NFL Beat Week 7: Dianna Russini
Front Row continues a weekly series with ESPN NFL reporters who take you inside their upcoming game assignments. Dianna Russini is covering Steelers at Titans
Reflecting upon her Week 7 game assignment – Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans, NFL reporter and host Dianna Russini told Front Row, “This is the biggest game I have covered this season. Two undefeated teams who are drastically different.”
What won’t be different though, is Russini’s dedication to her craft and the hard work she puts in to deliver valuable insights to NFL fans each and every week.
In fact, this Sunday Russini will provide viewers with even more inside, pre-game analysis as she’ll be interviewing both head coaches, Mike Vrabel (Titans) and Mike Tomlin (Steelers), before the game.
Russini shares key storylines on Steelers-Titans and more in the Q&A below.
On Sunday morning, ESPN’s NFL reporters, including Russini, will provide game day news and analysis during Sunday NFL Countdown (10 a.m. ET, ESPN) and Fantasy Football Now (10 a.m. ET, ESPNEWS/ESPN2).
Jeff Darlington: Tampa Bay at Las Vegas
Dan Graziano: San Francisco at New England
Sal Paolantonio: Dallas at Washington
Dianna Russini: Pittsburgh at Tennessee
Ed Werder: Kansas City at Denver
If you were able to travel to the game with any player or coach, who would it be and why?
[Philadelphia Eagles head coach] Doug Pederson so I could text [ESPN reporter] Sal [Paolantonio] from the car and say “Doug can’t text you right now, he’s driving.” If not Doug, I would love to drive to a game with [San Francisco 49ers tight end] George Kittle. I feel like he’s a speedy driver and would play really loud heavy metal.
What is the first thing you’ll do when you get to the stadium?
Greet my crew! I work with so many of the same photographers and producers that they have become part of my family. The N.Y. crew I work with even shot my wedding last month [see tweet below]!
Congratulations @diannaESPN! Wishing you and your new husband many happy Sundays ahead! pic.twitter.com/xSDKmPUyi3
— Allie Stoneberg (@AllieStoneberg) September 27, 2020
What are the most essential items you have on hand?
Coffee, phone, mask, lipstick (because my mom thinks I always look pale in the fall/winter seasons).
What are the top three storylines you’ll be reporting on?
- How the Steelers defense dominates against play action, which is the Titans offense
- How Titans RB Derrick Henry has grown under Mike Vrabel’s coaching and leadership
- How Chase Claypool has emerged has the No. 1 receiver on the Steelers
What should fantasy football players consider?
Do not sit Claypool.
What is your go-to stadium snack?
Covid protocols have made eating a challenge. There are not a lot of options. I usually just go with coffee and water all day, which is pretty unhealthy. I try to bring power bars, and I always eat a huge dinner.
