Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast – Hour 2: Dart's Last Game, For Now

Date: August 21, 2025
Hosts: Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, (Don La Greca referenced, not present)

Episode Overview

This lively episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" delivers the trio's signature blend of sports analysis, New York banter, and cultural commentary—anchored by an in-depth discussion about the New York Giants' quarterback situation (especially rookie Jackson Dart), Don La Greca's new role with the New Jersey Devils, and a deeper dive into Yankee history via the "Thursday Rewrite" segment. The hosts also sprinkle in light, self-aware debates, fan interaction, and some pointed reflections on sports media narratives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Don La Greca's New Role with the Devils (00:44–07:08)

• Don’s Commercial: Alan and Peter enthusiastically critique La Greca's new role and TV commercial as the Devil's broadcaster, riffing on Don’s look and on-air persona.
  • “You got a butt, we got a seat. Get over to the Rock, my man. This season.” – Don La Greca, commercial (03:18)
  • “If that's what we're gonna get on television, then we gotta get back on TV as fast as possible.” – Alan Hahn (02:58)
• Chemistry With Ken Daneyko: The hosts praise the pairing, likening Don and Daneyko’s vibe to “guys you could see just throwing on leather jackets, jumping on motorcycles and just flying down.” (06:47)
• “Wolf of Weehawken”: Rosenberg coins a nickname for Don’s new finance-bro-adjacent energy (04:09).
• Fraud Friday Tease: A light teasing of “Fraud Friday,” noting a “fraudulent” detail in Don’s commercial to be revealed the next day (05:10–06:13).

2. ESPN App & WWE Crossover (07:08–08:12)

• ESPN App Update: Peter is amazed by WWE content finally being integrated into the ESPN app. Both hosts reflect on how much opposition there once was within ESPN to including pro wrestling.
  • “It’s just a crazy thing to now see all this WWE stuff here. There were just people who so never wanted this…” – Peter Rosenberg (08:00)

3. Giants Preseason and Jackson Dart's Development (08:13–21:03)

• Preseason Overview: The Giants play the Patriots, but with starters sitting, rookie Jackson Dart is the primary intrigue. Hahn gives a detailed account of Dart’s progress and the organization's careful approach.
  • “He has not turned it over. … Especially in preseason, because you're told to be a little more aggressive and you don't know what you don't know.” – Alan Hahn (09:03)
• Quarterback Plan: Debate about whether Dart will dress as a backup or remain inactive to develop slowly behind Wilson & Winston.
  • “You don’t want to see ghosts.” – Peter Rosenberg (10:05)
  • “Let him sit in that quarterback room and watch Russell Wilson, a veteran, operate.” – Alan Hahn (10:07)
• When To Start Dart?: Alan lays out possible periods for Dart's starting debut: post-bye week, or if the season slips away, maybe for the final four games. The difficulties of throwing a rookie in too soon are analyzed in the context of the Giant’s schedule.
  • “I can’t see the Giants with this schedule bringing him in any earlier than post-bye.” – Alan Hahn (19:09)
  • “If the season is lost, do you have them come out of the buy and you kind of just say, okay... This is a good place to put the kid in and see what he's about?” – Alan Hahn (15:08)
• Importance of Locker Room Fit: The hosts stress that Dart’s personality and presence are as reassuring as his play.
  • “The room loves this kid. That's also helpful when his time does come, he'll have support.” – Alan Hahn (12:45)
• Jordan Raanan's Report: Giants beat reporter Jordan Raanan confirms that, “Russell Wilson is our starter. We're going to continue to develop Jackson Dart,” and notes QB coach Shea Tierney's high praise for Dart’s learning and processing (20:09).

4. Elite Quarterback Traits: IQ vs. Athleticism (21:03–24:16)

• Attribute Draft: Alan challenges Peter to allocate 15 ‘points’ between QB intellect (processing/IQ) and athleticism; a light, analytical debate follows.
  • “Where are you allocating the numbers? … You want to be elite in something.” – Alan Hahn (21:31)
• Naming Names: Discussion of QBs who excel at both (e.g., Lamar Jackson, Jaden Daniels), why high processing ability is essential, and examples (Brady, Zach Wilson, Anthony Richardson).
  • “Lamar Jackson might be a 10 in both.” – Peter Rosenberg (23:03)
• AFC Quarterback Storylines: Rosenberg notes the “four absolute legends” at the position, but only Mahomes has a Super Bowl title—mirroring the 80s with Montana, Elway, and Marino (24:16).

5. Thursday Rewrite: The 1990 Steinbrenner Ban and Yankee Dynasty (28:26–40:00)

• Historical Fork: The segment asks: What if George Steinbrenner hadn’t been banned in 1990? Would the Yankees' legendary “Core Four” (Jeter, Rivera, Posada, Pettitte) and Bernie Williams have come together?
  • Plays archival Steinbrenner tape reflecting on letting young players develop (28:43).
  • “Does the Core Four ever happen? Does Bernie Williams end up being traded for some other...you know, for Joseph Shablotnik?” – Alan Hahn (32:46)
• Core Four vs. Core Five: Peter and Alan muse that Bernie’s earlier arrival excludes him from “Core Four” branding—but statistically and in impact, he could belong.
  • “Is it just sort of like silly happenstance that by Bernie getting there early, he's not part of the core four? Like, shouldn't it really be... the live five?” – Peter Rosenberg (37:57)

6. TV Careers, Networking, and Friendly Ribbing (43:49–45:52)

• TV Career Banter: A playful back-and-forth about networking (“kissing ass”) and career success. The hosts joke about Don being less socially engaged but still landing his dream job.
  • “That's not kissing ass. It's called networking.” – Alan Hahn (44:56)
• Twitter/Fan Feedback: Peter reads some social media jabs, highlighting the ribbing they take on and off air.

7. NFL Media Narratives & The Commanders (46:02–49:57)

• Commanders "Step Back" Prediction: Peter vents about the “lazy, stupid narrative” that Washington will regress simply because their 12-5 record was unexpected.
  • “It is the most boring, repetitive... None of you are basing in anything except the fact that the Commanders somehow got to 12 and 5 last year.” – Peter Rosenberg (46:58)
• Analytics Perspective: Anthony explains, per Bill Barnwell’s research, why analytic models predict regression for teams with high luck in close games.
  • “They were 8 and 1 in games decided by 7 points or less…law of averages…” – Anthony (47:28)
• Bigger Picture: Alan draws parallels with the Lions and Texans and how perception of success can depend on expectations, not just records.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Don's Commercial Energy:

  • "You got a butt, we got a seat. Get over to the Rock, my man. This season." – Don La Greca’s line (03:18)
  • "That's a great line, by the way. You got a butt, we got a seat. This is...so good." – Alan Hahn (03:32)

• Quarterback Development and Risk:

  • "Let him sit in that quarterback room and watch Russell Wilson... See how the week to week thing goes. Right. Instead of being in it week to week, you're still there, but it's not on you." – Alan Hahn (10:07)

• Quarterback Trait Allocation:

  • "So, you want—I'm using 10 in one category. I would put...because you don't have to be an 8 athlete at quarterback." – Alan Hahn (22:18)
  • "Lamar Jackson might be a 10 in both." – Peter Rosenberg (23:03)
  • "I'm not saying this just to hate. I've seen so many Jabronis make throws like that and have moments like that in the preseason. We will not really know what we have until we see him play a real game." – Peter Rosenberg (12:01)

• Yankee History "Rewrite":

  • "If he doesn't get banned, Peter... does the Core Four ever happen? Does Bernie Williams end up being traded for some other...you know, for Joseph Shablotnik, who doesn't pan out in New York?" – Alan Hahn (32:46)

• Media Criticism:

  • "It is the most boring, repetitive... None of you are basing in anything except the fact that the Commanders somehow got to 12 and 5 last year." – Peter Rosenberg (46:58)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Don’s Devil's Commercial & Wolf of Weehawken: 02:35 – 07:08
• Giants Preseason and Jackson Dart's Development: 08:13 – 21:03
• Attribute Draft: QB IQ vs Athleticism: 21:31 – 24:16
• Thursday Rewrite – Steinbrenner and Yankee Dynasty: 28:26 – 40:00
• Core Four/Core Five Debate: 37:56 – 40:34
• TV Networking Banter & Ribbing: 43:49 – 45:53
• Commanders Narrative Rant: 46:02 – 49:57

Tone, Style & Language

Casually sharp, irreverent, and big-hearted, the hosts oscillate between serious sports assessment, inside-joke banter, and authentic, slightly exasperated fan energy. They riff on one another, share direct criticism of lazy sports takes, and occasionally break for nostalgia or personal career stories—always infusing segments with New York attitude and camaraderie.

This summary covers the main themes, crucial moments, and memorable debates from this episode, offering an engaging recount for those who missed the broadcast or want to focus on the sports substance and signature exchanges of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg.