Hour 1: Conference Championship Weekend

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Conference Championship Weekend

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Host/Authors: Don LaGreca (ESPN New York), Alan Hahn (ESPN New York/New Jersey), Peter Rosenberg (Hip Hop Veteran & WWE Personality)
• Episode: Hour 1: Conference Championship Weekend
• Release Date: January 24, 2025
• Description: The trio delves into the latest in New York sports, national football playoff action, and much more, blending expertise with spirited banter.

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1. NFL Conference Championship Breakdown

AFC Playoffs: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills

• Analysis of Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen:
  • Peter Rosenberg emphasizes the high-stakes matchup, likening it to legendary quarterback duels, stating, "I think maybe not to the exact level, but it's darn close that Allen against Mahomes is almost at, you know, Peyton Brady level." [06:57]
  • Alan Hahn discusses the Chiefs' consistent performance, noting their ability to avoid turnovers with "eight straight games without a turnover" enhancing their winning chances. [08:24]
  • Don LaGreca adds perspective on officiating biases, questioning if the referees might favor star players like Mahomes, "do you get breaks?...Maybe I'm not going to throw the flag in human nature." [12:00]

NFC Playoffs: Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles

• Momentum and Historical Context:
  • Peter Rosenberg highlights Washington's remarkable turnaround, citing historical instances where teams from the bottom ranks made Super Bowl appearances, "Since the merger in 1970, no team that finished in the bottom two the year before went on to win the Super Bowl." [18:39]
  • Alan Hahn points out the defensive prowess of the Eagles, particularly praising players like Jalen Carter and their ability to stifle opponents, "Eagles have a defense that's the best in the league," [39:16]

2. Officiating and Its Impact on the Playoffs

• Discussion on Referee Biases:
  • The hosts engage in a deep dive into how officiating crews might inadvertently favor star quarterbacks, especially in pivotal playoff moments. Peter Rosenberg questions, "Is there a moment where everybody's going, ah, it's the Chiefs, they're getting the flag and then they don't get it?" [12:00]
  • Alan Hahn reinforces this skepticism by mentioning the specific officiating crew led by Cleet Blakeman, who has called the most penalties this season, "This is a crew that has called the most penalties on average this season." [16:48]

3. Super Bowl Predictions and Team Dynamics

• Chiefs vs. Bills vs. Commanders vs. Eagles:
  • Peter Rosenberg expresses confidence in the Bills over the Chiefs, stating, "The Bills are better and I don't feel the same way." [08:27]
  • Alan Hahn suggests that neither of the championship games will be blowouts, anticipating close finishes, "I really do believe I don't see either of these games being blowouts." [23:27]
  • Listener Kadeem adds support for the Eagles, emphasizing their strong defense and Jalen Hurts’ performance, "The Eagles should win...fly Eagles, fly." [39:16]

4. New York Sports Highlights

• Knicks’ Historic Achievement:

  • Alan Hahn celebrates the New York Knicks having two All-Star starters for the first time in 50 years, highlighting Jalen Brunson and Carl Anthony Towns, "It's only been 50 years since the last time that's happened with the Knicks." [02:25]

• Rangers and Avalanche:

  • Early discussions indicate optimism about the Rangers possibly turning their season around and updates on the Avalanche’s performance, setting the stage for exciting weekend hockey action. [Throughout episode]

5. NBA Preview and Key Matchups

• Upcoming Games:
  • The hosts preview significant NBA matchups including Spurs vs. Pacers, Timberwolves vs. Nuggets, Celtics vs. Mavericks, and Lakers vs. Warriors, mentioning key players and team form.
  • Alan Hahn remarks on the Celtics' recent underperformance, "They look bored. They have not been good lately." [45:05]

6. Listener Calls and Community Engagement

• Fan Perspectives:
  • Various listeners share their team loyalties and frustrations, particularly focusing on the rivalry dynamics between Jets and Bills, and the complexities of rooting for division rivals like the Commanders.
  • Ben, a Chargers fan, criticizes Patrick Mahomes for perceived whining, while Brian discusses the emotional tug-of-war of supporting multiple teams influenced by his surroundings. [45:17 - 47:30]

7. Promotions and Contests

• Superbox Bonanza 6:
  • The hosts announce the Superbox Bonanza contest, offering listeners a chance to win prizes by predicting game outcomes. Prizes include cash payouts for first and third quarters, halftime, and final scores, along with other rewards like Yeti coolers and Ray-Ban sunglasses. [41:07]

8. Notable Quotes

• Peter Rosenberg: "They don't commit dumb penalties, they don't turn the ball over. Was it eight straight games without a turnover? Something like that?" [08:27]
• Alan Hahn: "This is championship football Friday here on the show." [Rest of the timeline as per context]
• Don LaGreca: "We don't have any skin in the game unless you want to claim the Bills." [Average placement based on transcript]

9. Conclusion and Future Segments

• The episode wraps up with anticipatory remarks about upcoming guest discussions, including an interview with Adam Schefter at 5:00 PM, and further in-depth analysis of the Knicks, Rangers, and playoff scenarios.
• Peter Rosenberg humorously interjects with personal anecdotes and teases future content, maintaining the engaging and lively atmosphere that characterizes the podcast.

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Overall Impression: In this episode, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provide a comprehensive and spirited analysis of the NFL Conference Championships, delving into team performances, quarterback matchups, and officiating biases. They skillfully balance informed sports commentary with relatable banter and listener interactions, making the podcast both insightful and entertaining for fans looking to get a detailed breakdown of the playoff weekend.

Notable Moments:

• 07:11 – Discussion on Chiefs' dynasty and Bills' potential.
• 12:00 – Deep dive into officiating biases and their impact on game outcomes.
• 23:27 – Predictions on the tight nature of playoff games.
• 39:16 – Listener Kadeem's defense of the Eagles and their strong season.

Listeners are encouraged to tune in for future episodes to stay updated on sports developments, enjoy engaging discussions, and participate in interactive contests.

Transcript

[Don LaGreca]

This episode is brought to you by Love Hurts. Ki Hui Kwan has had quite a career, from childhood roles in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and the Goonies to a recent Academy Award win for Everything Everywhere all at Once. But now Kee finally stars as a leading man in the film Love Hurts. Love Hurts is the perfect date night movie with its mix of over the top action comedy and a ton of heart. Love Hurts only at theaters February 7th.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don, one day you're not gonna play football anymore. And if there's a God up above, it'll be soon.

[Unknown]

Han.

Huge. No, but big.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

And Rosenberg.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said. This isn't North Dakota. This is New York.

[Unknown]

This is Don, Han and Rosenberg on 880 ESPN and the ESPN New York app.

And it's a football Friday. It's championship Friday. Don legreca. We've got ourselves a hell of a double header on Sunday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We do.

[Unknown]

We're gonna get everybo ready for it today. How you doing?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm good, man. Looking forward to some football. It's good. Sunday's gonna be fun.

[Unknown]

Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Got Rangers, Avalanche. A little appetizer at 1. Lead us into some football. So I got a busy Sunday.

[Unknown]

Oh, wow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I got a free Saturday. Usually. There's always Rangers in some capacity on Saturday. We got a nice day off. No football to watch. No, I don't have Rangers. So looking forward to little, little, little free time on Saturday and then it gets real on Sunday.

[Unknown]

Nice yet. Some Rangers last night. How about them?

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're back.

[Unknown]

Are they 15 goals in three games. Are they a wagon right now? Is that what the kids say? Is that what the kids say?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think that's what the kids say. My kids haven't said it yet, but soon, I guess. But.

[Unknown]

But still, like is there something to be said about it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's something to be said. 7. Oh and 3. Outscored their opponents last two games. 11 1. All right then. Now there's nobody standing between them and the last seat of the playoffs. They hopped over everybody and they're a out of a playoff spot with a game in hand on Columbus.

[Unknown]

So control your destiny kind of situation there in all coming together nice. 800 now and 937 7. The Knicks haven't played in like a month. It feels like they haven't played since Tuesday. I've had nothing to do it and I just watch tomorrow and hanging out. But yes, we're back at it tomorrow. But we do have two all stars on this team now with Jalen Brunson and Carl Anthony. Town's name to the, to the starters. Name the starters for All Stars. It's only been 50 years since the last time that's happened with the Knicks.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you know, it was a quick 50.

[Unknown]

It's a quick 50.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Went by real F. And you know the names, they're.

[Unknown]

They're not brand names.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're. Yeah, they don't.

[Unknown]

I don't tell you their real names, the government names. I'll just tell you who they. Clyde and Pearl. You know exactly who I'm talking.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Exactly. Yeah. So. So yeah, even if you're not around for it. And I was on this earth but not conscious of knowing what was going on. I know those names.

[Unknown]

Yeah, exactly. 800-919-3776 for the calls and get you going right now with us. Lots to get to today. We sprinkle in a little hockey, a little basketball. Of course we got to talk about Pete Alonso because you met, man, I, I'm, I've, I've had it. And the breaking point was this morning talking to my sister. I'm just going to leave it there, really. We're going to get to it. But I had a breaking point this morning and I'm like, that's it. Something needs to be said, so we'll get to all that. But interesting news before we get even to the championship games here and just breaking down that Pete Carroll, according to sources, is going to be the next head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. He's going to be 74 years old in September and yet I don't blink at this at all. I think, think about that division. Andy Reid. Right. Sean Payton.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Jim Harbaugh.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Like you got. These are established veteran coaches. You can't bring in somebody who's wet behind the ears going up against these guys twice a year. So I, it's. Tom Brady's involved in ownership. You know, he's got a hand in this. It's a good hire, it's a smart hire. And by the way, an experienced guy coming into a franchise that needs some direction. What a concept.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How about that? But you're right in that division. It's, it's crazy the, the amount of talent that's coaching in the AFC east right now. And, and, and Harbaugh is the neophyte. Right.

[Unknown]

He's the kid all coached in a Super bowl at least. And three of the four have won one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But Harbaugh still like the kid, you know, he's still at the kids table when they have dinner, you know, because of the ring. When you compare and you just compare resumes and his resume is nothing to sneeze at. He said he's coached in a Super bowl and success in college and all that. But he's not Sean Payton, he's not Andy Reed and he's not the new Raiders head coach that the jets couldn't even bother to interview.

[Unknown]

No. Too old.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But he, I get, listen, I know it's, it can come across as ageism. I understand your concern about getting into a long term relationship with somebody in their mid-70s. Right. But when you talk about age is only a number, the picture next to that phrase is Pete Carroll. I mean there is nothing about him that says 74 years old. Yeah, I mean he's active on the sidelines, he's into it. He's not somebody that I would consider old school in the way that he coaches and the way that he deals with players. So all the things that you would, the concern about 74, it's 74. I just want to make sure you're on this earth when the contract is over. But when you talk about like he's not a curmudgeon, the way he deals with the media, all the things that you want out of a coach, he might as well be 43 and yeah, so I, I would have definitely talked to him but good on the Raiders. We'll see if he can turn that thing around.

[Unknown]

Yeah, it's a very interesting hire. And so that one is, is again just being reported. Adam Schefter, by the way, who's part of all the reporting that we do here at ESPN. He's going to join us at 5. It's been a while since we got a chance to talk with Shefty and there's a lot on the plate to pick his brain about. So 5:00, you don't want to miss it. Adam Schefter will be joining us there. We got our picks. Of course we're going to run the hurry up in the show as well. So again, lots to get to. But really, again, the story of a football Friday here going into this weekend is Sunday championship weekend. And you got the division rivals in the NFC side of things with the Commanders, the upstart commanders and the Eagles. That's the 3 o'clock game on Fox and then the 630. To me, this is the headline. It is the headline game. Clearly. I mean this is Josh Allen versus Mahomes. This is once again one of the AFC quarterbacks trying to take on Patrick Mahomes. Whether it's Burrow, whether it's Lamar Jackson or whether it's Josh Allen, just seems like every year one of them is trying to take him down and the last two years nobody has been able to do it. The Chiefs are going for something we haven't seen in super bowl history, which is three straight. That is also a big deal. That's the 630 on CBS and the three peat's the big part of the story. The Chiefs dynasty, how great, you know, how great of a franchise they have become and how tired some people don have gotten of them is a big part of the storylines that we'll be following and talking about.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I think maybe not to the exact level, but it's darn close that Allen against Mahomes is almost at, you know, Peyton Brady level. And eventually Manning figured it out.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And did beat him.

[Unknown]

And remember they said about Peyton Manning for a while that he was a great quarterback who couldn't win the big one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, well, the biggest thing, the biggest thing with Peyton, I really felt what killed them is they'd always have to play in Foxborough and it was a dome team having to go in the snow and the cold and figure out a way to win and then, you know, finally, you know, cracking the code at home. I don't think that's a Josh Allen thing. I think Josh Allen just quite frankly has not had a good enough team to beat Kansas City. You can't blame Josh Allen for that loss in overtime a few years ago. He went right there. No, he just went back.

[Unknown]

Didn't get the ball back.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, the format unfortunately beat him and he just wasn't able to get the ball back. So it's no shame. But we get, but we always match up the two quarterbacks and it's the two. One of, you know, the two of the three or four best quarterbacks in the NFL and one of them is 0 and 3 and the other one's 3 and oh against each other and what's going to happen. But I really do believe, put all my biases aside because I do respect the Chiefs as far as them being a really good football team and Patrick Mahomes being one of the best quarterbacks that I've ever seen. I think, I think the Bills are better and I don't, I don't feel the same way. I do as I did in the past. Now you're going to have to go to Kansas City, which is not. No. Easy.

[Unknown]

They've won 11 straight home games in that building.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, and they are. They're a great. And again, I'm going to sound, you know, biased because of what I said the other day with my rant and all that. And I still stand by the fact that they catch a lot of breaks and Mahomes is able to draw a bunch of penalties. But let's be honest, this team does not hurt themselves. Right. They don't commit dumb penalties, they don't turn the ball over. Was it eight straight games without a turnover? Something like that?

[Unknown]

Eight straight, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So when, when you don't beat yourself, then when you catch a break, it's usually going to help you win the game because you're going to be in the game. Right. Bad teams like you take the Giants and J, you can give them every break in the world, they're still not going to win the game because they're not good. But you give this team a half a break and it's probably enough for them to win most games. That's how talented they are, that's how well coached they are. I just think it's the Bill's time and that's who I think is going to go to the Super Bowl. I'm going to stand by my. The Bills Ravens winners winning the Super Bowl. I haven't seen anything to change that opinion. So that's what I'm going with.

[Unknown]

I like that. I mean, again, the other thing you said the other day earlier this week, which I think is also something to watch in this game, is first of all, the spread's one and a half. Right. So it's basically a pickle.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

You expect this is going to be just like the last time they met, where it's just going to go just haymakers. Right. Like home run for home run, punch for punch. It's going to feel like that kind of a game. At least that's what we're hoping for. And that's where you said, you better not let him have the ball last. And that was the same thing we said about Brady. You always would say that. Don't leave any time on the clock for Brady. Don't do it. You can't do it. And it's the same thing here with Mahomes. He finds a way. And so the biggest statistic to me that I read about this matchup is something that you we won't know until late in the game. The Chiefs have won 16 straight one score games.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Incredible.

[Unknown]

Think about that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, it's incredible.

[Unknown]

Every close game they're in, they win. They win it 16 in a row. So when you find yourself in the fourth quarter and it's a three point game, a five point game, a six point game, whatever it is, as long as it's winning, the touchdown, they're winning. They always do. And so how do you slay the dragon? You might have to be up two scores. You might have to find a way. Don't miss a field goal. Right. Don't have that missed extra point. You can't have. Like you said, you almost have to play a perfect game to win in on that field against that guy and that franchise.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But the difference between this game and other games is that will it go blow for blow? Because it's not like this Kansas City team blows you away offensively. Now they've got an amazing quarterback, but it's not like they were scoring at the clip that the Lions were this year.

[Unknown]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What I think twice they scored 30 points. So you know, you. So what I said against the Ravens and it didn't turn out to necessarily be true because the Ravens turned the ball over. Is it just. You can't have those. The defense has to come up with a stop. You can't have those empty possessions. And I guess that's what the turnovers ended up being for the Ravens. But.

[Unknown]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't think it's killer say if the Chiefs score a touchdown and the. And the Bills come back and kick a field goal. No, it's not the end of the world.

[Unknown]

I just mean don't miss one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But those points are going to.

[Unknown]

Yeah, exactly. That's good. It's going to come back to haunt you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now let me ask you this. As somebody that's covered sports forever and you've been a fan forever, I wonder what you think about this take. Now, clearly you can't even argue with me that they've caught some breaks from the officials. Right. And I've never said that there's any kind of plan. Roger Goodell sitting in a room someplace and twisting his mustache.

[Unknown]

Yeah, exactly.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's not doing that.

[Unknown]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think what happens to officials is they always give the breaks to the stars because when it's very difficult to officiate. And whether it's throwing your arm up in hockey or calling a foul in basketball or deciding to throw the flag in football, when it comes to a quarterback, is that always err on the side of giving the quarterback the benefit of the doubt.

[Unknown]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nobody. The league isn't going to come down on you that you protected Patrick Mahomes. Hey, I thought, I thought that elbow was to the head. I thought that he could have stopped. And the league's not going to say, well, come on now, you know, you've got to let Mahomes get folded in half and that's what ends up happening, right? That, you know, give that when it's, when it's right there on the fence, lean on the side of the star player. But I wonder, with all the talk that's been going on, even Patrick Mahomes having to answer questions, do you get breaks? Do you get breaks from the officials? All those memes of Patrick Mahomes making out with officials, I'm sure you saw that on social media. Now, there's a close call and these officials are human. Do they then maybe err on the side of, I don't wanna be that guy that they think is in bed with Kansas City. Maybe I'm going to lean on not throwing the flag because of the flak officials have gotten all year long. And now in this big game, if it's a close call, I'm not going to throw the flag in human nature. Is that something that can maybe play in the Bill's favor on Sunday?

[Unknown]

It's a very interesting. What you just said is really interesting because like, I, I have thought this about umpires and I have thought this about NBA officials as well. Because, look, as much as they say, like we try to, you try to tell your officials, don't read things in the media, stay out of that stuff because you want to be swayed by it. You know, things get back to you. You hear about it, you talk about it, you're preparing for it. You're going to tell me that no one in this officiating crew is aware of the idea that, oh, they all think we favor the Chiefs. And at one moment in this game, if there is a potential, like Mahomes slides or he sneaks out of bounds but somebody gives him a bump and he flops. He didn't get that call, by the way. Remember when he did flop that time out of bounds, they didn't give him, they didn't throw a flag on that one. But let's just say there is a moment where it is potentially a borderline call. And the official has his hand on the flag and then goes, no, not gonna do it. I'm not gonna be a guy that they think falls for this or favors the Chiefs. Human nature is all part of this stuff, whether you like it or not, right? Only and only an official will know in his heart of hearts if he like an umpire when, when you hear about your strike zone or somebody says something, oh, the opposing pitcher has said something about your strike zone and there's one that comes in on the black and you're like, I'm not giving it to him. Right. Just because you don't want to. So that's a great thing to watch for. Like a little sneaky side thing to watch for in this game. Will there be a call or a moment where everybody's going, ah, it's the Chiefs, they're getting the flag and then they don't get it. And it does have some impact in the game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Because what do people that are anti replay always say? What's the phrase they always say that they love about unpleasant the human element? Well, this is what we're talking about, the human element of, of it being subjective. But there's always going to be bias because there's always going to be information that's running in your head that can affect the call. And this even goes deeper to, like when you're. When I'm watching a chief game or when my team is playing against another team and you're thinking that things aren't going to go your way on that third and 14 and quarterback goes back to pass incomplete. You pump your fist that you're going to get the ball back, but then you have that one moment like, is there a flag?

[Unknown]

Flag, there's a flag.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And that happens with the.

[Unknown]

All the good broadcasters, the first thing they look for right away.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It used to be back in the day when there'd be a special teams touchdown, a kick return. There are no flags on the field now you feel like you got to say it, Mahomes incomplete and there's no flag. So, so I'm wondering like on that. So the officials there all watching going, all right, it's third and long. Everybody's expecting me if this pass is incomplete, to throw a flag. Like, you know, so I just.

[Unknown]

Let me add, let me add one little thing now. You ready for this? So the officiating crew, of course, they've already named it. So Cleet Blakeman is the lead referee. Anybody that pays attention to this stuff, if you look it up, Blakeman's officiating crew has called the most penalties on average per game this season. Okay, almost 16 per game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a lot.

[Unknown]

Something to keep an eye on, which.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Tells you that there might be just, there might be laundry all over the field the whole game for both teams, you know, so just a matter of when.

[Unknown]

16, man, like. And again, you could say, see this is the NFL responding to it. But I believe these guys are put in place when the season ends. Not like they did this, you know, Tuesday, like they didn't name this crew Tuesday. I can't imagine. I think this is, this is kind of scheduled out if I'm not mistaken.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But still think logistically it has to be, right?

[Unknown]

Yeah. Like AFC chat. Well, AFC champion, you're doing this game, you know that you, you've gotten this game. This is. But just something to watch. This is a crew that has called the most penalties on average this season. So again, I love that you brought it up because you're right, you're right. There could be a moment where somebody's reaching for the flag and then just, nope, not going to give it to him. I'm not going to be the guy that they all start talking about, you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Know, something to follow, something to keep an eye on. And I think on the other side of the ledger you've got a very interesting matchup between the Commanders and the Eagles. And the knee jerk reaction is to say this is where it all comes to an end. Eagles are a better team. Commanders can't keep this up. But I don't want to play the role of Peter Rosenberg here today, but could you make the case that this will be the best team that Philadelphia has faced in the playoffs?

[Unknown]

Yes, you can. You certainly can. Although the Rams, again, that was.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Rams and packers are not bad teams.

[Unknown]

Yeah, that was no walkover that game. But, but this where they are. I think it's when you talk about momentum and you talk about like this feel good kind of story, but just a team that has belief. And by the way, remember we had a call that asked us a question and I got the answer for it. Okay, I forget who it was, but the, the maybe it was Griffin. Actually, has there ever been a team that has had this much of a turnaround?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Unknown]

And so there is, there is some facts here. ESPN Sports Information Group actually found this. So since the merger in 1970, no team that finished in the bottom two the year before went on to win the Super Bowl. So keep that in mind if they win this game. Now the other thing to keep in mind is this, this is the fifth time division rivals are facing each other in a championship game, NFC or AFC since 2005 times it's happened the winner of that game won the Super Bowl. So when you say the winners coming out, every like history tells us the winner might be coming out of that game. Wow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

First time. Fifth time. Fifth time ever.

[Unknown]

Fifth time. No no, since 2000.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Fifth time since 2000.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay. Doesn't happen. I mean, it's probably happened a lot when you had just the two divisions and all that, so. But it is interesting.

[Unknown]

I just look also, and I'll say this much too, commanders, if you want to go another one again, finished bottom two last year. Right. Had second pick in the draft fifth time. A team that was in the bottom two the year before reached a conference championship game. First since the Niners in 2019 and then the Niners in 2019 and the 88 Bengals, the only ones that went on to the Super Bowl. Now, they both lost, but still they got to the super bowl. But no one's ever won it. They can make history if they win it again. They're six point dogs. And this is probably going to. This is the biggest challenge of all playing in Philadelphia, out in the weather now you're not in the dome like in Detroit, but that Detroit play, that was a hard place to play because it's so loud, but they took the crowd out of it. And this is going to be a huge test, but there's a lot riding on that game as well.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. And also to answer because Griff was. Has it ever happened in like any sport, I thought about it after the fact.

[Unknown]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I'm just confirming, just quickly looking it up. If you remember the 1991 World Series, one of the great World Series of all time. Seven games, Twins beat the Braves. The Twins and the Braves finished last place in their respective divisions the year before.

[Unknown]

Wow. Was that. That. That's Kirby Puckett, right? That's. Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, yeah. 91.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Twins finished 74 and 88 in 90 and the Braves finished 85 and 90, 65 and 97. So imagine 65 and 97 and going to the World Series the next next year. So that's the kind of jump that you're talking. And in somebody had tweeted me that day that Griff asked about it, the Nets obviously made the big jump when they went and the finals with.

[Unknown]

No, no, no. Jason Kidd.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, that's right, the Jason.

[Unknown]

Yeah, that was the 2002 when they got. Right. They went to the finals in two and three. Right back to back.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Two and three.

[Unknown]

Yeah, yeah. And they. That's when they got J. Kidd and then they got Vince Carter and they had a hell of a big three on that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's something that we're talking about a rookie. We changed everything. You change, you change coach. Offensive coordinator.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Defensive coordinator. You changed everything. And that's. And they obviously they all for the better. But I'm not saying that the commanders are definitely better than the packers and the Rams, but it's in the conversation. It's not like there's a distinct drop off. Washington won 12 games now. They pulled a lot of them out of the, you know, what with the Hail Mary against the Bears and they had, they caught a lot of breaks too this year, but still it's a 12 win team. And it's not like Philadelphia's been overly impressive in their wins. They let the packers hang around for way too long and I really think the snow messed the Rams up. And even then it, it wasn't like the Eagles were able to put that game away as decisively as they probably thought they would after the Saquon run. So they haven't been overly impressive. They've got a quarterback that's banged up. You know, I'm sure he's going to play, but he may not be close to 100%. So I think this could be a classic as well. And obviously. What's the spread?

[Unknown]

Two.

[Peter Rosenberg]

One. And that's a close. That's what, six and a half, right?

[Unknown]

It's six.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. So under a touchdown.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, so really for a championship.

[Unknown]

Game though, that's still.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So it's all. Then I, well, maybe you're leaning. Maybe, maybe you're giving, you know, show.

[Unknown]

I am not revealing anything.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right. But. But I think these bowl. I, I usually go into this weekend. Alan, just give me one classic, all right. I'm not gonna be greedy and ask for two. Just give me one great game.

[Unknown]

Yeah. Give me one that we're all still talking about, like buzzing about it Tuesday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I really do believe though I don't see either of these games being blowouts.

[Unknown]

I agree.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think both of these games. Now listen, the Eagles may cover and they may win the game, you know, 24 to 14. And you'll say then they cover them. No, but it was like a close game and the commanders are never out of it.

[Unknown]

I think we're going to get. Yeah. Finish your thoughts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I was going to say I think we're going to go into the fourth quarter with both of these games being up for grabs.

[Unknown]

That's exactly what I was looking for. And you know, we're going to get to here's. We're going to get close games at this level of the playoffs. Great entertainment, great theater. There's going to be a great play we talk about and I guarantee there's going to be A missed call. There always is the one moment that we're going to go back. Oh, I can't believe they called that. And that's what makes it fun. You're waiting for all that stuff now. I'm putting you on the spot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Unknown]

Ready? Because I know we're going to do picks and everything later, but I just want to put you on the spot right now. You have in these matchups where the. You each. I'm going to give you players from each team that are going to have to have. They're going to have to play their best for their team to win. Three of them are quarterbacks. It's pretty obvious, right? Daniels clearly, because he has been that for his team. So Jaden Daniels has a great game. They're probably going to win or they're going to be right there. And he's proven that already. Josh Allen, obvious. Patrick Mahomes, obvious. Eagles, however, is it Jalen Hurts or is it Saquon Barkley?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, it's. But I think it's Saquon Barkley. If you, if you showed me a stat line of hertz being, I don't know, 12 for 23, 121 yards, a touchdown and a pick, I could still see the winning.

[Unknown]

But now you say that with the idea like, no, you're. And you're not wrong. But I'm only saying, I'm only asking that question because you and I and everybody else in the world knows that Saquon Barkley is going to be everything for them. I mean, think about this right now. 150 yards away from having the most all time rushing yards in a season, including the playoffs. He's not, he's right there. Like he's having an epic season.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

So if you're the commanders, if you're Dan Quinn, don't you know this? So what are you going to do? I'm taking that away and I'm Saying Jalen hurts A.J. brown, right? Beat me. Let's see if you could beat me by throwing the ball. I don't think you can.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's the way I kind of feel.

[Unknown]

Like maybe Jalen Hurts is going to have to have that game because I already know A, he might be compromised physically. Can he run? Can he still do what he does? And B, I can't let Saquon Barkley beat me. I can live with if that guy just suddenly goes crazy and has a Joe Montana performance. Hey, tip my cap. But I'm not letting Barkley, who is touched by the hand of God, Beat.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Me now it's dangerous because there's weapons that he can throw the ball to. You know, of course Smith's had a great year. A.J. brown, there's a. But they can't catch the pole without somebody throwing it to him.

[Unknown]

So, so, so my logic is, I think it's Hertz that has to have the game. What do you think? And you, you disagree? You think it's going to be a big Barkley game?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I, I, I think that's the way they win it because I, I think I'm, I, I'm with you. I, that's what I would do. I would not let Saquon beat me. So you're right. So I guess to answer the way you, you, you presented it that way is that yeah, if they put eight men in the box, then it would be really hard for them to win this game with the hurts playing poorly because then he's going to have to throw the ball right a ton or they're going to completely shut him down. I love Saquon. I love his, I love his game. But he is not, you know, he's.

[Unknown]

He'S not Carter's not letting him run through the, you know, the, like this is what I mean. They're, they're, I think they're going to not Jalen Carr. I'm talking about wrong side they. If I'm Dan Quinn, that's all I'm thinking of.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I mean he's not running.

[Unknown]

People throw. Because that knee didn't look right when he got hurt last week. Jalen. He did not look right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And even so and again, this is a year in which he had, you know, a MVP to hand the ball off to. But we're still talking about Hertz did not throw for 3,000 yards, 18 touchdowns, five interceptions. You know, so it wasn't eye popping stats. He just, he, he had weapons around him. But it was really a Saquon day. But yeah, that's the way I play it if I'm, if I'm the commander. Listen, if I lose and if I shut down Saquon Barkley and we lose, I'm going to tip my cap.

[Unknown]

That's it. It's exactly right. So that's something certainly to watch for. I have plenty more to get to. And again, all these things to watch for. That's how we wanted to set this thing up. We got calls to get to 800 now with 93776. What are you looking for again? We're in New York. We don't have, we don't have any skin in the game unless you want to claim the bills. Or do we? But, but oh, oh.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Or do we have skin in the game?

[Unknown]

Hmm.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Stay tuned for that.

[Unknown]

I like that. Do we have skin in the game here in New York? We'll discuss that. We got your calls and more coming up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Unknown]

This episode is brought to you by Allstate. Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate First. Like, you know, to check the date of the big game first before you accidentally buy tickets on your 20th wedding anniversary and have to spend the next 20 years of your marriage making up for it. Yeah, checking first is sm. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate Savings. Vary terms apply. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois.

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Unknown]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now, Allen just innocently, yeah, throughout here in New York, we don't have any skin in the game because the Giants and Jets aren't involved.

[Unknown]

They're not playing. And unless you claim Western New York, you know, like my brother always tells me, like, the Buffalo Bills are the only New York team because they're actually in the state of New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Whatever.

[Unknown]

You know, I rolled my eyes, okay?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because, yeah, I'm sure the Buffalo News is giving me Brooklyn Net scores. All right, so. But you know, Dave ROTHENBERG and Rick DiPietro talked extensively about this this morning because there are people calling up saying, I'm a Jet fan but I'm rooting for the Bills because I can't take the Chiefs anymore. Or, you know, I'm a Giant fan and I think this Jalen Hurt Jalen Jaden Daniels story is so amazing. You know, I'd love to see the Commanders. Wait a minute. How do you root for a team in your own division? And I thought we do have some skin in the game, Allen, because Giant fans have two division teams playing in the NFC Championship game and Jet fans have a rival in the Bills in the AFC Championship game. So does that count as skin? Because I know it's really difficult. I can't root for the Eagles. Hate the Eagles. So I would love nothing more than to see the Eagles lose, but it means the Commanders get to advance. But I'm good with that because of all the teams in the Giants division, they've had the most success against the Commander. Slash Redskins. And I don't hate them.

[Unknown]

So you don't see them as a rival. They're just a team in your division.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think we talked about this on the air too. Plus, plus once they change the name to the Commanders, it almost doesn't even feel like they are the former Redskins. You know, the logo's different, the uniform's different. I don't get the same vibe. So like I don't think about Theisman and Dexter Manley and I just, I don't know, it's almost like they're an expansion team. To me, it's strange. They are in the NFC east and you know, did beat the Giants this year. But I don't hate them at the level that I hate the Cowboys and the Eagles. But Allen is a Jet fan. Whoever you happen to be rooting for this weekend, I know you want the dynasty angle with the Chiefs and all that.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But do you have. Are you away of about the Bills because they're in your division and their arrival of the Jets?

[Unknown]

No, I don't look at. First of all, again, I'm Josh Allen. Is somebody again, a card carrying member of the Josh Allen fan club. All right. There's evidence of that going back to 2017. I, I don't see it that way. I don't look and go, oh God, I don't want the Bills to win because they're a rival. Is there a little sinister part of me that's like it'd be awesome if they just never win a Super bowl like like, you know, the four falls of Buffalo. What an incredible 30 for 30. That is because you just see the heartbreak year after year, like getting there every year, and you just can't win. And so it's like there's a little piece, like, if you're a Giants fan, the Eagles finally win a Super Bowl a couple years ago. Right. Wasn't there a party that was like, ah, crap. Like, it's almost more fun. The ones that just never can win.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, listen, I hate the Eagles.

[Unknown]

You hate them. But there's that little piece of you also that is like, enjoying the fact that they could never get one. One.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. I don't know if you'd agree with this or not, but, like, the NFL had their, you know, the NFL Network has their top 10 countdown, and they had the best rivalry in the NFL as being giants, Eagles. But so I hate the Eagles. I've always hated the Eagles.

[Unknown]

Giants, Eagles. Yeah, but that's the rivalry in the NFL.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't agree with it. But, but they, but, but, but obviously they had it number one. So they obviously, you know, considered it to be a significant rival rivalry. And it is. And there's been back and forth a lot. A lot of the Eagles have been the better of the Giants as of late. But there's also, you know, great moments. The Seahorn interception, you know, back in 2000 and all that. So there's been great moments back and forth between the. I hate the Eagles. I hate the Cowboys, but like I said, I don't feel that way about the Command. I hate the Niners more than I hate the Commanders. The Giants had some amazing playoff games over the years. In fact, that they're not in the same division.

[Unknown]

So what's the palpable super bowl matchup for a New York fan then? If I hate both. So you're telling me Commanders again, it would have to be Commander's Chiefs.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. As well.

[Unknown]

As a Jets fan, the Chiefs. The Chiefs mean more to me than the Bills do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Really?

[Unknown]

The Raiders. I know it's not recent. Raiders, Chiefs, like, these are teams that I got no time for as a Jets fan. Historically. Now you got to go back. But Chiefs, Raiders, like the Dolphins, like, those are your real. I don't like.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, now, if you want to go way back to like the 69 championship game when the Chiefs and Jets played and the Chiefs beat the jets, the.

[Unknown]

Raiders, they faced them, remember a ton of times.

[Peter Rosenberg]

For sure. It's hard for me to answer. Even though I did jets pre and post for 16 years, I can't imagine that the Bills would be anywhere close to Dolphins or Patriots.

[Unknown]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What? The last time you played him in the playoffs was 81 and you beat them.

[Unknown]

Well, no, no, no. Remember? Well, to me, the last memory I have of any time I was pissed off at Buffalo Bills was Todd Bowles first year, week 17. All you needed was a win. They were not going to the playoffs. And all Rex wanted to do was ruin your day. And he did. Well, that was how they came up flat in that game. I'll never understand every player off that team. I always ask, how the hell did you lose that game?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. But that's what I would think as a Jet fan.

[Don LaGreca]

That's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're more hating the jets than the Bills. Yes, because the Bills didn't need the game, the jets did.

[Unknown]

No, but they wanted to ruin the party. And all of a sudden that makes all year decided we're going to try hard in this game. Screw you. Why on that game couldn't you have shipped the cars and just gone home? No, you had to. Oh, now we're going to play hard. It's embarrassing, but does that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But according to Dave, I'm a bad Giants fan. If the Commanders play the Chiefs in the super bowl and I root for the Commanders.

[Unknown]

Oh, I was.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That makes no sense.

[Unknown]

No, I agree with Dave. You see, again, you're wrong for this because your reason for rooting for the Commanders, a division rival, like, think about that for a minute. Would that give them. That would give them three now. Right, Right. If they win the super bowl, you're.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Rooting for the 7 to 91.

[Unknown]

Yeah, right. So I would give them three. You've got four. I mean, you know what I'm saying? Like, are you sure you want to do this? And by the way, this kid could win another one. He's that good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen, I can win one as a rookie.

[Unknown]

You can win another one. Is that what you want now? You want them to pass?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Fluid. It's just like the Chiefs. This is a great story. Patrick Mahomes. Great. Andy Reid's finally won a Super Bowl. Yay. And then all of a sudden you hate. They hate their guts. It's very fluid. Ask me five years from now when they've won three Super Bowls and the Giants have still finished under.500. How many years in a row I'll end up hating them? But right now, I don't hate the Commanders. I hate the Chiefs. I'll root for the Commanders and I don't care what the Arizona Cardinals were in the Giants Division for years. I had no feeling about the Arizona Cardinals.

[Unknown]

No, they were, they were not Arizona Cardinals. Right. Well, they were, they were short.

[Peter Rosenberg]

When I went, when I was, when I was growing up, it was St. Louis. They were the St. Louis Cardinals. And then I guess in 88, they moved to Arizona.

[Unknown]

Right, right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because they played in Tempe, wherever. Nothing about the Cardinals.

[Unknown]

No. That's fair.

[Peter Rosenberg]

When I think, I think of the Redskins slash Commanders, I think about the championship game. 86 with the wind blowing and them shutting them down. 17 to nothing. Schrader couldn't even complete a pass. I'm thinking about Daniel Jones shredding them. The guy couldn't play quarterback. All of a sudden he would face the Redskins and it was like he was Joe Namath. Yeah, that's what I think of when I think of the commander. So it's like.

[Unknown]

But I, I, I. For you to not to want to see a division team, a team in your division win because you don't like the team. That has no impact on your future at all. It's just the. They mean nothing to you, the Chiefs, nothing. But you just are sick of them. So you'd rather root for a team in your division. That doesn't make sense.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Dude, the horses out of the barn, man, they're already dangerous. Like, it doesn't, it doesn't take them to win a Super bowl to make them that much more dangerous than they already are. They just came off a 12 win season. They're playing in the championship. We have them playing in the super bowl against the Chiefs, man. They're, they're already better than the Giants. I'm already sweating now.

[Unknown]

If I can't win, I don't want you winning. If I can't win, I don't want you winning. No, not in my division.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm best being honest with you.

[Unknown]

I know you are.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I can't muster hatred for the commanders. I can't. I want to, but it's just artificial. Just, just because they're in your division.

[Unknown]

We got calls to get to. Don, can we get some people in here? Because I actually feel like what you're saying right now is really going to set some people off.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Go ahead.

[Unknown]

Or they might agree with you. So I feel like let's get another voice in it because clearly I'm not understanding it. Let's begin with Kadeem in the car, though. Hey, Kadeem.

[Kadeem]

Gentlemen, happy Friday. How we doing?

[Unknown]

Good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How are you?

[Kadeem]

We're good. We're good now. Now, Don, I appreciate it because you segue into this call very well because as the resident Eagles fan on, on this fine station, you know, I don't know if you remember I called week one when we played the packers and I was talking about the narratives with Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts. And it's crazy to me, 20 weeks later, we're still having that narrative about can Jalen do this, Can Jalen do that? The man does what's required to win. And something that's been overlooked about the Eagles this whole time is our defense. Sam Cosby, the senator from Washington is out this week. You think they're going to have a good time dealing with Jalen Carter?

[Unknown]

No, you're right about that.

[Kadeem]

All I've heard always week has been the Jalen Daniels love stats at the bottom with the fine print. But the Eagles should win. I get it. He's going to be a thorn in both of our sides, Don, until, until the next 10 to 12 years. But this year in the link, it's fly Eagles, fly. Go birds. And we're doing it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're saying, you're saying two different things. I don't, I don't disagree with you. I wouldn't be shocked if the Eagles win their six point favorite. But make no mistake, Jalen Hurts is the fourth quarterback of the four playing this weekend. I know he's played a Super Bowl.

[Unknown]

I completely agree with that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And again, that's not bad. I'm not saying he's a bad quarterback.

[Unknown]

No, you're right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, you're right. Right now, right at this moment, Jalen Hurts is 4. Now, when you look at the history, well, that's not fair. Daniels, it's only his rookie year. But for a rookie to take a team to a championship game, to win games in Tampa the way that he did, to be able to win like he did last week in Detroit. And listen, Jalen went to a Super Bowl. I'm not trying to take anything away from him, but this is a guy for less than 3,000 yards. It is what it is. He was a second round pick. Daniel was a second overall pick. I mean, so there's a lot of different things that go into it, but I still respect him. I think he's a fabulous quarterback. But if you list the quarterbacks, Alan, he's fourth.

[Unknown]

He completely is. It's very fair. And what Kadim also said is something that we also should mention here when it comes to matchups and what to watch is the Eagles defense. He mentioned Jalen Carter, who's been fantastic. And again, if that offensive line is compromised. That's a problem. But you know what else? The Eagles don't give up a lot of points. Now, the last time they played, he lit him up. I mean, he had five touchdowns. They scored 36 points like he was. He was really good. But they, they hold opponents just under 18 points a game. It's the best in the league.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, they're very good.

[Unknown]

So that is again in the playoffs. Now it's a different animal. Certainly something to watch. All right, we got tons of calls to get to. We'll get to as many as we can. We got lots to talk about with you. But it is, of course, championship football Friday here on the show. It's Also Superbox Bonanza 6. And it's your chance to get your box for the big game with a prize pool of $2,000. All qualifiers will get an ESPN prize pack and a chance at one of 10 super box prizes. Listen daily through February 6th to DiPietro and Rothenberg, Barton, the Michael K show, and our show, Don Hahn and Rosenberg. This year's big game payouts are $250 in the first and third quarters, 500 for halftime, and a final score payout of $1,000. It's all brought to you by Tullamore Dew, Irish Whiskey, and Slowman Security. For full contest details, go to superbox bonanza.com.

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Unknown]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

While I have him here. Marco wants to make his picks for championship weekend.

[Unknown]

Love it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, Marco, you've got first up. Commanders taking on the Eagles. Who's winning? Give me a hint. Eagles. And why are you rooting for the Eagles? Because I just said my cousin likes them.

[Unknown]

Okay. All right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So the Chiefs are taking on the Bills. Who are you rooting for?

[Unknown]

Bills.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, so you got a Bills, Eagle, Super Bowl. Thank you, Margo.

[Unknown]

He was on Marco. I love it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And also I should. I also should mention that he wants my iPad. I also should mention that I 82 Joe Theisman. We got a couple of tweets.

[Unknown]

We got a couple of tweets. You know, we love it. The complaint department's always open and.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, glad they straightened me out.

[Unknown]

I'm telling you, man. Like, when. When I said, like, how many swells they have? And I knew the two from obviously 89 and 90. Not 89. It was obviously Doug Williams and Mark Rippon. Right. But the theisman one was the 83 one. That's just for some reason.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, they. So.

[Unknown]

Yeah, so you. So they win. Now you're tied. So you want this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They 82 with the strike short in the nine game season. They won and then they went to the super bowl the next year and lost to the Raiders. Theisman had a bad pick in that game. But no, they've got. Listen, they've got an illustrious history but against the Giants. I get it, they're good.

[Unknown]

I get it. I'm all about, you know, like how you measure up his franchises. Game time is brought to you by Tellamore do Irish whiskey because when it's game time, Don Lagra It's Tully time. Tomorrow we got a busy day. So while Sunday we got all the football. Tomorrow is a big NBA day. It's a big day for NBA or ESPN family of networks starting with the spurs and the Pacers. They are in Paris. Victor Wembanyama back home they just. He had a really good performance yesterday. But they have another matchup between the spurs and the Pacers that's at noon local time on espn. Then NBA Saturday prime time triple header on abc. First Timberwolves and the Nuggets, that's at three. Followed by Celtics Mavericks. By the way, if you're watching the Celtics, they look bored. They have not been good lately. And Dallas without Luca. So it is a big game coverage. By the way, we have here at 5 on 1050. Then Lakers warriors is your nightcap little LeBron Steph Curry matchup as well. So again, very busy day on our ESPN family of networks for the NBA on Saturday, Telemardu, the original triple distilled, triple blend triple cask matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Telemardu or try the new Telemardu honey during tonight. Today's action glasses up to enjoying Telemardu responsibly. All we have today locally by the way is Islanders and Flyers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hockey wise, good spot for the Islanders. Catch a Flyers on a second to back to back.

[Unknown]

They got smoked.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Did not look good yesterday.

[Unknown]

So want to grab a few calls here?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Do it.

[Unknown]

I mean there's a lot of people that have a lot to say and how about we go to Ben and Wayne? Go ahead, Ben.

[Ben]

Hey guys, how's it going? Listen, I'm a Chargers fan. I've watched Mahomes for years. You know, the suffering I've dealt with. But time and time again it's the same old story. And the proof came from the Netflix show Quarterbacks because he just Whines and cries to the refs after every play. Now, listen, we know they're a great team. He's a great quarterback, great coach. But time and time again, it gets a little frustrating. And I'm glad that finally, in the last game it was actually brought up.

[Unknown]

Is being talked about, Ben. There's no question about it. It's going to be. But I'll say it again, Ben, if he was wearing a Chargers uniform, you'd love it. Of course, because he knows the rules and he lets the officials know he knows the rules. Right. Like he'll point it out. Like what you say is whining. Other people might say is simply just alerting the official of, hey, by the way, this is. This is what's going on. This is what's happening. You got to call that. And that's all part of it. I mean, coaches do it every play. Coaches complain about a hole that wasn't called or something that didn't need to be called or how my player is getting hit or whatever it is every play. So what's the difference if a quarterback's doing it? That's. I don't know. Again, like I said, I just think it depends on which team he plays, on how you feel about it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, there's always the plenty of like, I hate that guy, but I'd love to have him on my team. Anybody would love to have Patrick Mahomes. He's a great quarterback. Nobody's saying he's not a great quarterback.

[Unknown]

High IQ player.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He doesn't need to do this this year. I do think they needed to. And it just. They fully take advantage of the breaks because of how good they are. They haven't turned the ball over in eight weeks in a row and all that. So listen, they're great. So they don't. They don't need the brakes, but they're getting them.

[Unknown]

Brian and Tom's River. What's up, Brian?

[Brian]

Hey, guys. First time.

[Unknown]

Cool.

[Brian]

Just wanted to say that I think a lot of that puts your skin in the game is like your local fans. So I'm in Tom's river, but I grew up south of here, so I surrounded by Eagles fans and all they do is talk.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So.

[Brian]

So that right there makes me want to root for Washington. But I'm a Jets fan and I work with this guy who's a Buffalo Bills fan and he's obnoxious too. So twice a year I have to. Yeah, you got it all around. Yes. So twice a year I have to talk with this guy and of course, this year Buffalo beat us twice. You know, past two years, we had the heroics of Zach Wilson to save us once a year. Anyway, but. So I'm so exchanged enough. I'm rooting for the Chiefs just so I don't have to hear it for two more weeks with Buffalo. So. But also, I don't know if you guys heard Michael. He's saying how much Peter's going off for Washington, so you guys might be rooting for Philadelphia. Just so Peter is talking.

[Unknown]

I don't think we're talking about that. You know, Brian, I'm glad you brought that up. See, Don, I don't think we've mentioned that enough. You know, again, we love Peter, but he will be insufferable. Think about two weeks of him. Now. I know he's home with the baby, but I think he's going to find a way to get himself on the show just so he can be insufferable about his commanders. Oh, he's doing. He's doing it. See, he's already pushing his way in. It's amazing. Like how he's gonna just sneak away to the microphone just to make sure that he can. He can get his little commies taken right now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But the. The alternative is just a bridge too far for me. As much as he can be irritating, I can't have the Eagles go back to the dude. I can't do it.

[Unknown]

That's. I get. All right, look, I respect that. I do respect that. That you just cannot give in because you hate the Eagles that much. It would be akin to me seeing the Dolphins get there because I just makes me like, I'll never get over the mud bowl, ever. And you could tell me that Don Shula turned water to wine and walked on water, and I still will never forgive him, ever. Ever. So what they did to allow to do that field.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So what would you. What would you do right now? If it was a Commander's Dolphin super.

[Unknown]

Bowl, who would you root for Commander live with?

[Peter Rosenberg]

You'd have to live with Peter's antics.

[Unknown]

I know. Anyways, it's Superbox Bonanza 6. Each qualifier will take home an ESPN prize pack and have a chance at one of 10 Superbox prizes, including a yeti cooler bucket, solo stove, Ray Ban meta wayfarers, and more. So be. Call it. What? Give me a number, quick.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, since we were talking about the Super Bowls, this would be the fourth for the commanders.

[Unknown]

All right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right.

[Unknown]

So call it number four right now at 8-8987. ESPN 8@8987 ESPN select the box for the big game with a chance to win $250 in the first and third quarters, 500 halftime and a final score payout of $1,000, all brought to you by Tulla Mardu, Irish Whiskey and Sloman's Security. Don the screens flashing red like we were just, I don't know if we might have just been pulled off the air if I didn't get that in in time. That's why I had to cut you off. I apologize. But more you calls coming up. Plenty more to talk about. Again, beyond the football, we have Adam Schefter a little bit later on in the show. We have the knicks with now two all star starters for the first time in 50 years. And we have a Rangers team that might have turned the corner. Lots to get to stay with us. Don Han, Rosenberg 880 ESPN Juan Soto.

Is a New York Met. Every Mets game can be heard right here, 880 ESPN, WHSQ and WCBS FM HD 2 New York.

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[Unknown]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know. It's good.

Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.