Scoop City: Inside the NFL

Episode: Why the Seahawks Can Win the NFC After Trade Deadline Deal?

Date: November 6, 2025
Host: James Palmer (The Athletic)
Guests: Michael-Shawn Dugar, Nate Atkins, Judd, Jake Seeley

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into NFL Week 10 storylines, dissecting trade deadline moves and what they mean for postseason races. The hosts focus particularly on the Seattle Seahawks’ aggressive acquisition of Rasheed Shahid, assessing how it positions them in a cutthroat NFC. Other stops on the NFL “road trip” include takes on the Patriots’ surprising rise and strategic patience, the Rams’ surging offense behind a resurgent Matthew Stafford, and fantasy consequences of the trade deadline. The episode closes with a mind-boggling high school football stat.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Patriots’ Surprising Success and Trade Deadline Strategy

Guest: Judd
Segment Start: [04:11]

• Why the Patriots Didn’t Go “All-In”

  • Despite leading the division and having the most cap space in the league, New England avoided splashy moves.
  • Judd relays Mike Vrabel’s deadline outlook: “It’s like pregnancy. You’re either pregnant or you’re not pregnant. So I don’t know how close we were.” [04:15]
  • The organization considered options but didn’t want to overpay for short-term fixes.

• Focus on Offseason Leverage

  • The Patriots’ play and Vrabel’s coaching have improved free agent perceptions, setting up a major offseason.
  • “They almost had to pay a suck tax last year... Far different perception when you’re luring free agents in after this season than it was this past year.” – James Palmer [05:24]

• Offensive Transformation

  • The Patriots’ once-stagnant attack is now among the league’s most explosive, especially with rookie QB Drake May.
  • Challenges ahead with injuries—particularly Kayshon Boutte’s hamstring—which could push rookie Kyle Williams into a bigger role.

• Keys to Beating Tampa Bay

  • Patriots’ deep-passing strength collides with the Buccaneers’ top-5 pass defense and heavy blitz schemes.
  • “Drake May this season against the blitz has been outstanding.” – James Palmer [08:20]
  • Running game remains a work-in-progress; rookie Trayvon Henderson expected to carry the load due to Rhamondre Stevenson’s absence.

• Playoff Predictions

  • Athletic’s playoff predictor gives New England the highest postseason odds, but Judd predicts a loss to Tampa Bay anyway.

2. Rams’ Championship Potential and Stafford’s MVP Case

Guest: Nate Atkins
Segment Start: [12:33]

• Matthew Stafford’s Renaissance

  • Stafford’s elite play at 37, leading in throw depth and air-yard percentage, with a 21-2 TD-INT ratio through eight games.
  • “He’s just in control in a way that I haven’t really seen... at a faster speed than a lot of young defenders.” – Nate Atkins [13:03]
  • Credit given to Rams’ offensive evolution: strong tight end deployment, creative formations, and complementing weapons in Puka Nacua (when healthy) and new addition Davante Adams.

• Offensive Adjustments

  • Recent games showcased Stafford’s ability to adapt without Nacua, leaning more on Adams and tight ends—terrific red zone efficiency.

• 49ers Matchup Breakdown

  • Stopping Christian McCaffrey in both run and pass is a tall order, especially with matchup issues at linebacker and the wildcard effect of George Kittle’s return.
  • Rams are healthier than the 49ers but must limit shootout potential, relying on their pass rush if they develop an early lead.

3. Seahawks’ Statement Trade and NFC Ambitions

Guest: Michael-Shawn Dugar
Segment Start: [23:12]

• John Schneider’s Trade Philosophy

  • “He’s not one of those guys who just only tries to fix a problem... he'll strengthen a strength.” – Michael-Shawn Dugar [23:12]
  • Seahawks’ acquisition history: always ready for an arms race.

• Rasheed Shahid’s Fit and Impact

  • Shahid is familiar with OC Clint Kubiak’s scheme, enabling a rapid transition: “The offense is the same... most playbooks are the same, to be honest. They just call this post-corner concept something else.”
  • Seattle boasts the league’s highest designed run rate and target share for Jackson Smith-Njigba (JSN), raising questions about target distribution.
  • “If Shahid’s just a secondary option, how often is he getting the ball? What does this mean for Cooper Kupp, whose heel and hamstring injuries linger?” – Michael-Shawn Dugar [25:26]
  • Potential for a crowded receiver room, but also creates nightmares for opposing defensive coordinators.

• Defending Jacoby Brissett and the Cardinals

  • Brissett “unlocks every part of the field in a way Kyler Murray just was not.” – Michael-Shawn Dugar [28:56]
  • Seattle’s defense will have to account for a more balanced attack and adjust pass rush strategies accordingly.

• Further Needs and Hypotheticals

  • If injuries at linebacker persist (e.g., Ernest Jones IV), Seahawks should consider moves there.
  • “You never have enough DBs, never have enough pass rush.” – Michael-Shawn Dugar, channeling John Schneider [32:03]

4. Fantasy Football Impacts Post-Deadline

Guest: Jake Seeley
Segment Start: [37:55]

• Rasheed Shahid in Seattle

  • Immediately becomes the WR2 and can be started most weeks. “He’s now their clear number two... I think you’re looking at a consistent wide receiver 3 every single week.” [40:28]
  • This likely reduces Cooper Kupp’s fantasy value.

• JSN’s Value with Shahid Onboard

  • Don’t panic: “Maybe JSN loses one big target every third game or maybe one touchdown. Don’t worry about JSN.” [42:05]

• Jacoby Myers’ New Role

  • Myers is a steady WR3 as long as Brian Thomas Jr. is out; Parker Washington’s value plummets accordingly.
  • “For us in fantasy, he’s a wide receiver three. He’s just going to go out there and produce, produce, produce.” – Jake Seeley [43:15]

• Brissett’s Effect on Cardinals’ Weapons

  • Harrisons’ numbers unchanged in reality, even if the vibes shift for fans.
  • “Marvin Harrison’s been no different with Jacoby Brissett. The big difference: Trey McBride has been a huge difference with Jacoby Brissett...” [45:04]
  • McBride now a flex play-worthy tight end.

• Start/Sit: Kenneth Walker vs. Tyrone Tracy

  • Take the upside of Walker: “If you’re giving me a split backfield, I’m going to take the better offense... Kenneth Walker every time.” [47:10]

5. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On John Schneider’s trade activity:
  “I'm never surprised when John makes deals. I mean, look at all the ones that just rattled... this is what he does.” – Michael-Shawn Dugar [23:12]

• On the Patriots’ rebuild:
  “They almost had to pay a suck tax last year.” – James Palmer [05:24]

• On Brissett vs. Kyler Murray for Arizona:
  “At the end of the day, quarterback does not change. And... I just need my quarterback to throw a catchable ball. Like that's the first goal.” – Michael-Shawn Dugar, quoting Pete Carroll [29:51]

6. Unique Segment Highlight

Historic High School Football Stat – The Derrick Henry Chase End of Episode: [50:29]

James Palmer shares an incredible stat: Miles McLaughlin, a high school running back in Indiana, is on pace to break Derrick Henry’s national record of 12,124 career rushing yards—a feat once thought unassailable. McLaughlin is averaging 327 yards per game and needs to maintain over 280 per game through the state championship to surpass Henry.

“King Henry’s record is on the line... My fingers are crossed. I’d like to see Miles break it. We’ll update it in four weeks to see if he does.” – James Palmer [50:29]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:11] Patriots trade deadline review and offensive turnaround
• [12:33] Rams’ MVP candidate Matthew Stafford and facing the 49ers
• [23:12] Seahawks’ trade deadline philosophy & Rasheed Shahid’s arrival
• [28:56] Seahawks-Cardinals defensive matchup breakdown
• [37:55] Fantasy segment: post-deadline WR impacts, start/sit advice
• [50:29] High school football stat: Miles McLaughlin’s chase for Derrick Henry’s record

Conclusion

This episode delivers rich insight on the ripple effects of the NFL trade deadline, blending insider perspective with sharp, fan-friendly breakdowns. The Seahawks’ aggressive roster-building signals they're serious NFC contenders, the Rams remain dangerous with Stafford in MVP form, and the Patriots’ patience could pay massive dividends in free agency. The fantasy segment makes sense of shifting lineups, and a wild stat grounds the episode in the roots of football lore.

For any NFL fan wanting the inside edge—and entertainment to boot—this episode is a must-listen.