Don, Hahn & Rosenberg — Hour 2: Dart QB 2 & Talk About It
ESPN New York | September 2, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into the latest shakeups in New York football, focusing on the Giants' quarterback depth chart where rookie Jackson Dart lands as QB2, the implications for veterans like Jameis Winston, and the broader landscape of roster management and fan loyalty. In the latter half, the team brings their trademark blend of humor and kvetching to "Talk About It Tuesday," with spirited rants about sports fandom, parenting at public events, transportation in NYC, and urban pet peeves.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Jackson Dart as Giants QB2 — What It Means
- Initial Reaction: Adam Schefter tweets that rookie Jackson Dart is officially listed as QB2 on the Giants’ unofficial depth chart, sparking debate among fans and insiders ([00:57]).
- Development Philosophy: Don argues it’s smart to keep Dart engaged and learning directly behind Russell Wilson, rather than letting him languish as QB3:
"This keeps him locked in. It's the smarter thing to do." — Don ([02:29])
- Veteran Presence: Winston’s acceptance of a potential QB3 role is praised for professionalism:
"Winston is a pro, is a vet, he can handle it." — Don ([02:47])
- Game Situational Use: Hints at creative packages for Dart (e.g., 4th-and-1, red zone) as part of the developmental plan ([03:08]).
Notable Quote
"If Wilson zigs instead of zags on a play, guess what? Jackson Dart, you're starting quarterback now. He's earned it." — Don ([01:26])
2. Quarterback Room Dynamics: Why Keep Winston?
- Contract Realities: Discussion around Winston’s $4 million salary and whether it’s worth moving him ([04:13][04:16]).
- Roster Logic: Both Don and Peter insist the Giants need an experienced backup (Winston) in case Dart’s not ready or struggles.
- Comparison: Alan wonders why not just keep a younger, cheaper DeVito, but Don and Peter emphasize the value of veteran insurance ([04:36], [04:57]).
Notable Moment
"You're not going to have two quarterbacks on the roster. If something happens to Wilson … they're gonna go out and get a veteran and what are they gonna get over for and how much is it gonna cost?" — Peter ([05:05])
3. What Happens If Winston is Traded?
- Trade Hypothetical: What if the Rams, in need, offer a third-round pick for Winston? The hosts agree you’d have to take it and sign another vet ([06:03]).
- Winston’s Mindset: Consensus that Winston knows he’s a placeholder, and the Giants have been straightforward about his role:
"He's at the stage of his career where…I'll play babysitter for a while … and then there's a landing spot for him next year somewhere." — Peter ([07:05])
- Losing DeVito: Mild regret about letting Tommy DeVito go, but acceptance that it’s part of the business.
4. Caller Segment: What Makes a Die-Hard Fan?
- Caller Dave’s Hot Take: "If you're a die-hard Jets fan, how are you missing opening day? Even when I'm broke ... I still find a way to be there. ... I would never sell my tickets." ([10:08])
- Hosts’ Nuance: Peter and Alan push back, acknowledging financial realities—sometimes selling for profit doesn’t mean you’re less of a fan.
"I can't judge you whether you're a Die Hard or not. If you're making a shrewd business decision." — Peter ([11:08])
- Levels of Fandom: Don suggests there are "levels" of die-hard, with some rare "elite" fans who never sell, but recognizing situational needs ([19:14]).
- Memorable Quote:
"If someone's gonna hand you $500 ... come on, what are you doing?" — Peter ([19:47])
5. New York Sports Nostalgia
- First Game Memories: Hosts and callers reminisce about their first NFL games, difficulties attending Giants/Jets games, and changes in ticket accessibility ([12:00]–[13:45]).
- Ticket Economics: The price and hassle of NFL attendance, the impact of PSLs, and the financial/geographic squeezing out of certain fanbases ([13:29]).
6. Giants & Jets Season Storylines
- Giants: All eyes on Jackson Dart’s progress and development. The front seven is also a focal point for fans ([20:05]).
- Jets: Quarterback uncertainty continues (“is it really Justin Fields?”); potential Breece Hall trade rumors for team building ([20:05]).
- Critical Franchise Questions:
"For me, if I'm a Jet fan, most important thing … Do I have a coach?" — Peter ([20:40])
Talk About It Tuesday (Sponsored by BetterHelp)
[24:18 onward]
A hilarious, relatable series of rants and banter:
1. Dad Moves & Public Events
- Alan’s Disney Paris Rant: Frustration with "yo yo dads" lifting their older kids onto shoulders and blocking others’ views during fireworks ([25:16]–[27:12]).
- Don defends the tradition, calling it instinctive and not inconsiderate.
- Alan fires back: "I've never heard someone explain not being inconsiderate while laying out they were being 100% inconsiderate." ([27:43])
- Peter Chimes In: Points out sometimes it's obliviousness, not malice, and shares his struggles as a new dad.
2. Modern Urban Etiquette
- Annoying Videographers: Mocking the people who film entire fireworks shows or concerts on their phones and never watch them ([30:33]–[31:36]).
- "Who wants to watch your fireworks?" — Peter
- Elevator Etiquette in Paris: Alan rails against able-bodied people taking elevators meant for strollers and disabled access ([31:41]).
3. NYC Transportation Woes
- Penn and Teller Nightmare: Don describes leaving a Broadway show only to get stuck in city traffic for two hours due to late-night road closures and wishes closures started later ([33:30]–[34:49]).
- Transit Suggestions: Hostile reactions to the suggestion of public transportation with kids late at night.
4. Penn & Teller Anecdote (Comedic Highlight)
- Don ends up sitting behind Dick Cavett, gives Penn Jillette's wife a spare ticket, and gets offered comp tickets in Vegas … only to miss out due to a schedule change ([37:32]–[40:51]).
- “And the craziest part of it all is Emily Gillette actually put Dick Cavett on her shoulders to watch the show. Don couldn't see a thing.” — Alan ([40:55])
5. Eagles/Sirianni Banter
- Mild-mannered Eagles bashing over coach Sirianni's faux modesty about Super Bowl banner night (“I didn’t know it was a banner night” — which no one believes) ([45:15]).
- The group jokes about the “tool” vibes of certain coaches and how fans accept it if they’re winning ([46:06]).
Notable Quotes
- "This keeps him locked in. It's the smarter thing to do." — Don ([02:29])
- "If Wilson zigs instead of zags on a play… Jackson Dart, you're starting quarterback now. He's earned it." — Don ([01:26])
- "I can't judge you whether you're a Die Hard or not. If you're making a shrewd business decision." — Peter ([11:08])
- "You are the Die Hard of the Die Hards… I don't care how much you're offering for this ticket. I'm not selling it." — Don ([19:19])
- "If someone's gonna hand you $500… come on, what are you doing?" — Peter ([19:47])
- "I've never heard someone explain not being inconsiderate while laying out they were being 100% inconsiderate." — Alan ([27:43])
- "Who wants to watch your fireworks?" — Peter ([30:33])
- "It was like winning the lottery right before the nukes were launched." — Don ([18:10])
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Jackson Dart as QB2 Reaction: [00:57] – [03:58]
- Winston, Depth Chart, Roster Moves: [03:58] – [09:50]
- Fans & Ticket Loyalty: [10:08] – [13:45]; [19:14] – [20:03]
- Jets/Giants Season Previews: [20:03] – [21:41]
- Talk About It Tuesday (Parenting, Public Events, NYC Driving): [24:18] – [40:51]
- Penn & Teller Backstage Story: [37:32] – [41:10]
- Eagles Banner Ceremony/Sirianni: [44:11] – [46:13]
- Final Review of NFL Opener Attendance/Season Tickets: [46:51] – [48:29]
Episode Tone & Style
Light, conversational, and often irreverent, the hosts blend solid football insight with personal anecdotes and banter. They tackle New York sports with skepticism, self-deprecating humor, and relatable frustration about real-life hassles.
For anyone who missed it, this episode is a classic Don, Hahn & Rosenberg ride — plenty of Giants/Jets depth, NFL roster logic, and the kind of New York gripes you only get from true locals.