Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary Episode: Hour 1: Don't Rush Dart
Release Date: August 12, 2025

Introduction & Initial Banter

The episode kicks off with the hosts, Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg, engaging in their signature humorous banter. They discuss the rotating intros of their show, with Anthony Pusik expressing discomfort over the current introduction format. Don emphasizes the importance of variety, stating, “You don’t want to hear the same thing over and over again” (01:46).

NFL Quarterback Debate: Should Jackson Dart Start Early?

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the New York Giants' quarterback situation, specifically debating whether rookie Jackson Dart should start in Week 1.

Don La Greca argues against rushing Dart into a starting role, citing historical precedents:

“Why are we so hot to have this kid start right away? Did we not see the disaster that was starting Zach Wilson right away or the disaster of starting Sam Darnold right away?” (12:12)

He further elaborates on the Giants' decision-making process:

“The objective for Jackson Dart is to beat Winston for the backup. That's your objective, is we want to get to a point where Russell Wilson's our starting quarterback and you're playing so well. You're the backup, you're next up.” (14:05)

Anthony Pusik presents a contrasting viewpoint, suggesting that giving Dart an early start could benefit the team's long-term prospects:

“Why are we worried about being mediocre with Russell Wilson? If I believe we can be mediocre with Jackson Dart and get him approved...” (19:50)

Peter Rosenberg and caller Tessa add depth to the conversation. Tessa emphasizes the importance of building a foundation around Dart, advocating for his development alongside veteran Russell Wilson:

“Let this guy get a foundation. Let him learn from Russ, who's a pro. Pro who's a veteran.” (29:04)

Drew, another caller, supports Don's stance, highlighting the potential pitfalls of starting Dart too soon:

“Every mistake becomes a chip away of the confidence, you begin to question yourself and you can actually do more damage than good.” (36:10)

Caller Insights: Tessa and Drew Weigh In

Tessa passionately supports Don's perspective, stressing the need for Dart to develop at his own pace:

“If you build a foundation and you had cracks in it, what happened? Eventually whatever you built on top falls down.” (28:42)

Drew reinforces the idea that experience does not necessarily come from playing prematurely:

“I think there's a lot more damage can be done if you're not ready and you're thrown to the wolves than the value of the experience of playing.” (36:10)

MLB Updates: Yankees vs. Twins & Mets vs. Braves

The hosts transition to discussing Major League Baseball, focusing on recent performances and ongoing rivalries.

Don La Greca critiques the Yankees' effortless victories over the Twins:

“It's ridiculous. They can't beat the Twins on a bet.” (28:12)

He also touches on the perennial rivalry between the Mets and Braves:

“The Braves have been a Mets' Achilles heel forever.” (27:00)

Fantasy Football Frenzy

Towards the end of the episode, the conversation shifts to their fantasy football league. Don La Greca expresses frustration over not being invited to colleagues' leagues, leading to a lighthearted discussion about league punishments.

Anthony Pusik shares his disdain for the commitment required in fantasy football:

“I'm the king of forget. And in week four, I forget and someone's on the bench.” (42:25)

They humorously debate potential punishments for losing, such as growing an Amish beard or dressing up as a mascot, highlighting the camaraderie and competitive spirit among the hosts and their colleagues.

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate upcoming sports coverage, including in-depth analyses of the Mets vs. Braves series and the Yankees' ongoing performance. They encourage listeners to stay tuned for more engaging discussions on New York sports and beyond.

Notable Quotes:

• Don La Greca on rotating intros: “You don't want to hear the same thing over and over again, especially when we're pounding out contact content the way we are.” (01:46)
• Anthony Pusik on fantasy football commitment: “I'm the king of forget. And in week four, I forget and someone's on the bench.” (42:25)
• Tessa on building a foundation for Dart: “Let this guy get a foundation. Let him learn from Russ, who's a pro. Pro who's a veteran.” (28:42)

This episode offers a comprehensive look into current NFL quarterback strategies, MLB rivalries, and the lively dynamics of the hosts' fantasy football league, all delivered with the trademark humor and insight of Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg.