Scoop City: Inside The NFL

Episode: Why Jarrett Stidham Can Still Take the Broncos to the Super Bowl
Date: January 21, 2026
Hosts: Dianna Russini (The Athletic’s Senior NFL Insider), James Palmer, Chase Daniel (ex-NFL quarterback)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into one of the wildest NFL coaching carousels in years, the fallout in Buffalo following Sean McDermott's firing, sweeping changes around the league, and—most centrally—the Denver Broncos’ playoff hopes with backup QB Jarrett Stidham at the helm. The hosts provide insider reporting, candid analysis, and X’s and O’s breakdowns on the AFC and NFC title games, including detailed film studies of quarterbacks in the spotlight. The show wraps up with insights on 2026’s top draft prospect, Fernando Mendoza.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NFL Coaching Carousel: Aggressive Year & Shock Firings

• Record Turnover: Multiple blue-blood franchises (Bills, Ravens, Steelers) parting ways with head coaches.
  • “No one has seen a cycle like this ever... This is the most aggressive cycle in terms of firings and hirings and moving parts, really.” —Dianna Russini [04:19]
• Buffalo Fallout: The hosts dissect the Bills’ press conference and owner Terry Pegula’s remarks, which placed blame for the failed Keon Coleman draft pick on the now-fired McDermott and his staff.

Notable Quote:

• “Rule number one of Fight Club, you don't let everybody know who picked who, whether it was a home run hit or if it was an absolute bust.”
  —James Palmer [07:08]

Segment Timestamps:

• Bills’ dysfunction, Pegula press conference recap [05:26–11:36]
• GM vs. Coach dynamics in owner relationships [09:08–13:59]

2. Buffalo’s Search for a New Head Coach

• Top Candidates: Brian Daboll (former Giants HC, with strong Buffalo ties), Lou Anarumo (Colts DC), Anthony Weaver (Dolphins DC), and in-house OC Joe Brady.
• Offensive Lean: With Josh Allen’s future in mind, the Bills are aiming for an offensive-minded hire.
• Insider Scoop: Interviews are being split between Buffalo and Boca Raton to suit the Pegula family.

Notable Quotes:

• “It's a bit of that sort of leader of men... but I believe they are leaning more towards the offensive side of this thing, right? And it makes sense, right? Josh Allen, it's about his success.”
  —James Palmer [15:58]
• “Brian Daboll is going to be interviewing for what I would consider probably his dream job... if he doesn't get the Bills job though, you still have other opportunities.”
  —James Palmer [24:11]

Segment Timestamps:

• Buffalo coaching candidates and process [14:46–17:32]
• Philly, Tennessee connections [23:29–26:33]

3. Mike McDaniel to Chargers: Scheme, Fit & Impact

• Context: Mike McDaniel, following his firing in Miami, lands as the Chargers’ new OC, attracted by the chance to coach Justin Herbert.
• Chase Daniel’s Take:
  • “I think this offensive coordinator opening was the best job out there. I think Justin Herbert... it's everything. He needs to get past the playoff game, stay healthy... But Justin Herbert is a multiple progression quarterback. So imagine the offense in Miami, now maybe possibly getting to a second or third progression, throwing the football, pushing it down the field.” [19:19]
• Fit & Dynamics: Compatibility questions between McDaniel’s modern offense and Jim Harbaugh’s philosophy. Daniel speculates McDaniel will have substantial autonomy.
  • “This makes me think that Harbaugh is saying, hey, we want to be able to run the football, but I'm giving you full autonomy on it.”
    —Chase Daniel [22:41]

Notable Moment:

• The “buddy cop sitcom” dynamic between McDaniel and Harbaugh as a topic on NFL Twitter [21:53]

Segment Timestamps:

• McDaniel selection, impact on Herbert [17:32–23:29]

4. Experience Versus New Blood in Coaching Hires

• Teams are leaning toward hiring former head coaches for stability, continuity, and immediate identity.
  • “Nobody is patient. Nobody wants to sit there and go through the growing pains of a first year head coach. Especially if you have a team built to win now.”
    —James Palmer [26:51]
• Owners influenced by peer actions: "Owners are humans too." [28:00]

Segment Timestamps:

• The value of HC experience [26:33–28:07]

5. AFC Championship Preview: Can Jarrett Stidham Lead Denver?

Inside the Broncos’ Building

• Backup Mindset & Process: Chase Daniel walks through what Stidham is experiencing—transitioning instantly from scout-team QB to starter in the season’s highest-pressure moment.

  • “As a backup quarterback... You try not to think too much about the game plan. You just trust your physical ability.” [31:13]
  • Payton’s style: “...Moment Nick's broke his ankle, [Payton says:] 'Let's go, bro. You’re up.' And walks away... You don’t want to put too much pressure on them.” [31:59]

• Game Plan for Stidham:

  • Expect an aggressive, pass-centric game: “There is no way... Sean Payton is going to not go out swinging, meaning Jarrett Stidham is going to throw the football all over the yard. They love Stiddy.” [33:50]
  • Challenges: Limited time to build timing with receivers, changes in huddle cadence, and the importance of handling the Patriots’ blitz-heavy defense.

Notable Quotes:

• “The biggest thing for a backup quarterback is like, Stiddy has been running the scout team all year... Now all of a sudden, you’re running your plays with your receivers, trying to get on the same timing.”
  —Chase Daniel [33:16]
• “The cadence thing is actually fascinating... Each and every play, if that offensive lineman is 0.3 to 0.5 seconds just behind, it's not in Denver’s favor at all.”
  —Chase Daniel [35:16]

Segment Timestamps:

• Stidham’s challenge, team mindset [30:23–36:11]

6. Drake May Film Study & AFC Matchup Tactics (Patriots)

• Drake May’s Growth: Daniel is impressed with May’s ability to handle blitzes, progressions, and critical situations, even if raw stats don’t dominate:
  • “I thought Drake May... played really, really well because he made some throws in critical situations... Just such growth from May.” [37:41]
• Defensive Chess Match: Broncos could exploit rookie left-side protection; Daniel expects Denver to lean on speed rush and one-on-one matchups up front, possibly play aggressive press-man coverage.
  • “I would just play press man the whole game... I think it’s an advantage for Denver to just come out and play five man rush, man.” —Chase Daniel [40:26]
  • Concern: May’s pocket presence still developing; Denver’s defense excels at pressure.

Notable Quote:

• “I think early and often you hit Drake May. I think you can get a couple takeaways in the pocket off Drake May unless he protects the football really well.”
  —Chase Daniel [40:11]

Segment Timestamps:

• Drake May film breakdown, Denver’s defensive options [36:12–41:13]

7. Predictions: AFC/NFC Title Games

• Chase Daniel: Likes Denver at home, believes Payton’s experience and aggressive game plan can overcome the backup QB narrative. Expects a tough, close game—24-21 or 23-20. [41:35]
• Diana Russini: Leans New England, citing the Patriots’ defense and the Josh McDaniels vs. Vance Joseph chess match as the key.
• X-Factors: For Denver, must manufacture three touchdowns despite depleted receiving options.

Segment Timestamps:

• AFC game predictions [41:35–43:13]

8. NFC Championship: Sam Darnold (Seahawks) vs. Stafford (Rams)

Sam Darnold’s Health & Play Style

• Left oblique injury could affect torque/power, but manageable with treatment (Tordol).
• Success comes from not being asked to do too much; Seattle supporting him with run game and defense.
• Noted under-pressure risks: “If you get to him early and you hit him and you rattle him and you make him make that one mistake... it waterfalls into multiple mistakes.” —Chase Daniel [45:54]

Matthew Stafford’s Edge

• Despite not having his sharpest game, Stafford’s experience and clutch throws (third-down out to Adams) keep Rams dangerous.
• Offensive line protecting Stafford exceptionally well in prior matchups: “He has not been sacked or committed a turnover [in two games vs. Seahawks].” —Diana Russini [48:52]

Segment Timestamps:

• Darnold’s injury impact, Seahawks strategy [43:22–46:57]
• Stafford’s X-factor throws and matchups [47:01–49:37]

9. Predictions & Special Teams Factors

• Both hosts pick Seattle, citing defensive balance and special teams as decisive.
  • “I think there's just a play where Seattle makes more in the special teams game to push them over the top. I think it stays close, but Seattle rolls.” —Chase Daniel [50:29]
  • Russini: Rams and Seahawks are best teams in football; Seattle is the most complete.

Segment Timestamps:

• NFC game predictions [49:37–50:54]

10. Top Draft Prospect: Fernando Mendoza

• Scouting Analysis (Chase Daniel): Mendoza is a lock at #1, likely for the Raiders; praised for poise, ability to handle pressure, leadership, and intangibles.
  • “The first thing that jumps off—and it's a little bit weird—I just love the way he plays... The passion, the poise, the heart.” [54:55]
• Pros: Quick processor, accurate, never has his eyes in the wrong spot, shows leadership qualities reminiscent of Tom Brady.
• Cons: Occasional “slow motion” play; needs to develop pocket presence for the NFL.
• Receivers: Indiana’s Elijah Surratt gets a “poor man’s Puka Nacua” comp for contested catches and toughness.

Notable Quotes:

• “The hardest thing for GMs to measure is the intangibles. And with Fernando Mendoza... the reason I think the Raiders pick and stick is because I think that Tom Brady sees himself a little bit in Fernando Mendoza.”
  —Chase Daniel [54:55]
• “If you don’t have good eyes, it may never come. The pocket feel makes me a little uncomfortable, because when do you ever throw with a clean pocket in the NFL?”
  —Diana Rossini [59:33]

Segment Timestamps:

• Mendoza NFL projection and film review [54:55–60:34]

Memorable Quotes:

• “Who doesn’t know about a backup quarterback stepping in to the top stage?” —James Palmer [02:50]

• “How often have you said that? I mean, that’s the best compliment scouts give anybody, is 'they’re a football player.'” —Diana Rossini [60:00]

Episode Flow & Tone

The episode balances lighthearted banter (e.g., jabs about owner press conferences and the McDaniel-Harbaugh sitcom) with deep tactical insight and direct NFL locker room perspectives. The hosts move seamlessly from league news to film-room breakdowns, always bringing a conversational, insider’s feel.

Timestamps Index for Major Segments

• [04:19] Coaching carousel/owner-GM dynamics
• [05:26] Buffalo Bills press conference fallout
• [09:08] GM vs. Head Coach relationships
• [14:46] Bills coaching search begins
• [17:32] Mike McDaniel to Chargers analysis
• [23:29] Philly/Tennessee coaching uncertainty
• [26:33] Experience vs. new blood in hires
• [30:23] Inside the Broncos’ prep with Jarrett Stidham
• [36:12] Drake May and Denver’s defensive strategy
• [41:35] AFC prediction
• [43:22] Darnold’s injury and Seahawks outlook
• [47:01] Stafford’s upside
• [49:37] NFC prediction
• [54:55] Fernando Mendoza draft scouting breakdown

Summary for New Listeners

This episode of Scoop City is a must-hear for anyone wanting a true insider edge on NFL coaching resets, the chaos in top-tier franchises, and a detailed QB-heavy preview of the conference championship games—featuring honest, granular X’s and O’s and the rare, unfiltered perspective of a former NFL quarterback. The show also blends this expert analysis with up-to-the-minute reporting on league news and plenty of personality, making it accessible, insightful, and engaging all the way through.