Scoop City: Inside The NFL

Episode: Why the Giants’ Shift to Jaxson Dart Could Save Their Season

Date: September 25, 2025
Hosts: Diana Russini, James Palmer
Guest: Dan Pompei (The Athletic)

Main Theme / Purpose

This episode dives into the pivotal quarterback change for the New York Giants as they bench Russell Wilson and name rookie Jaxson Dart the new starter. The hosts analyze what led to this decision, its potential impact on the Giants’ locker room and long-term outlook, and unpack the domino effects for Russell Wilson and the team’s future. The episode also covers key NFL injury updates (especially for Washington), the looming Ravens–Chiefs face-off, insightful analysis from reporter Dan Pompei, and debates on which winless NFL team is in the worst position moving forward.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Giants’ Quarterback Transition: From Russell Wilson to Jaxson Dart

[03:02–17:59]

• The Decision Timeline:

  • Giants’ coach Brian Daboll was notably noncommittal about the QB position at his press conference earlier in the week, echoing his comments when benching Daniel Jones last season.
  • The switch to Jaxson Dart felt inevitable given the team's on-field struggles and the sense that the team and locker room were losing faith.
    • “It is now Jaxson Dart. How did we get here?” —James Palmer [05:00]

• Why the Change Now:

  • Dart has impressed behind the scenes and with veteran teammates; Chase Daniel (co-host, not present) had long advocated for his ascension.
  • Brian Daboll’s announcement lacked excitement or a clear sense of optimism, leading to speculation about internal doubts about Dart’s readiness.
    • “It didn’t sound the way an organization sounds when they think they’re making the right move. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t believe it.” —Diana Russini [06:15]

• Press Conference Tone Analysis:

  • Daboll’s statement emphasized professionalism, privacy with players, and that the change is his decision. But the hosts wish for more conviction and clearer messaging to energize both fans and team.
    • “My opinion, honestly, would be like, I would want to come out of the gate firing. It’s time for a new era. Jaxson Dart has checked every single box…Say it with some gusto.” —James Palmer [08:15]
  • Some tension in balancing excitement for Dart and respect for Russell Wilson’s long NFL career.

• Locker Room Impacts:

  • Malik Nabers’ post-game comments—“We can’t win”—hinted at deteriorating confidence in the QB position, possibly accelerating the change.
    • “If you’re saying that in Week 3, you don’t believe in your quarterback, you don’t believe in maybe even your head coach.” —Diana Russini [12:11]

• Russell Wilson’s Future:

  • Much discussion on what type of backup Wilson will be and speculation about Jameis Winston eventually assuming the role in 2026.
    • “There’s certain qualities you need to have to be a backup quarterback…we’ll see if that can be Russ.” —James Palmer [14:15]
  • Diana highlights Winston’s adaptability and positivity as a model backup.

• Coaching & Offensive Simplicity for Dart:

  • Emphasis on simplifying the offense for Dart, focusing on athleticism and not overcomplicating reads.
    • Preparation for the Chargers’ complex defensive looks is key, and the main goal is generating a “spark."
      • “We’re not going to overcomplicate it…you’re going to live at this facility this week…But you are going to live at this facility this week.” —James Palmer [11:00]

2. Washington’s Injury Troubles: Jaden Daniels and Terry McLaurin

[17:59–21:50]

• Jaden Daniels:

  • Limited in practice due to a knee issue, not severe enough for surgery but possibly enough to sideline him another week. Decision to start or rest will depend on health and confidence in backup Marcus Mariota.

• Terry McLaurin (“Scary Terry”):

  • Hasn’t missed a game since 2020; quad injury is concerning given his track record and age. Team may rest him to avoid aggravation, particularly with a winnable matchup against Atlanta.
    • “He has a clean bill of health usually. So the quad thing definitely is a red flag.” —Diana Russini [20:55]

3. Ravens vs. Chiefs: Who’s in More Trouble at 1–2?

[21:50–29:58]

• The Stakes:

  • One of these Super Bowl hopefuls will be 1–3 after Week 4—a historically bad omen.
    • “Only one team since 1990, out of 252 teams that has started 1 and 3, has won the Super Bowl.” —James Palmer [22:13]

• Who Should Worry More?

  • Diana: Chiefs—offensive inconsistencies, over-reliance on unproven receivers, lack of Travis Kelce’s usual “juice,” and a much tougher division this year.
    • “My bigger concern is there. I am a little worried about the Ravens defense, but…I just think…when you’re a one-man show in the NFL, you don’t win, you can’t do it.” —Diana Russini [24:23]
  • James: Also concerned about the Chiefs—division is tougher, Ravens have an easier path due to weaker division QBs.
    • “It used to be the cakewalk for the Chiefs in the Patrick Mahomes era. Now you have the Chargers at 3-0…” —James Palmer [25:09]

• Chiefs Fan Anxiety:

  • Fans perceive the team as losing its edge—referencing old Frank Clark interviews and bemoaning a perceived “softness.”
    • “We need players like this back on our team…Now we’re a bunch of Swifties…” (channeling fan commentary) —James Palmer [27:42]

• Ravens Defensive Concerns:

  • Loss of physicality inside, vulnerability to the run, but still scoring plenty.
  • Mentions of veteran defensive consultants (Dean Pees, Chuck Pagano) potentially helping behind the scenes.

4. Dan Pompei Interview: Storytelling, John Abraham, Bears/Raiders/Buccaneers/Eagles

[34:03–49:33]

• John Abraham Feature:

  • Dan shares the story behind his upcoming piece on the ex-pass rusher—his impact on the field, and off-field battles with concussions, alcohol, and mental health. Abraham’s journey toward stability and helping others is highlighted.
    • “He really was in a bad way…was suicidal, mental health. And he’s finally started to find himself after bottoming out. And it’s an incredible journey…” —Dan Pompei [35:19]

• Dan Pompei’s Approach to Interviewing:

  • The importance of deep listening, curiosity, and investing time with sources, leading to richer storytelling.
    • “I think it’s just basically curiosity and doggedness and being able to really spend time with someone and understand them and listen.” —Dan Pompei [37:18]

• Caleb Williams’ Breakout Game for the Bears:

  • Best game as a pro—showed command of the offense, comfort at the line, and benefited from good play design and a compromised Dallas defense.
    • “The best part of it from his standpoint was he had a command, I think, of the offense. Really the first time we’ve seen him have a command.” —Dan Pompei [39:14]

• Ben Johnson’s Early Progress as Chicago’s Head Coach:

  • Impressed beyond expectations; shows leadership, clear messaging, and maintains confidence in his system despite early adversity.
    • “He’s been very, very impressive to me. I think beyond my expectations and I had high expectations for him.” —Dan Pompei [41:27]

• Raiders Offensive Struggles:

  • Lack of a true outside threat is compressing space, making it harder for star RB Ashton Gentry.

• Bucs–Eagles Preview:

  • Bucs’ O-line issues versus Eagles’ dominant defensive front—especially pending the return of Tristan Wirfs.
  • Baker Mayfield’s “petty” (competitive chip), revival, and leadership compared to other greats.
    • “He is a high-level leader…I don’t know if there’s a better quarterback leader, in my opinion, in the NFL than this guy.” —Dan Pompei [48:01]

5. Listener Mailbag: Who Is the Worst 0–3 Team? Which Team Will Land the #1 Overall Pick?

[53:44–63:00]

• Question (from Jacob Robinson):

  • Despite optimism for Houston, skepticism abounds due to a tough schedule and offensive struggles after reshuffling their line.
    • “There’s probably only two or three ‘gimme’ games left on the Texans’ schedule.” —Jacob Robinson [54:15]
  • Asks hosts who they think will finish with the worst record and own the first draft pick in 2026.

• Diana’s Pick: Giants

  • Brutal upcoming schedule (Chargers, Saints, Eagles, Broncos, 49ers) and the volatility expected with Jaxson Dart’s rookie status.
    • “It’s a really tall task to ask for a young rookie as talented and as much as he’s impressed. So…I just don’t know if they can come through on it.” —Diana Russini [58:03]

• James’s Pick: Tennessee Titans

  • Turmoil after multiple coaching/GM changes, now handing playcalling to QB coach Bo Hardegree. Organizational uncertainty and young QB Cam Ward facing lots of instability.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Diana on Daboll’s Press Conference:
  “Did he drive in and practice that in the mirror? Because I’ve always thought that.” [07:42]
• James’s Advice for Dart:
  “You are going to live at this facility this week…don’t be afraid to use your athleticism.” [11:00]
• Diana on Backup QBs:
  “What does [Russell Wilson] bring to the organization, to that room, if it’s going to be the Jackson show?” [13:19]
• James on Chiefs’ Locker Room Perception:
  “Now we’re a bunch of Swifties…these are the comments coming on old videos from three, four years ago.” [27:42]
• Dan Pompei on John Abraham:
  “He really was in a bad way…was suicidal, mental health. And he’s finally started to find himself after bottoming out.” [35:19]
• Diana on Ben Johnson:
  “The question of…can you be the CEO of this team? …Just from your experience and your eye, what do you make of Ben…?” [41:00]
• Dan Pompei on Baker Mayfield:
  “I think, without a doubt, he’s better because of everything he’s been through…He is a high-level leader. I don’t know if there’s a better quarterback leader in the NFL than this guy.” [48:01]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [03:02] — Start of main content, Giants QB change discussion
• [05:33–12:11] — Why the move to Jaxson Dart, Daboll’s messaging, locker room pulse
• [13:40–17:59] — What’s next for Russell Wilson; state of the Giants roster
• [17:59–21:50] — Washington injury updates: Jaden Daniels, Terry McLaurin
• [21:50–29:58] — Chiefs vs. Ravens: High-stakes Week 4 preview, fan reactions
• [34:03–49:33] — Dan Pompei interview: John Abraham, Bears, Ben Johnson, Baker Mayfield, Bucs–Eagles
• [53:44–63:00] — Listener mailbag: Which 0–3 team is most hopeless?

Summary Takeaways

• The Giants' pivot to Jaxson Dart is risky but necessary; success depends on simplified offensive design, locker room buy-in, and keeping expectations realistic.
• Russell Wilson’s future in New York is murky; backup transition could be short-lived with Jameis Winston looming.
• The Chiefs and Ravens both face critical early-season crossroads, but the Chiefs’ tougher division and incomplete offense are bigger red flags.
• Injury updates for Washington cloud their immediate outlook, especially if Terry McLaurin is sidelined.
• Dan Pompei provides rich perspective on storytelling in sports journalism and delivers insights on leadership, adversity, and team-building among NFL coaches and quarterbacks.
• Among winless teams, the Giants and Titans are most likely to land the #1 pick due to schedule strength and ongoing organizational turbulence.

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