Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary Episode: Hour 2: Giants QB Plans
Release Date: February 18, 2025

1. Introduction to Giants’ Quarterback Situation

The hosts, Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg, delve into the New York Giants' ongoing quarterback dilemma. With the team evaluating whether to trade for veteran Matthew Stafford or draft the promising Shadore Sanders, the conversation centers around the implications of each choice for the franchise's future.

2. Poll Results on Draft Picks

Alan Hahn introduces a pivotal poll conducted by Jordan Renan, asking whether Giants fans would trade their third overall pick and additional draft assets for the first overall pick to select a quarterback sooner.

• Poll Details:

  • Question: Would you trade the Giants' third overall pick and a 2026 third-round pick to the Titans for the first overall pick?
  • Results: 51% voted "No" while 49% voted "Yes" after over 18,000 votes.

• Notable Quote:

  • Alan Hahn [07:32]: "The poll being 50. 50. And here's the thing, to me, that's like, do you believe in the quarterbacks or not. It's the same question."

3. Analysis of Matthew Stafford vs. Shadore Sanders

The discussion shifts to analyzing the pros and cons of acquiring Matthew Stafford versus drafting Shadore Sanders.

• Matthew Stafford:

  • Pros:

    • Experienced and proven quarterback with a generational talent.
    • Likened to being the "Kurt Warner to Eli Manning" ([07:10] Don LaGreca).
    • Expected to drive expectations and secure immediate competitiveness.

  • Cons:

    • High salary demands ($50 million/year).
    • Potential cap space issues requiring the team to part ways with him after a few years.
    • Concerns about his longevity and desire to play post-Rams era ([22:35] Alan Hahn).

• Shadore Sanders:

  • Pros:

    • High accuracy and leadership qualities.
    • Comparable intangibles to Eli Manning, providing stability.
    • Seen as a "toughness personified," essential for the Giants' coaching style ([22:11] Alan Hahn).

  • Cons:

    • Average arm strength, which could limit deep throws.
    • Potential concerns about his motion and playing style ([21:36] Peter Rosenberg).
    • Public perception influenced by his father, Deion Sanders, raising questions about media pressure ([15:25] Peter Rosenberg).

• Notable Quotes:

  • Don LaGreca [08:49]: "All six quarterbacks that were taken last year would be ahead of the two that be taken here."
  • Alan Hahn [22:11]: "He’s a leader on that team. And he’s not a leader. Like I’m demonstrative and all that stuff. He’s more of like the toughness personified."

4. Deion Sanders’ Influence and Media Dynamics

The role of Deion Sanders as a highly opinionated figure and his potential impact on his son's (Shadore Sanders) career is scrutinized. The hosts discuss whether Deion's media presence could add undue pressure on Shadore or benefit him through increased visibility.

• Concerns:

  • Deion’s history of being outspoken could lead to public disputes if Shadore struggles ([16:25] Don LaGreca).
  • Potential for Deion to publicly defend or criticize team decisions, impacting Shadore's performance and the team's dynamics.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Don LaGreca [16:25]: "He’s an opinionated guy. And he is not gonna sit and twiddle his thumbs and watch."
  • Peter Rosenberg [16:09]: "Maybe he won't have his dad. That involves."

5. Leadership and Intangible Qualities

The discussion emphasizes the importance of intangible qualities in a quarterback, such as leadership, composure under pressure, and the ability to connect with teammates and coaches.

• Shadore Sanders:

  • Described as having a calm demeanor, strong leadership, and the ability to handle pressure without overreacting.
  • Compared favorably to quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence in terms of leadership traits ([22:35] Alan Hahn).

• Matthew Stafford:

  • Known for his competitive nature and ability to perform in high-stakes situations.
  • However, concerns exist about his adaptability to different team dynamics and potential aging issues.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Alan Hahn [22:12]: "He’s a leader on that team. And he’s not a leader. Like I’m demonstrative and all that stuff."
  • Don LaGreca [22:44]: "He’s above the neck leader, mobility, great guy, but not the greatest arm accuracy."

6. Comparisons with Past Quarterbacks

The hosts draw parallels between current Giants' quarterback options and historical figures like Eli Manning and Philip Rivers to contextualize potential outcomes.

• Eli Manning vs. Philip Rivers:

  • While Philip Rivers was statistically superior, Eli Manning's intangible qualities and leadership were pivotal for the Giants' Super Bowl victories ([10:39] Don LaGreca).
  • Highlights the importance of intangible factors over pure statistics in quarterback selection.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Alan Hahn [10:02]: "I agree."
  • Don LaGreca [10:03]: "Right. So you will lose your job if you get this wrong."

7. Media and Public Perception

The influence of media narratives and fan perceptions on the Giants' quarterback decisions is a recurring theme. The potential for media to sway public opinion and place additional pressure on the quarterback choice is examined.

• Challenges:

  • Shadore Sanders' association with Deion Sanders might lead to heightened media scrutiny.
  • The legacy of Deion's outspoken nature could either support or hinder Shadore's integration into the team.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Peter Rosenberg [15:35]: "Do you think the name Sanders at this point now hurts or helps?"
  • Alan Hahn [18:27]: "Well, Deion's gonna go public if he feels his son is being wronged."

8. Potential Outcomes for the Giants

The hosts speculate on the future trajectory of the Giants based on the quarterback choice.

• Trading for Stafford:

  • Immediate boost in competitiveness.
  • Potential short-term success with long-term financial implications.

• Drafting Sanders:

  • Building for the future with a young, controllable asset.
  • Possibility of developing a franchise quarterback without massive financial constraints.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Alan Hahn [15:43]: "Everything you just described, he. Above the neck leader, mobility, great guy, but not the greatest arm accuracy."
  • Don LaGreca [10:39]: "You have to get the quarterback that you love. I never, I never faulted Gettleman for taking Daniel Jones sixth because it’s his job and he was convinced he was wrong."

9. Hosts’ Additional Conversations and Banter

Interspersed throughout the episode are light-hearted discussions about personal topics like hairlines, family responsibilities, and the NBA All-Star Game. These segments provide a glimpse into the hosts' personalities but are secondary to the main topic.

• Hairline Discussions:

  • The hosts humorously debate each other's hairlines, reflecting their camaraderie ([01:02]-[05:17]).

• NBA All-Star Game Critique:

  • Criticism of the commercialization of the NBA All-Star Game and its impact on player competitiveness ([29:30]-[32:40]).

• Notable Quotes:

  • Don LaGreca [27:02]: "We don't even know if he was alive, if he'd care."
  • Alan Hahn [31:05]: "Don't give me that."

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with the hosts reiterating the significance of the Giants' quarterback decision and its long-term impact on the team's success. They emphasize the need for conviction in either backing a veteran like Stafford or investing in a young talent like Sanders.

• Final Insights:

  • The importance of intangible qualities in determining the right quarterback choice.
  • The balancing act between immediate competitiveness and long-term franchise building.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Alan Hahn [32:40]: "It is the biggest question when it comes to drafting this player."
  • Don LaGreca [33:17]: "Don't let it get in the way of who the player is."

Key Takeaways:

• The New York Giants face a pivotal decision between trading for an experienced quarterback, Matthew Stafford, or drafting a promising young talent, Shadore Sanders.
• Poll results among fans show a nearly even split, indicating divided opinions on the best path forward.
• Intangible qualities, such as leadership and composure, are crucial factors in the quarterback selection process.
• Deion Sanders' influence adds a layer of complexity, potentially affecting media narratives and team dynamics.
• Historical comparisons with past quarterbacks like Eli Manning underline the importance of factors beyond mere statistics.
• The choice between immediate competitiveness and long-term franchise building remains at the forefront of the discussion.

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the Giants' quarterback dilemma, offering insights into the potential ramifications of each decision and highlighting the nuanced factors that influence such pivotal team decisions.