Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Giants & Judgement Calls

Episode Information

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Host/Authors: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 2: Giants & Judgement Calls
• Release Date: March 25, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, the hosts delve deep into the complexities surrounding the New York Giants' quarterback selection in the upcoming NFL draft. Transitioning seamlessly, they also tackle a contentious NHL officiating decision that has left Islanders fans bewildered.

2. Giants' Quarterback Dilemma

a. Mock Draft Insights

The conversation kicks off with Alan Rosenberg referencing Mike Tannenbaum's mock draft predictions, particularly focusing on the Giants' potential third-round pick—Shador Sanders. Alan expresses skepticism about the saturation of mock drafts but acknowledges Tannenbaum's expertise as a former general manager.

Alan Rosenberg [00:34]: "With your, with, with Don the Greca, I'm Alan Hahn. Peter off today. We'll get him back hopefully tomorrow, which would be great, of course, but we've got more to get you."

b. Assessing Shador Sanders

Don Hahn and Alan discuss Sanders' prospects, comparing him to former Giants quarterback Eli Manning. They highlight Sanders' reliability and intangibles over pure athleticism.

Don Hahn [01:43]: "Shador Sanders is somebody that is going to excel in the national football."

Alan Rosenberg [02:53]: "Sounds a lot like Eli. Yeah. You know, not. Not great speed, not an overwhelming arm, but damn, is he accurate and does his blood run cold?"

c. Importance of Intangibles

Both hosts emphasize the significance of intangibles—such as composure under pressure and consistency—over mere physical statistics when selecting a quarterback, especially in a high-pressure market like New York.

Don Hahn [05:06]: "But he's somebody that you think is going to be a good NFL quarterback."

Alan Rosenberg [06:50]: "He's not going to be a guy that can blow you away, but he's just steady as they come."

d. Media Pressure and Market Challenges

The duo discusses how the Giants' quarterback will be under immense scrutiny, akin to Eli Manning's legacy. They debate whether Sanders can withstand the media spotlight without getting rattled.

Don Hahn [05:06]: "The big market thing, the media pressure thing, none of that's going to bother him."

e. Deion Sanders and the Cleats Controversy

Alan Rosenberg brings up the issue of Deion Sanders potentially influencing the draft by having relatives wear Giants cleats, stirring rumors about Sanders' loyalty to the team. This raises concerns about external pressures on GM Joe Shane.

Alan Rosenberg [11:51]: "He had cleats for the Titans. He has cleats for the Raiders... He's not trying to put out there, I'll only play for the Giants."

Don Hahn [13:16]: "I just don't know how they feel about Sanders."

f. GM Joe Shane's Strategic Decisions

The hosts analyze GM Joe Shane's predicament, balancing the desire to secure a reliable quarterback with the uncertainty introduced by potential trades, such as acquiring Matthew Stafford.

Don Hahn [15:07]: "So now you're going to pivot from giving $100 million to a quarterback over the next two years ago. Oh, okay. We didn't get him."

Alan Rosenberg [17:47]: "How does he possibly sleep right now?"

g. Future Implications for the Giants

Don Hahn reflects on the long-term impact of the Giants' draft choices, pondering whether Sanders will be the franchise quarterback or another volatile choice like Matthew Stafford.

Don Hahn [19:01]: "The draft is going to be very highly rated because we're going to go into this draft with so much unknown."

3. Controversial NHL Officiating Call

a. Islanders vs Rangers Game Incident

The conversation shifts to a disputed goal call in the Islanders' game against the Rangers. A controversial penalty was called on Kyle Palmeri for alleged goaltender interference, nullifying a potential game-winning goal.

Alan Rosenberg [35:25]: "It was the NHL. It's competition. You're going to give up goals, it's going to happen."

Don Hahn [43:17]: "Did Palmieri impede Mers Leakins from making the save? And I think any logical person will tell you it didn't."

b. Analysis of the Referee's Decision

Don Hahn provides a detailed breakdown of the rule in question, arguing that the contact made by Palmeri should not have impeded the goalie, hence the disallowed goal was unjustified.

Don Hahn [43:17]: "The rule is, is that in the official's eye, he believes that the player, in this case Palmeri, impeded the goaltender... I don't think that's what happened."

c. NHL's Review Process Critique

Both hosts criticize the NHL's inability to overturn the call despite visible evidence, comparing it unfavorably to the NFL's handling of similar judgment calls.

Alan Rosenberg [37:04]: "Why couldn't they overturn it? That's coming up next."

Don Hahn [46:52]: "It's a judgment call. It is so ridiculous to me that anybody thought these Mers Leakins couldn't make the save because of the bump."

d. Call for Transparency

They advocate for greater transparency in the NHL's officiating decisions, suggesting that officials should provide clear explanations for contentious calls to maintain fan trust.

Don Hahn [49:22]: "They should know what's going on. I can't take because a lot of times I'm calling a game. And we don't sometimes even know why it's being reviewed."

4. Listener Engagement and Final Thoughts

The hosts encourage listeners to call in with their opinions on both the Giants' quarterback situation and the NHL officiating controversy. They emphasize the high-stakes nature of these decisions, especially for figures like GM Joe Shane, whose career could hinge on the success of these draft picks.

Don Hahn [24:12]: "Every general manager that has a pick in the top five, this pick will determine their future."

Alan Rosenberg [33:37]: "It's always a crapshoot for every Jaden Daniels story."

Conclusion

In this episode, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg offer a nuanced exploration of the Giants' quarterback conundrum, highlighting the delicate balance between talent, intangibles, and external pressures. Transitioning to the NHL, they dissect a controversial officiating decision, advocating for improved transparency and consistency in rulings. Their insightful dialogue provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics at play in both professional football and hockey.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Alan Rosenberg [02:53]: "Sounds a lot like Eli."
• Don Hahn [05:06]: "But he's somebody that you think is going to be a good NFL quarterback."
• Alan Rosenberg [11:51]: "He had cleats for the Titans..."
• Don Hahn [19:01]: "The draft is going to be very highly rated because we're going to go into this draft with so much unknown."
• Don Hahn [43:17]: "Did Palmeri impede Mers Leakins from making the save? And I think any logical person will tell you it didn't."

Note: Portions of the transcript containing advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections were excluded to maintain focus on the core discussions and insights.