Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary Episode: Hour 1: Be Mad at the Giants
Release Date: February 10, 2025

Introduction

In the "Be Mad at the Giants" episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the aftermath of the recent Super Bowl, focusing on the performance of the New York Giants, the halftime show controversy, and broader NFL dynamics. The conversation is rich with analysis, personal insights, and spirited debates, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and loyal listeners alike.

1. Super Bowl Halftime Show and Kendrick Lamar's Performance

Timestamp: [01:00] – [04:54]

The episode kicks off with a discussion centered around Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show. The hosts dissect the subtle (and not-so-subtle) jabs aimed at Drake, exploring the implications of Kendrick's performance choices and the subsequent reactions from fans and the media.

• Peter Rosenberg initiates the conversation by highlighting the audience's fascination with Kendrick's potential digs:

  "What's happening, boys?... allowing people the room to give theories on what they saw from Kendrick last night..." ([01:04])

• Don LaGreca expresses his focus solely on the music rather than the underlying beef:

  "I'm really not into that stuff. Right. Like, I'm really not into that stuff." ([01:26])

• Alan Hahn shares his experience at a Super Bowl party where younger fans were more attuned to the performance nuances:

  "There were girls... partially into the game... they knew every song. They were totally into it." ([03:09])

The trio debates whether Kendrick's performance was a strategic move by the NFL to generate intrigue or a personal statement against Drake, with Peter Rosenberg suggesting:

"Maybe the NFL knew if we don't have a halftime show with this much intrigue, we're not going to have anything because that game was pure hot filth." ([04:54])

2. Analysis of the Giants' Performance and NFL Team Strategies

Timestamp: [04:54] – [17:08]

The conversation shifts to a critical analysis of the New York Giants' performance in the Super Bowl, scrutinizing the team's management, coaching decisions, and overall strategy.

• Alan Hahn criticizes the Giants' inability to retain key players, especially Saquon Barkley, highlighting the team's flawed decision-making:

  "I'm mad at the Giants that they were in a position to let him go." ([23:08])

• Don LaGreca echoes the frustration, emphasizing the consequences of poor organizational choices:

  "We will never be able to forget how trash we are." ([29:25])

• The hosts delve into the importance of effective leadership, comparing successful teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Commanders to the struggling Giants:

  "You need talented players, but at the end of the day, you need coaches to make those guys work." ([05:44])

• Peter Rosenberg underscores the necessity of acquiring top-tier coaching talent, questioning the Giants' recruitment strategies:

  "Why has it become... get the best. Get the best. Who's the best? Go get him." ([17:34])

The discussion also touches on salary cap implications and the challenges teams face in attracting elite coaching talent without restrictions.

3. Reactions to the Halftime Show and Inclusivity in Artist Selection

Timestamp: [17:08] – [37:35]

The hosts transition to evaluating the public's reception of the Super Bowl halftime show, debating the balance between inclusivity and catering to diverse audiences.

• Don LaGreca criticizes the perceived selective outrage towards urban and hip-hop artists:

  "It was aggressive. It didn't cater to a lot of the demographic. It should be more inclusive." ([30:07])

• Alan Hahn reflects on past halftime shows dominated by older, predominantly white artists, illustrating that criticism isn't new:

  "Back to back, they went Aerosmith, they went Aerosmith, U2, Shania Twain, back to back." ([35:01])

• The trio discusses the evolving nature of the halftime show, acknowledging that no selection can satisfy all viewers:

  "We all agree the game sucked. It was not a great game. It was not a fun game to watch." ([23:51])

• Peter Rosenberg highlights the fragmentation of audience perceptions due to social media bubbles:

  "We don't live in a world anymore where we even share a shared reality." ([39:21])

The segment underscores the complexities of artist selection for high-profile events like the Super Bowl, balancing tradition with evolving cultural preferences.

4. Detailed Game Analysis: Chiefs vs. Eagles and Mahomes' Performance

Timestamp: [37:35] – [48:06]

The podcast delves into a comprehensive analysis of the Chiefs' disappointing performance against the Eagles, with a particular focus on Patrick Mahomes' underwhelming game.

• Alan Hahn expresses his disappointment with Mahomes, reflecting on his past performances and questioning his current form:

  "You had Jason Tatum and we were going through like what was Tatum have to do to outshine Patrick Mahomes Saturday night..." ([46:56])

• Don Hahn compares Mahomes' performance to past NFL greats who have had standout low points:

  "Think about Peyton Manning against that Seattle defense in Super Bowl 48... There was like a ton of turnovers. He was awful in that game." ([41:01])

• Peter Rosenberg critiques the offensive strategies employed by the Chiefs, suggesting fundamental flaws that led to their downfall:

  "The commanders in the end lost by like 33 points to the Eagles. You can't tell me the commander's game wasn't much closer than that Super Bowl." ([43:16])

• The hosts discuss the broader implications of coaching and player management, emphasizing the need for cohesive team dynamics:

  "You have to get the coach, you have to get the quarterback or you can't win." ([12:50])

This segment offers listeners an in-depth look at game mechanics, player performance metrics, and strategic missteps that contributed to the Chiefs' loss.

Conclusion

The "Be Mad at the Giants" episode offers a multifaceted examination of recent NFL events, combining passionate fan perspectives with critical sports analysis. From dissecting halftime show controversies to scrutinizing team strategies and player performances, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provide listeners with engaging content that balances entertainment with insightful commentary.

Notable Quotes:

• "We don't live in a world anymore where we even share a shared reality." – Peter Rosenberg ([39:21])
• "You need talented players, but at the end of the day, you need coaches to make those guys work." – Don Hahn ([05:44])
• "I do think that their record, in spite of how good it was, they were a bit of a fraud." – Peter Rosenberg ([44:29])

For fans eager to dive deeper into these discussions, the episode is available on all major podcast platforms via the ESPN New York app or your preferred podcast provider.

Thank you for reading the summary. For the full experience and more insights, subscribe to Don, Hahn & Rosenberg on your favorite podcast platform.