Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary

Episode: Hour 3: Engstrand & NFL Hurry Up
Release Date: January 31, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Description: The trio delves into the latest NFL happenings, focusing primarily on the New York Jets' strategic moves, quarterback dilemmas, and engaging debates on player performances.

1. Introduction and Key Updates

The episode kicks off with Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg diving straight into pressing NFL news. The primary focus centers on the New York Jets' recent hiring of their new offensive coordinator and the unfolding situation surrounding star quarterback Pete Alonso.

2. Jets’ New Offensive Coordinator: Tanner Angstrand

Alan Hahn introduces the main topic: the Jets' appointment of Tanner Angstrand as their new offensive coordinator ([00:39]). Despite Angstrand’s relatively low profile in the NFL, his hiring has stirred conversation.

Peter Rosenberg shares initial reactions from various NFL experts regarding Angstrand's fit:

• Darren Orlofsky expressed unfamiliarity with Angstrand, highlighting concerns about his lack of high-profile experience ([01:56]).
• Ryan Clark critiqued the hire as a "hire of comfort," suggesting that the Jets might have preferred a more seasoned coordinator ([02:02]).
• Marcus Spears questioned whether Angstrand could deviate significantly from former coordinator Ben Johnson's play-calling style ([02:46]).

Don Legreca adds that relying on a coach with limited experience could restrict the Jets' offensive adaptability, especially concerning Aaron Rodgers' playing style ([02:53]).

3. Implications for the Quarterback Position

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the quarterback conundrum:

• Aaron Rodgers’ Future: The hosts speculate whether Rodgers will continue with the Jets or seek opportunities elsewhere, given the new offensive system's potential misalignment with his strengths ([02:07], [03:17]).

• Sam Darnold’s Preferences: Reports suggest Darnold prefers staying with the Mets, leading the team to consider trading him or exploring other free-agent options ([06:21]).

• Potential Quarterback Options: The panel explores various possibilities, including drafting a new quarterback, trading for Justin Fields, or even considering seasoned veterans like Matthew Stafford, though they note Stafford’s likely intent to stay with the Rams ([07:52], [08:20]).

4. Strategic Moves and Team Dynamics

The conversation delves into the broader strategic implications for the Jets:

• Offensive Strategy Concerns: With Aaron Glenn at the helm as a defensive coach now tasked with offensive responsibilities, there are apprehensions about the Jets' ability to maintain a robust offensive line without an experienced coordinator ([10:28]).

• Defensive vs. Offensive Focus: Alan Hahn emphasizes the importance of experienced offensive coaching, contrasting it with defensive expertise, which can be more flexible with a younger head coach ([12:11], [12:40]).

• Recruitment and Drafting: The hosts discuss the challenges the Jets face in drafting or acquiring a quarterback that fits their new system, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding top draft picks like Jackson Dart ([20:35]).

5. Debate on Joe Burrow’s Elite Status

A heated segment arises from Chris Canty’s assertion that Joe Burrow is the best quarterback in the NFL, a claim the hosts vehemently disagree with.

• Chris Canty's Standpoint: Canty argues that Burrow lacks elite credentials like Super Bowl rings, MVPs, and All-Pro titles, categorizing him outside the top three quarterbacks ([29:28]).

• Hosts' Counterarguments:

  • Alan Hahn challenges Canty’s criteria, arguing that Burrow’s impressive statistics (e.g., leading the league in touchdowns and passing yards) merit elite consideration ([31:14]).
  • Don Legreca supports Hahn, emphasizing Burrow’s pivotal role in salvaging the Bengals’ season and his significant statistical contributions despite team shortcomings ([33:03]).
  • Peter Rosenberg reinforces the notion that Burrow's performance, especially against formidable teams like the Chiefs, showcases his elite capabilities ([33:24]).

This debate underscores differing views on how to evaluate quarterback excellence, balancing individual statistics against team achievements.

6. NFL Hurry Up Segment: Listener Engagement and Q&A

Transitioning to the interactive portion, the hosts engage with listener calls, addressing questions primarily about the Jets’ offensive strategy and quarterback decisions.

• Listener Questions: Discussions include whether the Jets should keep Aaron Rodgers while drafting a new quarterback or trade for Justin Fields and continue developing him alongside Tyrod Taylor ([39:33], [39:53]).

• Strategic Recommendations:

  • Peter Rosenberg advocates for clarity in the Jets' strategy, suggesting that a definitive plan, whether retaining Rodgers or investing in Fields, is crucial before the draft.
  • Alan Hahn emphasizes the importance of experience in coaching staff to support any quarterback decision effectively ([41:33]).

7. Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

As the episode concludes, the hosts reflect on the Jets' precarious position and the broader NFL landscape:

• Team Stability: Concerns about the Jets' ability to stabilize their quarterback position under inexperienced coaching remain a focal point ([43:02]).

• Future Outlook: The panel anticipates significant moves in the upcoming draft and potential free-agent signings that could redefine team dynamics ([44:21]).

• Legacy and Performance: The discussion circles back to Joe Burrow’s legacy, debating whether his current performance validates his elite status or if it’s contingent upon future achievements ([50:19]).

Don La Greca expresses empathy for listeners feeling the weight of the Jets' tough season, framing it as an opportunity for renewal and strategic rebuilding ([25:14]).

Notable Quotes

• Alan Hahn: "Much this might impact Aaron Rodgers. Going there or not going there I do think is probably the most interesting." ([02:07])

• Peter Rosenberg: "He doesn't have the street cred at this point to do it." ([49:12])

• Don Legreca: "It's every year to be sitting here a week before the Super Bowl. And can I just be honest? Like, we're making the most of these conversations, guys." ([24:39])

• Chris Canty (Guest): "Joe Burrow ain't got none of those [Super Bowl rings, MVPs]." ([29:28])

• Alan Hahn: "The only negative you can say is that he's been banged up. He only played 10 games in two seasons." ([31:40])

Conclusions and Takeaways

• Jets’ Strategy Under Scrutiny: The hiring of Tanner Angstrand as offensive coordinator raises questions about the Jets' offensive future, especially in aligning with a quarterback of Aaron Rodgers’ caliber.

• Quarterback Dilemma: The Jets face a critical decision-making juncture regarding their quarterback roster, balancing between retaining veterans like Rodgers or developing younger talents such as Justin Fields or Jackson Dart.

• Debate on Elite Status Metrics: The episode highlights differing perspectives on evaluating quarterback excellence, weighing individual statistics against team achievements and accolades.

• Need for Experienced Coaching: Emphasizing the importance of experienced offensive strategists to complement young head coaches, ensuring effective team performance and quarterback support.

• Future Prospects: Anticipation of strategic moves in the NFL draft and free agency, with potential implications for the Jets and broader league dynamics.

Listeners are encouraged to stay engaged with upcoming episodes for continued analysis and insights into the evolving NFL landscape.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and debates from the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast episode "Hour 3: Engstrand & NFL Hurry Up," providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the full episode.