Scoop City: Inside The NFL

The Athletic
  • 4.1 (213)
  • FOOTBALL
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1D AGO

    Why Fernando Mendoza is the clear No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft

    The NFL's next QB Era begins to take shape on this can’t-miss episode of Scoop City. Are the Las Vegas Raiders ready to build around Fernando Mendoza? Which teams will win the quarterback shuffle, and who could be on the move via trade or free agency? James Palmer and Chase Daniel dive headfirst into a QB-heavy breakdown with massive stakes for the 2026 season. We start with a full scouting-room conversation on Fernando Mendoza, the projected No. 1 overall pick, and what separates him as a franchise quarterback. Chase breaks down Mendoza’s toughness, processing, and ceiling, while James explores how his skill set could fit in Las Vegas with Klint Kubiak and a roster still searching for stability. From footwork to football IQ, it’s a true tell-all from a quarterback’s perspective on what Mendoza must master to succeed right away. Next, the conversation widens to the rest of the draft class, including Ty Simpson and other rising prospects, plus what teams are really evaluating during combine meetings, interviews, and early installs. Chase explains why some quarterbacks climb boards once coaches get them in the room and how traits like playing under center, handling play-action, and learning speed can quietly reshape Round 1 projections. Then comes the quarterback carousel, with trade and free-agent scenarios flying across the league. The guys break down potential landing spots for Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, Kirk Cousins, and more, while unpacking how contracts, guarantees, and draft capital complicate every move. From Minnesota to New York, this is the real chess match behind the NFL’s offseason quarterback market. We close with a candid discussion on the NFLPA facility report cards disappearing, why they mattered inside locker rooms, and how they helped improve player conditions across the league. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss Scoop City. Tell us: What is your dream pairing this offseason for a QB on the move via trade or free agency? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Patriots Cinderella Story Turns To A Reality Check For a Super Bowl Return

    Super Bowl fallout meets offseason urgency on today’s episode of Scoop City. Why is the Seahawks’ championship parade so important to fans in Seattle? How do the Patriots reset after coming up short? Can Baltimore lead the rebound class in 2026? And which non-playoff teams are truly built to bounce back next season? The Seattle Seahawks kick things off with their Super Bowl victory parade, and we bring you the sights and sounds from Seattle — including Sam Darnold soaking in the moment after delivering the franchise its second Lombardi Trophy. James Palmer sets the stage for what this title means for the Seahawks moving forward and why their window may just be opening. Then it’s a deep dive on the New England Patriots with The Athletic’s Chad Graff, breaking down the mood inside New England after the Super Bowl loss. We tackle Drake Maye’s growth, Mike Vrabel’s message to the locker room, offensive line priorities, and what realistic expectations look like in 2026 as the Patriots try to build on Year 1 of their new era. From there, Mike Jones joins the show to walk through his rankings of the teams that missed the postseason and are best positioned to rebound. We hit on the Kansas City Chiefs’ urgency around Patrick Mahomes, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ reset under Todd Bowles, the Cincinnati Bengals’ hopes with Joe Burrow returning, the Detroit Lions’ belief that their core players are still playoff-ready, and the Baltimore Ravens turning the page with new head coach Jesse Minter. Mike Jones then goes deeper on the 2026 coaching cycle and what stood out across the league as teams reposition for another Super Bowl push. What hires made the most sense, and which others left you wanting more? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Scoop City. Let us know which team you think is best set up to rebound in 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min

  3. 6D AGO

    Why Klint Kubiak and Tom Brady will be the perfect pair in Vegas

    The 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.

    46 min

  4. FEB 9

    How Seahawks, Sam Darnold dominated Patriots in Super Bowl LX

    The 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.

    46 min

  5. FEB 5

    Super Bowl Preview: Why Vrabel vs Macdonald is the chess match to watch on Sunday

    The 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.

    1h 2m

  6. FEB 4

    Can the Browns keep Jim Schwartz after hiring Todd Monken + Super Bowl updates with Dianna Russini

    What’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.

    33 min

  7. FEB 2

    Why Drake Maye and Sam Darnold have very different paths to a Super Bowl win

    Super 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 passes Next, 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.

    46 min

  8. JAN 29

    Could Drake Maye's shoulder issue throw off New England's Super Bowl prep?

    Super 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.

    59 min
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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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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