Hour 2: Jets Moving On?

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Jets Moving On?

Release Date: February 10, 2025

In this compelling episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the tumultuous state of the New York Jets organization, specifically focusing on the potential departure of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The discussion is rich with expert analysis, passionate opinions, and insightful commentary, making it a must-listen for Jets fans and sports enthusiasts alike.

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1. Introduction to the Jets’ Dilemma

The episode kicks off with Steve expressing frustration over the Jets' inconsistent performance, particularly targeting quarterback decisions:

Steve (00:45): "Why are they winning games? They don't know what they're doing. Get people in there to know what they're doing... I want John Marrow to look at that Super Bowl and bathe in its stink and say, I need to make changes so I can be that team again." (00:45)

Don Hahn and Rosenberg join in, highlighting the ongoing struggles and setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the Jets' strategic missteps.

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2. Analysis of Quarterback Choices

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the Jets' quarterback saga. Steve critiques the organization’s previous decisions in drafting and managing quarterbacks:

Steve (03:07): "You need a general manager. You need coaching. If you don't have that, it doesn't matter... I'm going to lean on the side of them not knowing what they're doing."

Don Hahn echoes these sentiments, pointing out the mismanagement of key players like Sanchez, Sam Darnold, and Zach Wilson:

Don Hahn (03:44): "They had Sanchez and they had exactly what they needed to get out of him... They ruined him there."

The hosts dissect how these decisions have cumulatively led to the current predicament, emphasizing the lack of coherent strategy in quarterback development and acquisition.

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3. The Potential Departure of Aaron Rodgers

The crux of the episode revolves around Aaron Rodgers' future with the Jets. Don Hahn introduces breaking news about Rodgers' impending departure and the organizational shifts that might follow:

Don Hahn (05:15): "...the jets are expected to part ways with Aaron Rodgers. This is going to end and they're going to try to do it with some class and dignity for a guy who's going into the hall of fame."

Steve speculates on Rodgers' next moves and the Jets' strategy moving forward:

Steve (09:24): "Would the jets be interested in making a deal with Tennessee to move up to one to get a quarterback? I don't know how you do that."

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4. Exploring Replacement Options

With Rodgers potentially exiting, the conversation shifts to possible replacements. The hosts debate various candidates, weighing their fit and potential impact:

Rich Samini (16:30): "They don't have an answer at quarterback. They're back in a very familiar position for them and that's quarterback purgatory... Could they take a Jackson Dart or Jalen Milro in the second round? Yeah, I could see that happening."

Steve and Don Hahn consider both veteran options like Tyrod Taylor and emerging talents such as Justin Fields:

Steve (17:25): "I think Justin Fields could be an answer. Kirk Cousins is just going to be here until you figure out the next option."

Don Hahn (18:00): "Kirk Cousins... he never wanted to come here. They were throwing money at him and we all saw because it was all caught on."

The discussion highlights the Jets’ challenging position in balancing immediate needs with long-term aspirations, emphasizing the difficulty in finding a suitable quarterback without further destabilizing the team.

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5. Organizational Culture and Future Strategy

The hosts delve into the broader organizational issues plaguing the Jets, such as management changes and cultural resets:

Rich Samini (16:30): "New general manager, a new head coach... they like to reset the culture and establish their own culture."

Don Hahn underscores the importance of having a clear plan post-Rodgers:

Don Hahn (14:43): "They gotta have one or two names... That's what I mean by this is your organizations that are run by the right people that you already have."

The discussion underscores the necessity for the Jets to adopt a cohesive strategy, moving beyond reactive decisions to proactive, well-thought-out plans for future success.

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6. Fan Base Expectations and Communication

A recurring theme is the relationship between the Jets’ management and their fan base. Steve advocates for transparency and managing expectations:

Steve (19:02): "Be honest with them. Hey, this is what we're going to be and just show that you're moving in the right direction."

Don Hahn concurs, emphasizing the need for the organization to present a unified and positive direction to maintain and grow fan support:

Don Hahn (24:03): "Does this look better than it did the last couple of years? Does it feel like, okay, this is something that looks like it's organized and heading in the right direction?"

This segment highlights the critical role of effective communication in rebuilding trust and enthusiasm among the Jets' supporters.

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7. Conclusion: A Cautious Optimism

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reflect on the possible outcomes of the Jets' current maneuvers. While there is acknowledgment of the significant challenges ahead, there remains a thread of cautious optimism that the organization can redefine its trajectory with the right moves:

Don Hahn (30:41): "And now you're back once again, starting all over again with a new coach, new front office, and now a new quarterback."

Steve (30:50): "If they bring Aaron Rodgers back, it's like, we got a chance, man. We got a chance to make the playoffs."

The episode wraps up with an acknowledgment of the Jets' storied history of ups and downs, leaving listeners pondering the future of one of the NFL’s most enigmatic franchises.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Steve (00:45): Criticizes the Jets' lack of direction and poor decision-making.
• Don Hahn (03:44): Discusses the mismanagement of key quarterbacks.
• Don Hahn (05:15): Announces Rodgers' potential departure with dignity.
• Steve (09:24): Ponders potential trades to secure a new quarterback.
• Rich Samini (16:30): Talks about organizational changes and culture resets.
• Steve (17:25): Considers Justin Fields as a potential quarterback.
• Don Hahn (18:00): Comments on Kirk Cousins' fit with the Jets.
• Steve (19:02): Emphasizes the need for honesty with the fan base.
• Don Hahn (24:03): Highlights the importance of showing organizational improvement.
• Don Hahn (30:41): Reflects on the Jets restarting with new leadership and QB.

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provides an in-depth analysis of the New York Jets' current challenges and the complex decision-making processes surrounding the team’s future. Through passionate discussion and expert insights, the hosts offer a comprehensive look at what lies ahead for the Jets, making it an essential listen for anyone invested in the team’s success.

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Note: Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections were omitted to focus solely on the episode's substantive discussions.

Transcript

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[Steve]

Will that be cash or credit?

[Don Hahn]

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[Rosenberg]

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[Don Hahn]

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[Steve]

Results may vary based on input.

[Don Hahn]

Check responses for accuracy.

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[Don Hahn]

Hey, this is Adam Fox. Catch every Rangers game right here on 880 ESPN, WHSQ and WCBS FM HD2 New York. This is Don Han and Rosenberg.

[Steve]

Oh, you got a tag. I can't believe the Giants won. Oh, Peter, the Giants won games. Oh, Tommy DeVito won games. That's why we're so bad. No, they're bad because they don't know what the heck they're doing. And that should make you enraged. So stop it all. You gotta tag. Why are they winning games? They don't know what. What they're doing. Get people in there to know what they're doing. So if you want to hate people, you want to get mad, get mad at the Giants. So, yeah, I'm glad Philadelphia wiped the floor with Kansas City because I was sick of the Chiefs. And anything that sticks into the Giants right now, I'm all for. Because I want them to be humiliated. I want John Marrow to look at that super bowl and bathe in its stink and say, I need to make changes so I can be that team again. So I hope the Cowboys win. I hope the Commanders win. I hope the Eagles win every damn Super Bowl. Because you know what? They've got to change what they are as an organization. I want them to be embarrassed and humiliated. To change.

[Don Hahn]

Don Hahn and Rosenberg on 880 ESPN. Don McGregor, everybody. Don McGregor. I mean, that's epic.

[Rosenberg]

And by the way, this is why you have to subscribe to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast, wherever you find podcasts. And you need to have that ESPN New York app in your phone because until we work out some sort of TV situation.

[Don Hahn]

Efforting, efforting, by the way, we're efforting.

[Rosenberg]

I think that could be on the horizon. But until that happens, you don't want to miss moments like that. So we need you on the ray row.

[Don Hahn]

No, yeah, absolutely. That is a fantastic. Everything you said there, too. It's not just yelling and screaming. There's a lot of factual everything that he's saying. There, all of it is. Is just. You could feel it.

[Steve]

Because the reason I lost it. The problem is I hear a lot of other people, like I hear it on the morning show Rick and Dave talk about why do they win those games? They could have had Jaden Daniels. Everybody looks at the talent. You need talent to win. There's no question. You need a good quarterback to win, but you need a general manager. You need coaching. If you don't have that, it doesn't matter. Do you think the jets, just. Just because they're the jets couldn't find a quarterback with the second pick, the third pick, or the fifth pick? Did they get it? Did all three of those quarterbacks spit the bit? Or did they not take advantage of having talented quarterbacks because they ruined them, because they don't know what they're doing. And I'm going to lean on the side of them not knowing what they're doing. Now, Sanchez is what he is. But with Sanchez, if he was drafted by the 49ers, if he was drafted by a great organization, I'll argue that.

[Don Hahn]

They had Sanchez and they had exactly what they needed to get out of him. And the problem is they paid too much attention what the media was saying. And remember free Sanchez, Remember that whole thing? Because they were limiting him to play action, pass and ground and pound, and everybody wanted to let him throw, let him get. Let him get loose. And then that I remember Brian Schottenheimer was like, all right, you guys want this? All right. Like, here's what. Here's what's going to look like. And it was a mistake. They had him right where he needed to be, and then it got out of hand. That's how they ruined him there. The other two, Sam Darnold, terrible situation, never had a chance. And then obviously, Zach Wilson, an awful pick, just an awful pick.

[Steve]

Yeah, that might have turned out to be just an awful pick.

[Don Hahn]

Terrible choice.

[Steve]

But just the narrative of. Well, the Giants are bad because they let Saquon go. They were bad five of the six years they had Saquon.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Steve]

All right. The Giants are bad because they. Tommy DeVito won a couple of games down the stretch, and it cost him Jaden Daniels. Well, sure, they would have been better than what they had this year, but would Jaden Daniels had blossomed the way he did in his rookie year in New York, the way he did in Washington because he didn't have Kingsbury, he didn't have a good team around him, a good offensive line. Like, these are the things I'm saying. It's so simplistic to just think, oh, just tank and get the pick or hold on to this player. It's really hard to win, and you need to put people in there that know what they're doing and maybe, maybe they'll end up getting it right. And maybe Shane and Dable are the guys and now that they've gotten their new lease on life, they'll figure it out. I certainly hope so as a Giant fan, but that's where you got to make it happen. It's about coaching and then getting the right talent, putting them in the right situation. Last I saw, Philadelphia didn't have to tank. They didn't even take Jalen Hurts in the first round, right?

[Don Hahn]

Nope.

[Steve]

So. And he's a Super bowl mvp, by the way.

[Rosenberg]

It's a. It's a big night for Jalen Hurts, who, like, I think most of us agree, maybe he turned out to be not as special as some of us thought he initially was. I certainly have been. I certainly found my moments where I've called him like an athletic sort of game manager, and maybe he is that. But, man, he was good last night when he had to be. That's a bit. That's a good night. He had a good organizational. He's a good organizational pickup.

[Don Hahn]

And that's why I say, with all the envy you have as a fan, when you're watching teams that have success, saying, why can't we get a guy like that? Don't look at the players. Look at the guy that's sitting in the suite watching. He's wearing a suit. His name is Howie Roseman. That's what you look at and say, how come we can't get a guy like that who knows how to build winning rosters? Meanwhile, how do you take down a roster that was supposed to win and didn't? That seems to be what's going to happen in Florham Park. The story is right now Rich Mean, he has it on espn.com posted it just a few minutes. This was actually, I believe, yesterday. We're waiting for the. In the next few minutes for some type of confirmation, but the jets are expected to part ways with Aaron Rodgers. This is going to end and they're going to try to do it with some class and dignity for a guy who's going into the hall of Fame. But what happens with Rogers next is, of course, you know, the curious thing. But for the jets, you don't care. What you now need to know is, okay, we're back in that place again. The Jets Need a quarterback. So where do they go from here? Well, let's just get Adam Schefter. This is him from Pat McAfee show letting us know that the jets will not only move on from Rogers, but also with a key wide receiver named Devonte Adams.

[Adam Fox]

I think we got a situation here where you got a new general manager, a new head coach, and when new general managers and new head coaches come in, they typically like to make changes and bring in their own people. There's a reason that a team is in the market for changing its general manager and head coach. And so when that happens, they like to reset the culture and establish their own culture. So I would think that that's a part of this, that the jets want to go in their own direction and they want to start over. There's no doubt that Aaron Rodgers still can play and still can play at a high level, but the jets are starting to build this again from the ground up, despite the fact that they've got some good talent on their roster. And so they're not expected to bring back Aaron Rodgers at this point in time. Aaron Rodgers will go somewhere else. He may try to take Devonte Adams with him wherever he's going. I would think with Aaron Rodgers not back, Devonte Adams is not going to be back in New York either. So again, you start to see changes are the most notable changes that they'll make. But whenever there's a situation with new head coaches, new general managers, you're going to see a whole slew of changes and they usually start with some of the most significant people. In this case, that'll be Aaron Rodgers and Devonte Adams, who I expect not to be back.

[Steve]

Both. Now the other question is, Allen, what happens with Garrett Wilson, who wanted to trade and now if they're going to be changing quarterbacks and maybe drafting a quarterback or getting a bridge quarterback, does he want to go and is this going to be part of the regime change? Hey, I didn't pick him. Maybe we can get a bunch of picks for him and really just have a full blown rebuild. Because what good is Garrett Wilson a disgruntled Garrett Wilson if you're going to be rebuilding now? I think you want to rebuild around a guy like that. But if he's not happy, Alan, and I can't imagine he's going to be happy with yet another quarterback and maybe a young one or a bridge guy, which he's going to have another quarterback to have to deal with. Like, is he going to want to.

[Don Hahn]

And an inexperienced offensive coordinator Which I think is also part of the equation for Garrett Wilson. It's not just about moving on from Aaron Rodgers, where I don't think we saw a lot of evidence of those two not seeing eye to eye. And I think once Devonte Adams showed up, I do think that Garrett became sort of like a secondary figure in this play. And I don't know if he loved that, but he also, you could tell he didn't love a lot of the play calling. And so they're gonna have. First of all, if you're Darren Muji, I think it's like the first thing I'm doing is I gotta have a conversation with Garrett Wilson, like, where are we going here? Because you're right, he is a valuable piece. He is due to get paid. And you've gotta consider if he's telling you now, I'm all set. All right, we're gonna do the right thing. We're gonna move you now, get assets for you now, and like you said, don't. Might have to then turn this into a real rebuild with a new coaching staff and obviously a new front office.

[Steve]

Now let's also throw this into the hopper since it looks like Rogers is going to be gone as early as today. There are a lot of reports that Tennessee now may be open to trading that first pick.

[Don Hahn]

He spends a lot of time in Nashville, so there's that and then there's the Raiders. So who's to say that the Raiders wouldn't make a move for him as well? It would be a brilliant place for him to go, wouldn't it, and try to try to get something out of what's left of his career. And you think about that division and you think about the quarterbacks in that division and the coaches in that division.

[Steve]

Yeah, that would be interesting.

[Don Hahn]

This is a place for Aaron Rodgers that might not be a bad place.

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[Steve]

But I brought up Tennessee just would the jets be interested in making a deal with Tennessee to move up to one to get a quarterback?

[Don Hahn]

Well, how do you.

[Steve]

I don't know how you do that.

[Don Hahn]

You'd have to give up a future.

[Steve]

Because we're talking about moving on from Aaron Rodgers. What's the plan B? Yeah, they're drafting seventh in all likelihood, unless you're going to take a chance on one of these. Moving up. Yeah, there's not going to be that franchise quarterback at seven. So are you going to deal up? Well, you're not going to be dealing with the Giants. It looks like Cleveland's going to take a quarterback. Tennessee says they're opening to move that first pick. And I'm sure that moving to seven and getting something in return would be attractive to Tennessee. Would the jets want to be able to jump in on this? Because what do you. What are you doing at quarterback? I'm all for getting rid of Aaron Rodgers. I understand he's a pain in the neck. I understand that the ship sailed here on him, but.

[Don Hahn]

What you jumped to one. That's a big jump.

[Steve]

But it's seven to one. It's not like you're moving up from 30 to one. What are you doing?

[Don Hahn]

Packaging. Do you. Do you think. And I'm not smart enough to know this answer like Garrett Wilson. And the seventh can get you that high?

[Steve]

Probably not.

[Don Hahn]

Gotta. You're gonna have to.

[Rosenberg]

Probably, you said. And the one is it depends what the needs are.

[Don Hahn]

But wait a second. I'm sorry. If Rogers goes to the Titans, Garrett Wilson's not going to the Titans.

[Steve]

No, no.

[Don Hahn]

That's not right.

[Rosenberg]

They're not gonna go together.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, no, no, no. Trust me.

[Steve]

But I'm just trying to figure out because I can't sit here and compliment or criticize the jets for the decision on Rodgers unless I know what the alternative is. What's the pivot?

[Don Hahn]

That's right. That's where I wanted to go. Is that this right now? With a lot of people saying now you don't have an answer at quarterback, this could be a disaster. This is a bad idea. At least with Rodgers you have a quarterback. I know the easy thing for everybody to do, and we all said it, is he finished the season strong. Maybe he finally got himself through the injury and started to feel more like himself again. And do you want to just give it one more try? That's the easiest thing to do. But in reality that's not the if. They already have and I've got to believe that if again, if you're Aaron Glenn and Darren Muji, you've already talked about this and you both have a plan. I don't think they're just saying let's move on from Aaron and see what we can do from there.

[Steve]

No.

[Don Hahn]

So they gotta have one or two names. Maybe even people they've already kind of talked to back channels.

[Rosenberg]

You would hope that that's the case. Gotta believe this. With teams that are bad. Is that the case?

[Don Hahn]

Well, if you're new to an organization, this should be. How magnificent. This is a gigantic decision. There's no way you just go into it blind going, well, let's cut this guy and then we'll see what's available.

[Steve]

Figure it out. So. So is it Tyrod Taylor? Somebody obviously they could have conversations with. Hell, we will bring you back on a two year bridge deal so you could be our quarterback. He did some nice things here with the Jets. We saw what he did with the Giants the year before. He could be our quarterback in 2025. Not a bad pivot. We could still be competitive for our young head coach. Because I also think part of the reason you don't bring back Rodgers is the expectations would be high. Putting a lot of press on Aaron Glenn. You get Tyrod Taylor, the expectations aren't going to be that high, but yet you could be competitive and then you just see what the next quarterback crop is going to be in 26. And that's somebody you could have been talking to all year. Right. Even down the stretch saying, I think we're getting out of Aaron Rodgers. Tyrod, would you hang with us? Would you sign with us, be our starting quarterback for 2025? Maybe then you take a chance on a quarterback later in the first round that can be with Tyrod Taylor and have him be the bridge quarterback. I think that might be. It's not sexy by any stretch of the imagination. But what is sexy, it's got to.

[Don Hahn]

Be one option because the money that.

[Steve]

They'Re going to have to eat both Rogers going, they're going to take them out of the Sam Darnold stuff, right?

[Don Hahn]

I don't think so, no. They're going to save a ton of money with Adams. I believe they save a lot by letting him go. So they will have something to play with. Well, anyways, while we're asking this, Rich Samini did talk about what's next for the jets after Aaron Rodgers.

[Rich Samini]

Well, I don't think you'll see Devonte Adams back. I think you'll probably see them cut him and they'll cut Alan Lazard, I would think. And they don't have an answer at quarterback. They're back in a very familiar position for them and that's quarterback purgatory. They have Tyrod Taylor on the roster. Could he be the opening day quarterback? I suppose he could, but I'm pretty sure they're going to bring in another veteran. Maybe it's a Kirk Cousins, maybe it's a Justin Fields. So I could see them having a quarterback competition in training camp between Taylor and whoever they bring in. I do think there's a good chance they will draft someone. I do not expect it to be in the first round. They're picking seventh, so I don't think either Sanders or Ward will be there at seven. But could they take a Jackson Dart or Jalen Milro in the second round? Yeah, I could see that happening and then bring them in to the. Into the mix. But the bottom line is the jets are back in a position that they've been in so many times in their history and that's just with a major, major question mark at quarterback.

[Steve]

So it's, it's interesting. He kind of lumped in Kurt Cousins and Justin Fields is kind of like the same thing. I don't judge them as the same.

[Don Hahn]

I don't either.

[Steve]

I think Kirk Cousins is a clear bridge quarterback. Justin Fields could be the guy if you know what you're doing and if this regime knows what they're doing. I think Justin Fields can be a big time quarterback for this team moving forward. I, it, it's just a hunch. I don't have a lot to go on. But considering his age, where he was drafted, I do think that Justin Fields could be an answer. Kirk Cousins is going to be just here until you figure out the next option. And we all could be the option though.

[Don Hahn]

I think, I think that is definitely something that could be a short term option. It also could be a lot cheaper of an option and could turn into.

[Rosenberg]

A long term option if it went well.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. If it didn't work in Pittsburgh, they couldn't wait to get him out of the, out of the lineup and when Russell Wilson was ready. But one thing also, I want to remind everybody, with Kirk Cousins, unless he has a change of heart and also again, you're as loyal as your options. He never wanted to come here. They were throwing money at him and we all saw because it was all caught on. Which show was that? It wasn't Hard Knocks, but it was something.

[Steve]

No, it was the Netflix.

[Don Hahn]

The quarterbacks and his wife wanted nothing to do with New York and they were using the jets to get leverage to get a contract they wanted and they finally got it. They were never interested in playing here. I just don't think that should be the way you go for a guy who didn't ever want to be.

[Steve]

No, I don't think so. Unless it's just like the one year you hope he's motivated because he wants to get out and parlay it into other money down the road. I think Justin Fields is a decent option. I think Tyrod Taylor is a decent option. There's no great options, guys. Even bringing back Aaron Rodgers is not a great option.

[Don Hahn]

And you don't think Sam Darnold's a great option either.

[Steve]

Dude, if you could afford him, I would definitely want to see him back here. But it doesn't sound like they want to go there. Why wouldn't he be the number one guy? And besides, you don't know you can get him.

[Don Hahn]

No, you Don't. So you said to let him go out in the market. He's earned this. But it doesn't mean that they're done with him in Minnesota.

[Steve]

Right. So getting rid of Aaron Rodgers, say, oh, we're going to target Darnold, or what's your plan if you don't get Sam Darnold?

[Don Hahn]

That's what you got to know. Like, Don, you got to know. This is what I mean by this is your organizations that are run by the right people that you already have. And I'm coming in. I'm taking this jets job. Well, before I take this job, I need to know, what are we doing at quarterback? What do we all agree on? He and Aaron. Aaron Glenn talk. Yeah, let's move on. Okay, well, what are our options? Because it's easy to say move on from Rogers. The hard part is, then what? And you can't just say, let's see what shakes out. Because we've seen the NFL off season. It happens really fast. The draft is not a given unless you have the number one pick. So because of this, they better have a plan. And not a plan that. Well, it didn't work out because we thought this would happen and it didn't. No, I need a plan where. What's the worst thing we'll end up with? You gotta have that. What can we live with that's the worst, the least on our list of things to happen that we can live with? What is it?

[Steve]

And that's why I think it's gonna be Taylor, because they must have had a conversation with him. If we let go of Aaron Rodgers, will you resign with us? And if he says yes? Well, at least you know you have that man. Because everybody else, you don't know, all the free agents might not want to come here. Every trade you hope for could fall through. Every draft pick you look at could be taken by somebody else. The only surefire I know I got this guy is Tyrod Taylor. Now, I'm not saying that's the answer. Even Rich said he might be your opening day guy.

[Don Hahn]

He's not getting me to buy tickets, I'll tell you that.

[Steve]

Well, who. Who was going to get you to buy a ticket? If you wanted to sell tickets, keep Aaron Rodgers, Right. Then you'd sell that whole narrative.

[Don Hahn]

You could.

[Steve]

He's reborn. Look how he closed out the season. He's still Aaron Rodgers. I don't think they're interested in that. No, I think they're looking. Here's what I really believe. Number one, Aaron Rodgers comes with Expectations. I don't think they want to put that on a young head coach's plate. Okay, that's number one. Number two, he's a handful. Why do I want my. My coach to have to go through that? And I wouldn't doubt if Woody's like, I want to get out of this whole game.

[Don Hahn]

And number three, I probably lose my talented young receiver if I keep Aaron.

[Steve]

Rodgers, and I want to be able to keep Garrett Wilson. Hopefully this keeps him here. We still have enough young talent. Tyrod's not. He's no spring chicken, but he's not. He's not that old, and he's been around the block and he won some games in New York with the both of the jets and Giants.

[Rosenberg]

They shouldn't. They. They should not be worse with Tyrod next year than they were with Rogers this year.

[Steve]

They shouldn't be.

[Rosenberg]

And I know the Rogers numbers have been spun to be like, look, they're in. We watched it. We watched what?

[Don Hahn]

Those told me something different in the first quarter of the season, right?

[Steve]

Like, once.

[Rosenberg]

Once things didn't matter. It was like the Chiefs last night, except on a season. I mean, he built those numbers in the back half of a season that didn't matter. The depressing part is, though, if you're a Jets fan and you know they're making the. If they make the tie rod decision, you know, that means the season is a punt, no sizzle, no, respectfully, to tie rod. I mean, his goal will be to get another deal after this and keep his career going.

[Don Hahn]

But that's what I feel. It just means dead punt is the right way. It will feel like, all right, well, now we're in it. We're in the rebuild. There's nothing to get excited about. Let's see what they've got in store.

[Steve]

But I disagree from this standpoint, just knowing this fan base, yeah, it won't be a punt, but there'll be no expectations. Tyrod Taylor's a professional quarterback with some talent around him. You take a little bit of pressure off your head. Coach, you're selling Aaron Glenn. All right, Maybe you're not winning or going to the playoffs. At least feel like you're moving in the right direction. Your defense gets better. The coaches look like they know what they're doing. And the only reason that you're not there yet is because you're still looking for the quarterback. Get the fan base to understand where you're at. You've already teased them to the point where if you bring Aaron Rodgers back, it's like, we got a chance, man. We got a chance to make the playoffs. And then you win five games and it's, oh, Aaron, Glenn doesn't know what he's doing. He's already on the hot seat. Sell the fans on that. It's we're not, this isn't a championship team, but we could still do some nice things. And then you can make six or seven wins look good. It's better than it was last year. Looks like your coach knows what he's doing. And now we could put ourselves in a position to add a quarterback of a team that's moving in the right direction. I know New York, you do too, Allen. That if the fans aren't sold a bunch of garbage, they'll be on board. Be honest with them. Hey, this is where we are. We're not punting, but don't expect to buy playoff tickets, but we're going to be better than we were last year. We're moving in the right direction. Fans will buy into that when you start selling them, oh, we're going to the playoffs. We go in a championship and then you win five games. Then you got egg all over your face. Set the fan base up to let them know what you're doing and just moving in the right direction.

[Don Hahn]

That's all you want to see is, does this look better than it did the last couple years? Does it feel like, okay, this is something that looks like it's organized and heading in the right direction? It's so sad that's where we are. But really, when you're trying to turn around a franchise, it's got to start there. Does it just look right?

[Beth]

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[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Rosenberg]

Alan on this day, on this day, all the way back in 1993, Digable Planets released their awesome and underrated Reaching album, including this diddy, where I'm from, which is a bop, as the kids would say, low Alcon second album. That was the second album this one's called Reaching. The one with Rebirth of Slick and where I'm from. This is in my jukebox. It's a great.

[Don Hahn]

No, no, this is. Again, this is my wheelhouse because it's. I'm all about vibe, I'm all about beats, I'm all about kind of like. Like, the flow, all of that stuff. And that era just had so much of this. I like the jazz infusion in him.

[Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Steve]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

And that's. They were.

[Rosenberg]

They were the. They were the epitome of that.

[Don Hahn]

Very good. Hey, Game Time is brought to you by Tully Mardu Irish Whiskey. Because when it's Game Time, it's Tully Time. Only one local in action to. With the NHL now on hiatus for four nations. Done. What are you going to do with yourself with all this free time?

[Steve]

I mean, we will have four nation games beginning on Wednesday.

[Don Hahn]

Okay.

[Steve]

But I don't work them, so. Yeah, it's a great opportunity. I'm hopeful to get some dinner with some friends at some point. Oh, promised my friend Carmine some dinner.

[Don Hahn]

Carmine. Yeah, yeah. We had a nice dinner. We did.

[Steve]

It was very nice.

[Rosenberg]

Where did you guys go?

[Don Hahn]

The George Martin, I think it's called. Right? Yes, right. It was in Rockville Center, a very lively place. Terrific. The food. I thought the food was fantastic.

[Steve]

Food was great.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Steve]

Alan had some shrimp. I had some nice steak. We had some nice appetizers, little calamari.

[Rosenberg]

You had a shrimp entree.

[Don Hahn]

It was the special. It was, like, garlic shrimp. Oh, pasta situation. Delicious. Pasta. No, it was. What do they call that? It's got, like, the sausage in it, too. It's, like, really good.

[Steve]

Wow.

[Don Hahn]

Good for you.

[Ira]

Delicious.

[Steve]

It was really good.

[Rosenberg]

I feel a little left out.

[Steve]

Delightful. You were invited.

[Don Hahn]

It was a table for three, by the way.

[Rosenberg]

Listen, I can't.

[Don Hahn]

And then she said just the two of you, with, like, a disappointment in her voice.

[Rosenberg]

Listen, I can't. Regret was the right thing to do.

[Don Hahn]

No, I understand.

[Rosenberg]

I'm traveling a lot, like, six out of seven weekends after having a baby. Listen, it's because of cool opportunities that I'll tell you guys about later. But still, it's like the timing of life is so crazy. I finally just want to be home.

[Don Hahn]

Who you telling?

[Rosenberg]

I know. And then all of a sudden.

[Steve]

Yeah, I know.

[Rosenberg]

All of a sudden, it starts.

[Don Hahn]

I hear you. No, no, hey, look again.

[Steve]

Hey.

[Rosenberg]

But at least when you had your first kid, you had nothing to do.

[Don Hahn]

No, literally, you were sitting around the house first. No, first kid. I was traveling around the country as a beat Writer.

[Rosenberg]

You're a beat writer.

[Don Hahn]

I was never home.

[Rosenberg]

You told me the opposite before. You said when the first baby came because it was.

[Don Hahn]

It was a summer.

[Steve]

Oh.

[Rosenberg]

Oh, summer, baby. So you were literally chilling.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, literally chilling. It was August, so not really chilling, but. But you get the idea.

[Rosenberg]

There you go.

[Don Hahn]

But then once training camp started, I had to go anyways. So the only local in action tonight, the Nets and the Hornets, like you dream about. 7:30pm at Barclays Center. Game time. Brought to you by Tullamore. Do the original triple distilled, triple blended, triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew, honey. During tonight's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Duke responsibly. Iris in Staten Island. Hey, Ira.

[Ira]

Hey, Alan.

[Don Hahn]

Don.

[Ira]

Peter, how are you? And you know what a stinker that was last night, I tell you. But getting to the jet situation, listen, you all know I wasn't thrilled a couple years ago when you got on board and they were all in on Rogers. I support what they're doing now. And listen, you know, I know fans don't want to hear the words rebuild, but you know what? New regime. Kayla is under contract, so he will be one of the three quarterbacks that is to make it a half. I expect another veteran in and I expect him to draft one. And I'll tell you, if they're in love with 1 at 7 or 5 or 10 or whatever it is, you go get your guy and you let him sit. And I think that's what they're going to do. And hopefully they get their culture set up and they go forward. Because you look at it this way, Rogers came back. They're not going to super bowl next year. And then will you left the year after that. So I have no problem with what they're doing. Resetting. And hopefully fans are going to understand and hopefully they put a better product on the field. And like you say, expectations won't be where they were the last two years.

[Steve]

And that's what I figure is that just be honest with your fan base, this is what we're going to be and just show that you're moving in the right direction. Aaron Rodgers comes with certain expectations that I don't think they can live up to this because think of those two years, man, could it have. Could it have gone worse? Five wins.

[Don Hahn]

The best. Camelot was hard knocks off season, right? That training camp, that was Camelot. Yeah, that training camp where Rodgers just came in the lonely Lombardi and all the stuff that he talked about, it felt like he was going to uplift the entire franchise on his own. And then opening night, he gets out on the field and one play later, everything crashed down. And it was never the same since.

[Steve]

And I can't prove this, but I still believe in my heart that Woody looks back and said it was worth it because for two years, his franchise was relevant. All we talked about, jets and Rogers, all the nationally televised games, hard knocks, all the things, all the attention that, you know, 13 straight years missed in the playoffs weren't giving you. Unfortunately, now, what is it, 15? It's not.

[Don Hahn]

And now you're back once again, starting all over again with a new coach, new front office, and now a new quarterback. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good. Here, more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.