Podcast
Scoop City: Inside The NFL
Hosted by The Athletic · EN
Get the NFL stories others can’t. Scoop City, hosted by The Athletic’s Senior NFL Insider Dianna Russini, insider James Palmer, and ex-quarterback Chase Daniel, brings unmatched access and expert analysis. From behind-the-scenes scoops to deep dives on the biggest NFL stories, this is the intel every fan needs. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
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125episodes
Episodes
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Why Klint Kubiak and Tom Brady will be the perfect pair in Vegas
Feb 1100:46:20Summary readyThe Las Vegas Raiders have a new head coach in Klint Kubiak. Did Tom Brady and company land the next great offensive mind? Scoop City host James Palmer and The Athletic’s Vic Tafur discuss why the Raiders may have finally landed the coach who will return the franchise to the playoffs. Plus, will Las Vegas be able to keep the current face of the franchise happy? Or will the Raiders be forced to trade Maxx Crosby? And where could the All-Pro land?In Minnesota, the Vikings are left with several questions after a disappointing season. Who will be the next general manager of the Vikings? And what is the fate of J.J. McCarthy? Can the young QB kickstart his career under head coach Kevin O’Connell? Or will the Vikings be forced to answer their QB questions in the free agent market? Vikings beat writer Alec Lewis joins the show to answer those questions and more.The Eagles finally have an offensive coordinator. What does it mean for Jalen Hurts? Can they keep A.J. Brown happy with the hire of Sean Mannion? Or will the offense in Philly look drastically different in 2026? The Athletic senior writer Zach Berman offers his perspective on the recent moves in Philadelphia.Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you can stay up to date with everything happening across the NFL.What offseason story are you following most closely? Drop us a comment! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryHow Seahawks, Sam Darnold dominated Patriots in Super Bowl LX
Feb 900:46:22Summary readyThe Seattle Seahawks are Super Bowl champions after defeating the New England Patriots, 29–13. Former NFL QB Chase Daniel and co-host James Palmer examine how the Seahawks were able to capture Super Bowl LX.Led by a dominant defensive performance, the Seahawks stifled Drake Maye and the Patriots’ offense. Daniel breaks down how Seattle’s defense disrupted the second-year QB and eliminated the Patriots’ passing game. Our resident QB also assesses Sam Darnold’s performance. The journeyman quarterback spent the past four seasons playing for four different franchises, and now the former No. 1 overall pick has captured his first Super Bowl title.On the other side, the New England Patriots failed to protect Drake Maye. Daniel shares what he saw on film from the Patriots’ offensive line. Plus, what’s next for New England after a disappointing loss? Palmer and Daniel discuss what the Patriots need to do this offseason to make another deep playoff run.Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you can stay up to date with everything happening across the NFL.What’s your way-too-early Super Bowl prediction for 2026? Drop a comment with next season’s matchup! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummarySuper Bowl Preview: Why Vrabel vs Macdonald is the chess match to watch on Sunday
Feb 501:01:34Summary readyThe Super Bowl is just days away, and we’re getting final reports from each team. Michael-Shawn Dugar joins to share updates from the Seattle Seahawks side. What’s the latest with safety Nick Emmanwori? How has Sam Darnold looked? And is Mike Macdonald ready to face off against Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel?On the AFC side, the New England Patriots enter with an experienced coaching staff but a young team. How will Drake Maye handle playing in his first Super Bowl? Will Josh McDaniels’ experience help calm his young QB? How will Vrabel’s Super Bowl experience help his team? Patriots beat writer Chad Graff joins to answer all those questions.Plus, Jerry Brewer stops by Scoop City to examine this year’s head coaching cycle. Does the NFL have an issue identifying coaching talent? Why was there a lack of diverse hires in this year’s coaching cycle despite numerous job openings? Brewer helps answer some of the most pressing questions in the league outside of the Super Bowl action.Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and turn notifications on so you can stay up to date with everything happening across the NFL.Who will win Super Bowl LX? Drop a comment with who will win and why! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryCan the Browns keep Jim Schwartz after hiring Todd Monken + Super Bowl updates with Dianna Russini
Feb 400:32:47Summary readyWhat’s the future of the NFL’s Pro Bowl? Is this Super Bowl lacking the usual buzz? What should we take away from Roger Goodell’s press conference? And what’s been the reaction in Cleveland to the Browns hiring Todd Monken?Scoop City returns with a new episode as the hype builds for Super Bowl LX. The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini joins James Palmer from San Francisco to discuss everything from the Pro Bowl to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s annual press conference. Plus, the two discuss whether there’s growing buzz about bringing a Super Bowl overseas.Meanwhile, in Cleveland, the Browns have a new head coach. Will Todd Monken want to retain Jim Schwartz on his staff? And what should the Browns do at quarterback? Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel failed to impress in their rookie seasons, while Deshaun Watson is still on the Browns’ roster. Senior columnist Jason Lloyd joins to share insight on the state of the Cleveland Browns.Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and turn notifications on so you can stay up to date with everything happening across the NFL.What do you think the Browns should do at QB? Leave us a comment! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryWhy Drake Maye and Sam Darnold have very different paths to a Super Bowl win
Feb 200:46:22Summary readySuper Bowl week is officially here, and Scoop City kicks it off with a full-scale breakdown of Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots and the decisions that will decide Super Bowl LX. Can Sam Darnold guide Seattle’s balanced, explosive offense through New England’s pressure-heavy defense? Can Drake Maye and the Patriots generate enough big plays against what many believe is the best defense in football? And a shocking fire in Minnesota. What happened behind the scenes of one of the most bizarre timing changes at GM in recent memory?James Palmer and Chase Daniel pull back the curtain on what Super Bowl week is really like from a player’s perspective. From the downtime and routine management to preparation inside the facility, Chase explains how teams avoid overthinking the biggest game of the season.James and Chase then lay out the keys to victory for both Super Bowl teams, starting with the Seahawks offense and Sam Darnold, breaking down how Seattle’s top-10 unit can stress a Patriots defense that thrives on disguise and late movement. They examine Klint Kubiak’s role in adjusting on the fly, how Jaxon Smith-Njigba can be moved around to find matchups.From there, the spotlight turns to Drake Maye and the Patriots offense facing Seattle’s versatile, physical defense. James and Chase breakdown how Maye’s mobility, patience, and selective aggression can unlock opportunities, especially on deep passesNext, The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini joins the show with must-hear reporting on the coaching and front-office landscape. Russini breaks down the Minnesota Vikings’ decision to move on from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and how Sam Darnold's trip to the Super Bowl could be responsible for the move. Dianna also shares the latest in the coaching carousel, where the final two vacancies are set to be filled.James and Chase wrap the show locking in their Super Bowl predictions, final scores, and MVP picks,Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss a moment of Super Bowl week on Scoop City.Who has the bigger edge on Sunday: Seattle’s defensive dominance or Drake Maye’s ability to create explosive plays? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryCould Drake Maye's shoulder issue throw off New England's Super Bowl prep?
Jan 2900:58:56Summary readySuper Bowl LX is around the corner, and Scoop City’s Thursday Road Trip makes final stops in Seattle and New England before the Seahawks and Patriots head to Santa Clara. Can Seattle’s explosive playmakers and pass rush tilt the game at Levi’s Stadium? Can New England’s offense and Drake Maye’s deep ball rise to the moment against a suffocating defense? How does this matchup of coaches change how franchises search for their next leader? And can the Steelers’ bold hire of Mike McCarthy reshape Pittsburgh’s future — including what it means for Aaron Rodgers?Our road trip begins in the Pacific Northwest with Michael-Shawn Dugar to trace how the Seattle Seahawks built a Super Bowl roster and who deserves the most credit for the climb. Then the focus shifts on the matchup: Seattle’s ability to win up front and create pressure without sending extra rushers, and what that means for New England’s protection.Next stop: Foxborough. Chad Graff explains the Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl and why Drake Maye is the centerpiece of their postseason surge, including the reality of his shoulder and how it could affect the plan. They break down why explosive plays feel essential against Seattle, how New England can hunt matchups, and what Christian Gonzalez’s role could be in slowing down Seattle’s top weapon. It’s the Patriots’ path to a title — and the specific pressure points that could decide it.The Super Bowl head coaches move into the spotlight as Zak Keefer shares how finding the perfect head coach can accelerate your team to a Super Bowl. Keefer connects what Mike Vrabel and Mike Macdonald have done as “CEO” leaders to the broader coaching cycle, including why teams are chasing culture, structure, and fast rebuilds again. If you’re tracking the NFL’s next hiring wave, this conversation explains the trend and the why behind it.Finally, the Road Trip lands in Pittsburgh with Mike DeFabo breaking down what Mike McCarthy’s homecoming means for the Steelers and how Aaron Rodgers fits into the teams plans for next season. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for the latest news from around the NFL.Who has the bigger Super Bowl advantage: Seattle’s pressure and playmaking, or New England’s explosive passing and Vrabel’s situational edge?Take our Audience survey and get a chance to win $100 from Amazon http://theathletic.com/survey26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryDid the Bills & Browns hire the right coaches + Why Bill Belichick got snubbed
Jan 2800:52:56Summary readyCoaches take the spotlight briefly off of the Super Bowl with two more hires and one major snub. Did the Cleveland Browns get it right by hiring Todd Monken? Why did the Buffalo Bills choose Joe Brady — and how much say did Josh Allen really have in the decision? What does the league-wide fallout look like after Bill Belichick was shockingly passed over as a first-ballot Hall of Famer?The coaching carousel takes center stage as Todd Monken is hired by the Cleveland Browns, and The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini joins Scoop City to explain how the agreement came together. Russini details what separated Monken from other candidates, what Cleveland valued most in the process, and how this decision fits into a broader league trend. She also delivers updates on the ongoing head coaching searches for the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders, including where those processes currently stand.In Buffalo, Russini breaks down how the Bills landed Joe Brady, why he emerged as the top choice over other candidates, and how involved Josh Allen was throughout the process. With the Bills still chasing their first Super Bowl, the discussion centers on why the organization believes Brady is the right coach to help unlock consistency, adaptability, and greater postseason success.Bill Belichick was snubbed by Pro Football Hall of Fame voters in his first year of eligibility, sending shockwaves across the NFL. ESPN senior writer Seth Wickersham, who broke the story, joins James Palmer to explain how the decision unfolded, why politics — not accomplishments — played a role, and how the football world reacted to one of the most surprising Hall of Fame moments ever.Finally, Joe Buscaglia joins the show with reaction from Buffalo following the hiring of Brady and a look ahead to what the rest of the Bills’ offseason could hold. From roster decisions to lingering pressure points, Buscaglia explains what Buffalo must do to finally get over the hump — and whether this coaching move is the one that helps push the Bills to a Super Bowl next season.Don't forget to like and subscribe for all the latest NFL news from around the league.Take our Audience survey and get a chance to win $100 from Amazonhttp://theathletic.com/survey26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryCastoff to Super Bowl: Sam Darnold's improbable redemption story + Coaching carousel updates
Jan 2600:57:34Summary readyThe Seattle Seahawks are headed back to the Super Bowl for the fourth time in their franchise history. Once again, they will face the New England Patriots. Plus, what’s next for the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams after losing their respective conference championships?Former NFL QB Chase Daniel breaks down how Sam Darnold was able to lead the Seahawks past the Rams. And what did Daniel see in Drake Maye’s performance? Now, they will face off against one another in Santa Clara in the Super Bowl.Elsewhere, many NFL teams are still looking for their next head coach. The Athletic’s senior NFL insider, Dianna Russini, shares the latest updates from around the league. The Buffalo Bills continue to interview candidates to replace Sean McDermott, and Russini explains why the Bills have included MVP QB Josh Allen in the search. Plus, the Cleveland Browns are interviewing candidates in a unique way. Russini shares who the finalists are in Cleveland, and the group discusses why nobody wants to be the Philadelphia Eagles’ next offensive coordinator.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.And drop us a comment! Which coaching vacancy do you think is the most intriguing? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryWhy The Super Bowl Favorites Are Not As Safe You Think | Championship Sunday Preview
Jan 2201:05:22Summary readyThe NFL is down to Championship Sunday — four teams, two conference titles, and one final step before the Super Bowl. Can the Broncos survive the moment with Jarrett Stidham stepping in under the brightest lights? Are the Patriots ready for the pressure that comes with being the team everyone expects to win? Can the Seahawks protect Sam Darnold (and his oblique) long enough to let their offense play free? And will the Rams keep finding ways to win even when they’re not playing perfect football?Scoop City kicks off the Thursday Road Trip: Championship Edition starting in the AFC with Broncos writer Nick Kosmider, diving into why Denver believes Stidham can keep the offense steady — and why this week might actually bring out the best in Sean Payton. From the details behind Stidham’s preparation to the confidence coming from inside the locker room, the Broncos aren’t shrinking from the moment… they’re leaning into it.On the other side of the AFC, Patriots writer Chad Graff, who explains what the week has felt like in Foxborough as the Patriots suddenly carry a different kind of burden: the pressure to win against a backup. Chad breaks down why Drake Maye’s postseason efficiency has dipped from his regular season level, what Denver’s defense can exploit, and how New England can avoid letting the moment — or the matchup — speed them up.Then it’s over to the NFC and the Seahawks with Michael-Shawn Dugar. The spotlight lands on Sam Darnold’s oblique injury, how it changes the game plan, and why the biggest priority is limiting pressure — especially with so many of his turnovers coming when defenders get home. If Seattle keeps Darnold clean and composed, the Super Bowl path is real.Finally, we close the team previews with a Rams report from Nate Atkins, focusing on how Los Angeles keeps stacking wins even when the performance isn’t flawless. With Matthew Stafford as the longest-tenured veteran QB still standing — and already a Super Bowl champion — plus Sean McVay’s experience, creativity, and the ability to win ugly when it matters most.James Palmer wraps the show with his end-of-season awards picks after today’s finalists were released — including MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Scoop City — and drop a comment: Who is your Super Bowl matchup with the Conference Championships on Sunday? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryWhy Jarrett Stidham Can Still Take the Broncos to the Super Bowl
Jan 2100:55:31Summary readyChampionship Sunday is almost here — but can the Broncos really survive a playoff run with a backup quarterback? What does Jarrett Stidham change (or limit) in Sean Payton’s offense? Plus, what’s the key matchup in Drake Maye vs. Denver’s pressure looks, and can Matthew Stafford keep playing mistake-free football against a Seahawks defense built to hunt turnovers and win the margins? Meanwhile, why did the Bills move on from Sean McDermott after another postseason heartbreak, and what does that mean for Josh Allen and Buffalo’s future?James Palmer welcomes former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel and The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini as Buffalo’s coaching reset becomes the league’s biggest talking point. The conversation starts with the Bills’ fallout — including the tone of Terry Pegula’s press conference, what it signaled about where the organization believes it fell short, and how messy (or necessary) this change could be as the coaching carousel continues to spin.Then it’s time for a film session. Daniel breaks down what Denver’s offense can look like with Jarrett Stidham stepping in, why timing and cadence matter more than ever in a playoff environment, and how Sean Payton’s trust in Stidham goes back to his first days in Denver. Chase turns on the tape of Drake Maye against one of the NFL’s most aggressive pressure teams — and the big chess match of whether Denver sticks with its identity or adjusts for this moment.On the NFC side, we dive into the Rams-Seahawks matchup through Matthew Stafford’s film: Why he’s been so efficient against Seattle, what protection and pocket comfort mean for this offense, and what the Seahawks must do to speed him up.Before we wrap, Chase puts on his evaluator hat for a college-to-pros conversation on Fernando Mendoza — why scouts obsess over “eyes,” processing, and pocket feel, and how the Heisman winner fits into what Tom Brady and the Raiders might be looking for at the top of the draft.Stay with Scoop City for the latest NFL coaching news, playoff breakdowns, and quarterback film rooms all postseason. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your take in the comments.Do you think Jarrett Stidham can join the list of backup QBs to reach a Super Bowl?Take our Audience survey and get a chance to win $100 from Amazonhttp://theathletic.com/survey26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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