Hour 3: Devils, Knicks & Damien Woody

Summary

---

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast – Hour 3: Devils, Knicks & Damien Woody (Oct 23, 2025)

Episode Overview

This hour of the Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg podcast brings a lively, multi-sport discussion focused on the surging New Jersey Devils, an impressive opening win by the Knicks with their new approach, and a spirited visit from former NFL lineman (and ESPN analyst) Damien Woody. The hosts (Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg) blend analysis, humor, and a classic New York tone throughout as they debate hockey, basketball, and football storylines—all through the lens of New York sports.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New Jersey Devils’ Hot Streak & Playing Style

[00:35–05:50]

• The Devils are red-hot, riding a six-game win streak while Don has been calling games—though he deflects credit to the team's "offensive talent and chemistry."
• Shift in Team Identity: The Devils, once known for defensive, low-scoring hockey, now use "offense as their defense," keeping possession and continually pressuring opponents.
  • Don describes: "They're adding to the lead. If they don't, the opposition can't do anything because they don't have the puck." (04:13)
• Names like Hughes, Mercer, Bratt, Meyer, Hamilton, and rookie Gritsyuk are highlighted for depth and tempo.
• Atmosphere matters: The move to "the Rock" (Prudential Center) has energized attendance—"first three games sold out" this season.
• The overall feeling: The Devils deliver excitement for fans and are considered serious contenders thanks to their style, depth, and talent.

Notable Quote:
"They're a fun team to watch...It’s not the old Devils, where it was kind of a snooze fest." – Don LaGreca [04:24]

2. NHL & Local Teams: Updates and Outlooks

[06:25–07:38]

• Rangers have struggled at home (one goal in four games), but optimism abounds as they face a winless Sharks team.
• Islanders, after a slow start, are also heating up, with rookie Matthew Schaefer already drawing Norris Trophy jokes.
• General mood: All three local teams have storylines to excite fans this season.

3. NFL: Jets Ownership Drama & Giants’ Rebuilding

(With guest Damien Woody) [25:56–36:43]

• Jet's Owner Woody Johnson’s Media Missteps: The crew laments the owner’s public comments, which stir unnecessary quarterback controversy and make life harder for the coaching staff.
• Woody suggests: "I would wish that Woody just let the football people handle these type of things...he did lob a grenade in there." [26:34]
• Giants’ Painful Loss & Signs of Hope: Damian Woody asserts the Giants—despite a "miserable regular season loss"—finally found a quarterback in Jackson Dart. He advocates patience and the need for organizational stability, even as coaching futures (Brian Daboll) hang in the balance.
• The trio debates if quarterback progress can outweigh the need for wins and what qualities the Giants will need in a head coach moving forward.
  • "Ultimately it’s about winning football games," says Woody, but warns against a churn that turns into a "cycle of madness." [33:08]
• Concerns linger about the Jets’ quarterback situation and whether the 2026 draft will finally deliver the elusive franchise QB.

4. NBA: Knicks’ Opening Win & New Era with Mike Brown

[13:32–21:14]

• New Coaching, New Approach: The Knicks opened the season with a "convincing win" over the Cavs (119-111), drawing praise for their up-tempo style, depth, and balanced scoring under Coach Mike Brown.
• Hahn details how 11 players saw action, multiple double-figure scorers emerged, and “even when key guys like Mitchell Robinson are out,” the team is deep enough to contend.
• Jalen Brunson, while emphasizing "the minutes thing isn’t that different," is clearly loyal to former coach Thibodeau but adapts to the new, balanced rotation.
• Former Knick John Starks was “very excited for the uptempo, for the ball movement”—the new philosophy is being noticed by alumni and fans alike.

Notable Quotes:
"This team is a deep team...There's a lot of different ways I can go with it." – Mike Brown [18:19]
"I thought a statement was being made...It's a new era. We're not going to treat every game like it's game seven." – Don LaGreca [16:15]

5. Around the Leagues: Betting, NFL Injuries, Chargers/Vikings/Vikings Therapy

[09:31–13:32]

• Betting lines and NFL storylines are riffed—highlighting how odds-makers disrespect certain teams (e.g., ESPN Bet’s 12.5-point spread) and the perils of trusting perennial underachievers like the Chargers and Vikings.

6. Colt McCoy, Backup QBs & NFL Draft Humor

[40:41–46:48]

• In freeform, humorous fashion, the hosts reminisce about Colt McCoy’s legendary Texas and high school career, lament the 2010 "worst quarterback draft class," and debate whether backup QBs like McCoy or Tebow had better pro trajectories.
• The segment takes a comedic turn on the mystique of having a “quarterback name” and the universal struggle to project NFL QB success from college stars.

Notable Moment:
"There’s stories of what he did on the field. There’s stories he did after the game." – Peter Rosenberg on Colt McCoy [38:49]

7. Knicks, Rest Roulette, and Injury Reports

[47:38–49:59]

• Previews for the Knicks-Celtics matchup include the latest on the injury report (Robinson out, Anunoby probable, Josh Hart likely returning).
• Revives the “rest roulette” segment—a Knicks-fan in-joke about lineup uncertainty under past regimes.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Don LaGreca on Devils’ play style:
  "Now what they’re doing is using their offense as their defense...if they don’t add to the lead, you know the opposition can’t do anything because they don't have the puck." [04:13]

• Damien Woody on Woody Johnson:
  "He did lob a grenade in there...I wish Woody would just let the football people handle these type of things." [26:34]

• Alan Hahn on Knicks’ new look:
  "They handled a team that handled them last year...They play faster. It just looks like they're ready to make that case this season of being one of the best teams in the East." [13:32–15:52]

• Peter Rosenberg on John Starks:
  "Seemed very clear to me, John Starks was not thrilled with the way Tibbs was doing things and very excited...for the uptempo, for the ball movement." [20:36]

• Damian Woody, on Giants QB progress:
  "As much as it sucked to be part of history...you got your guy. You got a quarterback...they have one with Jackson Dart." [30:02]

• Colt McCoy saga:
  "If you walk in the room...‘their quarterback, Colt McCoy’—and every kid’s oh my god, the guy’s name’s Colt McCoy, he can’t suck." – Peter Rosenberg [41:02]

---

Important Segments (Timestamps)

• Devils segment / New Jersey attendance and style: [00:35–05:50]
• NHL Local teams roundup: [06:25–07:38]
• Knicks/Cavs opener and Mike Brown philosophy: [13:32–21:14]
• Knicks minutes distribution / Jalen Brunson sound: [18:53–21:14]
• Damien Woody on Jets, Giants QB situation, and coaching: [25:56–36:43]
• Colt McCoy, NFL Draft Debacle: [40:41–46:48]
• Knicks Injury Report & Rest Roulette: [47:38–49:59]

---

Recap & Tone

This episode is a classic blend of NY-centric banter, in-the-moment analysis, and sports-mad humor. Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg are at their best sparring over their beloved Knicks, Devils, Islanders, Jets, Giants, and NFL QB flops (with an extended, tongue-in-cheek breakdown of Colt McCoy and draft futility). Their irreverence, fast-paced back-and-forth, and rooting passion make for both insightful breakdowns and moments that are just plain fun—perfect for local fans and knowledgeable listeners alike.

No matter which side you're rooting for, this hour delivered insight, optimism, caution, and plenty of laughs about the eternal promise and misery of New York sports.

Transcript

[Alan Hahn]

When did making plans get this complicated? It's time to streamline with WhatsApp, the secure messaging app that brings the whole group together. Use polls to settle dinner plans. Send event invites and pin messages so no one forgets. Mom 60th and never miss a meme or milestone. All protected with end to end encryption. It's time for WhatsApp message privately with everyone. Learn [e-mail] this is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don LaGreca]

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. 504 in the big city with Don Lagreca. Peter ROSENBERG, I'm Alan Hahn. 800 now at 93776 is the number. So what do we have tonight? Has Don's resting his voice. Finally. The Devils do nothing but win when he's calling games.

[Don LaGreca]

Six in a row.

[Alan Hahn]

Don. Right. Six consecutive.

[Don LaGreca]

They lost the game against Carolina to start the year. That game was on ESPN plus.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

It was a butcher gross vehicle.

[Alan Hahn]

And he.

[Don LaGreca]

And I've had six on mhg.

[Alan Hahn]

He pushed and you took over. Now really all they do is win, win, win, no matter what.

[Don LaGreca]

Has nothing to do with me.

[Alan Hahn]

But stop it. It's all about a vibe. It's a vibe.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know what the vibe's going.

[Alan Hahn]

Players are like, I want to get a goal call. That's how bad they want to score. But like, in all honesty, though, this has to be ridiculously fun. Because no matter what, now, like, you got off to you. They got off to a great start. A lot of positivity, a lot of excitement. It's perfect. They have the best record in the NHL.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, the. The thing I always tell people when I'm calling a game is the game will dictate how good I do.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay.

[Don LaGreca]

Because it's really hard to make a bad game sound great.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

You know, if it's. If it's a 6:1 game and you're calling for the team that's losing, it's. It's not going to be fun.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don LaGreca]

But every game has been fun. They've been scoring 21 straight kills. Third best power play in the league. Now. It's really been a lot of fun. I'm going to give you guys talent, a ton of offensive talent.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen, I'm not, you know, I'm not Ed Keenan. I'm not some sort of hockey aficionado. If you lead the league.

[Alan Hahn]

Ed.

[Don LaGreca]

Ed.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Mike.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, Mike. There you go.

[Don LaGreca]

I don't know who Ed Keenan is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Mike Keenan was He was. He was the Blackhawks coach.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I just mixed in Ed Belfort, so.

[Don LaGreca]

But he coached other teams.

[Alan Hahn]

A little more local, but he hosted other teams. He did.

[Don LaGreca]

He did slay the dragon.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I'm in the 90s. I'm in the early 90s. Gotcha the point. All right. I'm not Mike Madonna or Owen Nolan.

[Don LaGreca]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Alan Hahn]

All right. You got two.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right. But if you are among the league leaders in kill and power play, you will be there at the end.

[Alan Hahn]

You're going to win.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's how it. That's how it works.

[Alan Hahn]

You're going to win.

[Don LaGreca]

But you know what? I will disagree.

[Alan Hahn]

Go ahead.

[Don LaGreca]

To the extent majority of the games play five on five, so if you're poor, five on five, that can balance. We've seen that with the Rangers. They've just been great in every facet. Seriously. Well, they have not been. And even they're not doing it with the number one goaltender. They've won six straight games and they've gotten two periods out of Markstrom.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. And that's been key. Is Jake Allen playing as well as he's played?

[Don LaGreca]

Dawes played last night, too.

[Alan Hahn]

He gets a win, and that's important. But the chemistry, look, they've definitely had a great camp because you could see chemistry on the ice. You could see the way they play that. There's something I've told you, like, I am caught up watching. Not just because it's you calling it, of course, that's the first reason why, but the other reason is I love hockey. They're a fun team to watch, and that's also important. They're not like if they were playing like left wing lock, boring, slow it down, garbage hockey. No, they're. What they play is a fun brand of hockey. The Devils are a fun team to watch.

[Don LaGreca]

I brought it up at the post game last night. You know, I'm sitting there next to Danico and even Corey Schneider, who did a great job making his debut, and the program, and Bryce Salvador. During their times, the Devils would protect the 3:1 lead by locking it down. Yep. And they would get one shot on goal. They'd allow the other team like four and win the game. Three, two.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, now what they're doing is using their offense as their defense. They control the puck. They control. They're adding to the lead. And if they don't add to the lead, you know the opposition can't do anything because they don't have the puck.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don LaGreca]

Because you've got so many talented players. Hughes And Mercer and Brad and Meyer. And offensively, Hamilton's a really good defenseman. Gritsuk, who's a rookie from the KHL now playing on the second wing, which is pretty amazing considering he's a fourth line player when the season started. So they got depth everywhere and now they can be aggressive and that's fun. It's not the old Devils, where it was kind of a snooze fest.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

There's just a lot of really great talented players on this team.

[Alan Hahn]

And the. And the building's packed. Right.

[Don LaGreca]

They did not check last night, but I know the first two games are sold out. I think last sold out too. No, they.

[Alan Hahn]

They. It's been sounds leather. The Horns got to dial it back.

[Don LaGreca]

I got to tell you, you know, being a Devil fan growing up, everything was around, oh, there's nobody in the building because the metal lands really was a problem for a lot of people because it wasn't close to where the fan base was, which was like Central Jersey.

[Alan Hahn]

But it was also cavernous.

[Don LaGreca]

It was cavernous. And it was difficult sometimes to get to. Now that they've got the train, I'm telling you, since they moved to the Rock, attendance really has not been in it.

[Alan Hahn]

16,040, did you say Anthony? I believe last night. 16,434 capacity.

[Don LaGreca]

That's all. Yeah, they've sold out the first three games of the season. And listen, Wild on a Wednesday.

[Alan Hahn]

I know who's going to go.

[Don LaGreca]

So. No, the people are excited about it. It's not an issue anymore. And it's fun.

[Alan Hahn]

All right.

[Don LaGreca]

I'm very grateful for the opportunity.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He says all the right things, doesn't he?

[Alan Hahn]

He's so good at it. Game time right now. Brought to you by Tullamore. Do Irish whiskey because when it's game time, I like when he holds.

[Don LaGreca]

I'd like to do that again someday.

[Alan Hahn]

You don't need to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not today, you know.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I can hear it like we did ice it. I. I should ice your voice, man.

[Don LaGreca]

Is that what they do?

[Alan Hahn]

No, but you should put it in.

[Don LaGreca]

A bandage or anything.

[Alan Hahn]

Right. In a cold tub. That's where it needs to go. So the Devils are doing lots of winning. The Rangers, they're looking for their first win at home this season.

[Don LaGreca]

One goal in four games.

[Alan Hahn]

They play the Sharks, though, so opportunity awaits. Sharks are struggling. How many wins do they have this season?

[Don LaGreca]

Zero.

[Alan Hahn]

Zero. Okay. So you hope it's not their first win tonight at the Garden. The Rangers, looking for something's got to give Boys coverage immediately follows us right here on 880 at 6:30pm that's right. We are done after ENN. Islanders, by the way. They've done a lot. They've actually had a pretty good run here, if I'm not mistaken. Also since a slow start, they played well. Yeah. They host the Detois Red wing at seven at ubs.

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, they get. They get Detroit second to back to backs. They lost in Buffalo.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay. So that's. That's helpful. And the. The teenager sensation, Matthew Schaefer. I love this team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I love this hand.

[Alan Hahn]

Thank you guys. Let's go. Gives you a. Let's go. You got to love that kid. And by the way, just. Can you. Can we just hand him right now the Norris?

[Don LaGreca]

Well, we're very early in no caldera. I'd like to get that. Why not? First ball pick.

[Alan Hahn]

Just both of it. Just both of them.

[Don LaGreca]

When's he coming on?

[Alan Hahn]

That's a good question. We should probably work on that.

[Don LaGreca]

For sure.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. No, he's a terrific interview. Telemardu. The original triple distilled, triple blended, triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a telemore do or try the new telemurdu. Honey, during today's action, glasses up to enjoying responsibly. You okay?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Feeling great.

[Alan Hahn]

You just got up and gave me an old, old man. Oh.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh. Well, I just looked up again and saw another video of Debo and McLaren at practice.

[Alan Hahn]

You getting excited? Oh, well, he had some movement done.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, we got it. I can tell you I can't afford to. I'm not ready to say goodbye before November 1st. Give me a two. Just give me a shot at a season.

[Alan Hahn]

You can't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You can't hope to trot out a team with no receivers in one game.

[Alan Hahn]

You can't. Who do you got this weekend?

[Peter Rosenberg]

We got a team. We got a game.

[Don LaGreca]

Them.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We got a game. No, we got them. And of course I got them. Oh, is this like. You know what it's like? It's perfect. It's like Halloween and we're playing Michael Myers.

[Alan Hahn]

That.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what it's like.

[Alan Hahn]

So is this is it. It's got to be a national vehicle.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, it is. It's Monday night football.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Going on out to Arrowhead.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, your favorite team. I will she.

[Don LaGreca]

I'm sure you'll get all the calls out there.

[Alan Hahn]

I know she'll be there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, you're not. You think Mario is getting all the calls on Monday.

[Don LaGreca]

If you could still get it at 11 and a half with everybody healthy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That'S the thing I wonder isn't that a disrespectful number? Disgusting.

[Alan Hahn]

What they even Vegas is like no chance they've moved on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's see.

[Alan Hahn]

None chance. Like Don would say. Oh no, no, don't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, ESPN bet.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

12 and a half.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh yeah. Well, we have it at 11 and a half.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, so you don't get the extra point. Let's be honest.

[Alan Hahn]

Cover five.

[Don LaGreca]

He'll do what he wants.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, he usually does.

[Don LaGreca]

And if he does what he wants then he should take the 12 and a half.

[Alan Hahn]

What is that?

[Don LaGreca]

And be a company guy at the same time.

[Alan Hahn]

The season will be under protest. There's a lot going on.

[Don LaGreca]

God love the app that you were talking about the COVID five.

[Alan Hahn]

Is anybody sprinkling tonight? Because the Chargers at home three and a half. Aaron Jones will play at least. Vikings.

[Don LaGreca]

Chargers make me sick.

[Alan Hahn]

Chargers. Listen, I believed in Minnesota last week and failed. I don't charge.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What about me and Don with the Chargers last week?

[Alan Hahn]

I can't be hurt again.

[Don LaGreca]

You know these teams have disappointed me. I'm going to lay out.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah because I don't the Vikings quarterback situation. Not in love with it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I want to. If I touch it. Oh, if I touch it, I'll touch it. With the Chargers in the same bounce back spot I thought they'd have last week against Indianapolis. Now if I were to watch that game, the interesting thing is I'd watch on Amazon Prime. And since you have Amazon prime, you can also get Amazon pickup. It's the ultimate convenience play. Now, we all have Amazon. It's part of our lives. But Amazon pickup takes it to the next level. If you're pressed and you're on the go like I am, you can choose to send your orders straight to a secure pickup location that works for you. Amazon lockers or counters located right near you. No matter where your day takes you, your package is ready when you are. So no matter how busy life is. Little baby at home. I had to take Bear to the vet today. Good news. She said he's healthy as a horse. She still can't believe he's 15. But he's doing good. No matter what I'm doing. Amazon pickup gives me that flexibility to grab what I need between shows while running errands.

[Alan Hahn]

Whatever.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Simple. You order online at checkout. You choose the pickup location that's most convenient. You get an email confirmation when it's ready with instructions to pick it up. It's quick, secure, always at no extra cost. Check it out for yourself. Go to Amazon.com pickup MVP. To learn more, that's Amazon.com pickup MVP. Don, you want to know something Unbelievable?

[Don LaGreca]

How about this?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Tomorrow I'm going to do the show naked in the studio on a Friday by myself. Can you believe it?

[Don LaGreca]

What's the point?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Why would I do something?

[Alan Hahn]

Because we're not going to be here. No, I already did that once this week. Happy?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen, that's gonna happen. Me alone in the studio is gonna happen throughout the season with the two of you being the big time broadcaster Friday. But on Friday, the holiest of days. Why I would do this is because my wife has. She has to go shoot some stuff. So she's going out.

[Don LaGreca]

Is there a problem?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No. So she's going out with the camera to shoot.

[Don LaGreca]

Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

As a result, we need help. So her parents are coming to watch Maya. We live in a little two bedroom apartment. I can't have my in laws.

[Alan Hahn]

That'd be great. Just yelling at you from like another room.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No. Do you guys want to hear screaming Hebrew in the background of the entire show? We can't do it. So she's basically said, babe, can you go to work tomorrow? And I said, I don't mind going to work.

[Don LaGreca]

Sure.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So Anthony and Jacob, you should have seen it. Jumping up and down, the excitement.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

Because now you've tripled the amount of people in this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. By the way, it's just the three of us. So by the way, shows nude tomorrow. Three of us. Full on the nude. Me, Jacob and Anthony. Because no one else will be around. It's a ghost town here tomorrow. But I'll be. You saw. I filled the fridge. I got an acai bowl for tomorrow. I got some cashews. He went.

[Don LaGreca]

They basically. I'm gonna throw it out there.

[Alan Hahn]

Why not do it?

[Don LaGreca]

He went to Trader Joe's.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

Basically got 500 worth of food for like a buck 50.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I did.

[Don LaGreca]

It is amazing.

[Alan Hahn]

It was. It was like Price is Right. You kept pulling out items. How much do you think this cost? Wait, there's more.

[Don LaGreca]

You got.

[Alan Hahn]

What'd you get? The 39 bucks?

[Peter Rosenberg]

$39 I got filled.

[Alan Hahn]

You filled an entire grocery.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know.

[Alan Hahn]

It's true.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I had a thing of. I had a California roll and nine. Nine pieces of California roll.

[Alan Hahn]

I see that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

An acai bowl. It's gone.

[Alan Hahn]

Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The acai bowl. I have. I got a protein, little chocolate smoothie. I got a huge thing of alkaline water right here. Trader Joe's alkaline water. I got the big bag of cashews.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I got a Greek Yogurt. I just kept. It's so crazy, especially in Manhattan when you're used to popping in. If I. I swear to God, if I had gotten what I bought at Trader Joe's today at a bodega, I'd have to get a second mortgage on my house.

[Alan Hahn]

Seriously? You'd be writing a check?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'd be. You take checks?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. I can't possibly handle this, so.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I did have a good moment at Trader Joe's. They do they there. That's a nice value there.

[Alan Hahn]

You were very excited, Knicks last night also excited 119, 111. They opened the season with a win and yeah, it's not. It's an eight point win but fairly convincing win without the game up 15.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was bigger than that really.

[Alan Hahn]

And it just. They were in control now. Pushbacks from the Cavs, as you would expect. And Donovan Mitchell, who he finished the game with 31, 21 were in the third quarter where he just. He detonated. He made every. He started out hot. He was. He looked like he was trying to take over the game, take over the building. But when the fourth quarter came around, he was over four bridges and Anunoby just turned off the water. And they made the plays they needed to make down the stretch to put the game away and win the game in convincing fashion. Their bench scored 35 points, which is rare. 11 players played also for the Knicks over the last couple of years. That's a rare thing as well. In a game that wasn't a blowout, they got balanced, scoring five players in double figures. Brunson had 23, but most of it he didn't shoot the ball well. He actually got to the free throw line at ton, which is what he does. But Adenobi, who was. Game time decision. As we were all talking about this yesterday's show, we were discussing him being game time, Towns being game time. Both guys played, both guys had double doubles. So they still don't have Mitchell Robinson. And that whole thing we're learning is going to be a load management that everybody's going to have to accept that. Mike Brown said it sounds like he might go five games without playing. He might go a stretch where we just sit him, but that you're trying to keep him healthy to get into the playoffs. Josh Hart, I haven't checked yet, but he should be getting into practice in the next couple of days. They think he could be close to returning from what? He's got a lumbar spasms in his lower back, so they're almost whole. They Play faster. They handled a team that handled them last year. Now, the Cavs were missing some key pieces, especially Darius Garland. But did we. Did we get the. I don't want to say statement because it's game one, but did we get the sort of let everybody know, like this is a real thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like this sounds like a statement.

[Alan Hahn]

Looks like they're ready to make that case this season of being one of the best teams in the East.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think that you got, if you're a Knicks fan, everything you could have hoped for last night. Except for of course, Mitchell Robinson playing just for that because you know for what that would say about his health going into the year. But we know where he's at. I don't see how much more you could have asked for a convincing. Basically pillar to post win. How could you be unhappy with anything you saw last night?

[Alan Hahn]

I test Don. What did it. I know you were working, but I mean itest tells you what?

[Don LaGreca]

Well, that they now have a coach that fits the. The roster. Yeah, right. I mean they're just, they're. Brunson's not going to play defense. Right. That's just the way it's going to work. And a smaller rotation now you can use some of the depth. And I thought a statement was being made by Brown yesterday to say, hey, sorry, it's a new era. We're not going to treat every game like it's game seven the way they did with Tibbs. You just have to live with that. So opening day doesn't mean anything, just another game or was the statement. It doesn't matter because we can rest guys, and we're still going to bring it and we're still going to win. And that really gets people excited, right, that hey, we can load manage, we can be careful, but it's not going to come at the expense of giving us a chance to win. So is it possible both could be true, that this team still can contend for a one seed, still be a 60 win team and also manage the roster? I know it sounds like a perfect storm, but it worked last night. It could not be the end game. We're good enough and deep enough that we don't need to play everybody in.

[Alan Hahn]

Order to win every single night. Yeah, you know, it sounds like from Mike Brown, that's what he wants to say is that we've got depth, we've got a lot of talent and there are going to be nights where we don't play 11. We'll play, you know, whatever it is. But there's also going to be nights where we might want to. We're playing an opponent that. Why would we want to play our stars a ton of when we don't need to? Because we could. Like you said, we could beat you with, with our second team. That's how good we are and that's what they really are believing. Mike Brown Talked about playing 11 in the, in the season open because that's all everybody was talking about. Second quarter, early second quarter. We all were like, okay, Tyler Cullick's in the game. Wait a minute. Clarkson just got in. That's how many. That's 11. We were. Everybody where I'm situated is right within the crowd, right by the court and, and all the fans were yelling it out like that's 11. He's going to play the whole team like they. Because it's so different obviously from the past. Here's Brown talking about, you know, I said this before. I truly believe this. This team is a deep team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And you know, you give Leon Rose and his group a lot of credit for it.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, it's, it's my job to keep trying to find combinations out on the floor that work.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And just like they got a lot of room to grow, I got a lot of room to grow too because up I'm still learning them.

[Alan Hahn]

And you know, the neat part about.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It is there are a lot of different ways I can go with it.

[Alan Hahn]

And I can learn on the fly because we have guys that can play and you know, I'd like to play a lot of guys.

[Damian Woody]

I don't know If I'll play 11.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Guys every night, but we'd like to play, you know, as many as we can. And we want everybody to be ready in case their numbers call at any time.

[Alan Hahn]

Now when it comes to the minutes thing that everybody talked about, remember the minutes police and the criticism of tips, you also. One thing I noticed is while a lot of players were very happy with last night, two players in particular, one unquestionably is tempering his emotions after a win and that's Jalen Brunson, sure happy with the win. He didn't play great. He was 5, 18, 1 for 9. But he got to the free throw line. He still got to 23 points, had five assists. He, he had a lot of open like kick out looks. That's what Mike Brown wants to find him open. And he just didn't make shots for the night, that's all. But he played 34 minutes. And so while everybody was talking about isn't this amazing? You have all this depth, they're playing 11 guys. They're spreading the wealth. You know, the minutes are down. Jalen Brunson wanted to make it clear it's not that different.

[Don LaGreca]

It's different, but at the same time, I mean, I averaged what, 35 minutes last year?

[Alan Hahn]

I played 34, 23. We're going to harp on this idea.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Of the minutes, stuff like that. Regardless, we have a lot of players.

[Don LaGreca]

On this team that can make plays and play well.

[Damian Woody]

And I think the best thing about.

[Don LaGreca]

It is going out there and doing.

[Alan Hahn]

It when your number's called and being ready. Guys are going to be ready, guys are going to be ready to go. And us as teammates got to give each other confidence regardless of who's in there. So what you're hearing is a guy that was very loyal to Tom Thibodeau, right?

[Don LaGreca]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

And just making sure, guys, let's not, let's not overdo this minutes thing. You could hear it in his voice that he's not comfortable yet being happy with Tom Thibodeau not there. Do you sense that? Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

But he also knows the right thing. And then we'll ultimately see if it was one game doesn't answer that question. But a good first start, by the way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I will say though, first half of the year could say a lot though, like if this really, if you're able to see it in players getting an opportunity to rest in ball distribution in less on Brunson's shoulders, I think you'll see a fan base that quickly, no matter where they were at the end of last year is going to be saying, we like this decision. I thought it was very clear. Don, you had left yesterday and Alan, I don't know how you felt. Seemed very clear to me. John Starks was not thrilled with the way Tibbs was doing things and very excited. He was very excited for the up tempo, for the ball movement. That's what he was all about.

[Alan Hahn]

John was big on that. And I was watching again. I was watching Melo and Aaron Judge was sitting together. I was so compelled just seeing two mega stars talking during the game. But there was one point they were walking the ball up and you see Carmelo almost coaching like he was running his arm like, let's go, let's go, let's go. As if he was saying too, we got to play faster. It's. He was into it as well. So it's definitely a different look. Damian Woody coming up. We're going to talk some more football with him and more. So stay with us. Don Han Rosenberg, ESPN New York and I do want to remind everybody, of course, that every aspect of your business, from the most mundane to the most complex, will operate orders of magnitude better and faster when you add artificial intelligence. As you know, AI is literally a race to the top. The companies that engage AI first will win. Question is, will that be you or will it be your competitors? Thrive Managed AI is your advantage over all your competitors. Founded by tech powerhouses, Thrive partners with you on smart and secure AI strategies for your business. Then they deploy and manage it for you. Imagine AI solutions working across every part of your business. Automating support, powering chatbots, analyzing competitors, even managing billing, collections and orders. Now that's just a taste of what Thrive managed AI can help you achieve. It makes your talented team even better by letting them focus on what they do best. The race to the top will be won by those who Engage Thrive managed AI first. That needs to be you. Go to ThriveNextGen.com ESPN and and get started with a complimentary strategy consultation. That's ThriveNextGen.com ESPN ThriveNextGen.com ESPN this is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

An ad by BetterHelp. BetterHelp therapists have helped over 5 million people worldwide on their mental health journeys. That's millions of stories, millions of journeys. And behind everyone is a therapist who showed up, listened, and helped someone take a step forward. Moments in therapy, like the right question are a safe space to cry or a small win can change lives. With over 30,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, having served over 5 million people globally. And it works with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 for a live session based on over 1.7 million client reviews. This World Mental Health Day, we're celebrating the therapists who've helped millions of people take a step forward. If you're ready to find the right therapist for you, BetterHelp can help you start that journey. Our listeners get 10% off their first month. Just call two five zero and say the keyword timeout. That's keyword timeout after calling pound two five zero. Whoever you're repping this season, carry the team like a pro with Ultra durable officially licensed Yeti Drinkwear. Whether it's the NFL, ncaa, mlb, NHL or mls, YETI has you covered with drinkware in all your favorite team colors. So if you're a serious fan, now's the time to get serious about your gear. With officially licensed Yeti Drinkware built for the long haul. Find all the teams you root [e-mail] or a Yeti store near you.

[Alan Hahn]

Tonight, turn down the noise of the day and focus on the rest with agz.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The nightly drink for winding down and resting up. New from AG1, AGZ supports your body's.

[Alan Hahn]

Natural sleep cycle with clinically studied key herbs, adaptogens and minerals in amounts supported by research. And no melatonin, helping you wake feeling rested, wind down, rest up with Agz. Learn more at drinkagz.com thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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 your podcasts. I give him credit. He is staying on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

On.

[Alan Hahn]

You know who this is?

[Don LaGreca]

Is this Nicolette Larson?

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[Don LaGreca]

It's somewhere in that genre, though.

[Alan Hahn]

It is.

[Don LaGreca]

I should know it. I should know.

[Alan Hahn]

You should know. I'm surprised you don't know this. I'll give you a hint. I think. Think O.J. simpson.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's by Leslie Nielsen.

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[Don LaGreca]

No. Nicole. Nope.

[Alan Hahn]

What's his nickname? Juice. Juice.

[Don LaGreca]

Juice Newton.

[Alan Hahn]

There you go.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Excuse me.

[Don LaGreca]

No, I should have known that.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, thinking about it. Yes.

[Don LaGreca]

I love all of her. A lot of her stuff. Sweetest thing.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, that's a great.

[Alan Hahn]

Unbelievable song. Yeah. You know who's unbelievable? Yeah. And it's time now for the Damien Wood Report. It's brought to you by bet365D. Wood.

[Don LaGreca]

Jersey, by the way, too, huh? He's from Jersey.

[Alan Hahn]

She is from Jersey. Yeah. How about that? You know who else is in Jersey?

[Don LaGreca]

Damien D. Wood.

[Alan Hahn]

That's it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Alan Hahn]

You played. You played for the Jets. I have to ask you this question about the jets, that as a fan, it always perplexed me, especially more recent than, than ever. Why does Woody Johnson speak? Because when he does, it's almost like a grenade is thrown into what sometimes can be just a quiet situation. And now all of a sudden we have chaos and controversy where you didn't need to have it. 07 is enough. Chaos and controversy. Why did we need to hear Woody Johnson tell us? Well, I like Aaron Glenn, but our quarterback sucks.

[Damian Woody]

You know, that's a. I wish I could answer that question, man. But when you're, you know, when you're writing the checks, who's going to tell the guy to stay quiet in this situation? But listen, man, I like, I would wish that Woody just let the football people handle these type of things and not interject and just worry about being the owner and all those type of things. But he did lob A grenade in there. And, you know, I think from what I saw from Justin Field, he was. He, you know, he took the. Obviously took to the right route about it and just kind of steered towards what's really important. But, yeah, man, it's just like one thing. One thing or another when it comes to the jets right now.

[Don LaGreca]

And here we are on Thursday, and Glenn said for competitive reasons, he's not going to announce his quarterback. I just wonder.

[Alan Hahn]

It's.

[Don LaGreca]

Hey, I've got.

[Damian Woody]

Does it matter?

[Don LaGreca]

Well, it doesn't matter, and I don't know if anybody cares at this point, but Tyrod Taylor's got a knee injury, so maybe he can't name him. Doesn't want to name Justin Fields because of what his owner just said. Really. Just puts Glenn in a really difficult spot. And last thing, he needs to. At 0 and 7.

[Damian Woody]

Yeah, again, absolutely. You know, Aaron Glenn was brought in for a reason, and that's, you know, to coach the team. And obviously, you know, Eric Glenn comes from the school of being, you know, one voice in the building. And when you have, you know, different voices and people saying different things, it makes much harder to keep, you know, the messaging where it needs to be. So, you know, I think the best thing, honestly, I'm sure Aaron Glenn is probably thinking, this is, man, I can't wait till Sunday when we play so I don't have to deal with, you know, this type of nonsense where the owner's saying this and then I got to go talk to the player and the other players and all that type of stuff. The trade deadline is coming, and so I'm sure he. He, among other people, just, let's get out on the field because all the distractions are gone at that point.

[Alan Hahn]

Can they trade for Shador Sanders? Would that be like. Why not?

[Damian Woody]

Do you really?

[Alan Hahn]

Why not?

[Damian Woody]

Well, you know what? I take that back. You do want that. You do you want that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because he wants chaos.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, but what did you do ever do to you?

[Damian Woody]

Could you imagine should do it in this market?

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well. And by the way, with this team, a team that has zero, no matter who the head coach is, this isn't even a shot of Aaron Glenn, no matter who it is. Damien, they cannot turn the quarterback position.

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Into a talent spot. It's just they do not know how to develop quarterbacks here.

[Alan Hahn]

No, but I got fomo. I'm seeing Jackson Darden, what he's done for the Giants, and I'm thinking, I want some of that.

[Damian Woody]

Yeah, listen, I'm with you. I'm with you listen, we all know where this is heading. You know, in the 2026 draft, they're going to draft the quarterback. You just got to keep throwing darts at it. And at some point, I don't know if it's going to be in the draft or whenever, at some point they, they're going to hit on the quarterback. He's hoping. Prayers are just fan. I can't make any promises. I'm just not going. I'm not going to go there. But you hope and pray, just fan, that they finally hit it in next year's draft.

[Don LaGreca]

All right, how do you spin the Giants moving forward? One of the most miserable regular season losses in franchise history, but enough good to maybe build on. So where do you stand with the Giants as they head into Philadelphia?

[Damian Woody]

Well, listen, here's what I would say. And I actually said this at, you know, the day after the game, as much as it sucked to be part of history and lose that game in, in ugly fashion, you've got your guy.

[Alan Hahn]

Done.

[Damian Woody]

You got your guy. You got a quarterback. Like, we all know this. Like, when you get a quarterback, everything tends to fall into place. The Giants have a quarterback. They've been searching far and wide for one. They have one with Jackson Dart. I'm not saying that they're going to go out here and win a bunch of games this year, but as long as the quarterback continues to get better, you're in a great place. If you're the New York Football Giants.

[Don LaGreca]

Do you have a coach?

[Damian Woody]

Well, that, hey, that, that's another story because here's the thing. I think this, this is going to be a very interesting situation as we, you know, move on, you know, the next couple months. I think if you're the Giants brass, if you're, you know, John Mara, I think you can clearly see we got a quarterback. Now the question is, do we need to bring back this coach to go with the quarterback? Because I do think that, like, the coach needs to show, okay, I know how to manage the game. I know how to help my guys win, learn, learn how to win games. Because that's all a part of changing the culture. I think that's what he's coaching for in these next couple months.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm just trying to figure out a scenario, though, Damian, in which they would bring him back because I think the way this market felt, that loss on Sunday, it's going to have a lasting effect unless he does something over the next 10 games to make that stink go away. Do you think, like, for example, their schedule is not Sweet for this team. And if they struggle on the way out here and they're not able to win any of those close games, those games maybe that you're not supposed to win like Denver was until they were supposed to win it. If he's not able to get any of those games, can you still run.

[Alan Hahn]

It back with TABLE well, let me.

[Damian Woody]

Ask you a question, okay. Because I think coming into this season, I think most Giant fans said it's about the quarterback, and it's about the quarterback, you know, from beginning to end, you know, seeing the progression. What if this team, the quarterback progresses, but they don't necessarily add up with a lot of wins, what do you do then? Well, what do you do then? See, that's quarterback improves, but you don't necessarily come out with the wins. Do you keep the coach or do you fire the whole staff? Bring in a new coach?

[Peter Rosenberg]

What does it look like?

[Alan Hahn]

It's what it looks like. And if you have a situation like you had on Sunday where your defensive coordinator and your head coach fumbled the game away with some of the calls that they were making late in the game defensively, then yeah, then, yeah, you got to make a change.

[Don LaGreca]

But let me ask you the question this way, then. Is grooming a quarterback and making a successful quarterback enough to get a contract extension? Because that's what you're going to have to do. He's not going to go into next year as a lame duck. So if I can't coach and I can't win games, is making my quarterback great enough to keep a job?

[Damian Woody]

Well, I think, I think it's a delicate balance here because here's the thing. Ultimately, it's about winning football games. There's no question about it. But also, I think if you're the Giants, you got to be careful what happens. You get into a cycle of, okay, you got your quarterback, then you fire the coach, you bring in a new coach. What if you run into a cycle like the Bears were running into for years, where they got the court, they got their coach, then they go out and draft the quarterback, they fire the coach, and you go into this cycle of, you know, just madness as an organization. That's why I think it's these next 10 weeks are going to be critical for Brian Dabo to show, like this organization, he needs to show this organization is headed in the right direction.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I think we all agree on that. The question is, does he have the. Is that on the table? And I think that remains to be seen.

[Alan Hahn]

He's like, dude, I don't think you clean house. I think if you're doing something, you just make a coaching change. I think you leave the front office in town.

[Damian Woody]

Oh, Joe Shane is off the hook.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. He found. Well, you know why? He found your quarterback and he had to make a move in the draft to get him. That's that that tells me, okay, this, this. He knows what he's doing. He got Malik, neighbors. It's not his fault he got hurt.

[Damian Woody]

Couldn't. I could not. But couldn't I make this assumption?

[Alan Hahn]

What's that?

[Damian Woody]

That that quarterback was D. Brian D's quarterback. That he's. That was his handpicked guy. Well, could not make that assumption.

[Don LaGreca]

But he didn't make the trade.

[Alan Hahn]

You got to make sure nobody knows how much you love him so somebody else gets in the way. You know, he was able to get Abdul Carter and Jackson Dart in the same draft, man.

[Don LaGreca]

Is that supposed to be the way it works?

[Alan Hahn]

You got an offensive rookie talent. I mean, offensive rookie talent, a defensive rookie talent. Both guys playing prime positions that you now don't have to pay a premium for for at least four years. Like that's a pretty good deal in one draft and you got a high end wide receiver.

[Damian Woody]

Listen, I'm not, I'm. I was just playing devil's advocate. I don't disagree with anything, you guys.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay?

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah. I mean, listen, I'd love my general manager to be able to see the talent, but what I also want my GM to do is get my head coach the players he wants.

[Alan Hahn]

Right? That's the job.

[Don LaGreca]

Correct?

[Alan Hahn]

Correct.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm sorry, guys, just humor me for one second. Is. Am I absolutely insane?

[Don LaGreca]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

I know it's coming.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're going to get Debo back, they're going to get Terry back to. My guys stand a chance to not get completely mopped on Monday night quickly, so they don't yell at me. Just give me a quick answer.

[Damian Woody]

And who's your quarterback again?

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's going to be Marcus Mario. No, it's going to be Marcus Mariota. The Chiefs are. The Chiefs are fully back, huh?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Damian Woody]

Oh, they.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Damian Woody]

The league should be very worried about this. They're. They are much better than what they were last year when, oh, by the way, they went 15 and 2.

[Alan Hahn]

Goal.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We thought it was. Oh, Don. A few weeks ago we said it's finally over.

[Alan Hahn]

It could be had.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It could be had.

[Alan Hahn]

How can you kill. It can't be killed.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And now they're like Mike Myers and Halloween. They are back again.

[Alan Hahn]

You know who's not back The Lakers. You like Luca? Because that's what it's going to look like.

[Damian Woody]

You know what who idea was to throw to lob that Lakers in just now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That was Alan who I did.

[Damian Woody]

I know that wasn't Don who did that, Allan. That had to be you. Like you just really just, you know, you just trying to throw salt on the wound right now.

[Alan Hahn]

Listen, I'm. I just being devil's advocate just a little.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know. You really are being the devil. That's what you're being.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, it's a long season. They would. It's only game one. Always good to talk to you though, my man. You know we.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, man.

[Damian Woody]

I appreciate you guys.

[Alan Hahn]

All right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Later man.

[Alan Hahn]

Always fun with Damian Woody. The Damien would report brought to you by bet365. Whatever the moment. Never ordinary at bet3.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm never gonna feel bad for a Patriot, okay?

[Alan Hahn]

It's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's. What's the big deal? This guy's had a great, a charmed life.

[Alan Hahn]

You got a ring. You got a ring, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

You got. Well, not only that and, and he's still associated with the team, right? You. That they're back already. They're back. They're back.

[Don LaGreca]

Oh yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

I told you. They're never going away because they have the quarterback. And as long as you have the quarterback, you have a chance.

[Don LaGreca]

So we're going to have the nightmare of the Patriots being back. The Chiefs never going away.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Never. And Don, we sat there. Real nightmare, Don, you really did. We had a moment. We were like, I think it's over. No, I think it's on. And now I'm just hoping people are overstating it and because the last couple of weeks looked a certain way, everyone's like going crazy. And let's not forget that they blew up the Raiders, right?

[Don LaGreca]

Shut out the Raiders. Big deal.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So like I'm praying for you guys. Remember when Colt McCoy went into Dallas and won? That's what I'm praying on Monday night in the fall. Yeah, that's what I'm praying for. A miracle game with a backup quarterback.

[Don LaGreca]

Going into case Cole McCoy went into Seattle with the Giants and beat him too.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now that's what he did.

[Alan Hahn]

Quarterbacks.

[Don LaGreca]

Quarterbacks, man.

[Alan Hahn]

Is there a better quarterback name than quarter Colt? Like, you better be a good. Like you be a great quarterback.

[Peter Rosenberg]

By the way, he had it. Colt, that guy had a fun backup career. Like there's, there's levels to this backup career thing. He had a great.

[Alan Hahn]

But just think like when he was a high school quarter, he probably was really good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, you talking about how much he.

[Alan Hahn]

Was getting laid coming in?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, no. Imagine a high school kid named Colt McCoy swinging at 500 yards a week.

[Don LaGreca]

Stop at high school quarterback.

[Alan Hahn]

Absolutely, honestly, just tearing it up. Stop it. No. Like, no, there's levels. A good one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. He's not high school quarterback at Sheboygan High who can't do anything.

[Don LaGreca]

He didn't have Cheboygan High. I didn't scout Sheboygan, but they were probably Sheboygan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But probably Sheboygan up a storm.

[Alan Hahn]

He didn't just have the cheerleaders, he had the PTA. Like the whole town.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That Colt McCoy. There's stories. There's stories of what he did on the field. There's stories he did after the game.

[Damian Woody]

This episode is brought to you by State Farm.

[Alan Hahn]

Listening to this podcast, smart move.

[Don LaGreca]

Being financially savvy.

[Damian Woody]

Smart move.

[Don LaGreca]

Another smart move.

[Alan Hahn]

Having State Farm help you create a.

[Don LaGreca]

Competitive price when you choose to bundle home and auto bundling.

[Alan Hahn]

Just another way to save with a personal price plan like a good neighbor.

[Damian Woody]

State Farm is there.

[Alan Hahn]

Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state.

[Don LaGreca]

Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and.

[Alan Hahn]

Eligibility vary by state.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The holidays have arrived at the Home.

[Alan Hahn]

Depot and we're here to help bring the excitement with decor for every part of your home.

[Don LaGreca]

Check out our wide assortment of easy.

[Alan Hahn]

To assemble pre lit trees so you.

[Don LaGreca]

Can spend less time setting up and more time celebrating. And bring your holiday spirit outdoors with.

[Alan Hahn]

Unique decor like one of our Santa inflatables.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Whatever your style, find the right path pieces at the right prices this holiday.

[Alan Hahn]

Season at the Home Depot.

[Don LaGreca]

At New Balance, we believe if you run, you're a runner.

[Alan Hahn]

However you choose to do it. Because when you're not worried about doing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Things the right way, you're free to discover your way.

[Don LaGreca]

And that's what running is all about.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Run your [e-mail] running.

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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 your podcasts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wait. Oh, see, I see what you did. Hold them. No, no, keep going. We're talking Colt McCoy and he comes out with Texas. Hold him.

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is that.

[Don LaGreca]

There it is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The greatest, the greatest quarterback in the history of Texas, yardage wise.

[Alan Hahn]

Gotcha. Okay, I didn't realize it now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I pulled up the stats.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, you got the stats.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I got the stats.

[Alan Hahn]

So you. All right, so we have the proof. Because if you Walk in the room, like, think about it. Your coaches comes in, all right, we're, we're, we're, we're playing whatever we're. And their quarterback, Colt McCoy. And every kid's, oh my God, the guy's name's Colt McCoy. He can't suck.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And this is by the way, one of the things that's interesting about football.

[Don LaGreca]

Right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because in this league he ended up being a backup and having a decent.

[Alan Hahn]

So what, you get to the NFL, you were good at one point in your life.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no, but what I'm saying is when I tell you what I'm about to tell you, it's funny that it doesn't always translate on the biggest. Obviously he was in a two time Associated Press offensive MVP and first team all state.

[Alan Hahn]

Two time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He is the leading passer in Texas two way history. Yeah. By the way, Texas, they play a little football down there.

[Alan Hahn]

A little bit. Little BIT, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Colt McCoy passed during his high school career for 9,344 yards, Don. But he couldn't get the 216 touchdowns.

[Don LaGreca]

How many games?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I can't find the amount of games, but four. No, no, honestly, what is it? It has to be what, 50, 50 games? Ish. Four years in high school, 50 games, 11, 12.

[Alan Hahn]

It's crazy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Those are insane.

[Don LaGreca]

College, college teams play like 12 before they get the bowl season, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, but high school's not that long, Right?

[Don LaGreca]

So if you play four years, probably played like 40.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, that's insane.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And then he goes on to Texas, a school with, you know, pretty well known for the, the foosball career record of 45 and eight at Texas. Threw for 13,253 yards. I mean, 112 touchdowns, 70% completion percentage.

[Don LaGreca]

Sure.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That is a, that is a ball play.

[Alan Hahn]

The rest were just drops, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

He would have completed a lot of.

[Peter Rosenberg]

By the way, 100% of the passes hit the chest of the receiver.

[Alan Hahn]

We should get them all. He's probably a great interview.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. You know what, who else doing a week and then Colt McCoy. I love the guy.

[Don LaGreca]

Then he gets to the NFL.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh boy.

[Don LaGreca]

All right, he starts. Where was he picked?

[Alan Hahn]

Where was he picked?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Cleveland, by the way.

[Don LaGreca]

Where was he picked?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, we talk about here. Oh, it's a prolific college career.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's up there.

[Don LaGreca]

What was he on the third round pick?

[Alan Hahn]

What is his problem? Is he like 5, 7?

[Don LaGreca]

He. Oh, that's a good question.

[Alan Hahn]

It's got to be something like he's 6 2.

[Don LaGreca]

No, he's 6 1. That's what it says here on Pro.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Football 6, one greatest Texas quarterback of all time, right?

[Don LaGreca]

And as a starter, CLEVELAND in the third round, 36 games, he started 11, 25.

[Alan Hahn]

And oh, that's Cleveland, though.

[Don LaGreca]

He threw 34 touchdown passes, 32 interceptions. There's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, you know, you can't. It's hard to understand. They know what they're looking at when they get up there. And look at these guys. When they draft him in the third round, they're able to see someone in college and go, yeah, fantastic. But it's just for what doesn't translate.

[Alan Hahn]

Like, I've heard this being said, oh, he's a great college player. And you're like, what do you mean? What does that mean? He's great in college game. No way. He plays in it. And there's a guy that plays like, you know, he started one season, was a backup at four different schools, right? And.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But they see it.

[Alan Hahn]

Kurt Warner, you know what I mean?

[Don LaGreca]

Quarterbacks taken ahead of him.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don LaGreca]

The first overall pick was Sam Bradford.

[Alan Hahn]

How'd that work out, by the way?

[Peter Rosenberg]

So real quick, let's just go head to head with each of the quarterbacks you name. I'll take Colt McCoy in terms of pro career, I'll take Colt McCoy ever for now hurt. It never happened.

[Don LaGreca]

Here's the thing. It was not a great quarterback draft. The next quarterback taken at 25 was Tim Tebow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'll take. I'll take Colt McCoy.

[Alan Hahn]

You talk about another college career, though. Legendary college, by the way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But they knew that about Tebow too, and they took him at 25, first round.

[Don LaGreca]

Then Carolina in the second round, takes Jimmy Clawson again.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So, so far, by the way, my boy is three and oh, against the quarterbacks ahead of him so far.

[Alan Hahn]

You're taking him over Tebow for sure.

[Don LaGreca]

This is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Tebow didn't go on to be a reliable backup. Cole was a reliable backup.

[Don LaGreca]

The 2010 draft, McCoy was the third quarterback taken.

[Damian Woody]

No more.

[Don LaGreca]

Fifth overall in 85 picks.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Three quarterbacks don't. Four quarter. No, that's. He's the fourth one. You said that's four.

[Don LaGreca]

Fourth. I'm sorry.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Four and 85 picks, guys, and Colt McCoy is the best one. And the scary thing is, what if that's this year's draft for the Jets?

[Alan Hahn]

Please don't.

[Don LaGreca]

And then the next quarterback taken in the fourth round, 122nd overall, Mike Kafka.

[Alan Hahn]

No update, by the way, from my buddy Ben, big college football guy, Alabama guy, went to Alabama, said Colt got hurt in a championship game. That may have Put him down a little bit when it comes to pre draft. So he must have been injured through the draft.

[Don LaGreca]

It's amazing. Or they just knew quarterbacks. You know them all. The fifth round. 155th overall in 2010. John Skelton.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean I'm starting. I'm starting to.

[Don LaGreca]

The reason I'm Skelton is because he went to Fordham.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, wow. How do you like that?

[Don LaGreca]

That has to be the weakest quarterback draft in the history. In history. Because then you get the Jonathan Crompton.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, I'm out. Now. Don't. Now you're out. Now I'm out. You lost me. Where did Crompton go to school?

[Don LaGreca]

By the time you get to the fifth round, it's like GM's kids are making picks.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So Don, fun top five worst quarterback drafts of all time.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, how could you beat that?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know.

[Don LaGreca]

The only thing that would beat that is if no quarterbacks were taken.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, it's possible, but it's a scary.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thought because you could have the worst record in the league this year.

[Alan Hahn]

The 1948 draft probably had no quarterback.

[Don LaGreca]

We don't need quarterbacks were like running backs in 48 and we were at war. We don't pay and we were at war.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don LaGreca]

So any. Any of the good quarterbacks were flying jets.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And who took Brad for the Rams?

[Alan Hahn]

That has to be the Rams, right? Yeah. Let's do a game time.

[Don LaGreca]

Do it.

[Alan Hahn]

Brought to you by Telemardu Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It'S talent time. It's tolly time, Wilma.

[Alan Hahn]

That's all I hear now. Is that you sure that's me?

[Don LaGreca]

It's so you because I never remember it sounding like Fred Flintstone.

[Alan Hahn]

Did you at the time? That's so you know it's you. Rangers look for their first win at home. Why not join the party? Rangers do it this season against the Sharks tonight. Coverage immediately follows us right here on 880 at 6:30. Note the start time. Islanders at UBS, they host the Red Wings at 7. Telemardu. The original triple distilled, triple blended, triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Telemardu or try the new Telemardu honey during today's action. Glasses up to enjoying Telemardu responsibly. The Knicks play tomorrow night.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sure.

[Alan Hahn]

Celtics hosting the Celtics on the injured report. Mitchell Robinson still out Already just out. So there's that. Anunoby is probable. I mean he had 24 and 14, but they still have him listed with an ankle sprain. Carl Anthony Towns, who has the. He called it yesterday. A grade two quad strain that he played through at 19 and 11. He's questionable, so keep that in mind. Josh Hart, who has the lumbar spasms in his lower back. He's upgraded to questionable.

[Don LaGreca]

Where's the lumbar down here? That's why I asked. I don't know.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, it's like it's redundant to say lower lumbar because it's basically lower. There's no up. I don't know if there's upper. There is an upper.

[Don LaGreca]

I don't know.

[Alan Hahn]

There's an upper lumbar.

[Don LaGreca]

Upper glute.

[Alan Hahn]

Mmm. Anyways, the fact that Hart is questionable is at least an upgrade from what he had been, which is out. So maybe he has a chance to make his debut.

[Don LaGreca]

Are we gonna play upper lumbar?

[Alan Hahn]

Where is it exactly?

[Don LaGreca]

The spinal cord and vertebrae.

[Alan Hahn]

So it's at the top.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Spinal.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, it's spinal. You broke my back.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Spinal.

[Don LaGreca]

What do we call. Was it lineup roulette? What do we call it with the Yankees back in the day, Peter? Rest roulette. So we can do that with the Knicks. All right, who's. Who's saying. Who's that?

[Alan Hahn]

I remember you guys played this game.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Was it rest roulette?

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Do you still have the. The audio of that? Maybe we bring it out a different day. I love that. We don't need to spin a roulette wheel today. No. Probably not today. You don't think so?

[Don LaGreca]

But can you play?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Do we have it?

[Don LaGreca]

Because that was cool. I enjoyed that.

[Alan Hahn]

Why not do it? Come on.

[Don LaGreca]

I will do it tomorrow.

[Alan Hahn]

There it is.

[Don LaGreca]

And it's going to be.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm always glad. I'm always picking Robinson. Come on, Robinson.

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, that was so much fun.

[Alan Hahn]

Ooh, Jalen Brunson.

[Don LaGreca]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What?

[Alan Hahn]

Celtics.

[Don LaGreca]

Michael like that or not. He hated our lineup. Cause we have to do the lineup every day. Cause Boone laughed at it. What else are you gonna sell? And we started dressing up the lineup by doing it like old timey. And Michael got irritated. Cause you know, it's church.

[Alan Hahn]

Can't have fun.

[Don LaGreca]

It's like messing with the sacrament.

[Alan Hahn]

You're not allowed to laugh.

[Don LaGreca]

Yankee lineup. Geez, the host.

[Alan Hahn]

What am I, a clown? I make you laugh.

[Don LaGreca]

I amuse you?

[Alan Hahn]

I amuse you? What's coming up next, Peter and.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, it's the end.

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't want to know how the.

[Alan Hahn]

Sausage is made, man. I just to know what's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Talk about stepping up. It's time to level up your game.

[Damian Woody]

Introducing the AllNew ESPN app.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All of ESPN all in one place. Your home for the most live sports and the best championship moment.

[Alan Hahn]

The electricity is palpable.

[Damian Woody]

Step up your game with no annual contract required.

[Don LaGreca]

It's the ultimate fan experience. Level up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

For More on the ESPN app or at stream.espn.com sign up now.