Transcript

Don Hahn (0:02)

At New Balance, we believe if you run, you're a runner, however you choose to do it. Because when you're not worried about doing things the right way, you're free to discover your way. And that's what running is all about.

Alan (0:25)

Run your way@newbalance.com Running.

Peter Rosenberg (0:31)

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

Don Hahn (0:34)

That sounds like heaven to me.

Peter Rosenberg (0:36)

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.

Don Hahn (0:43)

So the Giants were the complete debacle. The jets, on the other hand, are just another game in which it's winnable, but they just don't win it. They just can't win it. They don't know how to win. Another team that just obviously doesn't know how to win. Defense plays out of their minds, comes up with big plays, gives the ball constantly back to the offense, which is now led by Tyrone Taylor. And we'll see. Tyrod Taylor.

Alan (1:07)

Sorry.

Don Hahn (1:08)

Yeah, I'm just trying to change his name again. Tyrod Taylor to see.

Alan (1:13)

Better call Tyrone.

Don Hahn (1:17)

So we'll see if that. If that sticks. We haven't heard yet from Glenn confirming who his quarterback.

Peter Rosenberg (1:24)

He said today he doesn't know. Still.

Don Hahn (1:25)

Yeah. Doesn't know.

Peter Rosenberg (1:26)

Yeah.

Don Hahn (1:27)

So. But what does it matter? I mean, it's. They're all clearly.

Peter Rosenberg (1:30)

Doesn't matter.

Don Hahn (1:31)

That's the problem.

Peter Rosenberg (1:31)

You know, anybody that's had Don. Anybody that said that, you know, you got to go to Tyrod Taylor there. There'll be a better offense with him. You're not paying attention. First of all, Garrett didn't play, so you don't have a capable wide receiver. And then on top of it, they didn't really find anybody else to play wide receiver. No one. I mean, like Alan Lazard, we all know, like, he's. Like, he didn't play when Aaron Rodgers was here. So that's the problem with this roster is they went into the season offensively with a quarterback that you were trying to see if you could just get something out of him or try to get him to the next level, whatever it is. But you didn't give him anything to work with.

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg - Hour 2: Jets, NFL Binge, Ohtani

Date: October 20, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Podcast Description: A lively trio of Don La Greca (NY/NJ legend), Alan Hahn (Knicks broadcaster), and Peter Rosenberg (hip-hop/WWE personality) dissect New York sports, the NFL, and wider sporting culture with their trademark charisma and honesty.

Episode Overview

This episode dives into:

The Jets' continued quarterback turmoil and organizational dysfunction
NFL Week in review: notable games, team trajectories, and MVP chatter
Shohei Ohtani’s historic playoff performance and his unique status in baseball history

1. Jets Quarterback Debacle & Team Dysfunction

[00:43] – [13:20]

Main Discussion Points:

The hosts lament the Jets' inability to "learn how to win," focusing on poor quarterback play and lack of offensive weapons.
Tyrod Taylor's potential to have turned games around is debated, but the consensus is that the team's problems are deeper than QB.
Justin Fields is singled out for not being "NFL game ready," appearing completely lost, with minimal offensive production.
The blame extends to the Jets' coaching and front office for ill preparation and lack of offensive strategy tailored to their players.

Key Quotes & Moments:

Don Hahn [00:43]: "The Jets...are just another game in which it's winnable, but they just can't win it. They don't know how to win."
Peter Rosenberg [01:31]: "Anybody that said...you got to go to Tyrod Taylor...you're not paying attention...they didn't really find anybody else to play wide receiver."
Alan Hahn [04:11]: "The frustration again, to me about this team is how it was ill-prepared going into the season, clearly."
Peter Rosenberg [10:45]: "The Jets are lethal injection to quarterbacks...you get sentenced to the Jets, it's the death penalty."

Statistical Low Points:

Fields’ passing stats in multiple games are cited as "painful," with a net gain of about 10 yards.
Since Week 1, only 4 offensive touchdowns in 6 games—zero first-half TDs, one TD in the third quarter (garbage time).

Broader Reflection:

The show discusses broader systemic issues: failed drafting (Darnold, Zach Wilson), poor free agency, and a decades-long struggle to develop or protect QBs.
They sardonically wonder if any QB ("even Josh Allen," "Lamar Jackson," "Joe Namath") could succeed here.

2. Giants: Coaching Failures & Rumors

[15:53] – [21:34]

Main Discussion Points:

Giants coach Brian Daboll is grilled for not considering coaching staff changes after an epic defensive collapse.
The hosts discuss the fallout from pushing out Wink Martindale and whether there's any value in internal defensive changes at this stage.
If the season implodes, they predict the entire regime goes, not just assistants.

Notable Quotes:

Don Hahn [16:34]: "I'm glad he took responsibility for it because at the end of the day it is his responsibility."
Alan Hahn [17:48]: "If they do make a change at the end of the season...everybody goes. Nothing's worth saving."

Dream Coaches Segment

The guys have fun hypothetically shopping for next Giants coach—Mike Tomlin, Mike McCarthy, John Harbaugh, Pete Carroll, and jokes about Belichick and Brian Kelly.
- Peter Rosenberg [18:52]: "If Tomlin ever shook loose in Pittsburgh...just the stability of it."
- Don Hahn [20:57]: "Bringing in an experienced coach in New York is going to be very important."

3. NFL Binge: Week in Review

[24:46] – [36:57]

Main Discussion Points:

Segue into the "NFL Binge"—recapping key Week 7(8) matchups, MVP candidates, and shifting power rankings.
Rams humiliate the Jaguars in London; Stafford and Devonte Adams shine.
Eagles’ steady dominance, Cowboys’ offensive explosion, and Commanders’ season on the brink after Jaden Daniels’ injury.
NFC West has multiple playoff contenders; MVP talk—Dak Prescott’s first-half heroics but past second-half struggles.

Key Segments & Quotes:

Don Hahn [25:55]: [Play-by-play voiceover for a Rams touchdown, enhancing the binge experience.]
Alan Hahn [29:04]: "You could be over before...your season can be over in one second."
Peter Rosenberg [32:07]: "Is there any more parody than...there really doesn't feel like a team that, if I had to put all my money on this team...there's no one."
Don Hahn [33:32]: "All you got to do is just kind of hang in there...then you get yourself in the wild card...and everybody's like, oh, there they are again."

Fun Stats & Trivia:

Two teams with 200+ points scored: Cowboys (NFC) and—surprisingly—the Colts (AFC).
- Peter Rosenberg [38:01]: "Yes. Well done. 232 points."

4. Shohei Ohtani: Legendary Playoff Feat

[39:53] – [50:55]

Main Discussion Points:

Ohtani throws 6 shutout innings with 10 Ks and hits 3 homers in the same playoff game, carrying the Dodgers to the World Series.
The episode contrasts Ohtani's two-way dominance with the greats of other sports—Bill Russell, Lamar Jackson, George Blanda. None compare.
Speculation: Should Ohtani win this World Series, does he enter the "greatest of all time" debate?

Memorable Quotes:

Don Hahn [40:06]: “One of the greatest playoff performances, I think, in the history of any sports, is what Ohtani did.”
Alan Hahn [41:28]: "I want to go back and do it again. Give him the MVP every year. It’s just so psychotic when it all comes together like that."
Peter Rosenberg [46:28]: "Most DHs never pitch. In fact, never do. This is... you don’t see this."
Alan Hahn [47:24]: "At what point do you say, is he the greatest player that’s ever lived?"
Don Hahn [50:15]: "If I go out there and make 35 starts... that has to be better than anything Judge can do defensively. But Ohtani hasn’t done that yet."

Contextual Analogies:

They reach for football and hockey metaphors—a goalie recording a shutout, then skating as a forward and scoring a hat-trick in a playoff clincher.

5. Notable Quotes - Highlight Reel

Peter Rosenberg [10:45] (on Jets QBs): "The Jets are lethal injection to quarterbacks...you get sentenced to the Jets, it’s the death penalty."
Don Hahn [40:06]: "One of the greatest playoff performances, I think, in the history of any sports, is what Ohtani did."
Alan Hahn [41:28]: "It’s just so psychotic when it all comes together like that. It’s truly unlike anything else in pro sports."
Alan Hahn [47:24]: "At what point do you say, is he the greatest player that’s ever lived?"

Timestamps for Key Segments

Jets QB Discussion/Dysfunction: [00:43] – [13:20]
Giants Coaching Change Debate: [15:53] – [21:34]
NFL Binge—Week’s Biggest Games: [24:46] – [36:57]
Ohtani’s Historic Night & GOAT Talk: [39:53] – [50:55]

Tone and Atmosphere

The episode is packed with signature blend of sarcasm, passionate sports agony (especially re: NY teams), quick wit, and hilarious analogies.
Each host brings his expertise and cynicism to dissect failings and rare athletic greatness, while poking fun at each other and at persistent sports narratives.

Summary Takeaway

The Jets and Giants remain mired in institutional chaos, defined by poor quarterback and coaching choices.
NFL's parity reigns, with few surefire favorites—except, perhaps, Kansas City’s relentless competence.
Shohei Ohtani’s two-way mastery is so singular, the hosts can't even find a fitting cross-sport comparison, and openly question if he’s now the greatest to ever play baseball.