Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Episode: Hour 2: Monica McNutt & The NFL Binge
Release Date: April 21, 2025

1. NBA Playoffs: Knicks vs. Pistons Series

Monica McNutt's Game Analysis

The episode dives deep into the first game of the Knicks versus Pistons playoff series, with Monica McNutt providing expert analysis on the unfolding dynamics.

• Early Game Energy: Monica highlights the palpable playoff energy early in the game.

  "Early in the game, Han, you could feel playoff energy, right? Like being in the building." ([02:25])

• Fourth Quarter Shift: She observes a significant shift in the fourth quarter where the Pistons intensified their gameplay, challenging the Knicks' composure.

  "The run happens, and I remember basket 98... Jalen Brunson hits that three." ([03:28])

• Cameron Payne's Impact: Monica commends Cameron Payne for his pivotal role in turning the game around with a monster 15-minute stint.

  "I cannot give enough shout outs to Cameron Payne for the way that he was able to come in and have a monster 15 minutes and basically turn the ball game around." ([03:28])

Strategic Insights

• Defensive Adjustments by Thibodeau: The discussion shifts to Tom Thibodeau's coaching strategies, emphasizing his adaptability during the game.

  "I don't personally don't think that Tom Thibodeau is so rigid in his approach that he is not evaluating the flow of the game and what's working." ([12:28])

• Playoff Basketball Dynamics: Monica elaborates on the necessity for playmakers in postseason games, highlighting Jalen Brunson's clutch performances.

  "You got Jalen Brunson, who in my opinion should be clutch player of the year." ([05:37])

Notable Quotes:

• Monica McNutt on Knicks' Fan Support:

  "The Knicks fans are really riding with their team, and they're doing it so smartly." ([02:38])

• Don LaGreca on Coaching Decisions:

  "I'm with you, Don. I don't understand that take." ([26:57])

2. NFL Binge: Draft Strategies and Team Dynamics

Shador Sanders and Draft Considerations

The conversation shifts to NFL draft strategies, focusing on Shador Sanders and the Giants' quarterback situation.

• Shador Sanders' Draft Position: The hosts debate whether Sanders should be drafted at the third pick or wait until later rounds due to the Giants' questionable offensive line.

  "If I were Shador Sanders, I wouldn't want to go 3. I would want to fall to at least 9." ([26:12])

• Giants vs. Saints Offensive Lines: Concerns are raised about the Giants' ability to protect their quarterback compared to the Saints.

  "Why would you want my NFL life to be like my college life if I'm Shadore and I get the chance to sit there and go three or nine?" ([26:55])

Aaron Rodgers Drama

The episode delves into the ongoing Aaron Rodgers situation with the Jets, critiquing the handling of his departure.

• Media Handling Critique: The hosts express frustration over the Jets' scripted and dismissive responses to Aaron Rodgers' comments.

  "I'm telling you, if I played Seinfeld sound out of it... it's like, give me the three silver." ([19:04])

• Justin Fields' Potential: There's optimism about Justin Fields' future with the Giants despite the controversies.

  "I think he has a high ceiling. Did..." ([33:05])

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn on Jalen Brunson:

  "He had a phenomenal game, 21 points." ([18:42])

• Peter Rosenberg on Draft Agility:

  "They've got to be ready to go. That's what you're also watching in this draft..." ([30:06])

3. Baseball Highlights: Mets vs. Cardinals Series

Mets' Unexpected Sweep and Fan Support for Michael Soto

Shifting gears to baseball, the hosts celebrate the Mets' impressive sweep over the Cardinals and the overwhelming support Michael Soto received from the fans.

• Mets' Performance: The Mets showcased strong performances, sweeping the four-game series against the Cardinals.

  "Mets swept the Cardinals... That's why this week is going to be really interesting with Philly." ([41:02])

• Soto's Standing Ovation: Contrary to expectations, Soto received a heartfelt standing ovation from Mets fans, defying negative social media narratives.

  "The Mets fans being very supportive, they didn't turn on him. He had a decent series." ([41:06])

• Fan Base Dynamics: Monica emphasizes the difference between social media perceptions and the actual supportive nature of the fan base during live games.

  "The social media versus reality thing... You see a fan base that wants to see it go well." ([43:54])

Notable Quotes:

• Monica McNutt on Fan Support:

  "How meaningful is that." ([43:06])

• Alan Hahn on Citi Field Atmosphere:

  "There is something about Citi Field that just has this communal feeling." ([46:57])

4. Additional Discussions

Player Reactions and Team Strategies

• Jalen Brunson's Press Conference: The hosts discuss Brunson's seemingly shorter and less friendly demeanor during his post-game press conference.

  "He was a little less friendly than usual." ([17:20])

• Justin Fields vs. Aaron Rodgers: Debates continue on whether the Giants prioritizing Justin Fields over Aaron Rodgers is a strategic mistake or a forward-thinking decision.

  "They have to get a quarterback in this draft... They're really gotta be ready to make a trade." ([30:06])

Notable Quotes:

• Monica McNutt on Mikal Bridges:

  "I don't want to make it too complicated for that young man." ([10:30])

• Don LaGreca on Team Roster Confidence:

  "I always feel good about my team's roster." ([34:56])

5. Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with a brief touch on upcoming topics, including the Yankees and Rays weekend, Mets and Phillies series, and reflections on fan engagements and team performances.

• Upcoming Topics: The hosts tease discussions on the Yankees vs. Rays and Mets vs. Phillies series, highlighting key moments and player performances.

  "We're going to talk... about the Yankees and the Rays over the weekend and the Mets and the Phillies coming up this week." ([41:35])

• Fan Engagement Appreciation: Emphasis on the importance of fan support and its impact on player morale.

  "I really appreciate what they did... It was a great feeling." ([43:22])

Conclusion

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts provide comprehensive analyses across multiple sports disciplines. From in-depth NBA playoff strategies and NFL draft debates to celebrating unexpected baseball triumphs and genuine fan support, the discussion is rich with insights and expert opinions. Notable moments include Monica McNutt's breakdown of the Knicks vs. Pistons game, heated discussions on NFL draft picks and team dynamics, and heartfelt appreciation for the Mets' fanbase during their sweep of the Cardinals. The episode underscores the importance of adaptability in coaching, strategic drafting in the NFL, and the powerful influence of fan support in sports.

Notable Quotes:

• Monica McNutt:

  "This is playoff basketball and both teams are doing their damnedest to win the ballgame." ([05:37])

• Alan Hahn:

  "We're focused on the draft. I appreciate the question." ([37:07])

• Peter Rosenberg:

  "You're going to see more encouragement. But if he had, you know, if he went 0 for 5... he's going to hear about it." ([43:54])

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key discussions and insights from the "Hour 2: Monica McNutt & The NFL Binge" episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, making it accessible and informative for listeners and enthusiasts alike.