Hour 2: Ken Daneyko & The NFL Binge

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Ken Daneyko & The NFL Binge

Release Date: July 7, 2025

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Introduction

In the second hour of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don Hahn and Alan Hahn welcome former NHL defenseman Ken Daneyko to discuss Don's recent transition to a new broadcasting role, the future of the New Jersey Devils, and delve into an engaging segment titled "The NFL Binge." This episode offers a blend of heartfelt fan interactions, professional insights, and spirited debates, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts.

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Celebrating Don Hahn’s New Broadcasting Role

Timestamp: [01:00 - 05:00]

The episode kicks off with enthusiastic callers congratulating Don Hahn on his new position as the play-by-play broadcaster for the New Jersey Devils. Jack from ESPN New York praises Don, saying, “Even I'm a Ranger fan… I cannot wait to see you on TV to do that” ([01:03]). Alan Hahn responds warmly, reflecting on Don’s commitment and passion for hockey, recounting memorable moments from past Stanley Cup runs.

A heartfelt conversation ensues as Don shares his journey from being a Devils fan to a broadcaster who maintains deep connections with the hockey community. He reminisces about calling pivotal games and interacting with legends like Dave Maloney and Adam Graves, emphasizing the camaraderie and mutual respect within the league.

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Guest Segment: Ken Daneyko Joins the Conversation

Timestamp: [09:45 - 17:54]

Ken Daneyko, a revered figure in the Devils' history, joins the podcast to celebrate Don Hahn's new role. Ken reflects on his own experiences, stating, “Guys, just being around it now… only one team can win. It is not easy” ([10:27]). The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of winning a Stanley Cup, with Ken expressing hope for the Devils to experience similar success.

Alan Hahn shares personal anecdotes about his introduction to hockey, crediting friends like John Stark for his passion for the Devils. The dialogue underscores the emotional and professional bonds that make sports broadcasting a fulfilling career.

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The Devils’ Future: Insights and Expectations

Timestamp: [13:12 - 16:29]

Discussing the Devils' prospects, Ken Daneyko offers his perspective on the team's strategy and recent moves. He praises General Manager Tom Fitzgerald for revitalizing the bottom six, bringing in talents like Connor Brown and Dadnoff to enhance the team’s depth. Ken emphasizes the importance of a balanced attack, noting, “It's a team. It’s not the 20 most talented guys, it’s the role players you can’t win without” ([15:31]).

Alan Hahn echoes these sentiments, expressing optimism about the Devils' potential to compete and possibly win their division in the upcoming season, provided they maintain health and chemistry.

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Broadcasting Dynamics: Don Meets Ken in the Booth

Timestamp: [16:28 - 19:00]

The hosts and Ken delve into the dynamics of their upcoming broadcast partnership. Don Hahn teases the idea of adopting a "double-breasted" look, sparking laughter among the trio. Ken highlights the authenticity and passion Don brings to the booth, assuring that their chemistry will translate into engaging broadcasts: “We want to see the team success. Any local broadcast tells you that” ([13:27]).

The segment underscores the blend of professionalism and personal passion that Don and Ken will bring to their roles, promising fans an enthusiastic and knowledgeable commentary team.

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The NFL Binge: Quarterbacks Under Pressure

Timestamp: [20:06 - 30:17]

Transitioning to the "NFL Binge" segment, the hosts engage with Anthony and Mike Tannenbaum to discuss the quarterback landscape heading into the new season. Mike posits Caleb Williams as the quarterback under the most pressure, comparing him to seasoned QBs like Jared Goff and Trevor Lawrence: “I would say Jared Goff’s one… Brock Purdy just got paid… prove you’re not the system guy” ([22:22]).

Don and Alan debate the pressures Caleb Williams faces as a first overall pick, with Don adding, “Too young to be the quarterback in the league with the most pressure” ([24:12]). The discussion explores the potential pitfalls and high expectations placed on young quarterbacks, analyzing how organizational support and team dynamics influence their success.

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Giants’ Quarterback Conundrum

Timestamp: [30:11 - 37:36]

The conversation shifts to the New York Giants' quarterback situation, sparked by Mike Tannenbaum’s suggestion to start Jackson Dart in Week 1. Alan expresses skepticism, questioning why Dart was selected in the fifth round despite his potential: “Why did he drop so low if he’s still somebody could ultimately win the job there” ([27:42]).

Don counters by outlining the likely progression for the Giants, suggesting Joe Flacco as the initial starter with Dart stepping in as the season progresses: “He is the stabilizer. Then you see how things go” ([28:06]). The hosts debate the strategic moves the Giants might employ to balance immediate performance with long-term development, highlighting the complexities of managing a struggling franchise.

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Fan Interactions: Final Calls and Closing Thoughts

Timestamp: [37:59 - 41:02]

As the episode nears its end, callers share their excitement and support for Don’s new role. Sam from Somerset expresses his enthusiasm, saying, “It’s okay. We got this. Let's go, Yankees” ([40:37]). The hosts humorously discuss their broadcasting styles and the passionate interactions with fans, reinforcing the community spirit that defines the podcast.

In closing, Alan Hahn reflects on the positive reception from listeners, expressing gratitude for the support and anticipation for future episodes: “I really do appreciate it” ([41:02]). Don Hahn reiterates the show's commitment to delivering passionate and authentic sports commentary, inviting listeners to tune in weekday afternoons on ESPN New York and related platforms.

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Conclusion

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg masterfully intertwines personal milestones, professional insights, and lively sports debates. From celebrating Don Hahn’s new broadcasting role and welcoming Ken Daneyko to dissecting the pressures on NFL quarterbacks and the Giants' strategic decisions, the podcast offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of current sports narratives. Listeners are treated to a blend of heartfelt interactions and expert analysis, making it an enriching experience for both dedicated fans and casual sports enthusiasts.

Transcript

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[Don Hahn]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don Hahn]

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

[Alan Hahn]

We're hanging out with you until 7 o'. Clock. Danico is going to be joining us coming up at 4:15. Let's get to your calls at 1-800-919-3776. Let's go to Jack. He's in the car. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, Jack?

[Caller]

Hey, what's going on, guys?

[Don Hahn]

How you doing?

[Alan Hahn]

Good, man.

[Caller]

Don. Congratulations, brother. As a Ranger fan losing Sam Rosen after this season, I'm like, well, at least I still got the Don. And now this happened to me. Even I'm a Ranger fan, I'm secretly going to be rooting for the Devils because I know that's your team. And one day you will call a Stanley cup championship. And I cannot wait to see you on TV to do that.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, man, thank you. Thank you, man. Because I wanted to do the Ranger fans right. And for Ranger fans to say that they're going to miss me makes me feel like that maybe I did it. Okay. You know, listen, it's not, you know, how territorial people are. And oh yeah, and I made it known that I was a Devil fan all the years that it was on the radio before I started doing play by play. And you guys accepted me because I wanted to show that I was going to do it right. And I'll never forget, you probably don't remember when the Rangers made the run to the Stanley cup final. They played the Penguins in the second round. I got to call a lot of games because Kenny was doing a lot of NBC. I must have called like 10 games in the playoffs that year. And I called game one of the Stanley cup final. I called game one against the Penguins and that was that double goal where guards scored. They waved it off. It was actually the goal. So I ended up scoring, calling two goals there. And I remember like high fiving Dave Maloney, like when it happened because I was just so caught up. And I'm Like, God, if younger Devil fan me, I'd be high fiving Dave Maloney. And oh, by the way, like, hanging out with people like Adam Graves sitting next to me on the bridge or doing a game with Brian Leach or, Or getting to know Richter and Messier to be at the Garden, like finding out, like salt of the earth guys they were. It's like, I hated those guys when I was a Devil fan, you know? So it's weird, like just being in that world and how accepting everybody was, knowing that, hey, I grew up a Devil fan, but I think I, I did them right.

[Don Hahn]

That's the best. That's the best part about getting into this business when you were a passionate fan is not only. It's the people you get around. Like my first year covering the Islanders, Don, and I'm, you know, I agree that's my first. You know, the Yankees and Islanders were my two first. Those are my teams.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

And I had a chance to meet the guys from the cup. And I'd never met anybody from those years, but, like, one after the other. Dennis Potvin and Mike Bossi and Brian Tracci, especially all those. Ken Morrow, one of my favorite people in the world. You start meeting these people. And Bob Nystrom, my hero. Like, meeting him is like, this guy better not be a jerk. And he wasn't. He was just awesome. Right, right. So you meet these guys and you love them, and then you're. Now you're around the league and you're running into people and you're like, you know, Kevin Lowe, man, freaking Oilers. Like, I hated that team. Right, right. It's like, what a great. You just start meeting these guys and you start realizing they're awesome. And then the Rangers side of it, too. Ron Dukat. I love Ron Dukat.

[Alan Hahn]

I get to know Dave Maloney.

[Don Hahn]

Love him.

[Alan Hahn]

It's almost unfair because, like, there's no real bad people in hockey. It's really good. There's a few. There's a few nameless. But for the most part, they're all great. Edgar in BloomingDale. You're on ESPN New York.

[Caller]

Hey, what's up, Don? Congrats, man.

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks, man.

[Caller]

You might be the. You might be the key to the Stanley cup run, man. New Jersey all day.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, thanks.

[Don Hahn]

Hold on.

[Caller]

Let me tell you this. I think now I'm gonna give you a little. For the beach bash. Maybe you come out to a little.

[Don Hahn]

Run in with the devil.

[Caller]

What do you think?

[Don Hahn]

Perform that song.

[Alan Hahn]

All those, all those songs. When I would go to the games of Cake like that song that came out, the warm ups to that. That was always really cool. Chris in Central New York, you're on ESPN New York. What's up, Chris?

[Caller]

Hey, Don, I just wanted to call and say congratulations, man. Even though I told them I'm from Central New York, originally from Jersey, man, I'm so happy.

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks, man.

[Caller]

It means so much. Thanks.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, that means a lot. It means a lot to everybody's like responding the way that they're responding to it is pretty cool. Bobby in Jersey City, you're on. Don Hanna, Rosenberg.

[Caller]

Donnie, congratulations, my man.

[Ken Danico]

This is amazing news.

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks man. I appreciate it.

[Caller]

I heard, I heard, I clicked over and I heard you telling the story about you the first game that you went to and them losing six nothing. The first game that I went to is. That got me into a fan. It was three Nothing lost to the Flyers on opening night. But it was the season after Doc left the play by play booth. So it was cancelous. His first season and you know, going through all the years with Cancelosi and Bill Spalding and now to you, I mean this is just as exciting as it could possibly be. So I'm happy for you, I'm happy for your journey and just like everyone else at the station and calling in, you deserve it and let's, let's go win a cup, why don't we?

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks, Bobby. That's a really good idea. Steve Canelosi was so good. I auditioned for this job three years ago and Steve was really helpful. He left to go to Apple to do soccer. He's a pro and Doc was always helpful. Gary, like all the. There's a fraternity of play by play people. We all get along with each other and we're all like a lot of times going after the same jobs and sometimes had the same journey. So we're all really helpful and people reaching out. Brendan Burke just reached out to me if you need help because there'll be a transition. Hopefully I'll get a little bit of a learning curve going from radio to television because they're different, they're different animals, you know, of course you actually, you do both in the same year, right? And Kenny's been. Kenny's been a tremendous help to me too over the years. I think he's the. One of the best to ever do it. Nobody's done all four sports and he's been able to do.

[Don Hahn]

And no one does it with more humility than Kennel.

[Alan Hahn]

Kenny's a tremendous human being. Juicy's on Route 17 right there by the old metal land. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, Juicy Donald?

[Caller]

Marco Lagreca. Welcome to Forever. You are now enshrined into something that.

[Ken Danico]

We knew you needed to be a long time ago.

[Caller]

I called in before Bill got the job. I said, don, can I ask you a personal question? Did you throw your hat in the ring?

[Ken Danico]

You said yes.

[Caller]

From that moment, I thought every day to myself, why didn't it come true? But Today, after the 4th of July, a beautiful day, hot, sweaty, my answer, my prayers came true.

[Ken Danico]

I live in Mawa, New Jersey, minutes from Ramapo College.

[Caller]

Every time I drive past that college, I think of the man that came out of there and the man who made himself into the man he is today. And today we get to go on this journey together.

[Ken Danico]

Don.

[Caller]

I have a devil's tattoo.

[Ken Danico]

Born and raised, Bergen County, New Jersey.

[Caller]

This is all we have.

[Ken Danico]

This is it. We don't have anything else. We don't have the Giants.

[Caller]

We don't have the Jets. We have the Devil.

[Ken Danico]

And now we have you.

[Caller]

Welcome to Forever.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, thank you.

[Don Hahn]

That's awesome.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, after the Nets left, I mean, it's the only professional team left, but that's also part of it, too. Like, I remember, I always wanted to get into hockey. Hockey was the last sport that I got into because my father wasn't a fan of it. He watched the Rangers when there was a big game, but he didn't play it. He didn't get it as much. And I always wanted to go to a hockey game. And my dad said, you know, there's going to be a team coming to New Jersey soon, and maybe you will get to go. And, you know, once I got my driver's license, that's why 87 was. Was the big deal, because I was getting first, got my license at 85. And John Stark, who was one of my best friends, and I got the chance to call him yesterday, tell him he was the one that got me into the Devils along with Nancy. But the first game I went to was he took me to that game on February 22nd. And I remember February 22nd because that's Nancy's birthday. So I remember that game. And again, there was nobody there. So we were bouncing around from seat to seat, trying to get closer and closer to the ice. And he's explaining to me the game. And so of all the sports, that was the last one that I understood and got into and then just fell in love with it from there.

[Don Hahn]

Well, I just want you to know, and I hope Michael K Is Listening right now because Kevin Meininger did hear him say that he would open mouth kiss him. Kevin Meininger responded, tell Kay if that happens, we tear up the contract.

[Alan Hahn]

I was like, Michael's going to ruin this for me. Isn't in the last second he's going to say something that's going to end up costing me this gig.

[Don Hahn]

If K does open mouth kiss Kevin Meininger, then you will be out of a job. So let's just keep Kay away from Kevin.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, and another positive byproduct of this job is to get a chance to work alongside somebody I really honestly could call a friend. He comes to the Sasso softball every year. And it's Ken Danico and he joins us here on Donno. Kenny, it's Don and Alan Hahn. How are you, man?

[Ken Danico]

I'm doing good, Don. How are you? How you doing, Alan? You guys okay over there? You're cutting into my cigar time.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm sorry.

[Ken Danico]

I have an NHL network shift that I always have a pregame cigar. Cigar prior. And you'll find that out as well. Congratulations. Congratulations, my man. All kidding as and for people that don't know, I'm gonna let the elephant out of the room. You've been a die hard Devils fan since my days. And in fact, was that one of my many Stanley cup celebrations? I had to throw that in there when we enjoyed the cup and the parties and all that way back. Because it's a long time ago now.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, 2003. It's been 22 years. And the story behind that was Kenny invites me to the barbecue and I'm like, nancy, did we bring something? So I bring some Entenhen cookies, you know, and it's just a bacchanal.

[Don Hahn]

It's a.

[Alan Hahn]

It's like a. It was like a Ferris wheel. I get it's huge. But you did allow me to drink from the cup. And I'll never forget that.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, wow.

[Ken Danico]

Yeah, I know. The good times, right? And you find out when you're flecked and your career's over and you look back and fortunate enough maybe to be on a Stanley cup championship team or two, you realize how hard it is to win. Guys, just being around it now, Donnie and Alan and you guys seeing it now, only one team can win. It is not easy. So I pray my team at one time can experience that because you go through a lot of tough times and then if you can win that championship like the Florida Panthers have the last couple of years, it makes it all worth it.

[Don Hahn]

Dano, you've worked with a lot of different broadcasters at msg. And I'm just wondering if there's something with Don and the authenticity, like you brought up how far back he goes as a Devil's fan and the extra passion that's there. And I'm wondering if during the broadcast because I've, you know, we watch a lot, my daughter loves the Devils, so we watch a lot at our house. And I know you don't hold back the passion and I wonder if you feel like, will you have to get it out of Don because, you know, he's a professional. Like, are you going to tell him? Listen, let it rip.

[Ken Danico]

Of course. I mean, look, I don't think I have to tell Don anything. He's been in this business a long time and I know how excited he is for this opportunity with the Devils and a team that he has been passionate for years. I know, Donnie, during my playing days he was in the stands rooting us on. So I appreciate that over the years as a player, Donnie, and, and now look forward to, you know, calling these games with you along the way here for the Devils and as the team continues to grow and get a little better here. And look, we know, yeah, of course we want our team to win. That's what some, I don't think people understand as local networks, you point out the mistakes and we're just as frustrated when they're making mistakes. It's a game mistakes when they happen. But yeah, you want to see the team success. I think any local broadcast tells you that. And certainly me being with the Devils 40 plus years, I want to see them have success. And I'm sure as Donny does, you know, being, being around it for a long time as a fan, way back in those Stanley cup days and yeah, celebrating the Stanley cup championship and drinking out of the cup, but at one of my house parties, yes, and it's going to be a lot of fun.

[Alan Hahn]

And finally you will have, you'll have a play by play guy that'll be able to challenge during the trivia because if I don't know one of the answers, then there's something wrong because, you know, I know the whole history. So we should, I should be able to kick everybody's butt with that.

[Ken Danico]

Yeah, I've taken pride in that as well. Donnie. I'm not bad in trivia. I can't remember. Well, I didn't score many goals, but I can't remember plays or goals. People will ask me, remember that player, your first goal? I go, not really, but you give me an Old time trivia question, guys in the 70s or even 60s in the national Hockey League. And I take pride in knowing a lot of the history for sure. So that'll be fun along the way too. But, but sincerely, Donnie, really, congratulations, man.

[Alan Hahn]

Thank you, man.

[Ken Danico]

And I know we're going to have a blast at this and, and do what we do and bring the passion to the fans. That's what it's all about.

[Alan Hahn]

And just, just one in, in. In closing here, Kenny. I mean, I've been engulfed in the Rangers and everything, but obviously knowing how good this Devil's team is, it feels like if they can stay healthy, there's no reason why this team can't compete right next year and at least maybe win this division and go on a run. Is it that it feels like it's close? No.

[Ken Danico]

Yeah, that's the hope. And Tom Fitzgerald, general manager, who's done some nice things early in the off season here, he wanted to change the bottom six and I think that was the right move. You need to revitalize it, Get a little more energy, maybe a little more scoring. And I think he's done that with the Connor Brown and Dadnoff along the way here. Dudanoff, excuse me, but he's still not done. I think, I think he's looking for a top six winger that can put the puck in the net via trade and if he can pull that off, we'll see. It doesn't have to be done right away or even early in the season to add that to that depth that he continues to think they need. And yeah, but right now it's, it's win at all costs for the Devils. That's where they're at like a lot of teams and this league is so close. As you know, guys, the competitive balance to me is at an all time high. You saw two new teams in the playoffs last year in Montreal and Ottawa, and they're not getting any worse. They're only going to get better with all that young talent. So the Devils feel they're one of those teams, but everything better fall into place. You hope you make the right additions. We can't analyze that now. Everybody says, well, this team won the offseason. Who the heck won the offseason? You don't know until they get played.

[Don Hahn]

No, but what do we do?

[Ken Danico]

I know that's our job. Me on NHL Network, when they ask me that, I go, how the hell do I know? Let me see how, how they fit and the chemistry and a lot of times for me, guys, and I Won't take up too much time. The bigger moves that you make, 50% or more, they don't work out. It's the subtle moves, whether it's at the trade deadline or in the off season, that make your team better. Because it's a team. It's not the 20 most talented guys, it's the role players you can't win without. Yeah, your stars got a star when you games for sure, during the season and in playoffs, but you can't win without that depth. Just ask the Florida Panthers, where everybody contributed. And I think nine guys had over 20 points for their team. I mean, that's just unheard of. And 11 guys from 18 and up, balanced attack. And I think that's how you win. So that's what I'm hoping. The Devils can provide some of that this year with some of their additions.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, Kenny, you're the best, man.

[Don Hahn]

Well, just quickly because even though, right, you get into the season, you'll really know what you have. We know we have in the broadcast booth now with the two of you and I first thought, like, I'm thinking with Don, because you know, radio guys, you don't have to really dress up.

[Alan Hahn]

You're not on tv.

[Don Hahn]

But now he's on tv. So I was first thinking. I was first thinking double breasted. But after talking to you, and now I got you visualized because I remember the last time I saw you. And I'm thinking, no leather jackets, both of you. That's what I'm feeling. And I know that'll be right up your alley.

[Alan Hahn]

Dad, you know better than me. Would that work?

[Ken Danico]

I'm not so sure about. Yeah, I'm so sure about that.

[Don Hahn]

You don't think it'll pass?

[Ken Danico]

I'm open to everything, Alan, but I'm not so sure that we're gonna have to ask the boss.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, always ask.

[Don Hahn]

They will not approve.

[Alan Hahn]

And when he says boss is the wise.

[Ken Danico]

Step out a little. There you go, Donnie. But now we're gonna have a lot of fun and, and a pleasure being on with you guys. And again, Donnie, look forward to it, my man. And I, I don't think I've responded yet, but I do think I'm available for the softball. The Sasso softball.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, thank you. That'll be great.

[Ken Danico]

August 21st, you know, you know, I usually go yard at least once every.

[Alan Hahn]

At least. At least. And you're. You're our Pete Alonso, man. You're our first baseman. So we appreciate that, Ken. Thanks, man. I'll talk to you soon.

[Ken Danico]

Have a great day, fellas. Good talking to you.

[Alan Hahn]

That's Ken Danico. So he'll be coming to the softball on August 21st. So this was a lot of fun.

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You can Venmo this or you can Venmo that. You can Venmo this or you can Venmo that. You can Venmo.

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[Alan Hahn]

Have you ever spotted McDonald's hot crispy fries right as they're being scooped into the cartons?

[Don Hahn]

And time just stands still. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

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[Don Hahn]

Catch this show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. This is the NFL binge.

[Alan Hahn]

So with everything going on in the world, what's happening in the NFL there? Anthony?

[Anthony]

Well, thank you, Don. I'd be remiss if I also didn't congratulate you. I'm sad that. I know. I'm sad that I won't be hearing you on the radio, but I couldn't be more excited for you.

[Don Hahn]

You hear him on this radio.

[Anthony]

I meant on the Rangers radio, on the range. We know what I'm listening to.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Anthony]

But I couldn't be more excited for you.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm not expecting you to switch a bit little.

[Anthony]

I'm not going to switch allegiance.

[Alan Hahn]

If you were a good friend.

[Anthony]

No, no. I think great. Maybe a great friend. I'm not a good friend, but no NFL binge. Mike Tannenbaum was on unsportsmanlike today. He had a lot to say, and I think there's a lot of stuff that we could bounce off of one another. Let's start with this. Mike was asked which QB goes into the season with the most pressure.

[Mike Tannenbaum]

I think the quarterback under the most pressure by far, in my opinion is Caleb Williams. I can't remember the last time. And it was organization did more for a quarterback than go get Ben Johnson, Colson Loveland, Luther Burton, Ozzie Tropillo, Drew Dahlman. I mean, the list is on and on and on. Juxtapose that the player they passed on in Jaden Daniels. Guys is an absolute superstar. So I understand it's getting late in Miami, but, boy, I think there's a ton of pressure on Caleb Williams.

[Anthony]

Is Caleb Williams the quarterback with the most pressure heading into this season?

[Alan Hahn]

Wow, that's a really good question. I mean, you already got a coach fired, right? You're the first overall pick in the draft. Without giving it a ton of thought because you just hit me with it.

[Don Hahn]

Can I.

[Ken Danico]

Who would have more?

[Don Hahn]

I got a few. Let me just throw a few out there.

[Alan Hahn]

Go ahead.

[Don Hahn]

Jared Goff.

[Alan Hahn]

But Jared Goff's already got a ring on his finger.

[Don Hahn]

No, he doesn't. He's been to a Super Bowl. He didn't win it.

[Alan Hahn]

That's right.

[Don Hahn]

He's in Detroit. They had an epic season and then they had an epic failure.

[Anthony]

I like that one better.

[Don Hahn]

Where is he right now? Contraction.

[Alan Hahn]

I kept thinking with the Rams and the line.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, he only got super bowl that year. That's why, remember, they. They. They moved on from him.

[Alan Hahn]

You know what I'm gonna say?

[Don Hahn]

Made that big trade.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm gonna still say of Stafford. I'm gonna still say Caleb.

[Don Hahn]

A young guy like that, though.

[Alan Hahn]

That's the thing. This is where it could all go sideways. Coach, too. If Jared Goff never wins a Super bowl, right? He played in one. He's had a really good career. I don't think he's Going to the hall of Fame. But I think he's got a career that he's very proud of, although maybe disappointed he didn't win the chip.

[Don Hahn]

Can I give you another now?

[Alan Hahn]

I'll give you another one, but quickly. But Caleb William, what if this derails go sideways and it's like, then there was no career to speak of.

[Don Hahn]

I, I, you're, he has pressure, but I'm giving you some other names. You said, what are some others? So I, I would say Jared Goff's one. The other one, Brock Purdy just got paid, right?

[Anthony]

That's pressure.

[Don Hahn]

Prove you're not the system guy. Now that some pieces are no longer there offensively, they are paying you, which means they got to go cheap in other areas. There's a lot going on right there, man. And remember, they're that team that gets there but can't win it. So when does, does it all kick in? So there's some pressure on him now. You could say, how's there pressure? He got the contract. He's done. No, now there's pressure to live up to that contract. You went from Mr. Irrelevant to Mr. Everything for that franchise.

[Alan Hahn]

No question. No question.

[Don Hahn]

So there's another one.

[Alan Hahn]

But you were a Mr. Irrelevant. You played in the Super Bowl. You got paid. Yes, there's pressure. No question. You made great points on him and golf. Okay, but if I'm Caleb Williams and I was the first guy in the draft and I don't end up having a career of any sort and I'm getting coaches fired, can I give you another one? Go ahead.

[Anthony]

I have two.

[Don Hahn]

Trevor Lawrence.

[Anthony]

That's not even the ones I was thinking of.

[Don Hahn]

Trevor Lawrence is reaching that point of view. Are you the generational quarterback that they thought you were when they drafted you and paid you? Or are you, meh, are you not good enough to put a franchise on your shoulders and bring it to the promised land? Because they have just not been good. They have not been good. Now, you could blame the franchise. It's poorly run. They had to get a new gm. All that stuff is there and it's right. But at some point, doesn't he have to play like the generational quarterback that he was supposed to be as the number one pick? When do we get to that point where we start to say, you know what? This guy in it, Right?

[Alan Hahn]

They're all.

[Don Hahn]

So there's another one.

[Alan Hahn]

It's, it's, I think Caleb Williams is.

[Don Hahn]

Too young to be the quarterback in the league with the most pressure.

[Anthony]

Well, it's interesting when you say most pressure.

[Don Hahn]

So it feels unfair.

[Anthony]

Pressure could be thought of in different ways. If Caleb Williams fails this year out, is he out of Chicago? Well, let's just go with, is he out of Chicago if he fails?

[Don Hahn]

No.

[Anthony]

Okay.

[Don Hahn]

Change the coach.

[Anthony]

There's pressure for him to do well, but is it as much pressure as, say, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, who have not won?

[Don Hahn]

Hang on. One guy's got two MVPs in his pocket.

[Anthony]

I understand.

[Don Hahn]

And the other guy's franchise is a disaster. But what's more, when he is and when he's healthy, they're great.

[Anthony]

Pressure to prove yourself or pressure to win? What's harder? That's the question that you're asking?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. Okay.

[Anthony]

Pressure to prove yourself is Caleb Williams and he might have another career.

[Don Hahn]

The Bengals have more pressure than Burrow does. Because at some point, bro, like, get me the hell out of here.

[Alan Hahn]

That's what I'm thinking.

[Don Hahn]

They're all great.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm just looking at my own perspective. Like to not have a career, to have it be remembered as a first overall pick bust. Like Trevor Lawrence. You bring up like Trevor Lawrence is. Is they. They won that playoff game against the charge, right? So he's won a playoff game, but it's Jacksonville and they never win. And a lot of it's blamed on him. How many different coaches. He didn't. He didn't get.

[Don Hahn]

No, it's not his fault. But at some point, he's the number.

[Alan Hahn]

One pick in the question. Just no question.

[Don Hahn]

It doesn't show on the field.

[Alan Hahn]

It doesn't show on the field. But a lot of that responsibility falls on the Jaguars, as it does with Chicago. But when Caleb Williams came out of the draft, there was talk where he.

[Don Hahn]

Didn'T want to go there.

[Alan Hahn]

He wanted a piece of the franchise. Remember, like his dad was talking about.

[Don Hahn]

He didn't want to go there.

[Alan Hahn]

He didn't want to go to Chicago. Now you've already gotten Eberfluss fired. Now that you're onto another coach and let's say you don't win and then Chicago lets you go and you just bounce around as another one of these cautionary tales of a first overall pick that went nowhere, doesn't that hit way worse than if. If Trevor Lawrence never does anything again or Goff doesn't win another super bowl, or Purdy doesn't go back to a Super Bowl? That's what I'm saying. Like, if this ends derail, he could be just an absolute embarrassment of a first overall pick that would hang on Me guys as more pressure than if I've already somewhat established myself didn't live up to expectations but at least I got there and did some things.

[Anthony]

Here's another one from Mike T from unsportsmanlike which Browns quarterback does he believe is going to have the most starts this season?

[Mike Tannenbaum]

This one's really easy for me. I think it's Shador Sanders. I think when you get all the noise away you just look at them playing football.

[Ken Danico]

I think shedeur I was really high.

[Mike Tannenbaum]

On him through the pre draft process. He's very accurate, throws with great anticipation. I would get him as many works as possible because I think at the end of the season having Jacksonville first round pick, you really need to know what you have in him. I just think he's a better prospect than Dylan Gabriel. Dylan went earlier. He had a great career in college but I think from a skill set standpoint I think Shador has much more upside. I would trade Kenny Pickett and I think Flacco is your ultimate bridge quarterback.

[Anthony]

So he named all the quarterbacks that are possible to have more starts than and there's a lot of them.

[Don Hahn]

It's like five of them.

[Anthony]

Then Shador Sanders. You have Joe Flacco of course the veteran Kenny Pickett and Dylan Gabriel. Don, do you have any opposition with much Mike said that shorter Sanders will have the most starts for the Browns this year.

[Alan Hahn]

No, I don't. But doesn't it seem weird he lasts till the fifth round not even the first quarterback that Cleveland took and the looks on their faces when they took him like and that he's going to get the most like what's going on here? Like I don't doubt it but why did he drop so low if he's still somebody could ultimately win the job there. Very odd.

[Anthony]

My answer is lame. I think it is going to be Joe. Yeah, I think it's going to be Joe Flacco. Like it's not going to be Dylan Gabriel, it's not going to be Kenny Pickett and I don't think it's going to be Sanders. I think nine games. I think that Joe Flacco will start nine games this year and it might be like nine, six, two and one but I think that it'll be Flacco and I know how Alan feels.

[Don Hahn]

Who's going to start the others.

[Anthony]

I think that there's a likelihood that six of them could be started by Shador Sanders.

[Don Hahn]

I mean I think it and this is more Captain Obvious but you go with Flacco at the beginning because he's the stabilizer. Then you see how things go. And if the wheels fall off, I think then you just go to Sanders and I think that's what you'll end up seeing there.

[Anthony]

Doesn't have to show you. I understand how he looked in college, but as Dom pointed out, he wasn't even the first quarterback that they took.

[Alan Hahn]

We have better options. We've got a veteran, we've got a guy that we drafted before him.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

So what would be the scenario? Because you end up looking back.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, no, they're going to go. And so here's exactly the problem. What's the kid's name they took ahead of him?

[Anthony]

Dylan Gabriel.

[Don Hahn]

Dylan Gabriel, right, the Oregon guy. So they'll. That'll be the war in training camp, that every. If I'm covering the Browns, I'm not writing a paragraph on Joe Flacco.

[Anthony]

Everyone knows what Joe fuck is.

[Don Hahn]

Nothing. I am writing only about Gabriel and Sanders and that's it. The whole camp. And then you'll see who emerges. And whoever that is, that's the guy that you know at some point during the season will end up under center.

[Anthony]

So you're already anticipating, based on what you're saying, Alan, you're already anticipating that he's going to win the. Let's call it the third string job. If we're assuming Pickett's the backup.

[Don Hahn]

Remember Pickett said when he signed there, they told me I would have a shot at starting right.

[Anthony]

So he could be gone by October for all we know. So let's just say he beats Gabriel out for that job, the rookie job. This is the third quarterback, whichever you.

[Don Hahn]

Want to rank, it's going to be probably number two.

[Anthony]

And then you anticipate at some point along the way, if they see that Sanders has developed enough where you're comfortable enough, you trade Picket to a six for a six round pick for one team that's inevitably going to have their quarterback hurt and then he is the backup. And then eventually, when flat, when they're 5 and 10, eventually should Dorsey. And you think it's gonna be earlier than that.

[Don Hahn]

But I just think first of all, that division, second of all, I do think that that's just the progression that you want to go through because if you put him out on the field, then it turns into, okay, we can probably move one of these guys, you figure out which one do you like better and you move the other one. That's just business.

[Anthony]

And one more involving a local team.

[Don Hahn]

Mike Tannenbaum, unsportsmanlike man, a Lot of Mike tea today.

[Anthony]

Who should the Giants start in week one?

[Mike Tannenbaum]

This one's easy, guys. Put Jackson Dart in there. Like, what are we doing? Jackson, Darth and settlement. Russell Wilson, like, darts our future. Like, he has a great future. Let's go. Russell Wilson had a really, really good career, but it's over. So let's just go. Let's not pretend it's anything but that. Day 1 Stat 1 Live with the growing pains. Let him earn the trust of the locker rooms, which you know is so important. And let's never look at.

[Anthony]

I don't see it happen.

[Don Hahn]

I understand what he's doing here. I understand what Mike T. Saying because he did this with the Jets. They got Mark Sanchez and they just went with him right out of the gate because they felt like we have a style of play where we're going to run a lot and we're going to have a stout defense is going to be on the field. They're going to be. They are going to. They hope their defense is going to keep the scores low, which gives your offense a chance to compete. Right. They're going to run the ball. We know that's going to be a part of what they do more this year than ever before. And dart is their future. All their social media, all of the coverage around that team is not the guy they picked first. Speaking of the guy they picked first, right? You talk about the Browns, Abdul Carter. Nobody talks about him. It's all Jackson Dart. He is the favored son in time. They're going to give him the ball, but they don't have to right away. I don't think they're in a position to have to do that. I actually think Russell Wilson played plays better into their plan, Donnie, because I think first of all, we know Russ can move. He can run around a little bit. The experience factor, they need to get out off to a decent start and then see where they are. I would not rush the process with Jackson Dart just because he is, quote, unquote, your future. I'm trying to disagree.

[Alan Hahn]

100% agree with you. I don't know what Mike Tannem.

[Don Hahn]

Well, Mike, again, Mike is going to his experience when it comes to the, you know, what he did with Mark.

[Alan Hahn]

Sanchez, it's apples and fiddlesticks, not even wrenches, dude. That was Rex Ryan's first year as coach. This is Brian Dable trying to win games to save his job.

[Anthony]

I'm talking about pressure.

[Alan Hahn]

What am I. I'm going to hand over the 24th overall pick and say, here, learn the Job as I'm on my way out. Losing games. I mean that's Mike, you know, come back to me man. Like you can tell me if you, if you had hired Dable and Shane today that might be what they decided to do because then, then you've got the Sanchez parallel. But here you got to try to win games. That's why he brought Wilson and Winston in. And Winston's going to play. If Wilson gets hurt before you're going to see Dart play. Yeah, because he wants to try to win some games. Then eventually I do agree Dart will get the job. But the other non parallel to Sanchez, Sanchez was the fifth overall pick. This is somebody that used to 24th. I, I don't ever see. I don't know how that would be even good business. And they're not even in a situation where oh we'll just ground and pound. You've got a world class wide receiver you want to try to get the ball to in his second year and neighbors you want a quarterback that can throw him the ball. I don't think barring just catastrophic injury, I don't think Dart sees, I don't think he sees the field until after Thanksgiving.

[Anthony]

Let me right.

[Don Hahn]

I agree. Nor should he.

[Anthony]

We never played the always famous never boring win, loss, win, loss, loss, loss, win game.

[Alan Hahn]

Would you like to hear? There's a lot of things that we didn't take with us from K. I'd like that to be one.

[Anthony]

I think it was too early when we said it. We said like when the schedule comes out, we do it. You guys want to do a little later in the summer? We'll have to wait till Peter gets back of course but whenever that. Here we go.

[Alan Hahn]

That might be. Thanks.

[Anthony]

So Mike Tanenbaum says the Giants should start Jackson Dart Week 1. Let's hear the Giants first four games, shall we? At Washington, at Dallas versus Kansas City versus Los Angeles.

[Don Hahn]

No charges. Nope. Nope.

[Anthony]

So I don't want him in those games.

[Don Hahn]

No, I'm good.

[Alan Hahn]

I think Peter would appreciate this game. Let's not play win. Loss, loss, loss.

[Anthony]

When does Dart go?

[Alan Hahn]

Let's play dead or Nah.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, that'll be the game.

[Anthony]

Dead or not.

[Alan Hahn]

Dead or not. Does he survive these games? Never mind. Does he win these games? Is he upright? If you have to be helped off the field during any of them, God forbid.

[Anthony]

Does he pass the first six games after Los Angeles then they go to New Orleans which could be a winnable game and then they play Philly at home and they always struggle against Philly. That's six games. I understand that you want to give your new quarterback a chance and see what he's got. You want to play him against those first six. I don't want to see him against those first six. I know Russell Wilson can handle that.

[Alan Hahn]

The game get a sponsor. Dead or Nah, dead or not.

[Don Hahn]

I love it.

[Alan Hahn]

Anthony, that was really good.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, thank you.

[Anthony]

Thank Mike T. Mike T got us through it so I appreciate it.

[Don Hahn]

It's like we had him on as a guest.

[Alan Hahn]

That is NFL binge.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[BetterHelp Ad]

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 podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

Some cool football stuff from Anthony that's always good. 1-800-919-3776 Want to get back to the calls and then we'll, we'll reset certainly with with the Yankees and the mets stuff at 5 o'. Clock. You know Mets had a good weekend. They won two out of three but they got their issues as well. I mean you can't keep going with openers.

[Don Hahn]

Both teams pitching right. But the Mets are going to get right pitching wise pretty soon here and they're going to have their five for the first time all season. They're going to go through a rotation you expect anyway. Although Mendoza was quick to say like let's just get to the next game. So he doesn't want to predict anything or maybe even jinx it but you're going to get the mania, the montage my this one more Sanga. Sanga is the main one of course. Schmidt.

[Alan Hahn]

Schmidt, yeah.

[Don Hahn]

And then who's the fifth guy? What's his name?

[Alan Hahn]

What are you talking about?

[Don Hahn]

Mets? Yeah. He's your fifth starter.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, Peterson.

[Don Hahn]

Peterson.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. You're hoping that Peterson's the guy put Peterson supposed to be, you know and you've and you're trying to and now.

[Don Hahn]

The Yankees are the other way. The Yankees now that's three starters out of what should have been their five man rotation that now it's like goodbye. And Luis heel is another month or so still before you might see him. He hasn't even thrown yet. So we're talking about August now before they get another starter back. They got to get a starter at the deadline. Clear.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I think they do. Unless they just think that these guys are going to eventually come back and it'll be like you traded for them but it's going to take away even when he'll come back.

[Don Hahn]

Who are you getting back? That's the only guy you're getting back.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, that's it.

[Don Hahn]

You're not getting.

[Alan Hahn]

Anybody's not coming back.

[Don Hahn]

No.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, they're going to have to get another starter for sure. And the Yankees, Michael was talking about it there initially, they usually do a good job of getting somebody and it usually doesn't come at the expense of a big time prospect. When was the last time that you've looked at major league baseball and go, that's a prospect that the Yankees gave up, that I wish we had back?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, that used to be back in.

[Alan Hahn]

The 80s and 90s. It was all the time.

[Don Hahn]

Jay Buhner. It's right now though, when they trade them, you know, fans always go crazy until you realize that, okay, it didn't turn into anything. But when you think about different potential guys that you could bring in to pitch the rest of the season, you're looking for the mercenaries, right? You're looking for the ones that are going to walk to free agency. And I would think you're trying to get somebody who's got a track record who you know can handle the market, who, you know can handle pressure. Right. Well, Seth Lugo is the first name I could think of if Kansas City's willing to do it.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, that would be.

[Don Hahn]

Would you like that?

[Alan Hahn]

I would like that. I like.

[Don Hahn]

Is that now am I over overshooting it? Am I naive to think that he could be available?

[Alan Hahn]

It could be. Well, see, see that's what's so strange, having this conversation this early in July with the third wild card now like who's officially out of it. We talked about this last week with Aaron Otto. Like even if the Mets and Yankees had the appetite to do it, St. Louis is only like a game and a half out of making the playoffs. I don't think they want to mail anything in at this point. 1-800-9193776, Carmellum in Tom's River. You're on ESPN New York, what's up?

[Caller]

Hey fellas. How are you? Good.

[Alan Hahn]

How are you?

[Caller]

Good. I am actually. I can't tell you how excited I am to hear Donald McGregor call my devil's team. Now listen, I am a die hard Devils fan and I would listen to the Rangers, which I hate only because Donald was calling the game.

[Don Hahn]

Yes, now.

[Caller]

And to. And to have a. I mean Bill was good, don't get me wrong. He was okay. He was okay. But it's, it's not Donald. You know what I mean? It's not Don McGregor. Well, I appreciate and absolutely now I, I Love Kenny Danico as a player. As a player. I don't think he's the best commentator, but he. And you want to talk about Steppage, Don, he will step on you.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, okay. That's the. Honestly, I gotta be honest. It's the least of. It's least of my issues, the Steppage. And listen, Kenny, he's been doing it for a while, but He's.

[Caller]

He's.

[Alan Hahn]

He's Mr. Devil. He is. And he's passionate.

[Don Hahn]

You'll have a chat with him, you're going to tell him, you're going to say, look, Daniel, this is my house.

[Alan Hahn]

Is. I'm going to. I'm going to grab him by the lapel, throw him against the wall and say, listen, this is my broadcast. Day is done. This is my time.

[Don Hahn]

Listen, your time is dead.

[Alan Hahn]

This is my time. No, I'm gonna cower like a five year old and say, yes, Mr. Danny.

[Don Hahn]

Whatever you want to do.

[Alan Hahn]

I never had a problem. I never said anything to Dave. Dave would have laid me out. But that's not the reason I didn't say anything to Dave. Is. That's. Fans loved that when Michael got on Dave for stepping on the calls. The fans all defended Dave because they loved the guy in the booth. That was them and Kenny is them. So that's all good. You want that?

[Don Hahn]

It is. It is organic. It is. It is emotion. That's what you want.

[Alan Hahn]

You saw the goal. You know what happened. You want to know how Kenny feels about it? Sam in Somerset. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, Sam?

[Caller]

What's going on? Don just wanted to call in and congratulate you.

[Alan Hahn]

Thank you, man.

[Caller]

Absolutely. It's been a pleasure to get to know you and congrats on the new gig and looking forward to listening on. On tv.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, you're a Ranger guy. Full disclosure. So you'll.

[Caller]

You'll check in on a big hockey guy.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, your Yankees got you nervous, so maybe that they do.

[Caller]

I mean, they've got me shaking a little bit, but it's early in the season and I think we got. It's only up from here, so we split with the hope. Let's see what happens, Sam.

[Don Hahn]

You hope.

[Caller]

Let's see what happens.

[Alan Hahn]

I'll be honest with you. All those years on the Case Show, I'm not used to an optimist, optimistic Yankee fan, so.

[Caller]

Amen.

[Alan Hahn]

It's a breath of fresh air.

[Caller]

Yeah. It's okay. We got this. Let's. Let's go, Yankees. And congrats, Don. And looking forward to hearing, hearing you on TV soon.

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks, man. That's. I really, I really. I just, I'm blown away by the reaction from everybody. I really do appreciate it.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don, Han 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.