Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg - Hour 1: Darnold's Future (January 14, 2025)

In the January 14, 2025 episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," hosts Don LaGreca and Dan Grassa delve deep into the recent performance and uncertain future of Sam Darnold, quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. With absent co-hosts Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg due to personal reasons, Dan Grassa steps in to carry the conversation forward. The episode critically examines Darnold's impact on the Vikings' season, the implications of the new playoff format, and speculates on his potential destinations within the NFL.

Host Absences and Introduction

The episode opens with Don LaGreca addressing the absence of co-hosts Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg. [00:58] Don explains, "two-thirds of the show are not on today. As you heard yesterday, Alan Hahn's sister passed away... Peter Rosenberg... his wife is in labor." This sets a somber and reflective tone for the episode as the hosts navigate through personal and professional topics.

Sam Darnold's Recent Performance and Playoff Implications

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Sam Darnold's performance in the Minnesota Vikings' recent games and the subsequent playoff loss. Don critiques Darnold’s consistency and the team's overall performance:

"14 wins, 3 meant absolutely nothing. You just, you throw it away. You lost your first playoff game." [03:23] — Don LaGreca

Dan Grassa counters by emphasizing the emotional void left by the playoff exit despite the successful regular season:

"If you're a Viking fan... you win 14 games... you feel empty." [02:56] — Dan Grassa

Impact of the New Playoff Format

Both hosts express dissatisfaction with the revamped playoff structure, arguing it undermines regular-season achievements by exacerbating mismatches:

"The new format is going to put a lot of... 12, 13, 14 win teams into the wild card." [03:23] — Don LaGreca

They highlight how this format diminishes the value of a strong regular season, leading to early exits for deserving teams like the Vikings.

Economic Implications for Sam Darnold

The conversation shifts to the financial aspects of Darnold's potential career trajectory. Don suggests that despite a promising regular season, Darnold may transition from a potential franchise quarterback to a bridge quarterback, impacting his earning potential:

"Maybe be put in a position to become a franchise quarterback... bridge quarterback... looking to move on." [05:35] — Don LaGreca

Dan adds that Darnold could still command a substantial salary due to his regular-season success:

"I heard Bart Scott say he thinks he could still make 40 million." [05:35] — Don LaGreca

Potential Future Teams: Jets vs. Giants

A key segment revolves around which NFL team might acquire Darnold next. The hosts debate the prospects of the New York Jets versus the New York Giants signing him:

"And you told me the stat in our meeting today. Since they came up with this format in 2020... the three seeds are..." [Slides into earlier conversations.]

Don leans towards the Giants acquiring Darnold, considering their current quarterback situation:

"If he does become a very good player... that's why we spin it towards the jets and the Giants." [07:36] — Don LaGreca

Dan is more skeptical about the Jets due to the psychological baggage Darnold carries from his tenure there:

"A Sam Darnold is going to put on a Jet uniform and he's going to be like, oh, here we go again." [09:34] — Dan Grassa

Comparison with Other Quarterbacks

The hosts draw parallels between Darnold and other quarterbacks regarding their playoff performances and overall careers:

"Jordan loves the highest paid quarterback in football history. He played like crap on Sunday, did he not?" [11:14] — Dan Grassa

Don defends the importance of regular-season performance versus single playoff games:

"He knows he's a free agent, but that's not first and foremost in his mind." [26:49] — Don LaGreca

Listener Interaction and Additional Discussions

Towards the episode's end, listeners call in with questions and comments, ranging from team strategies to quarterback evaluations. Notably, Javier from Queens remarks on the podcast's dynamic, likening it to "Tony Soprano driving through the tunnel going back home to Jersey" [29:22]. Additionally, discussions about other NFL figures, such as Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers, emerge, highlighting broader concerns about coaching decisions and team performances.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Don and Dan wrap up by reiterating their concerns about the new playoff format and its impact on teams like the Vikings. Don emphasizes the fleeting nature of success in the NFL, where one game can end a season:

"You go in with the mindset that you're trying to win the game... in one game, in 60 minutes, Dan, it's over." [28:21] — Don LaGreca

The episode closes with reflections on team dynamics, economic implications for players, and the emotional toll of playoff exits, leaving listeners pondering the future landscape of the NFL.

Notable Quotes:

• Don LaGreca [03:23]: "14 and 3 meant absolutely nothing. You just, you throw it away."

• Dan Grassa [02:56]: "If you're a Viking fan... you win 14 games... you feel empty."

• Don LaGreca [05:35]: "Maybe be put in a position to become a franchise quarterback... bridge quarterback..."

• Dan Grassa [09:34]: "A Sam Darnold is going to put on a Jet uniform and he's going to be like, oh, here we go again."

• Don LaGreca [26:49]: "He knows he's a free agent, but that's not first and foremost in his mind."

This comprehensive analysis provides listeners with an in-depth understanding of Sam Darnold's current standing in the NFL, the ramifications of recent playoff outcomes, and the potential future pathways for both Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings. The episode successfully balances statistical critique with emotional narratives, offering a nuanced perspective on the often unpredictable nature of professional football.