Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Jets Lose on TNF

Date: November 14, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Peter Rosenberg
Not Present: Alan Hahn (remote technical issues, trying to see son’s hockey game in Albany)

Episode Overview

This episode centers around the New York Jets’ latest primetime loss ("TNF" = Thursday Night Football) and the dismal state of New York football generally. Don and Peter vent frustration and dissect the continued struggles of the Jets, focusing in particular on the quarterback situation, coaching choices, and the challenge of being a fan when both local teams seem perpetually mired in dysfunction. The conversation also broadens to examine the growing difficulty in staying emotionally invested in bad teams, especially for younger fans, and reflects on what’s changed in the NFL and sports culture at large. Other segments include playful show banter, a dive into media rivalries, and a call-in from a discouraged young Giants fan.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Alan Hahn's Absence and Show Energy

• [00:52] Don opens by explaining Alan's absence due to technical difficulties trying to broadcast from a hotel in Albany, humorously saying Alan “thought you just bring the equipment to a hotel…he was wrong.”
• Jokes about Alan trying to buy obscure technical gear at Best Buy (“cradle point” confusion), setting a light, banterous tone.

2. Jets' Loss Breakdown: Expectations vs. Reality

• Peter is upset ([02:00])–he thought the 13.5 point underdog Jets were a good bet:
  “Thirteen and a half. It's a big number. I don't know... I didn't like it.”
• Don explains his logic for picking the Jets—pure NFL chaos logic, not football sense:

  “There was no logical football reason to take the Jets last night… and that's the reason why I picked the Jets, because that's the NFL. You can't figure out what's going to happen.” ([03:16])

• Both agree:
  • The early Jets touchdown gave false hope.
  • Ultimately, the loss showed the same old problems: “bad penalties, bad turnovers… another game in which they do not get an interception. Now, 11 straight games without an interception.”
  • Don is adamant: “You’re embarrassing yourself with the quarterback play.” ([04:34])

3. Quarterback Debate & Justin Fields’ Struggles

• Jets’ QB Situation is “unwatchable” ([05:40])
• Peter shock-defends Justin Fields—calls out “some bad drops for him yesterday,” but Don counters, “Justin Fields has not played at a level where he gets the benefit of the doubt.” ([06:28])
• The Jets’ last three weeks: Don concedes it should have felt uplifting—big comeback, good trade deadline, win after bye—but the ugly performance against New England erases the feel-good momentum.
• Don: “What are we getting from Justin Fields?” Calls for Tyrod Taylor to start: “What are we getting from Justin Fields, honestly?” ([08:41])
• Peter: “Why would you not be looking at Tyrod Taylor? What did you see yesterday that made you think you’re giving your team the best chance to win with Justin Fields?” ([09:29])

4. Coach Glenn’s Dilemma – Are the Jets Tanking?

• Plays Aaron Glenn’s audio clip ([10:06]), where Glenn is noncommittal and “evaluating everything” (including himself and his staff) regarding the QB decision.
• Don’s analysis: Glenn may just not want to put all the blame on Fields, but it's the only change that would signal real effort to fans.
• Discussion turns to tanking accusations:
  • Don nails the real test: “If Justin Fields is a starting quarterback in Baltimore, you cannot tell me with a straight face you're trying to win again.” ([13:34])
  • Peter’s take: “Tell me it’s that you don’t want to win. Don’t tell me it’s that you…think Justin Fields is the path to winning. It can’t be that.” ([13:16])
• Reference to postgame SNY: “Willie Colon is telling you…he’s not an NFL quarterback.” ([15:06])

5. Bigger Questions About Talent Evaluation & Quarterback Purgatory

• Don points out: The Jets’ embarrassing passing yard stats are at historic lows, and the common denominator is Justin Fields, echoing his awful 2022 Bears season ([16:21]).
• But both note: When he arrived in the NFL (“when the Jets got him, there was something there… the Jets have to be held somewhat culpable for what’s going on here with Justin Fields.” - Don, [16:47])
• Peter’s reflection: “When Mike Tomlin decides that – with a winning record – he doesn't see it, he's putting in the decrepit Russell Wilson instead. And the Jets go, ooh, ooh, we'll take that guy.” ([17:24])
• Meta point: Backup QB is such a wildly defined role—some could be starters, others “are just so we can field a team…a seat filler.” ([19:00-19:38])

6. The Wounded Heart of the NY Football Fan

• Don’s concern for a damaged fanbase:
  • “If you’re 20 years old, you were 10 the last time [the Jets] had a winning season. You were five the last time they made the playoffs.” ([28:49])
  • Wonders aloud: With so many entertainment options and bad teams, would he have even become a fan if he was a kid now?
  • “You can't tell me the game is as entertaining as it was 30 years ago, 20 years ago. You can't.” ([31:13])
• Peter agrees, calls it “one of the best points you've ever made in the history of the program.” ([30:26])
  • Changes in the sport and distractions make it harder for young fans to stay loyal to losing teams.

7. Caller Billy in the Truck – A Young Fan’s Malaise

• [36:26] Billy, nearly 23, expresses being "tired of just rooting for my fantasy team." The Giants’ brief playoff glimmer only highlighted the hopelessness, supporting Don’s point that too many losing seasons break generational fandom.
• Don reflects: The few playoff runs in recent years now “feel meaningless…comes out in the wash like a stain, does it? So what did it lead to?” ([38:38])

8. Show Banter and Media Talk

• The hosts riff on failed show segments and the odd politics of New York media cliques, referencing Jimmy Traina’s podcast and the long-standing divides between “Michael Kay” and “Mike Francesa” camps.
  • Don: “I'm more than just a hockey guy. I have an afternoon drive show.” ([41:04])
• Playful riffing on song lyrics and in-jokes, showing camaraderie and self-aware humor.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Don LaGreca:

  “There was no logical football reason to take the jets last night…That’s the reason why I picked the Jets, because that’s the NFL. You can’t figure out what’s going to happen.” ([03:16])

• Peter Rosenberg:

  "Why would you not be looking at Tyrod Taylor? What did you see yesterday that made you think you're giving your team the best chance to win with Justin Field?" ([09:29])

• Don LaGreca:

  “If Justin Fields is a starting quarterback in Baltimore, you cannot tell me with a straight face you're trying to win again.” ([13:34])

• Peter Rosenberg:

  "Tell me it's that you don't want to win. Don't tell me it's that... you think Justin Fields is the path to winning. It can't be that." ([13:16])

• Don LaGreca:

  "If you're 20 years old, you were 10 the last time they had a winning season. You were five the last time they made the playoffs." ([28:49])

• Don LaGreca:

  “You can’t tell me the game is as entertaining as it was 30 years ago, 20 years ago. You can’t, you’re—” ([31:13])

• Caller Billy:

  "I'm tired of just rooting for my fantasy team all the time... Now it looks like I have a team. And where's it gone?" ([36:28])

• Don closes:

  “Even the 2016 [Giants playoff run], you got killed in Lambeau. And what did it all mean? What did it all matter? ... So what did it lead to? What did it build towards so I could admit that I'm wrong? I enjoyed it. Yeah. Thank you. I enjoyed it in the moment, but that moment's gone.” ([38:38])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:52] — Alan Hahn’s technical issues & show opening banter
• [02:00] — Peter gripes about Jets’ loss and his bad gambling luck
• [03:16] — Don explains the psychology behind his doomed Jets pick
• [04:34] — Don’s scathing breakdown on Jets QB and team dysfunction
• [05:40] — “Unwatchable” QB play, debate on Fields and Tyrod Taylor
• [09:56] — Coach Aaron Glenn’s audio clip; hosts analyze his indecision
• [13:34] — Are the Jets tanking? Don’s “courtroom” moment
• [15:06] — Willie Colon on SNY: “Not an NFL quarterback”
• [16:21] — Jets’ passing stats; Justin Fields’ career crater
• [19:00] — Meta QB discussion: backup QB as "seat filler"
• [28:49] — Don on generational fan malaise
• [30:26] — Don & Peter: Has NFL lost its edge and appeal for young fans?
• [36:26] — Caller Billy, the 23-year-old Giants fan, on “fantasy fatigue” and generational disconnect
• [38:38] — Don on “meaningless” NY playoff runs
• [41:04] — Media feuds, Traina talk, playful show riffs

Tone and Style

The tone throughout is classic New York sports radio: passionate, weary, and self-deprecating, with bursts of humor and calls for accountability. Don brings gravitas as the voice of the frustrated fan; Peter keeps the conversation lively, sarcastic, and is quick to highlight the existential absurdity of rooting for the local teams. The banter is rapid and familiar, punctuated by a genuine sense of commiseration with fans.

In Summary

This episode is a cathartic venting session for New York football fans, focusing on the Jets' continued struggles and the emotional toll of supporting chronic losers in the modern sports media landscape. The hosts do what they do best: pull no punches on management decisions, debate the legitimacy of quarterback choices, and soul-search about the game's present and future. They invite listeners to consider how much has changed for fans, and whether the cycle of mediocrity is now eroding the very soul of NY football culture.