The Athletic’s Senior NFL Insider Dianna Russini sits down for an exclusive conversation with Minnesota Vikings reigning Coach of the Year Kevin O'Connell and Running Back Aaron Jones.

O'Connell shares his thoughts on quarterback JJ McCarthy and his development since returning to the field. Russini and O'Connell talk about the expectations for the Vikings and playing in the NFC North.

The Vikings coach also shares how he unwinds from the grueling schedule of running a football team.

Dianna also chats with Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones.

Dianna asks Aaron about how becoming a father has changed how he handles a win or loss. The running back talks about bringing his kids to practice and making sure to have enough energy to play with his kids even after a long day.

Dianna and Aaron talk about JJ McCarthy and how playing with Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love help prepare him for working with a young quarterback.

Aaron opens up about the team's expectations for this season after all their success in 2024.

Dianna tries her hardest to get Aaron to brag about himself, while using some of her own resume to get him thinking.

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James Palmer and Chase Daniel unpack the NFL QB Tiers list with Athletic's Senior NFL Writer Mike Sando.

Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes and Cincinnatti Bengals Joe Burrow were the only two unanimous Tier 1 quarterbacks on this list. James and Chase ask Mike what goes into a unanimous decision.

Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson breaks into the top Tier for the first time in his career. We ask Mike what the voting panel said about Lamar's trajectory into the top. Plus Los Angeles Rams Matthew Stafford makes his Tier 1 debut as well, find out what took to the veteran QB to the next level in the eyes of the voters.

James and Chase ask Mike about a quarterback that the panel may have been waiting for to take the next step, but hasnt reached their potential just yet. Mike breaks down why Jacksonville Jaguars Trevor Lawrence is a name that keeps coming up in those conversations.

Philadelphia Eagles Jalen Hurts remains in the top 10, but James and Chase get answers on why Hurts has not moved into the Top Tier despite being the Super Bowl MVP.

Four time MVP Aaron Rodgers took the biggest fall of this year's list. James and Chase ask Mike why the Pittsburgh Steelers QB is now all the way down in Tier 3 after being in Tier 1 in 2024.

Ben Johnson takes over as head coach for the Chicago Bears and James and Chase ask what the effect has been for both his new quarterback in Caleb Williams and Detroit Lions Jared Goff

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Buffalo Bills RB James Cook ends his hold-in after he agreed to terms on a four-year, $48 million contract extension with $30 million guaranteed. The Athletic's Senior NFL Insider Dianna Russini breaks down how the sides came together and what it means for the Bills Super Bowl aspirations.

Three star players continue to deal with contract disputes across the NFL. Dianna will share the latest on Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons, Washington Commanders wideout Terry McLaurin and Bengals Defensive End Trey Hendrickson.

James Palmer and Chase Daniel preview The Athletic's Senior NFL Writer Mike Sando's QB Tier list for 2025. Find out where Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts lands on the list and how the addition of Ben Johnson in Chicago helped Caleb Williams chances this season.

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Week one of the preseason is in the books!The Athletic’s Senior NFL Insider Dianna Russini and former NFL Quarterback Chase Daniel welcome in new co-host James Palmer to the show. James brings decades of sports reporting and NFL coverage to the show with previous jobs at NFL Network and with the Houston Texans. James gives Dianna and Chase two truths and a lie to kick off a new era in Scoop City.

Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders made his NFL debut on Friday night against the Carolina Panthers. James, Dianna and Chase break down the rookies first outing and what teams across the league have seen on the tape.Dianna also shares the latest in the contract saga with Buffalo Bills running back James Cook after he suited up, warmed up and then sat out of the Bills preseason opener this weekend. Find out where Cook’s next contract could land and what’s next for the Buffalo in getting closer to a signed deal.

Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson leaves his game against the Ravens early after dislocating his pinky, Dianna has the latest on Richardson’s health heading into week 2. Chase breaks down what he saw that led the his injury in the first place and how the Indy QB could’ve avoided it altogether.

The New Orleans Saints QB room is searching for their starting quarterback as well. Find out who James, Dianna and Chase think can win the job in New Orleans and why they could head into the season with the QBs they currently have on their roster.Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford missed practice on Monday, hear why Dianna and Chase are not concerned with the veteran missing time ahead of the regular season.

Tennessee Titans rookie Cam Ward and New York Giants rookie Jaxson Dart had very different outings in their NFL Debuts. Chase breaks down the tape while Dianna shares what teams have been saying about their young QBs.

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The Athletics Senior NFL Insider, Dianna Russini and former NFL QB Chase Daniel break down the biggest headlines across the NFL as the first full week of preseason kicks off. Dianna is fresh off a trip to Foxborough, where she watched the New England Patriots and Washington Commanders hold a joint practice and caught up with players and coaches from both sides.

All eyes are on Cleveland, where rookie Shedeur Sanders is getting the Week 1 preseason start for the Browns. With Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel sidelined by injury, Sanders is set to get extended time with the starters in a real opportunity to shake up the QB depth chart. Chase explains what coaches look for in these moments that fans might miss—and why this window could be critical for Sanders' future.

Meanwhile in Cincinnati, head coach Zac Taylor is going all in on preseason reps, announcing Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and the Bengals' top starters will play in Thursday’s opener against the Eagles. After back-to-back seasons missing the playoffs, despite record-setting production from Burrow, the Bengals hope a stronger preseason leads to a faster start. Dianna and Chase discuss whether this high-risk strategy is the right move—and what a healthy, aggressive Burrow-led offense could mean for the AFC.

Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain gave us his Top 5 QBs during our visit in Denver, now Chase fills out his own Top 10, and the debate begins. Find out who made the list and who was left outside the group.

Then it's onto Jacksonville, where Travis Hunter is doing something we haven’t seen in decades—playing both sides of the ball. But can it last over a full season? Not everyone is convinced, including star wideout Davante Adams. Dianna and Chase react to Adams’ comments and weigh in on whether Hunter’s versatility is sustainable in today’s NFL.

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Dianna Russini and Chase Daniel kick off our Training Camp tour with a stop in Colorado to visit with the Denver Broncos.

Quarterback Bo Nix breaks down what is different heading into his second season in the NFL. Dianna shares the breaking news with Nix about receiver Courtland Sutton's new contract extension LIVE during the conversation.

Reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain II joins us to talk about how the Broncos defense plans to improve in 2025. Plus, Chase and Dianna get Surtain to name his top QBs in the NFL at the moment.

Head Coach Sean Payton sits down with Dianna and Chase to talk about how being so meticulous with the details leads to success for an NFL Franchise. Payton also shares what former player he has coached in his career that he would love to replicate for his Denver Broncos team.

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Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons officially requested a trade from the team while contract talks have stalled. Owner Jerry Jones spoke to reporters this weekend following Parsons request, but tells fans there is no reason for concern. The Athletic’s Senior NFL Insider, Dianna Russini and former NFL QB Chase Daniel discuss why this year’s contract issues is Dallas is different from the ones in year’s past.

Elsewhere, Commanders wideout Terry McLaurin continues his hold in from the team despite his trade request. Washington’s number one target has been present during the team’s training camp, but it yet to practice. Dianna and Chase breakdown where McLaurin’s contract could land him in the receiver market.

Bills James Cook is suddenly holding in. The Buffalo running back has been practicing with the team until Sunday and now has missed two straight practices. Cook is coming off back-to-back 1,000 plus yard seasons and is seeking an extension that would put him aligned with the top rushers in the NFL.

Meanwhile, Dianna and Chase recap their conversation with Broncos Bo Nix. The second year quarterback talks about the differences between his rookie season and now. Nix breaks down how continuity in Sean Payton’s system will lead to even more growth for the Broncos offense. Chase talks about why he believes the hype in Denver.

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Scoop City is revisiting some of our favorite interviews from this past year. The Athletic's Senior NFL Insider, Dianna Russini and former NFL Quarterback Chase Daniel spoke with some best offensive players in the game. We caught up with Justin Jefferson, David Njoku, Khalil Shakir, ,and Chase Brown to talk about breakout potential, evolving roles, and how they're preparing to take the next step in their careers.

Dianna sat down with Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson to talk about JJ McCarthy, being the highest paid wideout and of course the perfect griddy.

Dianna talked to Browns tight end David Njoku about who slides into his DMs, bulletproof cars and party city.

Dianna and Chase chat with Bills receiver Khalil Shakir about his MVP QB Josh Allen, building on their explosive offense and the weather in Buffalo.

Dianna talks with Bengals running back Chase Brown about his QB Joe Burrow, have two "Chases" on the same team and being a twin in the NFL.

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