Scoop City: Inside The NFL

Episode: Why John Harbaugh is the Giants' Turning Point + The Divisional Round Preview

Date: January 15, 2026
Hosts:

• James Palmer (JP)
• Dianna Russini (DR)
• (with appearances from Chase Daniel and a lineup of The Athletic’s top NFL beat reporters)

Episode Overview

This episode is a jam-packed playoff edition of Scoop City, focused on two main storylines:

1. The seismic coaching move of John Harbaugh to the New York Giants and its ripple effect on the NFL coaching carousel.
2. An in-depth, facility-to-facility preview of every key Divisional Round matchup, featuring on-the-ground insight from The Athletic’s reporters embedded with each playoff team.

1. John Harbaugh to the Giants: A Franchise-Changing Hire

Breaking Down the Move

(02:26–10:36)

• DR reveals inside details on the Giants’ urgent, "onslaught" pursuit of John Harbaugh—six members of Giants upper management at the all-night meeting; ownership involvement was crucial; Harbaugh was genuinely enthusiastic about New York as a destination.
• The Giants “hung on to his ankles at Teterboro” (DR, 03:57), meaning they did not let Harbaugh even leave the area without closing the deal.
• Titans were in play up until the last moment; Harbaugh canceled a planned in-home visit after making his decision for New York official at 11:30pm.

"John wanted the job. The New York Giants were on his list of teams that he wanted to work for... The relationship already is just off and running." — Dianna Russini (04:45)

Key Factors in Harbaugh’s Decision

• Ownership alignment: Harbaugh highly values an ownership presence; the Mara family is hands-on, contrasting Steve Bisciotti in Baltimore.
• Front office trust: GM Joe Schoen worked persistently to win Harbaugh over, calling "every day since Bisciotti fired Harbaugh" (DR, 09:17).
• Roster draw: Interest in working with quarterback Jackson Dart and a young core.
• Andy Reid connection: Harbaugh leaned heavily on advice from Andy Reid, mirroring Reid’s own successful transition from Philly to Kansas City.

Notable Quotes

• "It’s like talking to new people. They are so refreshed and excited about what’s next." — Diana Russini (07:15)
• "What clears the mistakes, the reputation Joe [Schoen] has carried... better than being the GM that brought in a guy that could perhaps change the future of this organization?" — Dianna Russini (10:14)

The Ripple Effect

(11:36–16:51)

• Titans pivot to interviews with Arthur Smith, Mike McCarthy, and Robert Saleh.
• Atlanta and Tennessee were informed early; Harbaugh-Giants felt inevitable to most league insiders.
• Packers/Matt LaFleur contract extension discussions and the broader coaching market will be impacted by Harbaugh’s (expected) $5-year, near-top-of-market deal.

"Every contract plays a part in other contracts." — James Palmer (13:59)

2. Divisional Round Playoff Previews: Insider Road Trip

Format: James Palmer goes facility-by-facility, with each beat reporter providing on-location context and analysis for their team’s playoff matchup.

A. AFC: Broncos vs. Bills

Denver Broncos Perspective

Guest: Nick Kosmider
(19:05–30:33)

• Sean Payton X-factor: Payton is undefeated after playoff byes; aiming to become first coach in Super Bowl era to win titles with two different franchises.
• Evolution from last year: Broncos now have greater self-belief, reinforced defensive spine (e.g., Talanoa Hufanga, Dre Greenlaw), and top home record (13–1 in last 14 games).
• Bo Nix challenge: Outstanding at home but faces the NFL’s #1 pass defense—Bills allow just 159 yards/game and 16.3 completions.

"The biggest difference is just a belief in who they are—a sense of their belonging as a contender." — Nick Kosmider (22:21)

"No coach has a perfect playoff record. He's had his shortcomings...but he provides in these moments." — Nick Kosmider (20:04)

Buffalo Bills Perspective

Guest: Joe Buscaglia
(30:36–42:13)

• Physical toll: Wide receiver injuries (two torn ACLs) highlight playoff attrition.
• Josh Allen’s toughness: Despite knee concerns, he’s expected at 100% in this crucial game.
• Matchup to watch: Bears’ sticky slot corner Jaquan McMillan vs. Khalil Shakir, whom Allen trusts most with the WR corps banged up.
• TE Dalton Kincaid an X-factor: With WRs depleted, Kincaid’s ability as a mismatch, especially vs. LBs, will be key.
• Bills run game: Struggled against Jacksonville’s top run D, but still almost broke big plays; expect renewed physical effort vs. Denver’s good run D.
• Defensive front: Ed Oliver could return, which would shift DaQuan Jones back to his ideal position, boosting interior pass rush.

"Kincaid is kind of like an outlier here...there could be some opportunity to take advantage of those linebackers in coverage." — Joe Buscaglia (33:32)

B. NFC: Seahawks vs. 49ers

Seattle Seahawks Perspective

Guest: Mike Dugar
(43:08–54:50)

• Sam Darnold’s psyche: Seahawks believe in coaching Darnold to "just be him," not dwelling on turnovers—key to unlocking post-INT resilience.
  • "They don't go out and say, 'Don't throw picks.' That doesn’t work, because what’s he going to be thinking about? Throwing picks." — Mike Dugar (44:11)
• Clint Kubiak OC profile: Coveted as a future HC because of rare ability to inspire despite understated personality; team culture is rallying behind him.
• Physical offense: WR/TE depth, hard-nosed run game, and utilizing big nickel (Nick Emanwori) as a defensive skeleton key against multiple personnel packages.

San Francisco 49ers Perspective

Guest: Vic Tafur
(57:44–64:00)

• Resilience and culture: Locker room exudes calm confidence despite an avalanche of injuries.
• Coaching debate: Shanahan narrowly edges Robert Saleh in Coach of the Year debate due to his overall impact and navigating QB injuries midseason.
• The CMC offense: Kyle Shanahan deploys myriad concepts to get Christian McCaffrey the ball—even with rosters depleted, expect heavy CMC usage (“25-30 touches wins them the game”).
  • "No one's kind of... looking past the catch a little bit. The guy makes a... over-the-head catch. And it's a running back." — Vic Tafur (60:47)
• Key health factors: Trent Williams back (at 75%), Ricky Pearsall optimistic but limited.
• Fullback value: Kyle Juszczyk does it all and provides continuity, toughness, and critical blocking/receiving versatility.
• Prediction: Niners need CMC to star and some turnovers on D, but acknowledge Seahawks are healthier and more rested.

"Every week people count the Niners out and they win. I think they'll be close; I don't know if they pull it off, but they'll definitely be in the game." — Vic Tafur (67:11)

C. Chicago Bears: City on Fire, Rams Rematch

Bears Perspective

Guest: Kevin Fishbane
(69:19–82:15)

• City buzz: Every Chicagoan is in Bears mode—city decorated, public transit celebrating, casual fans absorbed.

• Coach Ben Johnson: His brash, competitive energy and public comments (even doubling down after the Packers game) have inspired buy-in.

  • "He's a maniac. He's just so competitive and driven... players take to it." — Kevin Fishbane (70:57)

• Run game challenge: Bears’ OL has played 18 games, facing a worn-down group and a loaded Rams front. Ben Johnson is expected to innovate schematically.

• Passing game angle: Johnson might attack Rams corners with explosive-caliber duo of DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland, and Luther Burden, if pass pro holds up.

• Caleb Williams’ growth: Far more comfortable in Johnson’s offense now; increased confidence unleashing deep/explosive plays (9 pass plays of 20+ yards).

  • "His comfort, like guys are probably getting open in Week one, but...he feels so comfortable just letting it rip and hitting those guys." — Kevin Fishbane (77:54)

• Bears' defense: Turnovers are their lifeblood but they have struggled with consistency; must force Rams into third-and-longs to let DC Dennis Allen cook up exotic looks.

D. Patriots vs. Texans: Drake May's Toughest Test

Patriots Perspective

Guest: Chad Graff
(82:19–93:16)

• Patriots OL vs. Texans pass rush: The single biggest factor; if Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter dominate, Patriots’ offense may not function.
  • "If Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson ruin the lives of Morgan Moses and Will Campbell, like, hey, go enjoy Denver... But if they can limit that a little bit, ballgame." — Chad Graff (82:57)
• Will Campbell/Will Anderson matchup: Key battle—familiar foes from LSU/Alabama, but Campbell not 100% post-IR.
• Christian Gonzalez status: Looking likely to play after concussion. If so, major advantage for Patriots’ elite secondary, especially if Texans’ Nico Collins is out.
• Playoff rookie QB: May faces the defense with maybe the deepest, most athletic secondary in the NFL (Stingley, Bullock, Petrie, Lassiter).
• Patriots’ run game resurgence: Shift to more big personnel and sixth OL after the bye has breathed life into this unit. Mike Vrabel’s continual faith in Rhamondre Stevenson through early-season fumble woes has paid off.
• Patriots' defense: Strategy hinges on stopping Houston’s electric pass rush and getting favorable down/distance for May.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "They were hanging on to his ankles at Teterboro, right." — Dianna Russini [03:57], vividly describing the Giants' desperation to close the Harbaugh deal.
• "He wants everybody in their particular role to be innovative, to be pushing forward constantly. Right. That's the way John operates." — James Palmer [10:22], on Harbaugh’s organizational expectations.
• "They just did not look ready for that moment." — Nick Kosmider [22:21] on last year's Broncos playoff loss; contrasts this year’s preparedness.
• "We want to win the division. We want to win the one seed. That's great. But we also just want to beat them because they beat us... that was a revenge game for them." — Mike McDonald, paraphrased by Mike Dugar [49:31], Seahawks’ attitude vs. Niners.
• "If Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson ruin the lives of Morgan Moses and Will Campbell, like, hey, go enjoy Denver... But if they can limit that a little bit, ballgame." — Chad Graff [82:57], on make-or-break playoff trench warfare.
• "This city, there are few things like this city when this team is good." — Kevin Fishbane [69:44], on Chicago's playoff atmosphere.

Key Time Stamps for Important Segments

• John Harbaugh to the Giants: Inside Details: [02:26–10:36]
• Harbaugh’s Market Impact and Dominoes: [11:36–16:51]
• Broncos Preview (with Nick Kosmider): [19:05–30:33]
• Bills Preview (with Joe Buscalia): [30:36–42:13]
• Seahawks Preview (with Mike Dugar): [43:08–54:50]
• 49ers Preview (with Vic Tafur): [57:44–67:26]
• Bears Playoff Hype & Run Game (with Kevin Fishbane): [69:19–79:37]
• Patriots vs. Texans: OL vs. Pass Rush & More (with Chad Graff): [82:19–93:16]

Overall Tone & Takeaways

The episode is rich with behind-the-scenes info, reporter anecdotes, and granular football analysis. The tone is authoritative but lively—beat reporters are enthusiastic, hosts encourage deep dives, and everyone seems acutely aware of just how pivotal, and unpredictable, the Divisional Round and this NFL coaching carousel are.

For those who haven't listened: This summary provides not just the storylines but the flavor—the city buzz, front office chess matches, and tactical X's and O's shaping the most compelling weekend in the NFL calendar.

End of Summary