Transcript

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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 Lagre. Peter Rosenberg, I'm Alan Han. 800-919-3776. Of course, the number. We'll get the calls racked up and ready to go. We got a few there we got to get to. In the meantime, the jets get their first win of the season. They're now one in seven. So that makes them tied with New Orleans, who lost again at 1 and 7 for the worst records in the league. So they're not alone anymore. And if you're a Jets fan like me now, you're going, all right, well, look, the race to the bottom now suddenly has competition. But a win is a win. And on an emotional day where the franchise announced to the world that we lost Nick Mangold way too young in life at the age of 41 and all the emotions that came with that, of course, the jets to get their first win. For Aaron Glenn to get his first win as a head coach, there was some silver lining, at least to the day. But the Giants lost to the Eagles. I don't think that's the headline though, fellas.

C (1:37)

Go ahead.

A (1:38)

Because I think we kind of felt like they were walking into, you know, the Wasps nest going into Philly after what they did to them two weeks ago. But I can't get over it. And this is not, I'm not going to call it. Game turning play. I'm not going to call it a moment where the game was taken from the Giants. There were a lot of complaints about officiating in this game. The Giant defense was the biggest complaint. They could not stop the run to save their lives. They could not stop Saquon Barkley ran all over them. The kid Tank, what's his like? He went nuts and he, they brought him in to be like a punt returner or something like that, Right? But he. He was. He had a big game. But I'm. I'm still going back to something that was a big controversy in the NFL before the season. And I don't think there's a play. Of all the plays people have pointed out that the Eagles run with this tush push, this one was the most egregious when it comes to how unfair and how poorly officiated this play has become. It's 7. 7. The Eagles have the ball early in the game, and Hertz is trying to drive forward. He reaches out with the football. Kayvon Thibodeau makes a great play on the ball, knocks it free, rolls over the pile and jumps on the ball. That's a turnover. Giants ball. Instead, the officials stop and they say no forward progress was stopped. That is not a turnover. The Eagles keep the ball and what was it, one play later, Two play? Whatever it was, Barkley's in the end zone for a touchdown. It makes it 14 7. Again. I am not saying the Giants would win the game if they got that ball. What I am saying, though, guys, is, is that if that play can't solve the tush push, then it feels like it is the unstoppable play. Even if the officials aren't going to let you make a play like that and cause a turnover, it's what makes.

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Giants Future

ESPN New York | October 27, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

Overview: Main Theme & Purpose

This episode centers on the uncertain future of the New York Giants after a discouraging loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The hosts dive into the persistent problems with the Giants—ranging from poor officiating and controversial plays (notably, the Eagles’ ‘tush push’) to mounting injuries, the team's direction under head coach Brian Daboll, and whether coaching or personnel changes are on the horizon. They also entertain spirited fan calls debating patience versus sweeping change, touch intermittently on the New York Jets and other NFL teams, and briefly shift to NHL talk regarding the New York Rangers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Giants’ Loss to the Eagles & The 'Tush Push' Controversy

The Giants lost to the Eagles, but the hosts agree the headline is not just the defeat, but officiating controversies—especially around the Eagles' signature “tush push” play.
Alan Hahn recounts a critical play (07:00 in-game, ~01:20 episode) where Kayvon Thibodeaux forced a fumble, seemingly creating a turnover, but officials ruled “forward progress stopped” and denied the Giants possession. This directly set up an Eagles TD.
- “If that play can’t solve the tush push, then it feels like it is the unstoppable play. Even if the officials aren’t going to let you make a play like that...”—Alan Hahn (01:28)
Peter Rosenberg and Don La Greca argue the NFL mishandled addressing this rule in the offseason—focusing on jealousy or superficial tweaks, rather than injury risk and poor officiating.
- “It’s brutal. Even when your player makes a fantastic play on the ball, it doesn’t count.”—Peter Rosenberg (04:11)
- “They just don’t know how to officiate it... hopefully there’ll be enough evidence during the offseason where they’ll [make a change].”—Don La Greca (05:14)

2. Giants' Defensive Struggles & Calls for a “Blow Up”

The hosts emphasize that officiating wasn’t the primary culprit—the defense was overwhelmed, unable to stop the run all game.
- “The defense couldn't stop anybody… Bowen did not bounce back after Denver. It just seems we’re getting closer and closer to blowing this whole thing up.”—Don La Greca (06:13)
Alan Hahn questions what arguments a coach can make to keep his job given the mounting injuries and ongoing losing streaks—home and away.
- “How do you hold that against the coach when he lost some critical skill talent because of injuries?... Should [rookie QB] Dart’s promise buy Dabel more time?”—Alan Hahn (07:12)

3. The Injury Crisis & Human Element

Major injuries—especially to rookies like Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers—are lamented, with attention paid to how they impact development and morale.
- “This game is so cruel, man… [Skattebo's] rookie deal, even if he gets every dollar, will be a little over $5 million… nothing is guaranteed.”—Peter Rosenberg (11:09)
The group reflects on how fans and society are more sensitive now to injuries and the personal impact on players than in past decades.

4. The Coaching Debate: Daboll’s Future

The hosts and callers debate: Should Brian Daboll (head coach) and Joe Schoen (GM) return, given the team’s regression?
Don La Greca notes the franchise’s historical home/road losing streak, the failure to win in Philly for 7 years, and asks:
- “Does the head coach get to choose a third defensive coordinator? … The Giants tied a franchise record for consecutive losses at home.”—Don La Greca (08:32)
Callers (notably “Moose” at 15:50) cite past patience with coaches and slow rebuilds as evidence to give Daboll more time. Others (“Dave,” “Vinnie,” “Stamatis,” and “Ben”) say enough is enough after only one flukey good year.
- “Outside of the first year, this guy has done absolutely nothing. The Giants have been a laughing stock.”—Dave (18:42)
- “You can’t mess up Dart's development right now… put Dable on the same timeline, extend them for a couple years, so they’re all on the same timeline.”—Ben (29:25)

Daboll’s Only Argument for Retention

The main argument for Daboll, according to Hahn: if the rookie quarterback (Dart) believes in him and is developing well, it’s tough to break that synergy.
- “If Dart says that’s my coach, it’s hard for an owner to say ‘No, he’s not.’ That’s probably your best argument to keep him.”—Alan Hahn (20:49)
But Don and Peter see many more issues than QB development—defensive coordinator mistakes, lack of wins, and an “excuses culture.” Continuity is a risk if there’s no proof Daboll can win once the QB matures.

5. The Daniel Jones Effect & What Could Have Been

Discussion of ex-Giant Daniel Jones thriving elsewhere (in the MVP conversation), reflecting badly on the Giants’ staff:
- “Daniel Jones right now… is in the conversation for MVP. … Is it just a change of scenery? Better coaching? What is it that suddenly unlocked Daniel Jones?”—Alan Hahn (19:39)

6. Jets/Roster Philosophy/Trade Debates

Brief jets talk: Should the Jets keep or trade Breece Hall? The answer: Only keep if planning to pay him; otherwise, get what you can while his value is high.
- “If I don't plan on keeping him… by all means, get something for him, because if there's somebody that's going to want to pay him, then he walks and you don't get anything for him.”—Don La Greca (28:43)
Draft strategy comes up: “If you don’t love a QB at the top, don’t force it, but beware—if you trade down, someone else might snatch him and make you regret it.” (26:33)

7. Callers’ Solutions & Coaching Search Speculation

Recommendations range from continuing with Daboll for QB continuity, to “blowing it up” and hiring a big name like Jon Gruden or Antonio Pierce.
Discussion about the reputational risks and recent history of potential candidates (e.g., Gruden, Tomlin) with hosts expressing skepticism about their fit or readiness.

8. Brief Rangers & NHL Aside

Quick detour into hockey: fans vent over the direction of the New York Rangers, management’s decisions, aging roster, and how being stagnant (not rebuilding or pushing in) is leading the franchise nowhere.

9. Future Outlook: The Rest of the Season

Conclusion: The rest of the Giants’ season is about evaluating the coaching staff, watching the rookie QB’s growth absent key skill players, and seeing if the team remains competitive despite adversity.
- “How they play, not just wins and losses, how they play the rest of the way is really going to be important.”—Don La Greca (22:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On 'Tush Push' officiating:
- “If that play can't solve the tush push, then it feels like it is the unstoppable play.”—Alan Hahn (01:28)
- “Even when your player makes a fantastic play on the ball, it doesn’t count. It’s brutal.”—Peter Rosenberg (04:11)
On the need for change in officiating/rules:
- “They just don’t know how to officiate it…”—Don La Greca (05:14)
On Giants’ accountability:
- “You want to change that, be better… That’s why the Chiefs get calls. That’s why the Eagles get calls. The good teams get the calls and the bad teams don’t.”—Don La Greca (05:00)
On injuries and the modern era:
- “Are we just… more sensitive now? Which is a good thing, but I think a bad thing for following sports like football”—Don La Greca (12:24)
On coaching patience versus breaking up the core:
- “2022 really looks like it was smoke and mirrors, guys… Since then, it’s been a colossal embarrassment.”—Don La Greca (17:22)
- “If Dart says that’s my coach, it’s hard for an owner to say 'No, he’s not.'”—Alan Hahn (20:49)
On Daniel Jones’ resurgence:
- “Daniel Jones right now… is in the conversation for MVP.”—Alan Hahn (19:39)
On front office philosophy:
- “If you're not moving forward, you're moving backwards.”—Don La Greca (35:37)
On the search for the next head coach:
- “The next best coach out there for you is someone you’re not thinking about. No one thought Sean McVay...”—Peter Rosenberg (45:39)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Giants-Eagles loss, ‘tush push’ controversy, officiating debate: 00:36–06:12
Defensive failures, calls for franchise reset, coach accountability: 06:13–10:35
Injury impact—especially rookie Cam Skattebo’s and wider NFL injury discussion: 10:53–14:22
Discussion on Brian Daboll, patience vs. firing, caller input: 15:50–24:47
Daniel Jones thriving elsewhere—“what went wrong” for the Giants: 19:39–20:49
Jets and roster building philosophies, trade talk: 27:41–29:21
Caller-driven debate: coaching continuity vs. total reset: 29:25–32:53
Coaching carousel speculation (Gruden, Tomlin, etc): 32:53–47:27
New York Rangers/NHL management vent: 34:51–39:16

Flow, Tone, and Additional Notes

The conversation remains passionate, analytical, and infused with the hosts’ New York grit, sarcasm, and directness.
Callers are welcomed as integral voices—some nostalgic, some frustrated, many providing street-level snapshots of the fan base’s mindset.
The show does not shy away from critiquing both the players and the front office, with an insistence on accountability at every level.
Tangents into other sports deliver a sense of the wider New York sports ecosystem but continually loop back to the Giants’ central crisis.

Summary Conclusion

The episode is emblematic of a sports city at a crossroads: fans and analysts grappling with whether to stick with a struggling but potentially promising regime or to start anew. With recurring injuries, controversial losses, and another season slipping away, the tone is urgent but fair, balancing hope for the Giants’ future with realism about the deep challenges ahead. The final message: watch this team closely for development—not just results—the rest of the way, because major changes could (and maybe should) be coming.