Don Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 3: Jets and Giants Training Camp
Release Date: July 23, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: ESPN New York and New Jersey

I. New York Giants Training Camp and Quarterback Dynamics

A. Overview of Quarterback Situation

The episode kicks off with an in-depth discussion about the New York Giants' quarterback landscape, highlighting the presence of multiple talents and the strategic uncertainties surrounding them.

B. Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston

Don Hahn introduces the debate around Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston as potential starters:

Don Hahn [00:01]: "Camps opened up today and a lot of excitement around the New York Giants considering they've got new quarterbacks, right? New toys to play with."

C. Spotlight on Jackson Dart

Jordan Ronan provides a detailed analysis of Jackson Dart's role and potential impact:

Jordan Ronan [01:51]: "They made it very clear today, Joe Shane and Brian Daboll that Russell Wilson is the starter, right? And Jackson Dart's job is to get better, right?"

Ronan emphasizes the developmental focus on Dart, noting his rough debut but highlighting his potential growth:

Jordan Ronan [02:25]: "Jackson Dart had a rough day today, his first day of training camp, his first ever pass. And live drills of training camp goes for a pick six the other way. So you know everyone's going to be analyzing his every move."

D. Potential Starting Scenarios and Season Expectations

Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg delve into various scenarios where Dart might take the helm, especially if the Giants' performance falters:

Don Hahn [04:10]: "Don’t have to make that change. Joe Shane, I asked specifically today...I think it's going to depend on where his development is and what the team is doing."

Peter Rosenberg [06:38]: "For me, the number I always had in mind or the time I always had in mind for him coming in is when the Giants are mathematically eliminated."

The conversation covers the likelihood of Dart starting in later weeks versus early-season struggles leading to a quarterback switch. They weigh the Giants' tough schedule and its impact on possible win-loss records.

E. Coaching and Historical Comparisons

Peter Rosenberg draws parallels between the current Giants' situation and past quarterback transitions, particularly Eli Manning's early struggles:

Peter Rosenberg [10:27]: "No, in that scenario. In that scenario, I don't think you are."

They discuss the implications of coaching decisions under Brian Daboll, exploring whether the current strategy will bear fruit or necessitate further changes.

II. New York Jets Training Camp and Season Outlook

A. Training Camp Expectations

Shifting focus to the Jets, the hosts analyze the team's training camp under head coach Aaron Glenn, emphasizing a process-oriented approach without immediate win-total expectations.

Don Hahn [13:20]: "We have Mike Kafka on the staff who they've seen Mike Kafka's with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017."

B. Justin Fields’ Performance and Prospects

Rich Cimini provides insights into Justin Fields' first practice, highlighting his chemistry with Garrett Wilson and areas needing improvement:

Rich Cimini [15:53]: "No interception at all. He was 5 for 8. He had a wide open Garrett Wilson on a nice deep corner route, which looked pretty."

The discussion underscores the importance of Fields' development and the offensive line's health, particularly the role of Vera Tucker:

Don Hahn [46:36]: "We need to run the ball in order to have any success on offense, we need a good O line and Vera Tucker for me is a key or one of the keys."

C. Team Talent and Defensive Strengths

Peter Rosenberg emphasizes the Jets' defensive potential, citing key players like Burns, Lawrence, and Thibodeau:

Peter Rosenberg [45:04]: "Why can't the defense set the tone for this team this year?"

The hosts discuss how a robust defense could compensate for offensive shortcomings, potentially leading the Jets to a respectable season.

D. Season Predictions and Playoff Chances

Rich Cimini and the hosts share their projections for the Jets' season, considering factors like team talent, coaching stability, and injury concerns:

Rich Cimini [35:03]: "I think they'll probably win seven or eight games. That's the way I see the talent level."

Peter Rosenberg adds a critical perspective on the Jets' playoff viability:

Peter Rosenberg [20:31]: "But it doesn't mean that you can't be going in December a game or two out of that third wild card and you're playing meaningful game."

III. Comparative Analysis and Broader NFL Insights

A. Talent Rankings and Team Comparisons

The discussion broadens to compare the Giants and Jets' talent rankings within the NFL, analyzing how these rankings influence season expectations and playoff prospects.

Don Hahn [34:29]: "I give them the credit for winning that game against Minnesota."

They debate the accuracy and implications of ESPN's talent list positioning the Giants at 27th and the Jets at 29th out of 32 teams.

B. The Crucial Role of Coaching

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the impact of coaching on team performance, particularly how strategic decisions under Daboll and Glenn could shape each team's success.

Don Hahn [44:12]: "Of the four major sports, coaching has the most influence in football."

They argue that effective coaching is paramount, regardless of player talent, to navigate the complexities of the NFL season.

C. Injury Concerns and Player Health

Both teams’ prospects are also tightly linked to player health, especially key positions like the offensive line for the Jets and general team durability for the Giants.

IV. Listener Callers’ Opinions and Questions

The episode features several listener interactions, providing diverse perspectives and questions about the Giants' and Jets' prospects:

A. Caller Aiden on Giants’ Early Struggles

Aiden expresses pessimism about the Giants' start, fearing an early quarterback crisis:

Caller Aiden [25:08]: "I hate to be so pessimistic again...the QB situation is going to get hot early."

Don Hahn counters by suggesting that early wins against strong opponents could mitigate immediate concerns.

B. Caller Mark on Giants' Talent Misalignment

Mark reflects on ESPN's talent rankings and fears history repeating itself with unmet expectations:

Caller Mark [42:00]: "I remember last year...didn't look like a football team."

Peter Rosenberg and Don Hahn address concerns about whether current adjustments will translate into meaningful improvements on the field.

C. Caller Dave on Jets' Offensive Line

Dave highlights the importance of a healthy offensive line for the Jets' success:

Caller Dave [35:03]: "I think we'll be okay. If he's hurt again and we have to play musical chairs with the line again, we're in trouble."

The hosts agree, emphasizing Vera Tucker's critical role in anchoring the offensive line.

V. Conclusion: Season Outlook for Giants and Jets

The podcast wraps up with the hosts reiterating their cautious optimism tempered by realistic assessments of both teams' strengths and weaknesses. They emphasize that while both the Giants and Jets possess talent, the true determinants of their seasons will hinge on quarterback performance, coaching efficacy, and player health.

Don Hahn concludes with a forward-looking statement:

Don Hahn [49:21]: "We'll see if they can go out and do that. But that's what they're hoping for."

Peter Rosenberg adds:

Peter Rosenberg [48:04]: "We'll see if it happens."

Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned as the season progresses to witness how these narratives unfold.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [04:10]: "Don’t have to make that change...I think if the team is winning, I fully expect them to stick with Russell Wilson."

• Peter Rosenberg [07:04]: "They have to come out of this season knowing that you hired the right guy as your head coach."

• Rich Cimini [15:53]: "He was good enough to be 2 and 4 last year on a good Pittsburgh team, but they still pulled the plug on that."

• Don Hahn [44:12]: "Coaching has the most influence in football. I don't care how talented you are, if your coach doesn't know what you're doing, you're not going to win."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions, insights, and projections made by Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg regarding the New York Giants' and Jets' training camps and their outlook for the upcoming NFL season.