Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast – "2pt & INT Controversies"

Date: January 19, 2026
Episode: Hour 2
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the hottest controversies from the recent NFL playoff games—specifically, the logic (or lack thereof) behind 2-point conversion decisions and a much-debated interception/no-catch call in the Buffalo game. The hosts weigh in on coaching, quarterback confidence, legacy discussions, and the nuances of NFL officiating, all with their signature New York sports talk bravado and humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. CJ Stroud's Playoff Performance & The Quarterback Dilemma

(Starts ~01:28)

• After a tough outing by Houston's CJ Stroud, the panel debates whether he should have been benched at halftime.
  • Don: Leans toward considering a change, saying, "He was losing them the game, Peter. That's why at least has to be a discussion." (04:46)
  • Peter: Cautions against undermining a young QB's confidence. "If you fully 100% are committed to him being your guy next year, you cannot bench him in a playoff game. Football just doesn't work that way, Don." (02:51)
  • Reference to Troy Aikman's in-game comments about Stroud “throwing it open.”
• Comparison to Jaden Daniels and pushback on lazy narratives:
  • Peter: "I'm just not sure that CJ Stroud is actually a full on dude yet. I really am not sure." (03:49)
  • The group agrees Stroud's not replicating his rookie year success, but note his three straight seasons with a playoff win.

2. Super Bowl Scenarios & Legacy Talk

(05:52 - 07:41)

• Focus on Matt Stafford's possible second Super Bowl and its implications:
  • Don: "Yeah. And then that puts him up there right with the, with. With the Mannings and the Brady's of, you know, multiple super bowl winners, which is a big deal." (05:52)
  • Hosts favor the Rams due to Stafford’s experience and weaponry.
• Analysis of remaining potential matchups:
  • Consensus: No matchup seems particularly "sexy," but Rams-Patriots could be most compelling.
  • Peter: "That is such a generic super bowl." (07:39)
  • Revisits Sam Darnold's past struggles and what a Seahawks-Patriots rematch with him at QB would mean.

3. 2-Point Conversion Controversy: Lions Decision Debate

(10:45 - 13:29, Callers Start at 10:53)

• Listener “Richard” lambastes Ben Johnson for not going for two after a dramatic TD, referencing past NFL coaching decisions.
  • Caller Richard: "You put your foot on his throat right now and you go. You have a play..." (11:30)
• Don and Peter immediately refute the argument:
  • Don: "It would be insanity to go for it. I'm going to tell you why. ...Take the extra point. You're guaranteed possessions in overtime, people." *(11:57) / "You cannot, under any circumstances, go for two. You can't. It's stupid. It'd be dumb. It'd be colossally dumb to put the game on the line..." (12:32)
  • Peter: "They did not have a play to cross the goal line. If they don't get it, their season's over. To Don's point, you're guaranteed a possession in overtime." (12:54)

4. Buffalo Game: Interception/No-Catch Rules Controversy

(14:19 - 18:37)

• Caller "Ray," an attorney, praises refs for a tough real-time interception call, details the difference between this play and others like the Devonte Adams catch:
  • Ray: "I think Don laid this out perfectly...I think what gets overlooked here is the refs...got that right in real time." (14:26 - 15:06)
• Don and Peter get into a passionate back-and-forth on officiating and replay protocol:
  • Peter: "The whole world is watching, go under the hood and confidently say after review the rule on the field stands. That to me would be even more impactful..." (15:51)
  • Don: "If you know it's time to change it, then why are you wasting everybody's time?" (16:46)
  • Deep discussion on transparency: Is it procedural or PR to delay for a visible review? Debate about the meaning and impact of the "human element" and the weight of high-stake moments.
  • Peter: "I want you to be tactical and careful in the most important moment of our season. I don't see why that's a crazy ask." (19:34)

5. Chris Collinsworth & Romo Commentary Critique

(20:03 - 21:46)

• Caller asks the hosts to unite against Chris Collinsworth’s color commentary.
  • Adam (caller): Relates a Collinsworth gaffe about punting on third down.
  • Peter: Defends Collinsworth and points out that broadcasters say dumb things all the time: "Tony Romo said that, you know, Buffalo's in four down territory. Like, people say dumb things all the time. It's, it's, it's a long game." (21:00)
  • Don: Admits Collinsworth grew on him over the years, calls his early style "hokey," but now is a fan—even if his Olympic work is "nauseating." (21:20-21:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Benching Stroud:

  • Don: “He was losing them the game, Peter. That's why at least has to be a discussion.” (04:46)
  • Peter: “If you fully 100% are committed to him...you cannot bench him in a playoff game. Football just doesn't work that way...” (02:51)

• On 2pt Conversions:

  • Don: “You cannot, under any circumstances, go for two...It'd be colossally dumb to put the game on the line when you're guaranteed possession in overtime.” (12:32)
  • Peter: “They did not have a play to cross the goal line. If they don't get it, their season's over. To Don's point, you're guaranteed a possession in overtime.” (12:54)

• On Officiating & Replay Protocol:

  • Peter: “The whole world is watching, go under the hood and confidently say after review the rule on the field stands. That to me would be even more impactful...” (15:51)
  • Don: “If you know it's time to change it, then why are you wasting everybody's time?...You're grandstanding. You wanted a grandstand moment for something that was never going to get changed in the first place.” (16:46, 19:27)

• On Football Broadcasting:

  • Peter: “People say dumb things all the time. It's, it's, it's a long game. I, I'm not going to say that means Chris Collinsworth is losing it.” (21:00)
  • Don: “He's actually grown on me, so I'm a fan. But I thought he was really hokey when he first started. I can't even stomach him doing the Olympics. It's nauseating.” (21:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:28] NFL Weekend Recap & CJ Stroud Quarterback Discussion
• [05:52] Matthew Stafford Legacy & Rams Confidence
• [10:53] Caller Richard Rants on 2-Point Conversion Decision
• [14:19] Caller Ray Dissects the Buffalo Interception Call
• [18:37] Replay Protocol & Transparency Debate
• [20:03] Chris Collinsworth/Tony Romo Commentary Critique

Host Chemistry & Tone

The episode blends opinionated New York sports talk with humor and a bit of good-natured bickering—especially between Don and Peter as they dissect the replay controversy. Callers are given room to voice passionate takes, but the hosts retain a “no BS” edge, quickly challenging what they see as flawed logic, all while balancing analytical rigor with entertainment value.

Summary:
This episode gives NFL fans a rousing, comprehensive look at some of the league’s most complex current debates, from the psychology of quarterback management, to the philosophical and procedural questions surrounding officiating and replay, to the long-term legacy of stars like Matt Stafford. Both hosts and callers deliver sharp opinions and color, making this a can’t-miss listen for sports fans who crave smart, sometimes sharply opinionated analysis.