Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Giants Hope (10/24/25)

Main Theme

This episode dives into the hope and intrigue surrounding the New York Giants ahead of their pivotal matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The trio of Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg navigate the emotional stakes of New York sports fandom, with an especially spirited debate around the Giants’ coach/quarterback future, the importance of beating Philly, and what this means for the team’s direction.

Hosts’ Locations and Opening Vibe

• [00:46] The show opens with all three hosts broadcasting from different locations: Rosenberg alone in the NYC studio, Don at The Rock in Newark, and Alan Hahn in a New Hampshire hotel.
• Fun banter sets a “Freedom Friday” tone, indicative of their relaxed approach in dissecting sports.

Main Discussion Points

Giants vs. Eagles: Why This Game Matters

• [04:16] “How do you not come out of the gate on a football Friday talking about the New York Giants…”
  Alan sets up the episode’s central focus: the Giants, despite a tough loss to Denver, can sweep the Eagles—a rarity that would make a statement regardless of playoff odds.

• [04:54] Don: The only reason there’s hope for this Giants team is their win against Philly, a feat that rarely happens and put them on the map this season. He frames Sunday as a litmus test for whether the Giants have a real season ahead or just more heartbreak.

• The hosts agree sweeping Philadelphia would be symbolic—even independent of eventual playoff success.
  “[Beating Philly twice would be] a major feather in Dable's cap in John Mara's mind.” (Don, 09:10)

What Does Success Mean for the Giants Now?

• [07:34] Don draws a clear line: This is less about playoff math and more about proof of character and coach/quarterback development.
• [10:44] Alan likens a Giants sweep to “an in-game championship,” special for its own sake.
• They repeatedly recall historical pain—Deshaun Jackson’s punt return, Herman Edwards—to frame why beating Philly has outsized emotional value.
• [11:56] Don: “How do you respond? … How does a quarterback respond after he throws a pick? How does a coach respond after a tough loss? … These are ways that you measure things beyond just the pedestrian what's your record at the end of the season.”

Coach/Quarterback Dynamic & Culture Change

• [12:52] Alan touts new QB Jackson Dart’s leadership:
  “It’s hard not to come away from these games and say… every week he shows you something. The eye test tells me this kid's got it and he's only going to get better.”
• Continuous praise for Dart’s ability to keep the Giants competitive, despite overall roster limitations.

Jobs on the Line and Legacy Stakes

• Consensus: If the Giants sweep the Eagles, it could shift internal perspectives and job security for Coach Brian Dable and GM Joe Schoen.

• Don: “Beating the Eagles twice… [would create] major movement. The guy that’s going to ultimately decide whether Dable comes back, and that’s John Mara.” (09:10)

• Alan: Even a single sweep would be an internal “banner moment,” given the Eagles’ recent dominance.

Perspective on Playoff Chase vs. Process

• [19:20] Don and Alan weigh in on “moral victories.” While Alan admits fans always want wins, both agree close competitive play—especially with Dart looking the part—still matters hugely for rebuilding faith.

Broader NY Football Context

• [16:56] Alan contrasts Giants/Jets fortunes: Giants finally have “reason to invest,” i.e., a promising quarterback, while the Jets’ optimism from the preseason has completely dissipated.
• “There is something going on with the Giants and that’s what makes it special… No matter what happens… you have plenty of reason to stay engaged.” (Alan, 16:56)

Importance of the Coming Week

• Alan: “Because you have the next one, there's a ton of pressure… and everybody's watching because they want to see what can you do with this?” (16:56-19:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s kind of like every time Ohio State or Michigan hires a head coach: can you beat Ohio State? Can you beat Michigan?” (Don, 10:44)
• Rosenberg on the Eagles: “It’s success and hateability. They’re annoying and good and their fans are annoying and nasally.” (11:09)
• On Giants QB Dart: “He really does feel like he’s carrying the day most of the time… These are little victories. But it's hard to feel like a season can be a failure if you found your guy.” (Alan, 12:52)

Callers & Listener Interaction

• [26:13] Frank raises the “sophomore slump” and whether Dable is truly the QB developer who can withstand the league’s adjustments.
• Don replies that the question isn’t just about QB growth—contract extensions for Dable and Schoen are looming, so what they build matters holistically.
• Alan doubles down: The coach–quarterback relationship is “everything in the NFL… The Giants might have found it.” (29:41)

The Extension Debate: Results vs. Process

• Spirited debate on whether developing a quarterback alone is sufficient cause to keep a coach (Dable) and GM long term.

• Don: “I got a guy that knows quarterbacks. I got a guy that knows offense. Can he win games?” (36:25)

• Analogies to Dak Prescott/McCarthy in Dallas, Doug Peterson with Philly, and coaching transitions in Minnesota and Buffalo.

• They agree: “What you don’t want is just mushy middle where you really still don’t know. That’s the worst case scenario.” (Rosenberg, 38:07)

Subplots, Banter & Lighter Segments

• Ongoing inside jokes about Rosenberg’s hoodie attire, MSG promotions featuring Don, and Don’s “Walter White”/Breaking Bad persona.
• Playful talk about music samples and Don’s potential future in national NHL broadcasting.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [04:16] – Why Giants-Eagles is massive for the Giants’ trajectory
• [09:10] – Job security implications with John Mara
• [12:52] – The Jackson Dart “eye test” and QB leadership
• [16:56] – The Giants-Jets contrast and New York football despair
• [19:20] – Are moral victories enough for fans?
• [26:13] – Caller debate on Dable as a true developer
• [36:25] – What really makes a coach worth extending?

Conclusion

By the end of Hour 1, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg frame the Giants-Eagles game as much more than a Week 8 contest. It’s a referendum on leadership, hope, and the emotional highs and lows that come with seeking meaning in a rebuilding season. The chemistry, humor, and debate style of the hosts deliver a comprehensive, passionate perspective for New York sports fans—as well as a reminder that sometimes, beating Philly can mean everything.