Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast – Hour 3: Jets & Pro Picks
Date: November 7, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Theme: A spirited Football Friday featuring deep analysis of Jets' crucial post-bye game, the meaning of late-season competitiveness, future of coaching regimes, and their weekly NFL Pro Picks.
Episode Overview
This hour centers on the New York Jets’ critical upcoming game after the trade deadline shakeup, discussing the stakes for their young roster, the leadership of head coach Aaron Glenn, and the broader significance for the franchise’s future. Listeners are treated to engaged debate around the value of late-season games for struggling teams and insight into the upcoming NFL games, capped by the hosts’ much-anticipated (and often self-deprecating) gambling picks segment.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Jets’ Post-Trade Deadline Outlook & The Meaning of “Playing Well”
- Jets and Giants Preview: Both local games (Giants vs. Bears; Jets vs. Browns) are theoretically winnable but complicated by poor weather, changing rosters, and shaky offenses (00:31–03:00).
- Jets’ Locker Room After Trades: The hosts debate whether players will buy in and play hard or potentially mail in the remainder of the season after key teammates departed at the trade deadline:
- Don La Greca (B): "These are my teammates. The guys that got traded aren't here anymore. The organization has reasons... But I'm here and I want to win. Or the other choice could be: the organization has given up on this season—I'm giving up." (03:00)
- Alan Hahn (A): "This is not week 17. You’ve got nine games left… If you’re going to check out now in a winnable game at home, that is ugly." (03:30)
2. Coaching: Is Aaron Glenn “The Guy”?
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The Real Test for Aaron Glenn: Emphasis is laid on Glenn’s ability to keep the team engaged when expectations are low:
- Don La Greca: "This by far is the biggest game Aaron Glenn has ever coached this season and may coach the rest of the season because if he is going to keep these guys engaged... it begins on Sunday." (05:14)
- Peter Rosenberg (C): Notes the odd “low-pressure, high-importance” nature of the game: "It's such an important game. But also in a weird way, it is low pressure. It's not like the whole world is watching." (07:36)
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"Leader of Men" Discussion: Alan and Don go back and forth on whether late-season performance has any bearing for next year:
- Alan Hahn: "I want to see in the offseason what kind of magnet he is to drawing in, bringing in players..." (09:55)
- Don La Greca: "But don't you think some of those players are going to look at how these last nine games went? Do I want to play for this coach?" (10:14)
- Don La Greca: "There's no such thing as meaningless football." (10:51)
- They agree it’s not just about wins, but about proof of leadership and motivation.
3. Fan Perspective: Value of Draft Picks vs. Winning Now
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Tank vs. Culture Debate:
- Alan Hahn: "The end game of this whole thing is going to be using the assets that you just acquired along with the cap space... There's no greater value... than the number one pick." (16:44)
- Peter Rosenberg: "If you're a Giants fan, you have to root against [them]... but from the Jet thing... nothing's changing when it comes to wins and losses versus who's running the organization." (17:05)
- They discuss whether “good feelings” from competitive losses matter when stacking up against the hope for a transformational draft pick.
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Coaching Influence on Free Agency: Don argues that effort and engagement now can set the tone for attracting future talent: "If Aaron Glenn can get them to... buy in, that could have a tremendous amount of value moving forward." (18:23)
4. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Don La Greca: “If he can get these guys to play, inspire them to play, you don’t think that goes a long way to his resume? None of this is going to work unless they find a coach…” (09:23)
- Alan Hahn (reflecting fan disillusionment): “If you want to have good feelings, that’s great. The problem with Jets fans is that all you get are good feelings and they don’t last. I want something tangible.” (08:25)
- Peter Rosenberg (on the emotional stakes): “You maybe have the emotion of the Nick Mangold situation... It’s a great opportunity for them to build a little something.” (07:48)
5. Listener Calls – Coaching, Culture, and Giants’ Future
- Call #1: Bear in Piscataway (19:39) — Offers supportive, lighthearted commentary about parenthood and masculinity, relating to earlier show topics.
- Call #2: Jose in Connecticut (23:09) — Launches a debate about potential Giants head coaches, with skepticism about Jon Gruden: "What kind of debacle would that be?" (23:55)
- Call #3: Dean in Brisbane (24:44) — Questions if Giants’ GM Joe Shane should go if Brian Daboll is fired: “If he's still there, does that narrow down the coaching search?” (25:45)
- Call #4: Kadeem (27:48) — Shares amusing anecdotes and bridges generational gaps in sports culture.
6. Pro Picks Segment (32:36 onward)
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All three hosts present their NFL picks—full of banter, statistical references, and self-mockery about their records:
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Don’s Picks (First Place)
- 1-point: Bills to cover vs. Dolphins (34:09)
- 2-point: Jets to cover vs. Browns (34:55)
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Alan’s Picks
- 1-point: Cardinals (+6.5) at Seattle (35:20)
- 2-point: Steelers (+3.5) at Chargers (35:37)
- 3-point: Panthers (-5.5) at home (37:23)
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Peter’s Picks (7-20 record; much laughter)
- 1-point: Seahawks (-6.5) vs. Cardinals (38:32)
- 2-point: 49ers (+4.5) vs. Rams (39:17)
- 3-point: Patriots (+2.5) at Buccaneers (40:12)
- Rosenberg: “Why even listen to these picks? Well, just go opposite.” (38:07)
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7. NFL Culture: Team Hatred and Identity
- The hosts muse about fan hatred of franchises lingering after stars/coaches are gone:
- Alan Hahn: “Now it just becomes the logo. I just hate the logo.” (41:41)
- Don La Greca: “The only time there’s an issue is if they’re trying to talk to RJ and he’s screening calls. Everyone has that issue.” (31:01)
Memorable Quotes & Timestamps
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"This by far is the biggest game Aaron Glenn has ever coached this season and may coach the rest of the season…"
— Don La Greca (05:14) -
"The problem with jets fans is that all you get are good feelings and they don't last. I want something tangible."
— Alan Hahn (08:25) -
"There's no such thing as meaningless football. There's no such thing as meaningless."
— Don La Greca (10:51) -
"If Aaron Glenn can get them to do the exact opposite and buy in, that could have to me a tremendous amount of value moving forward."
— Don La Greca (18:23) -
"I'm not trying to be that guy, Don. I'm being... When have you ever known me to be a pessimist?"
— Alan Hahn (12:11) -
"If you're a Giants fan, you have to root against him and the Giants… the value of that draft pick is critical."
— Peter Rosenberg & Alan Hahn (17:05)
Notable Segment Timestamps
- Jets' Situation and Trade Deadline Fallout: 00:31–07:36
- Importance of Aaron Glenn's Leadership: 05:14–07:36
- Fan Sentiment & The Draft Pick Debate: 08:25–18:23
- Caller Segment on Coaching & Front Office: 19:39–29:52
- NFL Pro Picks Segment: 32:36–42:26
- NFL Fan Hatred & Franchise Identity: 41:20–42:26
Tone & Chemistry
Lively, occasionally self-deprecating, candid, and always full of deep New York sports perspective. The hosts blend insider insight with relatable fan frustration and dry humor, creating a dynamic, accessible listen.
For listeners: This hour offers a pulse check on the state of New York football, the prospect of new eras for the Jets and Giants, and all the colorful banter and honest self-reflection you expect from Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg!
