It's a Football Podcast!

Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon discuss the fallout from Nick Chubb’s unfortunate knee injury, Patrick Mahomes’ new deal, share concern over Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert and Deshaun Watson in the latest It’s A Football Podcast.

Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon recap Aaron Rodgers’ brutal Achilles tear, tussle over Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert in Week 1, discuss how will the AFC’s other elite respond, and of course, how about them Cowboys?

Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon discuss Travis Kelce’s knee injury before the season opener, discuss some lingering contract situations, shout out Deion Sanders’ first win at Colorado, and share their Week 1 predictions for our games of the week.

Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon give their takes on the Trey Lance trade and what it means for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. Is Jonathan Taylor on the move as well? Plus, the two make bold predictions for the upcoming NFL season. 

The NFC South looks like the least competitive division in the NFL, but quarterback Tom Brady isn't sitting back and watching a chance at an eighth Super Bowl ring slip away. 

Elsewhere, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Miami Dolphins with Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy, after Jimmy Garoppolo left the game with a foot injury. Jimmy G will be sidelined into the postseason – if the Niners make it that far.

Odell Beckham Jr. has been on a world tour lately. Is the Super Bowl-winning wide receiver close to signing with a new team? If so, is that the best move for OBJ and any NFL team?

Beckham's former team, the Los Angeles Rams, signed a new quarterback off waivers, adding depth to its depleted team with Baker Mayfield. After getting let go by the Carolina Panthers, will the former No. 1 NFL draft pick find his way back to the starting spot?

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

It's a Football Podcast!

The two biggest matchups of the week are a rematch of the AFC Championship between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals and the formidable San Francisco 49ers' game against the Miami Dolphins. 

NFL reporters Tyler Dragon and Safid Deen dissect each team's recent success, and Safid adds a few NEXT GEN stats about quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.  

In the headlines, Deshaun Watson makes his return from suspension against his former team, the Houston Texans. Odell Beckham Jr. was escorted off a plane. And another injury for Aaron Rodgers puts the quarterback's future in question. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

In a special Thanksgiving episode of It's a Football Podcast! Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon break down the state of the NFL. They start with the San Francisco 49ers, who continued their dominance with a complete victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Mexico City. Which teams are soaring? Which teams are falling flat?

And of course, Tyler shares his highly controversial Thanksgiving hot take about what should and shouldn't be on your plate Thursday. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

The NFL playoff pretenders and contenders are starting to separate themselves.

After a stunning overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills in Week 10, the Minnesota Vikings are flexing their muscles thanks to the receiving prowess of Justin Jefferson. But how long does the "Skol" last? Meanwhile, the Bills face a harsher reality that their performances as a whole ride heavily on the back of quarterback Josh Allen. 

Elsewhere, the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins are proving to be complete and competitive teams in the league. And while Jeff Saturday was able to rally the Indianapolis Colts to a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in his first game as head coach, the result likely says more about the Raiders. If results continue, will offseason mega-signing Davante Adams stick around? And could Derek Carr become the future Colts quarterback?

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

The Indianapolis Colts made the splash of the week when they fired head coach Frank Reich and hired Jeff Saturday as interim. Does Irsay get a pass because of his track record for hiring minority coaches? Or does this decision put gasoline on the fire that the NFL is a good old boys club?

IndyStar columnist Gregg Doyel didn’t hold back when he joined Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon to discuss the shocking news and the Colts’ other ongoing problems, including the quarterback situation.

Odell Beckham Jr. is in the news as speculation swirls around where he’ll land. Will it be the Dallas Cowboys? Or a return to the Los Angeles Rams? Or joining Von Miller at the Buffalo Bills? Or somewhere else? Tyler has a piece of news he saved just for the podcast.

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

This week the insiders dove into the NBA trade deadline ... Wait, that's not it. This is a football podcast, right?

With 10 deals done on deadline day in the NFL, it felt more like the professional basketball counterpart known for its lucrative trades. Bradley Chubb, Jeff Wilson and Calvin Ridley were all moved within two hours of the NFL's cutoff Tuesday. They were among 12 players dealt on the final day of the trade window.

USA TODAY Sports reporter Chris Bumbaca joined Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon to discuss the winners and losers of the NFL trade deadline.

Elsewhere, the Washington Commanders made headlines Wednesday, not for their player deals, but because owners Daniel and Tanya Snyder hired a bank to "consider potential transactions" involving the team. Could this mean a long-awaited sale of the team? Or just a reshuffling of the front office? 

Midway through the season, t The insiders tackle these topics and take a moment to reflect on which teams made the grade through the first nine weeks of the season – and which have fallen flat. 

Welcome to "It's a Football Podcast!" with USA TODAY Sports+ insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called? 

It's a Football Podcast!  

Future Hall of Fame quarterbacks Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers continue to struggle, looking frustrated with their supporting cast. Meanwhile, the teams in the Big Apple are on a roll. 

USA TODAY Sports reporter Nate Davis is the keeper of NFL picks. He joined Safid Deen to discuss the movement in the NFL ahead of the trade deadline, starting with the blockbuster acquisition of Christian McCaffrey by the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets' efforts to fill the hole left by injured rookie standout Breece Hall.

The guys also discussed Tyler Dragon's latest NFL coaches grades for the best and worst performances of the week. The Carolina Panthers trampled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and got an A, while the Los Angeles Chargers staff continued to miss the mark. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

It's a Football Podcast! 

When the league's top decision-makers convened for the annual NFL league meetings, not all was peaceful. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay publicly said there is “merit” to remove Daniel Snyder as the owner of the Washington Commanders. His comments come after an investigation and an inquiry by the House Oversight Committee over allegations of a toxic workplace at the Commanders organization. 

“It’s a difficult situation. I believe that there’s merit to remove him as owner of the (Commanders)," Irsay said. "I think it’s something that we have to review. We have to look at all the evidence and we have to be thorough in going forward. But I think it’s something that has to be given serious consideration.”

Less serious, but also controversial, USA TODAY reporter Safid Deen asked the hard-hitting question to Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, "Is the Griddy celebration overdone?"

The NFL insiders also discussed the latest coaching grades, including a Green Bay Packers flop and a New England Patriots bump. And after running back Christian McCaffrey said the trade talks surrounding him are "out of (his) control" last week, the guys talked about possible landing spots for the record-breaking Carolina Panther.

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

Week 5 of the 2022 NFL regular season was a busy one. 

Davante Adams was charged with misdemeanor assault for pushing a photographer after the Las Vegas Raiders' loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Not one, but two roughing the passer calls had fans in fits. And the Carolina Panthers fired head coach Matt Rhule.

This week, the NFL insiders discuss whether some rules need to be reexamined, what makes the NFC East so surprisingly successful and who will dominate Week 6.

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered separate head and neck injuries in back-to-back games – four days apart. The second injury saw the former first-round NFL draft pick stretchered off the field against the Cincinnati Bengals. While he recovers, the league and NFL Players Association are discussing changes to existing concussion protocols.

With Dolphins staff under scrutiny and other coaches overcoming player injuries to succeed, the NFL insiders discuss coaches' grades after Week 4. Do Mike McCarthy and Co. deserve top marks for getting the best out of Cooper Rush while Dak Prescott sits out injured? Is the Atlanta Falcons' staff better than average with back-to-back wins?

Despite sleeping through his alarm, USA TODAY reporter Tyler Dragon made it to the airport in time to make it back for the podcast. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

What would the first Black NFL coach see looking at the league today?

USA TODAY Sports compiled and analyzed demographic data for NFL coaches at every level, head coach to fellow. Reporter Tom Schad joined the show to discuss the findings from the ongoing project. The group took a closer look at the reasons some teams have shared with the league as to why they did not hire a Black coach, including "didn't look the part."

Also, it was reporter Parker Gabriel's last show, so the crew spent a little extra time previewing the Denver Broncos game in Las Vegas against the 0-3 Raiders. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

Week 2 of the NFL season was packed with comeback victories and lopsided results. 

The Miami Dolphins and Tua Tagovailoa put the world on notice going 2-0 to start the season after a big comeback win against the Baltimore Ravens. The Arizona Cardinals handed the Las Vegas Raiders a shocking home loss. And the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs overcame early deficits to snag wins of their own.

In Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers are 2-0, but the injuries on the offensive line are showing and Tom Brady was visibly upset last week. Without wide receiver Mike Evans, will the momentum continue?

The Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati Bengals and Las Vegas Raiders are off to unexpectedly poor starts. Which team will break its losing ways?

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

Drama hit Dallas Week 1 when the Cowboys stumbled against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But the bigger loss of the game happened when quarterback Dak Prescott left the stadium injured. He could be sidelined for a month. Will it end the Cowboys' season before it really begins?

Elsewhere, the Pittsburgh Steelers survived a scare against the Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow, who threw four interceptions. But the Steelers faced an injury bug of their own, including defensive stalwart T.J. Watt. 

Will the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills' dominance continue in Week 2? The NFL Insiders predict the five (or six) key games of the upcoming weekend.

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

We brought out the stars for the 2022 NFL season preview. USA TODAY Sports reporters Mike Jones and Parker Gabriel shared their early predictions, while Hall of Fame columnist Jarrett Bell gave an inside look at his upcoming story about former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton (Spoiler: Justin Bieber is mentioned). 

After a busy offseason, the games are just around the corner. The Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills get the action started Thursday with what could be a Super Bowl preview. The NFL insiders discuss everything from Tom Brady's 23rd season to Lamar Jackson's ongoing contract talks with the Baltimore Ravens. Plus, Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon bring back their game-by-game predictions. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

The NFL season is right around the corner and the news cycle is ramping up just in time for the new year. Get ready for Week 1 with USA TODAY Sports reporters Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. 

Former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden said he is hopeful for "another shot" in the NFL after last season's email scandal. The Buffalo Bills released rookie punter Matt Araiza after he was accused in a civil lawsuit of raping a 17-year-old girl. 

On the field, Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield has some choice words about facing his former team, the Cleveland Browns. Meanwhile, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is staying in San Francisco after the 49ers had previously publicly expressed interest in trading him. 

The NFL Insiders share their season predictions and Safid offers a special message in memory of the Miami Dolphins Vice President of Communications Jason Jenkins, who unexpectedly passed away this week. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

Tom Brady made his return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The seven-time champion denied spending time filming FOX TV competition the Masked Singer but didn't share much more. In addition to questions about his absence, UFC president Dana White created quite the buzz saying he almost facilitated the quarterback and tight end Rob Gronkowski's move to the Las Vegas Raiders. And current Raiders QB Derek Carr took it all in stride. 

Baker Mayfield gets the starting job with the Carolina Panthers. In Seattle, meanwhile, coach Pete Carroll hasn't yet committed to QB Drew Lock. One thing that is a sure thing is betting on the Baltimore Ravens in preseason, who won their 22nd preseason game. Someone not as lucky, New York Giants rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux sprained his MCL after a hit that caused heated debate across the league. 

In other news, Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates finally signed a franchise tag with the team, Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson will miss a few weeks with injury and Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young moved to the reserve/PUP list. Plus, the NFL insiders on players coaching players and the Manti Te'o documentary. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?