Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 3 – Camp Optimism Summary

Release Date: July 29, 2025

In the third hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a range of sports topics, primarily focusing on Major League Baseball's New York Mets and the New York Jets and Giants from the NFL. This episode, aptly titled "Camp Optimism," underscores a sense of hopeful anticipation surrounding the teams' upcoming seasons.

1. Mets Baseball: Evaluating Recent Performance and Future Prospects

The conversation kicks off with a thorough analysis of the New York Mets' recent performance. The hosts discuss the team's recent game against the San Diego Padres, highlighting both strengths and areas needing improvement.

• Performance Breakdown:

  • Montas' Struggles: Don Hahn critiques the Mets' pitcher Montas, noting his early exit in the third inning after disputing balls and strikes. Peter Rosenberg comments, “Mendoza was gone in the third inning for arguing balls and strikes which he had every right to argue on” (02:30).
  • Bullpen Concerns: The bullpen has been a point of contention, with mentions of reliance due to injuries in starting pitching. Don Hahn observes, “They have got to rehabilitate that bullpen” (03:00).
  • Team Resilience: Despite setbacks, Hahn maintains optimism about the Mets’ overall performance, stating, “But it's not a terrible game for the Mets” (02:38).

• Future Moves:

  • The discussion turns to potential trades and acquisitions to strengthen the bullpen and outfield, with Hahn expressing confidence in the team's ability to make strategic moves: “They will find themselves an outfielder, Harrison Bader, somebody like that” (04:00).

• Momentum and Winning Streaks:

  • Ty Butler and Peter Rosenberg debate the Mets' chances of sustaining a winning streak. Rosenberg says, “I don't think it's outrageous to say... there are just so many good teams” (03:06), while Butler counters with recent wins and potential momentum.

2. Jets Football: Training Camp Dynamics and Team Rebuilding

Shifting gears to football, the hosts provide an in-depth look at the New York Jets' training camp, focusing on the new coaching regime and key player dynamics.

a. Coaching Changes and Team Culture

• Aaron Glenn's Impact:

  • The introduction of Aaron Glenn as the head coach marks a significant shift in the Jets' approach. Peter Rosenberg remarks, “This is a marathon. It's a new regime” (28:30), highlighting the long-term vision behind the coaching changes.
  • There’s a deep dive into Glenn's leadership style, comparing him to legendary coach Mike Tomlin. Justin Fields adds, “They are both defensive-minded... passionate about the game” (11:08).

• Player and Coach Relations:

  • The interplay between Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Garrett Rucker is scrutinized, illustrating the tight-knit dynamic essential for team cohesion. Rosenberg notes, “Once again, Parcells had all the, you know, their credentials at that point” (16:00).

b. Key Players and Expectations

• Justin Fields:

  • Justin Fields emerges as a central figure in the Jets' future. Peter Hahn states, “He's improving every day as a quarterback” (21:41), emphasizing Fields' steady development and increasing role within the offense.
  • Fields himself expresses excitement about his new environment, saying, “I think just that exciting piece, AG really stressed about how he was going to change the culture, and I just wanted to be a part of it” (09:20).

• Team Dynamics:

  • The hosts discuss the importance of young players stepping up, with mentions of veterans like C.J. Mosley leaving and the rise of players such as Jermaine Johnson. Ty Butler emphasizes the need for experience, “Your running back ground is packed... it's time to start winning some football games” (33:11).

c. Fan Perspectives and Optimism

• Caller Insights:

  • Listeners contribute their optimism regarding the Jets' potential under the new coaching staff. One caller shares, “I'm fully invested, and I'm buying in... I love my organization, I love this team, and I just want to see the results” (27:44).
  • Another caller adds enthusiasm for the team's direction, stating, “I think it's going to be a run-heavy offense” (31:35).

• Balance of Hope and Skepticism:

  • Hosts balance fan hope with critical insights, acknowledging past frustrations while recognizing signs of positive change. Rosenberg muses, “This sounds more like what it should be versus the past” (17:38), complemented by Butler's cautious optimism: “But if the right people are involved... this will be right” (29:10).

3. Giants Football: Defensive Strengths and Offensive Strategies

The latter part of the discussion pivots to the New York Giants, with a focus on their defensive prowess and strategic offensive plans.

a. Coaching and Quarterback Russell Wilson

• Russell Wilson’s Role:
  • The decision to start Russell Wilson as quarterback is examined, with Brian Dabe explaining his choice: “He’s been excellent with the guys” (40:31). Wilson's leadership and experience are highlighted as key assets for the Giants.
  • Wilson’s strategy is dissected, noting his ability to scramble and create plays, which is expected to add excitement to the Giants' offense: “He’s going to start scrambling around and that’s not easy to do” (41:00).

b. Defense and Key Players

• Defensive Talent:
  • The Giants' defense is lauded for its potential to dominate opposing quarterbacks. Peter Rosenberg asserts, “That quarterback’s not going to have time” (44:30), referring to the impact of defensive stars like Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeau.
  • The emergence of Kayvon Thibodeau as a critical defensive playmaker is emphasized, with expectations of standout performances: “He’s an X factor because... he could become a big star in New York” (43:15).

c. Team's Potential and Optimism

• Optimistic Outlook:

  • Despite acknowledging challenges, the hosts express optimism about the Giants' potential. Peter Hahn states, “I think the Giants have a running game that includes Russ... could be the weapon” (48:29), suggesting a balanced approach to offense and defense.
  • The possibility of the Giants exceeding expectations is discussed, though tempered with realistic assessments of the team's depth and health: “I think their defense could be special” (45:28).

• Fan and Caller Perspectives:

  • Caller Dan shares his positive outlook, commending the team’s improved cohesion: “I think it's going to be a run-heavy offense” (31:35).
  • The hosts consider potential scenarios where the Giants' defense could outperform predictions, fostering a climate of cautious optimism.

4. Conclusion: Balancing Hope with Realism

Throughout the episode, Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg navigate the fine line between optimism for the future and the realistic challenges facing their teams. They emphasize the importance of team culture, strategic coaching, and player development in shaping successful seasons for both the Mets and the New York Jets and Giants.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg: “I don't think it's outrageous to say that like Don has been trying to convince me all year that the National League is a tougher road” (03:05).

• Ty Butler: “I'm a vibes guy” (02:52).

• Justin Fields: “If you were to ask me one of the New York teams is going to go on a run, not both. Which one do you pick? The Mets” (04:23).

• Caller: “I just want to see the results” (27:44).

Timestamps Reference:

• [02:30] - Discussion on Montas’ performance
• [03:00] - Bullpen concerns
• [02:38] - Overall Mets game assessment
• [04:00] - Potential trades and acquisitions
• [03:06] - National League competitiveness
• [21:41] - Justin Fields' improvement
• [11:08] - Comparison of coaches Tomlin and Glenn
• [16:00] - Aaron Glenn’s leadership style
• [21:41] - Justin Fields’ role
• [33:11] - Contract discussions and team leadership
• [27:44] - Caller’s optimism about the Jets
• [17:38] - Reflection on team culture
• [28:30] - Marathon analogy for Jets’ rebuilding
• [40:31] - Russell Wilson’s impact on the Giants
• [43:15] - Kayvon Thibodeau’s potential
• [44:30] - Giants’ defensive strength
• [48:29] - Giants’ offensive strategies
• [31:35] - Caller’s positive outlook on Giants
• [45:28] - Giants’ defensive potential

This comprehensive discussion in "Hour 3: Camp Optimism" offers listeners an insightful blend of analysis, forecasts, and fan perspectives, encapsulating the hopes and challenges that lie ahead for New York's beloved sports teams.