And you look at both the teams that they played, look at the way the jets and the Seahawks played in their other game. Offensively, they didn't put up those numbers like they did against the Steelers. So this is definitely a major concern and a major Sunday. Scary. All right, we have one more block coming up on Scoop City, presented by ebay on a Monday. We're going to talk about teams that are 2.0and maybe some teams that are 02. How much confidence do we have in both? We'll find out next. You saw that play when your quarterback dropped back, looked off the safety and threw a dime deep for the go ahead touchdown. Well, that's not just hall worthy, that's wall worthy. And you can own a piece of it when you shop. The unrivaled selection of trading cards and memorabilia on ebay. The home boom of collectibles since 1995. Huddle up with 132 million users around the world to find that rookie autograph you can't find anywhere else. Premium trading cards, singles and sealed boxes. Unreal. Live card breaks. Truly unique game. Used memorabilia. All the epic finds you need are right here. On eBay plus with the eBay authenticity guarantee for trading cards, you know what you buy is the real deal. Collect with confidence by downloading the ebay app on the App Store or by going straight to eBay.com TheAthletic that's right, your collection journey kicks off right here, right [e-mail] theathletic come through and collect with us today.

[B]

As you've probably heard by now, we've teamed up with BetMGM. This season we'll be using BetMGM lines to make all of our picks and we'll have special offers for our listeners each week. If you haven't signed up for BetMGM yet, use bonus code TheAthletic and you'll get a one year subscription to the Athletic plus up to a 1500 dollar first bet offer on your first wager with BetMGM. Here's how it works. Download the BetMGM app and sign up using bonus code TheAthletic. Make your first deposit of at least $10. Place your first bet on any game and claim your voucher for a one year subscription to the Athletic. See betmgm.com for terms. U.S. promotional offers not available in D.C. mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario or Puerto Rico. Gambling problem call 1-800- gambler available in the U.S. call 877-8-HOPE NY or text hopeny 467-369 In New York, call 1-800- NEXT STEP in Arizona, 1-800-327-5050 Massachusetts 1-800-bets off in Iowa, 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help in Michigan, 1-800-981-0023 In Puerto Rico, first bet offer for new customers only in partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Don't forget if you haven't signed up for BetMGM yet yet, use bonus code TheAthletic and you'll get a one year subscription to the Athletic plus up to a 1500 dollars first bet offer on your first wager.

[A]

When you're a forward thinker, you don't just bring your A game, you bring your AI game. Workday is the AI platform that transforms.

[B]

The way you manage your people, money.

[A]

And agents so you can transform tomorrow Workday moving business forever forward. We close out Scoop City Presented by ebay on a Monday. James Palmer, Diana Rossini and Chase Daniel with you. Let's get right back to it guys. We are two weeks in. I gave a very crazy stat in Chase's mind that about 12% of teams that start 02 make the postseason but some have done it in recent memory and those estate back to 1990. Let's break down a team that is 2 0, but we think is maybe froyo, maybe a bit fraudulent. Everybody give me your team that's 2 and 0 that you just have not been sold on just yet.

[D]

Diana, we're doing both. Okay, do both.

[C]

Okay, I'll go first. All right. I think The San Francisco 49ers are 2 0. By the way. Shout out to Spencer Rattler. What. What a gamer. I, I think really.

[D]

Well, no, he did.

[C]

I, I like the Saints effort. Like they, they. They're competing out there. I know they're not very good, but.

[A]

That'S a good sign of a head coach, right, Diana? Like that. That Kellen's putting his mark on it quickly.

[C]

So my first thought was, was just that when I was watching the game. But, but more importantly, in regards to what we're talking here for, for the 49ers, look, they, they got by Seattle and it was ugly against New Orleans when it probably should have been a little easier knowing that they are the better team. But that being said, of course Brock Purdy's not. Not in. We'll see if he'll be able to get back. They're hoping, they're hoping maybe miss one more game and then return of Brock Purdy. So that's good news.

[D]

Oh, wow.

[C]

Yeah, I know there's a lot of chatter.

[A]

So you're saying Joe Burrow's week and Brock Purdy's been able to get over this turf toe just like that?

[C]

No, they definitely have more optimism about Brock returning sooner than obviously Joe Burrow. Geez. So I. Look, I love the Mac Jones, Kyle Shanahan idea. Right. I just, I think with George Kittle out, they're, they're just going to be asking a lot of him to get them through this over the next few weeks. So I think they're a little fraudulent at 2 0. I don't think they're that good. But, but we'll see. I'm not reading against them. I just, I'm just calling it how it is.

[A]

Okay. Okay. Chase, do you have a 2 and O team or do you want to give me an O and two team?

[D]

I'll give you. I'll start two and. Oh, it'll be quick. I mean, it's, it's Cincy.

[A]

It's.

[D]

It's Cincy because of the quarterback situation. It's unfortunate. Like, and still, like, I think it's really good that they got over the slow starts I think playing in the preseason actually really helped them. I think there's a. A correlation to that.

[A]

Right.

[D]

That was made of a lot of Zach Taylor and, and like Diana said, it's, it's. We're going to look back on this season. I don't. I really just don't think Joe Burrow plays unless they're in playoff contention. Like, I just don't think it's worth it. Turf toe's nothing to mess with. But I do think you're going to look back on the season and yes, we're going to talk about Joe Burrow being injury prone, but we're really going to talk about how Zach Taylor held this team together without his star quarterback.

[A]

I like that. I like that. I'm going to go with kind of a team I've been a big supporter of. So this is kind of contradictory. I've kind of been a Cardinals fan on here because guys, since we started the season and they're two and I'm.

[D]

A big Kyler fan.

[A]

But the Cardinals have beaten the Saints and the Panthers in their first two weeks. They now have the Niners and the Seahawks in the next two weeks. So we'll see where they are after four weeks. I just think the division's tough. I like all the teams in the division. I just think not having a way to really find it. I thought maybe week one was a building block for Marvin Harrison Jr. And Kyler Murray and it just kind of wasn't. I like this team. I like where they're going. I just don't know if, you know, with the division, I'm not sure. Could be tough. All right. An 02 team. Diana, that you have some faith of turning it around.

[C]

Yeah. I was yelling from the couch on Sunday. I love him. And it was Cam Ward. He had some tremendous moments. Again, not talked about enough because he's not playing in a big city. You know, he's not even playing on a very good team. But I do, do think that he is good enough to get this Titans team into the win column here over the next few weeks. I still think they're in transition. They're still trying to sort itself out. We're giving everyone else this patience meter, so to speak. We need to give them some. Give them a little patience here to. To come up with this. So I've got some belief in Tennessee. They were really fun to watch. I know they didn't win the game against the Rams that. But they were pretty competitive until. Until, of course, Sean Vay does what he does. Best, which is make those great adjustments once he figures out what the heck he's seeing there. Yeah, he sorts it all out. But. But I.

[D]

That was unbelievable. His first touchdown pass ever crossed the.

[A]

Oh, yeah. Across the body, across the field. That's that. They teach you to do that, right, Chase? They never say don't, of course. Throw across your body across the field. They never say that. They encourage it.

[D]

Yeah, they definitely want you to do that. No doubt.

[A]

I was outstanding.

[D]

All right.

[A]

You got to know. You got an Owen, too, or you like Chase? I think I know who you.

[D]

Come on now. The Chiefs is the Chiefs, man. Let's go. It's the Chiefs. Like, look, I, I, I have faith in my. My guys. Like, I was part of the last 0 and 2 team, but we didn't make the playoffs. But they have Patrick Mahomes. And look, I just think it's funny, like, during the game, too. Like, there's all this stuff on Twitter and X and back and forth and social media and, and, you know, we got a really good angle of the Tush push, and we got a really good angle of the Eagles consistently false starting on the Tush push, and it's just like, okay, well, the refs aren't always out to get the Chiefs because they didn't call anything on that. And there was a massive, you know, I think there was three or four Tush pushes in that game. Maybe four or five. Like, there were seven.

[A]

There were seven Tush push.

[D]

And it's just, I just think it's funny, like, the Chiefs, the refs aren't on the Chief side because they didn't call it right there. That. So I just want to make sure that's clear. But I do think they're going to get it together when they. I do think they're going to get it together. See how I did it in the C block? Not a block. So we can't really talk about it because we got to move. I just think the Chiefs will be fine.

[A]

The Chiefs will be fine. Like, Chase goes out on a limb to pick the team that the last seven years has gone to the AFC Championship game. They should be fine.

[C]

Always takes those big risks.

[D]

Big risk.

[A]

I'm going to take a big risk right here. Ready? This is my big risk. Real quick. I'm going to say Chicago Bears. I'm going to say Ben Johnson's smart enough to start figuring this thing out by the Singer. I'm not saying they're making the postseason. I'm not saying they're. They're they're going to turn everything around. I think by the end of the year, we are going to say this was the right coach and this is the right quarterback. I think I'd like.

[C]

Hard to get. You're a sucker for it.

[A]

And I think that. I think that is. That is fine. That's enough. That's enough in your one. But I didn't want to pick, you know, the Chiefs. All right, Chase says we have to go, so we're going to boogie here on a Monday. See you guys Wednesday and Thursday this week. Chase will be back again on a Monday. He's got to catch a flight. Chase, where are you going, by the way?

[D]

I'm going to Dallas. I am going to the College Football Playoff, and we have a little mock selection thing there. So we get to really just fill out. It's for some announcers at espn. We get to fill out, like, the process of what the CFP goes through. So we'll be sitting in the room with Rich Davis, who's the chairman down there, and just really learning about it so I don't look like an idiot on TV when I have to talk about it.

[C]

Smart. You're basically just attending class, right?

[D]

It's strategic from their point of view to get the announcers sort of, you.

[C]

Know, like to attend an officiating class. Because yesterday when Denver was penalized and you were texting me, ask me what that penalty was. I know I sent you back my answer, but I was a little concerned.

[A]

I'm like, leverage leveraging guys and they were penalized.

[C]

I had like, I had a question. Like, I usually can see it and call it, but I wasn't sure for a second. I'm like, I need to go to officiating class here. But, but, but it actually turned out to be a thing a lot of people didn't know, but that's what it was.

[A]

Use the center to.

[D]

Or guard to.

[A]

Can't push to jump, push themselves up. And you can't do that. You just can't. And it costs the Broncos the game. All right, everybody, I will see you all on the flippity flop. When you're a forward thinker, you don't.

[B]

Just bring your A game, you bring your AI game.

[A]

Workday is the AI platform that transforms the. You manage your people, money and agents so you can transform tomorrow workday, moving business forever forward.

[C]

If you're a custodial supervisor at a local high school, you know that cleanliness is key and that the best place to get cleaning supplies is from Grainger Grainger helps you stay fully stocked on the products you trust, from paper towels and disinfectants to floor scrubbers. Plus, you can rely on Grainger for easy reordering, so you never run out of what you need. Call 1-800-granger. Click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[D]

Comcast Business High Five Hotline I signed.

[A]

My business up for the five year price log guarantee and I can't stop high fiving people.

[D]

That's perfectly natural when you sign up for gig speed, Internet and advanced security locked in at a great rate for five years.

[A]

Really?

[D]

That's great news.

[A]

High five everybody.

[D]

The Comcast Business five year Price Lock guarantee is back, but only for a limited time. Sign up today.

[A]

High five ends 92125 for new customers with qualifying bundle.

[C]

Current customer eligibility varies by service and area. Guaranteed rate applies to monthly service charge excluding taxes and fees.

[A]

Other restrictions apply.