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Don La Greca
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Alan Hahn
This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Peter Rosenberg
That sounds like heaven to me.
Alan Hahn
Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.
Peter Rosenberg
Don on a Rosenberg Live at the Beach Bash. Hanging out with you little six o' clock. Then it's Mets baseball. Thanks for everybody coming out. It's been a lot of fun. Learned a lot today, have we? We're not going to play the Feud.
Jordan Ronan
Yeah, we learned not to do that.
Peter Rosenberg
But the lists were good, the bands have been fantastic.
Jordan Ronan
Overboard's been outstanding.
Peter Rosenberg
So just a lot of fun.
Jordan Ronan
Tearing it up. They're so good.
Peter Rosenberg
And Jordan Ronan's here hanging out with us for the Beach Bash. Covers the Giants. And how are you, sir?
Chris Carlin
I mean, I don't have an outfit like you, Don.
Peter Rosenberg
No, I mean, you're. You do.
Jordan Ronan
I mean, who does that is. Let's be honest, that's something.
Peter Rosenberg
43 bucks on Amazon. Free shipping. Worth every penny.
Chris Carlin
Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
So half of like one of the $100 that are on my outfit. But does it feel like now you've had to cover a lot of bad football? Even a 22 season wasn't great, but at least they made the playoffs. But I feel like this team has got a little bit more light on them. There seems to be a little bit more optimism. Is that just because we've been fed gristle for the last decade and anything's going to be good, or is there legitimate room for a Giant fan to maybe be optimistic here going into 2025?
Chris Carlin
I think you could be optimistic. They're heading in the right direction. Right. Like everyone asked me, like, is it going to be better? Like, can it really be worse than last year like you said? Like, it was last year was as bad as. As it can get. Right. But they had. They're starting to build a defense and we. You finally could feel good about. Okay, that one side of the football. They have pieces there at all three levels. You're like, okay, I could see the vision now. Now are you. Are we a believer that Russell Wilson's going to be the answer at quarterback. I think we'll all probably sit here and say that, you know, that's not the answer. Right?
Peter Rosenberg
Right.
Chris Carlin
So it's now we're waiting for Jackson D. That's the guy they invested in. He's your hope to be legitimately good and build yourself into an ultimate contender. So it's a matter of can he be that guy and when is it that he's that guy?
Jordan Ronan
That's what I was going to ask you just as somebody covering the team. The defense is going to probably be the biggest part of the team if they have any type of success. Right. When you consider how they're building it, the two edge guys now they have on both ends. Actually three, I guess, right? It's three. Thibodeau is still part of the deal and the front, but we all know the quarterback. It's the story. Like that's your first story, that's your second story. It's your third story throughout training camp. So what is the plan with Jackson Dart? Because everything I've seen since the draft all the way through into the camps that they're having, it just feels like he was the first pick that they had, not Abdul Carter.
Chris Carlin
No, absolutely. I think that's. We talked about this before. I think that's because he's a quarterback.
Peter Rosenberg
Right.
Chris Carlin
All we want to know is about the quarterback. And the reality in the NFL is the team isn't going anywhere unless they have a high end quarterback. So unless he's that guy, the Giants are going nowhere. Right. You're not going anywhere until you have that.
Jordan Ronan
He's got a hit.
Chris Carlin
He's got a hit. So now the question is when do we see him? But it's more of a question of okay, when is. When is it no longer good with Russell Wilson? Right. That's when we're going to see Jackson Dart. Because in reality, if they have an okay season and a pretty good season, the Giants are fine not playing Jackson Dart, letting him grow, letting him sort of sit there and learn. Have that red shirt type year.
Jordan Ronan
Yeah.
Chris Carlin
For as long as they can until they can't anymore. He's the savior job card for this crew.
Michael Kay
Right.
Chris Carlin
If they need like that's when you're going to see him this year and that. That's everything has.
Jordan Ronan
So this isn't going to be like Eli where if they're five and four but they feel like the team's really not doing anything.
Chris Carlin
What's the difference? Tom Coughlin was a first year coach then, right. He Wasn't getting fired when he, if he put. If he won, what were they?
Peter Rosenberg
Five and four.
Chris Carlin
They won five games. They lost every other game. He wasn't getting fired. If Brian Dabel goes 3 and 14 again this year, they went 3 and 14 last year at 611 the year before. How's he going to save his job?
Peter Rosenberg
See that, that show me that the.
Jordan Ronan
Quarterback'S the future and I'm developing it.
Chris Carlin
At 3 and 4, at 3 and 14.
Peter Rosenberg
That's why if they went 3 or.
Chris Carlin
14 and the quarterback played well at the end of the year, it's just really hard in the NFL.
Jordan Ronan
But that's how you save your job. Is that you, you started out 3 and 9.
Chris Carlin
They still need to make the change.
Jordan Ronan
Kid shows he's something.
Peter Rosenberg
But that was the conversation that we had about the Yankees and the Mets. Like it's really difficult to contend and also develop young kids. It's hard to do. Rangers in New York, in New York.
Jordan Ronan
Other places you can.
Peter Rosenberg
That's why I've argued that. And I think if I remember when we had you on, you disagreed with me that I felt the only two things to do at the end of last season were to fire. At least fire D if you wanted to say I want to give Shane a chance because he had a couple of good drafts and he did pretty decent in free agency the last couple of years. But if you fire Dable or give him an extension, like having him in limbo doesn't make sense to me because I'm trying to develop a quarterback. I'm trying to usher in the new era of football but I'm also trying to win games. Like how are you supposed to do that? You said Tom Coughlin was able to pull the plug on a 5 and 4 season. People forget they were 5 and 2. Dropped two straight and they were, you know, seeing the situation. But if 5, 4, the same situation, you're not going to do it because he needs to win games to save his job. So why not be all in if you believe that Dable and Shane are the guys, extend them to have them be lame ducks and have to win games to save their job and also try to develop a quarterback and bring them in. I don't know how you do that.
Chris Carlin
That's why they are where they are right now. This is, this is not a well oiled machine. Don't 12 years.
Peter Rosenberg
But you were against extending them, right? Or did you change your mind on that?
Chris Carlin
No, I'm against it. I was against extending them.
Peter Rosenberg
So would you fire Him.
Chris Carlin
There was too many problems that you saw for me to be 100% confident that they're the right guys.
Peter Rosenberg
Fire them.
Chris Carlin
Fine. You know, it's got to be one.
Peter Rosenberg
But you're half pregnant. Like it. Like, we kind of believe in them. They got to go out and win games. But I've got a quarterback that I traded back into the first round that I might not play because I want to win games.
Chris Carlin
That is. That's the problem. That's how you end up being the Chicago Bears in these that are stuck in nowhere. I agree with you on that. But you don't know that they're the right guys. They haven't proven that the last two years. Yes, year one was great. They lost that equity the last two years.
Peter Rosenberg
Right.
Chris Carlin
That you. I don't know how you could sit here and be like Brian dables, the guy 100%. I know he has to show. And Joe Shane, they have to show this year. You think it's the two of them heading in the right direction and it's.
Jordan Ronan
The two of them. It's not like you would say the coach is in it, but we like the direction. Like, Joe Shane's had some good.
Chris Carlin
I feel like Joe Shane's in better standing than.
Jordan Ronan
That's why I asked that.
Chris Carlin
Now I do.
Jordan Ronan
So give me then, give me then a baseline of what you need to see this season for. For both or at least the coach to continue on. What do you need to see? Because you can't tell me. Playoffs. We know that's almost impossible in the nfc, in the NFC East. So give me, give me something that.
Chris Carlin
You need to show that you're heading in the right direction.
Jordan Ronan
Right?
Chris Carlin
No, no, I'm giving you.
Jordan Ronan
What's the baseline.
Chris Carlin
Their defense has to be better. You probably have to win at least six games. Like, you can't be 5 and 12. 5 and 12 in the NFL is really bad. You win sometimes by accident.
Jordan Ronan
Every team has five and 12, but one's in overtime. Does it still like. You know what I mean? It's always by what it looks like. Right?
Chris Carlin
You need to. They need to win games and feel like they're really close. And Jackson Dart needs to show progress where you could say, okay, we made steps, we took steps in the right direction. Now once we get our quarterback in place and we get him now, it takes us to a next level and we're contenders, like legitimate contenders.
Michael Kay
Can I ask you a question?
Chris Carlin
Go ahead.
Michael Kay
And I apologize.
Chris Carlin
Where's the suit?
Peter Rosenberg
Imagine I changed out of the suit.
Chris Carlin
You were all Suited up.
Peter Rosenberg
Jordan, who's being interviewed, said, no, I.
Michael Kay
I took off the suit.
Jordan Ronan
Yeah, right.
Michael Kay
No.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
Jordan Ronan
Can I ask you a question? You just did.
Michael Kay
So I was hanging with the people, so I apologize if I missed this.
Peter Rosenberg
Never.
Michael Kay
Why. Why are we going with Russell Wilson to start? Like, what. What's the real point here?
Peter Rosenberg
Is it.
Michael Kay
Is it to protect Jackson Dart?
Jordan Ronan
I think so.
Michael Kay
Like, because I. I just sort of come from the stand.
Peter Rosenberg
What do you.
Chris Carlin
What do you want him to do? Just star Jackson Dart fire.
Michael Kay
Well, I mean, let's not act like that never happens. Right?
Peter Rosenberg
Like a lot of work out with a 24th pick.
Michael Kay
Well, that's. I guess that's the thing. Is that. Is that the thing that they think he has potential, but There's. He's the 24th pick for a reason. So we're gonna wait here even before that.
Chris Carlin
Right, because let's go back to. They made this decision that this is the route they were gonna go in March. When they create during free agency, they need to straddle the line. I get it. You don't think it's the right idea to try and do both have both directives at the same time. They have to win games up. This is the NFL. You can't be terrible again. So if you throw Jackson Dart in there, he goes through major growing pains. You don't win games, they're going to lose their job. So they need to have. They need to look decent. They need to look competitive. They need to win some games and be respectable. That's why they're starting Russell Wilson. That's why they signed Russell Wilson. And if they just wanted to have a veteran quarterback there as insurance, they wouldn't even sign Russell Wilson because they had already had James Winston.
Michael Kay
Right.
Peter Rosenberg
So is Jameis Winston.
Chris Carlin
It's about winning games.
Peter Rosenberg
So is Winston just here? If Wilson gets hurt in the first couple of weeks and you don't have to rush the kid, is that basically why he's here?
Chris Carlin
I think so, yeah. He's the insurance. But Russell Wilson, last year, he didn't play. What, the first. However many. Four, whatever it was. What were they? Four and two, I think it was. Yeah. With Justin Fields. He's there as contingency in case Russell Wilson has a. I think it was a calf injury. Right. And then you don't want to have to. Okay, maybe Jackson Dart's not ready like he was. You saw things this spring where you're like, okay, I see why this guy was a really high pick. He could be the future. But you also saw A rookie quarterback who had ups and downs. You know, he threw interceptions at training, at minicamp and OTAs, whatever, and had good days and bad days, which is kind of what you're going to get from a rookie quarterback who really is sort of a developmental project in some ways. So that, that's the whole logic behind it. You don't want to have to say, all right, Russell Wilson hurt his calf. Get out there, Jackson, right away, you get your face beaten. We're gonna lose games and then we're, you know, they're. We're a total mess and who knows what happens at the end of the season.
Peter Rosenberg
But the defense, as you said, should be better. It should be a lot better.
Chris Carlin
You hope that's what everybody asked me to say. Well, are we going to be better? I said, well, I think the defense is going to be significantly better.
Peter Rosenberg
And that. And that keeps you in games. Right? I mean, I think that's so important because you're not going to score a ton of points. You wouldn't think. I mean, I guess there's some weapons there and neighbors in a second year and if Wilson can stay healthy. But the only way you're going to be able to compete, especially some of the big. That this schedule is so difficult, too. That's why it's maddening to start putting a win total on it, because there's some games that just not going to win no matter how well they play. It's just, It's a fact. You're not beating Philadelphia in all likelihood, unless they don't need the game. Dallas, Washington, I mean, you're probably staring 1 in 5 in your own division right on the bottom. How will you play?
Chris Carlin
I agree. But look, and this is why Alan wanted me to put like a number on it. Basically, it's. It's about John Mara and he says this all the time. He says this every year. I need to feel better about the direction of the franchise when I walk off the field in the final game of the season. Right. And that could be judged in many different ways. It doesn't necessarily have to be all. It's definitely not all wins and losses.
Peter Rosenberg
Right.
Chris Carlin
It could be. I see the foundation for a defense that's going to be a top five defense next year. An offense that looked better, at least look competent now if we throw in that quarterback, that young quarterback, and he's.
Peter Rosenberg
That guy, you know, they're hoping so.
Chris Carlin
Yeah. So those. That's the standard. I think in John Mara's mind. He says it all the time. I have to Feel better walking off the field on that final game.
Peter Rosenberg
Now, I haven't done the work side by side, but what you're describing is best case scenario is Denver last year, Right. Their defense carried them. You were able to let a young kid did not have to do much and then you kind of stumble into the postseason. I think that's too high end for them. But it's kind of the same platform. Keep us in games and just try to squeeze out some wins. Because I do agree that if you're good enough to be in every game, then you're going to have to win some of them. Like you can't win three games and you lose every game by three points and not win some of them. The league is going to present to you opportunities to win some games.
Chris Carlin
If you keep losing close games, aren't you then looking at the head coach and being like, yeah, why are we.
Jordan Ronan
Losing all these close games?
Michael Kay
We're good enough to be able to make all these.
Chris Carlin
You make all the excuses they did last. Oh, we lost all the tight games. Yeah. There's something to that though. Like, what are you doing wrong?
Jordan Ronan
Usually that's in games.
Chris Carlin
Yeah.
Jordan Ronan
Well, it could also be just a lack of talent though. You know, the lack of ability to have, you know, that, that game winning drive or the stop defensively and that was it. Like they had no, you know this. They had no secondary last year.
Chris Carlin
They couldn't stop the run. Well, they were awful team.
Jordan Ronan
They were bad.
Michael Kay
They were bad.
Jordan Ronan
So give me this then. Give me this. That. You said something general. I want you to be more specific. If the Giants are going to be watchable this year, it's because of what area. What. Don't just say defense. Give me. Like they're going to, they're going to get more sex. They're going to get after the quarterback. They're going to put pressure. What is it in your mind that is going to be the, you know, the, the linchpin to success for them?
Chris Carlin
Going to have to run the ball really well.
Jordan Ronan
They're going to be a good.
Chris Carlin
Run the ball really well. That's what they think. They think their offensive line is better than everybody else. Right. They say, look at the first half of last year when we were actually healthy. We were. It wasn't great, but it was serviceable.
Peter Rosenberg
Where for them, they ran well for.
Chris Carlin
Where it's, for where it's been. The offensive line, that's like a success. So we have a healthy offensive line. Like that's how Russell Wilson is going to be successful.
Michael Kay
It's been the blue Tracy.
Chris Carlin
We've run the ball in the big plays with Russell Wilson. We have some deep ball, you know, receivers and they do. Darius Slayton. Yeah. Guys that can make plays on Jalen Height like that. To me, if they can do that, they can hang in games. The defense could keep them in games, but if they can't run the ball, they won't score points. They won't be a very.
Jordan Ronan
That'd be too much pressure on the defense.
Chris Carlin
We holding the ball and then. And then you're different running around like.
Michael Kay
Crazy and you're asking Russell Wilson win new games, which right now is not what you want to do.
Chris Carlin
Exactly.
Michael Kay
Is there a chance based on the loss of Graham and a few other pieces, is there a chance the Eagles take a step backwards this year?
Bart Scott
Sure.
Chris Carlin
Absolutely. Everything worked out right for the. Remember, the Eagles were a terrible defensively the year before. They completely fell apart. Right. And then last year they put it all together. There's. It's hard to put it all together like they did. And I hate to tell you this, but, you know, even with your. Jaden Daniels is awesome, but he could.
Michael Kay
Take a step back.
Chris Carlin
It's easy to take a step back in this league. It's hard to just go to the top and stay to the top. Like he, he did things in his rookie year no one's ever seen.
Peter Rosenberg
C.J.
Chris Carlin
Stroud did it the year before and what happened last year, he took. He's still an awesome player. He's going to be a star in the league. C.J. strad.
Michael Kay
But he took a step back.
Chris Carlin
But he took a step back because it's just hard to just people. So the other teams get paid too.
Jordan Ronan
The league has though tons of tape on you now. They know exactly how they want to play you.
Michael Kay
So the Eagles and commanders could take a step back potentially.
Chris Carlin
Absolutely. And the Cowboys with. And people. People are down on the Cowboys when Dak Prescott plays. They're a good team. They might not be a Super bowl contender.
Peter Rosenberg
They're a good team, but they're a.
Chris Carlin
Double digit win team. They won 12 games each of the past three times. He stayed healthy. Like they're going to win games as long as he's healthy. Right.
Peter Rosenberg
You do a great job with it and hopefully.
Michael Kay
Well, no, we got an important question.
Jordan Ronan
Don.
Chris Carlin
I'm sorry, Donnie C note over here. I can't get my eyes off this $100 bill.
Michael Kay
Well, no, no, no. We can't get our eyes off of you. What are you doing to look so good? You look, tremendous. Michael K. Agreed. We talked off air about it.
Chris Carlin
I appreciate it. What's going on? You got to get the beat. You got to go to the beach.
Michael Kay
You know, is there a skin ro.
Jordan Ronan
It.
Michael Kay
It's just the beach.
Chris Carlin
None. I was actually talking before. I was asking John Winthrop about, you know, Rick's supplement and, you know, routine and stuff because I feel like I need it. So your fact that you're saying, well, how.
Michael Kay
How old are you, Jordan?
Chris Carlin
I'm your age.
Michael Kay
I think he's 45.
Chris Carlin
I turned 46.
Michael Kay
You just did. I'm about to.
Peter Rosenberg
You look.
Michael Kay
You look. I gotta say, this is a. Guys, give it up. This is a beautiful 45. 46 year old. You know, I'm seeing repulsive 45 year olds everywhere. Trust me, this guy is doing great things.
Chris Carlin
I. I appreciate you lying on air and saying, I have no need to.
Michael Kay
I just admire it when I see it.
Chris Carlin
I got like 30 texts this morning because they put up something I wrote on ESPN on. On get up this morning. And my headshot is from when I first got hired by you.
Michael Kay
Well, that's.
Chris Carlin
I mean, and everybody's like, who the heck is that guy? You don't even have any gray hair. Like, not at all.
Michael Kay
I didn't know. You're full on silver five.
Jordan Ronan
You let it go, so.
Peter Rosenberg
Oh, man.
Jordan Ronan
The way to go.
Chris Carlin
Should I. So you're. You're saying I should diet?
Jordan Ronan
No.
Chris Carlin
Is anyone here?
Jordan Ronan
No.
Peter Rosenberg
Die.
Chris Carlin
Because I was talking.
Michael Kay
Take the hat off. I want hat on.
Jordan Ronan
There it is.
Michael Kay
Oh, yeah, the silver fox.
Chris Carlin
I got moved in again right before I got here.
Jordan Ronan
Listen, listen. This has been a whole controversy with me because I'm just letting it go and.
Michael Kay
Oh, you mean at home. Because your wife.
Jordan Ronan
Yeah, yeah. She's worried that it's. Everybody else is telling me to do it.
Peter Rosenberg
Don't.
Jordan Ronan
To dye the hair.
Peter Rosenberg
No.
Jordan Ronan
To not. Don't touch it. Leave it.
Michael Kay
She wants you to dye it.
Jordan Ronan
She's worried.
Peter Rosenberg
Don't do it.
Jordan Ronan
She thinks if you start to look. Yeah, exactly. That's what she's worried about. And so everybody. I keep telling her, everybody's telling me it looks great. She's like, let me tell you something.
Michael Kay
Hold on, hold on. Hear me out.
Jordan Ronan
He looks good.
Michael Kay
So hear me out. Ronan looks amazing. You just heard my compliments. I meant it.
Jordan Ronan
He looks great.
Michael Kay
When he. No, no. When he unsheathed the gray. He looks like. Hear me out. Because he looked really good.
Jordan Ronan
Oh, no.
Michael Kay
He looks like an aging Tony dancer. It all. You become it. Does he not give Danza right now who's the boss? That's right.
Peter Rosenberg
Danza did well. Danza did very well.
Jordan Ronan
Danza did very well. All right.
Chris Carlin
You could only hope to be Sebastian Maniscalco.
Jordan Ronan
Oh, yeah, yeah. Every time I see him.
Chris Carlin
Joe Gatto from an impractical jokers. Not the most flattering of ones, but I get that.
Michael Kay
Let's go, Maniscalco.
Jordan Ronan
Yeah, we'll stick with that one.
Peter Rosenberg
You know, it's better than John landis and Michael McDonald, which is what I.
Michael Kay
Get, by the way. That Michael McDonald's not bad.
Peter Rosenberg
Michael McDonald, it's not good.
Michael Kay
You don't think Michael McDonald was crushing?
Peter Rosenberg
I. Wait a minute. I don't want to about talk talk like that.
Michael Kay
You know why he wrote? I keep forgetting. He had to forget. There was too much happening.
Peter Rosenberg
Okay, thank you, Jordan.
Chris Carlin
The Will Chamberlain.
Peter Rosenberg
Hopefully the Giants will live up to these expectations. You know, we've talked to a lot of people today. We haven't really talked to Carlin at all. He got dragged up for that embarrassment. That was the. The feud.
Michael Kay
Oh, the disgrace.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, I. I kind of want to talk to Chris Carlin. Is that so wrong?
Jordan Ronan
No.
Peter Rosenberg
Is that all right?
Jordan Ronan
No, not at all. Where is he?
Michael Kay
Still here.
Peter Rosenberg
Chris Carlin is coming up next. And I'm gonna sing before the 5 o' clock hour is over.
Don La Greca
Oh, yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
Don ana Rosenberg on ESPN.
Michael Kay
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Alan Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Michael Kay
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Alan Hahn
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get.
Jordan Ronan
Your podcasts just had great energy. The crowd here has had great energy. Absolutely love it. And everybody, we all scatter it. Like, that's the one thing I enjoy about doing these, is that we get to, during the breaks, interact and meet people and talk to all of you, which is awesome because sometimes it's like you get the calls. You don't really get that same personal touch. But when you get to actually meet somebody that tells you, hey, I call in. I'm this guy from here. It's like, that's the best part. So that has been fun. The guys have been out. We gather them all together and by request. The big fella whose request we all.
Peter Rosenberg
Did it was mine because we didn't.
Jordan Ronan
Get how many people also at Carlin's Corner Table, how many people invest in that little thing that he's doing that I think is turning into a fantastic social media effort.
Bart Scott
Appreciate that, brother. Appreciate that. It's been a lot of fun. We did Bradley Cooper's cheesesteak place.
Michael Kay
I have not watched yet.
Bart Scott
Yeah.
Michael Kay
You know, my, my. So I was the original Carlin's Corner Table guy. It was me. Now my wife. It had to be.
Bart Scott
I don't even know what the hell that means.
Michael Kay
No, no. Well, first of all, first of all, no one, no one loves Carlin more than me. I've been talking it up since the beginning. So now my wife. So now you probably see my wife's comments as well. I do. She's a fan of.
Peter Rosenberg
Of.
Michael Kay
Of Carlin's Corner Table.
Jordan Ronan
Are you surprised?
Michael Kay
But hold on. I want to know about the Bradley Cooper's cheesesteak. Sorry, real quick.
Jordan Ronan
Can we first just like a little. You can get to that. I wanted to ask out of the gate, though, are you surprised by the response that it has gotten? Because it really has grown into something, you know, Really? I. I think it's something I almost look forward to.
Bart Scott
And I appreciate that. It's very kind of you. Say it's been fun. Yeah. Who the hell wants to hear me talk about stuff, but at least you know I'm talking about food. Exactly.
Jordan Ronan
If there's anything to trust.
Bart Scott
Exactly.
Michael Kay
See, that's the thing. It's the credibility.
Bart Scott
I'll tell you. What, Credibility. You know, my middle name?
Michael Kay
That's me, Chris. Credibility.
Peter Rosenberg
Car.
Bart Scott
But actually, that's the thing I've gotten here the last couple of weeks from people who have watched is like, I like the fact that it's not just the influencers who are like, oh, this is great. This is great. No, you tell me if it's actually decent or not.
Jordan Ronan
You actually say it sucks. If it sucks.
Bart Scott
Oh, yeah.
Jordan Ronan
Which is what I want.
Peter Rosenberg
That's. See, that's.
Bart Scott
I got in some trouble last week with the folks.
Michael Kay
We heard. We heard, we heard. Yeah.
Bart Scott
The folks in New Jersey.
Jordan Ronan
Oh, about the burger.
Bart Scott
Yeah. And again, it wasn't bad, but it was.
Peter Rosenberg
Well.
Michael Kay
And then you got in some trouble at the radio station.
Bart Scott
I did?
Michael Kay
Yeah, you did. You don't even know about it because in the newspaper, they only labeled you as being from Rutgers. No mention that you even do a radio show.
Jordan Ronan
Voice of Rutgers Football.
Bart Scott
I thought it said New York Sports Talker. Now, I didn't get to get that, but.
Peter Rosenberg
No, but it is a risk you take. Like, because, you know, I read a bunch of books and I thought, maybe I'll critique them online. I'm like, I really don't want to bash somebody, you know, but if you're not gonna do it, then there's no. Can't do it.
Don La Greca
Yeah.
Bart Scott
Listen. It's a good burger. Is it the best burger in my home state? We must do better, people. I'm sorry. It was average.
Michael Kay
Now, now. So real quick. So I want to hear about Bradley Cooper's cheesesteak.
Peter Rosenberg
How.
Michael Kay
What level we talking about?
Bart Scott
I would. Excellent.
Michael Kay
It was excellent.
Bart Scott
Excellent. And I would say this. The only thing that kept it from getting a five. I got a four and a half. Only thing that kept it from getting five. Cooper Sharp can overwhelm a little bit.
Michael Kay
Got it.
Bart Scott
Cheese.
Michael Kay
The cheese was a bit much.
Bart Scott
It's just. It can linger.
Michael Kay
Now, you lived in Philly for some time.
Bart Scott
Yeah. Yeah.
Michael Kay
Did you think it was on the level?
Bart Scott
It's on the level. It's based on a place down there. It's legit. It is. And. And the lines are not as long now because they have more regular hours.
Peter Rosenberg
Okay.
Bart Scott
I would say yes. I'm telling you, I wait 15 minutes. 17 bucks.
Michael Kay
Well, will there ever be a time, Chris Carlin. When you elevate and start going to like, like, literally high end restaurants, are you going to keep it sort of the everyman food?
Bart Scott
I'm. I'm not allowed in high level restaurants.
Michael Kay
They need to have this spacious seating.
Bart Scott
It's like that. It's like that old, you know, bit by John Panette. He's like, you walk in and you get to a restaurant and you're like, no, turn around, go. No, we're not doing this.
Michael Kay
So it's not for you. You think the regular everyman. Now, what about.
Bart Scott
Because Bart wants to, you know. You know, Bart. Bart goes very high end. And he's like, yeah, I can take you up. We're going to go to this place. It's five stars, three Michelin, Like Bart.
Michael Kay
I.
Bart Scott
No, I. I can't even.
Michael Kay
It's not your style.
Bart Scott
No, it's not.
Michael Kay
Did anybody tell you my strong recommendation?
Bart Scott
They did, and I have to take some umbrage with it for a second. So Peter recommended the. Not Umbridge. Umbridge is.
Michael Kay
You're coming short of Umbridge.
Bart Scott
I'm coming short of Umbridge. Just bridge or just college.
Michael Kay
Okay, sorry. What's your issue? I recommended the Dubai chocolate shake from Shake Shack. It's tremendous.
Bart Scott
Here's what I think. Dubai chocolate is one of these little trends that they want us to buy into.
Michael Kay
You're right.
Bart Scott
And I think they're full of crap.
Peter Rosenberg
Really?
Bart Scott
That's what I think you want me to be. I. I'm not saying it doesn't taste good.
Michael Kay
Right. I hear you.
Bart Scott
You want me to buy into this. This whole. It's from Dubai. What does that mean if I eat this? I don't respect women. What does that mean?
Peter Rosenberg
Okay, well, you want very strong, very.
Jordan Ronan
This is.
Michael Kay
I'm sorry, Peter.
Bart Scott
I didn't know that you hated women. That's my thing. I'm sorry.
Michael Kay
This segment is brought to you by the tourism board of United Arab Emirates.
Peter Rosenberg
You know, he started with the worst thing, calling the greatest burger in New Jersey average. And now.
Michael Kay
I know. Now he's going after uae. But I'm telling you, it's true. I agree with you. The whole thing is like Don's feelings on avocados. There's a conspiracy pushing the whole thing.
Bart Scott
I heard about this for the first time. I didn't really.
Peter Rosenberg
Oh, you didn't really.
Bart Scott
I didn't know about this, but it makes sense.
Michael Kay
Yeah, Don's anti avocado.
Peter Rosenberg
I just don't. I'm not anti avocado. I just can't believe that many People care about it, that they're going to promote. We have avocado. We put avocado on things. I don't think people.
Michael Kay
I love avocados too.
Jordan Ronan
It's great.
Peter Rosenberg
But I don't.
Jordan Ronan
Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Peter Rosenberg
I don't think my personal opinion. That's why I think it's a conspiracy that people are as into it as they make it out to be.
Bart Scott
And they're trying to get people like me into it by saying, oh, it's a good fat, it's a healthy fat.
Michael Kay
That's how I describe you.
Jordan Ronan
If there's one big thing you do, big event kind of thing, I think what you need to do is the final verdict on Connecticut, New York, New Jersey.
Bart Scott
I will give that to you right now. I can do that right now.
Jordan Ronan
You've done. You've taken the best from all three.
Bart Scott
Yeah.
Michael Kay
You're welcome.
Jordan Ronan
Together into one show.
Bart Scott
Yeah. Do you want me to save it or do you want me to. You want to know?
Michael Kay
It's the beach bash, for God's sake. Tell us right now.
Jordan Ronan
Drop it.
Bart Scott
I'm from the. I'm from this great state of New Jersey. I love New York. Connecticut is kicking our ass.
Michael Kay
Wow.
Bart Scott
No, you can wave your fingers all you want. I'm telling you, an objective individual will go up there and have Sally's, have Frank Pepe's, and I haven't had modern yet, but these places kick our ass.
Michael Kay
What is it?
Jordan Ronan
What is it? Sauce.
Michael Kay
What are they doing?
Bart Scott
Sauce. It's the cheese and it's the combination of the crust too. It is top notch.
Jordan Ronan
So the sign.
Bart Scott
I didn't want it to happen.
Jordan Ronan
No, they had the sign on i95.
Michael Kay
Yeah.
Jordan Ronan
Letting you know that they have the best pizza.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
Michael Kay
Oh, it says, welcome to Connecticut. The best pizza in America.
Jordan Ronan
Yes.
Bart Scott
Yeah. Listen, I'm telling you, they're bragging.
Michael Kay
Is it worth, like taking a weekend trip through Connecticut to taste all the.
Bart Scott
Pizza to drive up to? Well, they're all kind of in New Haven.
Jordan Ronan
Yeah.
Michael Kay
It's really New Haven, right? Yeah.
Bart Scott
So you could, you could take a one day trip and go do it. Yeah. The answer is yes.
Jordan Ronan
So wouldn't that be a thing to get the best? Like get Peppy's, Obviously get the best from each state.
Bart Scott
Yeah.
Jordan Ronan
Almost do your own, like March madness of pizza.
Bart Scott
And I'm saying this, by the way, as someone that literally got married in a restaurant named John's Pizzeria.
Peter Rosenberg
So he knows what he's talking about.
Bart Scott
Yeah. So trust me on this. I'm sorry. It's unpopular.
Peter Rosenberg
Keeping it real. That's what you got to do. You got to keep it real. That's why you're the best before we let you go. And I know you haven't covered Rutgers basketball like you did when you're doing play by play, but I know you're still on top of it.
Bart Scott
Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
How do you think Ace Bailey played this? Did he play it wrong? How do you just feel about how everything went on going into the draft?
Bart Scott
I think he probably got some bad advice. Ace. All season long, I was around him a little bit. I did a couple of the games. Phenomenal kid. Always a smile on his face. You know, immature, but not in a bad way. Immature, like always smiling, always goofing around. I think he probably got some bad advice on this, but apparently he's going to show up. Like, I don't. I would be shocked if he was the kid who said, I'm not doing this. I would be shocked.
Michael Kay
It's. It's time. He's got to put this. Joe Fortin, boss said this on first take earlier, and he nailed it. You have to lay this totally at the feet of your agent, and your agent just has to own it.
Bart Scott
And his agent is not an agent. His agent is one of his inner circle.
Jordan Ronan
His agent has known him since he was a little kid. So you already helped him out of a very difficult situation as a young kid. So he trusts.
Peter Rosenberg
All right, then he should be the.
Michael Kay
Person to say, that's my bad.
Bart Scott
I think, if that's what's going on here. But again, I don't know for sure what's going on until he says, I'm not coming and I'm not going to play there. And he hasn't done that.
Michael Kay
No, I assume he will show up and play. I just think it's hilarious that the places he was supposedly interested in going were Brooklyn and New Orleans. Like, are those really great places to go play basketball at the moment?
Bart Scott
Magical tradition of the Brooklyn Nets.
Michael Kay
There's so much winning.
Jordan Ronan
They're tired.
Peter Rosenberg
I know. It's really tough. Everybody thinks you're a bad guy when you don't want to go to a certain team. Or. I can. I can get that. There's places maybe you want to play. Yeah, but that, hey, this is the way it works.
Bart Scott
I gotta be honest. I wouldn't want to go to Utah.
Peter Rosenberg
I know, but this is the way. The way that it is. And unfortunately, it's not like he's Cooper Flagg or John Elway, you know, who's going to be the first overall pick and maybe kind of dictate things or, you know, it's, it's a tough spot. But I, I listen, I followed him all year. I thought he was a good kid. Yeah. And I still think he's a good kid. He's got bad advice. So hopefully it works out in Utah or whatever happens with him. Chris, it's always a pleasure, man.
Michael Kay
I love you.
Peter Rosenberg
I love you. We got plenty left to do, including me singing, but I want to throw in a game. Brought to you by Televardou Irish Whiskey because when it's game time, guys.
Michael Kay
I.
Jordan Ronan
Like when he holds it.
Peter Rosenberg
The Mets visit the Pirates coverage right here on 880 at 6 o' clock. And the Yankees welcome in the A's at 7:05. Coverage of the NHL Draft on ESPN at 7. And the Liberty will visit the Mercury at 10:05. Tully Mordue, 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 today's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly here on ESPN New York.
Alan Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Michael Kay
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Alan Hahn
Catch the show on demand.
Michael Kay
When?
Alan Hahn
Whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
Michael Kay
We are live from Bar A in Lake Como, New Jersey. Is that a light mist coming down? Oh, it's perfect. Because the mood is getting set. Don Hahn and Rosenberg here. Michael K with us on stage. And a tradition unlike any other continues at this moment. Come closer to the second stage. Stop your boring conversations about God knows what. It's time for a moment Pull out your cell phones, hold them high. Give it up for the pride of New Jersey, my friend and your favorite, Don Marco Legreco.
Don La Greca
Let's go.
Load up your guns Bring your friends it's fun to lose and to prevent pretend she's overboard self assured oh no, another dirty word. Hello, hello, hello hello hello hello hello hello hello hello hello hello, hello, hello where the lights are Here we are now annotators Acting stupid, acting dangerous Here we are now venusators Avocado an albino for mosquito Alas I was that what I do best and for this gift I feel blessed. Our little group has always been and always will and till the end. Hello, hello, hello hello hello hello hello hello hello hello, hello, hello, hello.
Peter Rosenberg
Put.
Don La Greca
The lights out this much dangerous Here we are now entertain us contagious Here we are now entertain us A lotto an albino A mosquito malavito hey, Sam. And I forgot just why I taste and oh, yeah, I guess it makes me smile I found it hard it's hard to find a way Whatever. Never mind. Hello, hello, hello, hello, hello hello hello hello hello hello hello hello hello, hello, hello we're the light down it was dangerous Here we are now entertainers acting stupid and contagious Here we are now meditators Avalado an albino A mosquito my libido A denial A denial A denial A denial A denial A denial Sadaya adana.
Michael Kay
Oh, my God. Oh, my God. New Jersey, make some noise for your own Don legreca. He's greeted with a hug from Chris Carlin. He makes his way. He's going to thank the band, who is absolutely incredible. He has a look on his face like he just went to war. It looks like he wants more.
Jordan Ronan
I feel like we need an encore, don.
Michael Kay
We have two minutes of airtime, two minutes of 30 seconds. Do you need more?
Jordan Ronan
Encore?
Michael Kay
He's talking to the band.
Jordan Ronan
That's how you get an encore. You gotta hear. He's gotta hear it.
Michael Kay
Bring him back out.
Chris Carlin
Wait.
Michael Kay
He wants more. Jumping up and down now he's feeling the flow.
Chris Carlin
Yes.
Don La Greca
Give your eyes on the road your hands up on the wheel I give your eyes on the road your hands upon on the Rio there We're going to the roadhouse we're going to have a Rio a good time. Back of the roadhouse we got some bungalow Back of the roadhouse we got some buffalo and that's where the teachers like to go down slow oh, let it row, baby, row Let it roll, baby, row Let it roll, baby, row.
Peter Rosenberg
Let it roll.
Don La Greca
All night loud yeah. Macro, Cacho, Don, Adon, Rosenberg, Barton, Carlin, everybody.
Michael Kay
Dbhr and Rothenburg, for God's sake.
Don La Greca
Roll, roll, roll. Go to get my soul all right. Roll, roll, roll, roll.
Peter Rosenberg
I don't care how much time is.
Michael Kay
Left, I'm gonna sing way past 30 seconds. Oh, he's going past the clock. They go to break.
Peter Rosenberg
Men's baseball's coming up next.
Michael Kay
But if you care about anything in.
Don La Greca
The world, you're gonna hang out here at Bahrain.
Michael Kay
Oh, yeah.
Alan Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Jordan Ronan
I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know it's good.
Alan Hahn
Hear more of Don, Alan and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.
Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Beach Bash Performance
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Guests: Jordan Ronan, Chris Carlin, Michael Kay, Bart Scott
The episode opens with a lively atmosphere as the hosts reflect on the recent Beach Bash performance. Peter Rosenberg kicks off the discussion with enthusiasm about the event's success.
Guests Jordan Ronan and Chris Carlin join the conversation, sharing positive feedback about the event's entertainment and band performances.
The core discussion centers around the New York Giants' performance and prospects for the 2025 NFL season. The hosts express a cautious optimism about the team's direction despite past struggles.
A significant portion of the conversation delves into the Giants' quarterback situation. The team has been split between veteran Russell Wilson and rookie Jackson Dart, with ongoing debates about who will lead the team forward.
The hosts discuss the potential and readiness of Jackson Dart to take over as the starting quarterback, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Russell Wilson's future with the team.
The episode examines Coach Brian Daboll's position amid the team's performance woes. Past records show consecutive losing seasons, putting his job security in question.
The discussion emphasizes the difficulty of balancing team development with the immediate need to secure wins, highlighting the precarious situation Daboll faces.
Improving the Giants' defense is seen as critical for the team's success. The hosts discuss the recent investments in defensive players and the expectation that a stronger defense will keep the team competitive in close games.
The conversation underscores the importance of a robust defense in compensating for offensive uncertainties, especially with a rookie quarterback in the mix.
To gauge the season's success, the hosts propose benchmarks such as achieving a minimum number of wins and demonstrating progress with Jackson Dart’s development.
The consensus is that surpassing a disappointing past season is essential for maintaining optimism and securing coaching staff positions.
The conversation takes a humorous turn as Jordan Ronan discusses his gray hair, leading to playful ribbing among the hosts.
The segment highlights the camaraderie and light-hearted nature of the show, providing a contrast to the serious sports discussion.
The hosts transition into a segment reviewing local eateries, focusing on Bradley Cooper's Cheesesteak and the renowned pizza scene in New Haven, Connecticut.
The debate on the best pizza underscores regional pride, with Bart Scott advocating for New Haven’s offerings over competitors.
The discussion showcases the hosts' deep connections to their local food scenes, adding a flavorful dimension to the podcast.
The episode culminates in a high-energy musical performance by Don La Greca, performing a live rendition of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The performance is met with enthusiasm from both the live audience and the podcast hosts.
The performance not only entertains but also serves as a communal experience, reinforcing the podcast’s connection with its listeners.
In the final moments, the hosts thank the audience, promote upcoming sports coverage, and tease future segments, maintaining engagement and anticipation for the next episodes.
Hour 3 of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast offers a blend of in-depth sports analysis, particularly focusing on the Giants’ football season prospects, and engaging lighter segments that showcase the hosts' personalities and local interests. The episode effectively balances serious discussion with humor and entertainment, making it both informative and enjoyable for listeners.