Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast

Hour 3: Jets QB & Damien Woody | September 18, 2025

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This episode, featuring Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg, dives into New York sports, focusing on the Giants’ chances against the Chiefs, the Jets’ evolving quarterback situation, and broader NFL topics ranging from coaching discipline to rule changes. The hour wraps with an insightful, exuberant conversation with NFL veteran and ESPN analyst Damien Woody about the Giants, Jets, the much-debated "Tush Push," and more.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NFL & New York Teams Round-Up

• Giants vs. Chiefs Potential Upset

  • Guest appearance by ESPN’s Nate Taylor highlighted the Chiefs’ vulnerabilities and how the Giants might exploit them.
  • Don and Alan resonate with Taylor’s optimism but acknowledge the Chiefs still have Mahomes, making any win a challenge.
  • “He gave you a blueprint for how the Giants...there’s an avenue here for the Giants to win.” (B, 01:32)

• Jets vs. Buccaneers

  • The panel discusses Jets’ prospects against Tampa Bay, noting winnability on both fronts (C, 01:41).
  • Discussion of Tyrod Taylor starting at QB and minimal offensive scheme changes under new OC Tanner Xtrand (B, 10:09).
  • Broader skepticism about recent quarterback moves, particularly the real investment in Justin Fields.
  • “What you need to do...is what Howie Roseman did with Jalen Hurts…you get him receivers and a tight end that can raise the level.” (C, 11:33)
  • Alan criticizes Jets’ lack of skill-position depth, questioning if Fields can succeed with the current roster.

2. Jets’ Quarterback Situation & Team Building

• Discussion centers on whether Justin Fields is a long-term answer or a one-year experiment.
  • “He gave you a good game, he gave you a bad game...and then he got hurt…That’s Justin Fields.” (B, 13:27)
  • Until the Jets build more talent around Fields, skepticism remains about the QB solution (C & B, 13:57-14:17).

3. Coaching, Discipline, and Team Culture

• Penalties & Coaching Accountability

  • Tim Hasselback’s take: coaching is primarily responsible for ongoing penalty issues, especially pre-snap and procedural penalties. (G, 14:39)
  • The hosts stress culture change, discipline, and the challenges facing first-year coaches inheriting another regime’s roster (B, 16:08-17:48).

• Fan patience (or lack thereof) for quick fixes is lampooned, with Don cautioning against expecting instant turnarounds for the Jets (B, 18:08).

4. Listener Calls & New York Driving Etiquette

• Several callers weigh in on workplace culture, remote work, and especially old-school driving etiquette (headlight flashing, courtesy on the road).
  • Example: Vic from Hasbrouck Heights reminisces about the lost art of headlight communication and driver courtesy (F, 02:07).
  • Alex from Brooklyn debates the etiquette of staying in the left lane on the Van Wyck at 65 mph, sparking playful debate.

5. Damien Woody Segment (~25:42)

Giants, Jets, NFL Trends & Personal Insights

• On the Giants’ Chances Against the Chiefs

  • Woody sees a legitimate opening: “The Chiefs’ offense is lacking explosiveness…Really, the only thing going for them is Mahomes. The Giants can rush the passer. There’s an opportunity here.” (F, 26:05)

  • If the Chiefs start 0-3: “I don’t care who you are. That is a tough hole to dig yourself out of.” (F, 27:08)

• Which Giants Team Is the Real One?

  • Woody is skeptical of the defense, calls Dallas’ defense “barbecue chicken” (i.e., easy to exploit) (F, 27:57).
  • He believes the Giants’ defense should be much better given the talent and needs to tighten up.

• On Justin Fields as Jets QB

  • “It’s still a trial. The talent is definitely there, but the consistency is not. He’s taken a lot of sacks...doesn’t throw with anticipation…and hasn’t been all that accurate.” (F, 30:22)
  • Jets’ hope is that coaching and development can bridge the gap.

• On the Tush Push

  • Woody admits to flipping on the issue: “It’s not an aesthetically pleasing play…I think the NFL will ban it this offseason coming up.” (F, 31:38)
  • Recognizes NFL is about entertainment and the play is becoming tiresome for viewers.

• If You Could Build Around One QB

  • Woody picks Josh Allen: “Right now, Josh Allen’s the best quarterback in football…They don’t have any superstars, it’s just the Josh Allen show.” (F, 34:14)
  • But notes Allen and Lamar Jackson both need playoff/Super Bowl runs to cement elite status above Mahomes.

• On Kickers’ Influence in Modern NFL

  • Amazed at kickers hitting from 60+ yards: “It’s truly mind-boggling…these guys are now considered offensive weapons.” (F, 37:22)
  • Thinks the league is loving the spectacle of long field goals.

• Personal & Hockey Talk

  • Warm banter about Woody’s genuine fandom of the Islanders and offers to connect at Devils games (C, 39:03+).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Remote Work Banter & Driving Etiquette (Listener Calls)

• “Alan Trammell didn’t work from home with Lou Whitaker!” – Caller Dave, on in-studio chemistry (E, 07:27)
• “The etiquette’s all gone because that’s the one…it used to be courtesy, and now it’s become aggressive.” – Alan Hahn (C, 03:12)

On Coaching & Culture Change

• “Changing a culture doesn’t happen overnight…magic wand, everything’s fixed. You can’t.” – Alan Hahn (B, 18:09)

Damien Woody

• “I fully recognize…the NFL is in the entertainment business. We are here to entertain people.” (F, 33:01)
• “Right now, Josh Allen’s the best quarterback in football.” (F, 34:14)
• “It’s crazy…I think the league is loving [long field goals] right now.” (F, 38:06)

Humorous/Off-Topic Banter

• “If you and Michael [Kay] really get anything going, Alan’s gonna get weird and hover…he’s gonna be like the girlfriend.” – Peter Rosenberg, about future Couchcast broadcast (D, 44:26)
• “Blood is thicker than water…there’s blood everywhere.” – Rosenberg, on Hahn/Kay rapport (D, 45:32)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Giants/Chiefs upset talk & recap (00:53–01:41)
• Jets and QB discussion (10:09–14:17)
• Penalty discipline & coaching (14:26–17:48)
• Fan calls: remote work and driver etiquette (02:04–04:39 & 18:49–22:16)
• Damien Woody segment (25:42–39:47)
  • Giants/Chiefs: 26:05–27:45
  • Fields/Jets: 30:22–31:08
  • Tush push: 31:38–33:27
  • Pick your QB: 34:14–36:03
  • Kickers: 37:22–38:06
  • Personal/hockey banter: 39:03–39:46

Tone & Atmosphere

The show maintains its trademark blend of opinionated banter, deep NY sports knowledge, call-in relatability, and self-deprecating humor. Damien Woody brings thoughtful, player-informed perspective and camaraderie, while the hosts volley sharp insights mixed with playful jabs.

Summary

This episode threads together on- and off-field realities: the glimmers of hope and frustration facing the Jets and Giants, how coaching shapes discipline and culture, and why patience and steady building still matter. Damien Woody’s segment anchors the show, sharing sharp takes on NFL trends and individual players while keeping it fun with personal stories. Listeners get not just sports analysis, but a feel for the characters shaping New York sports talk radio right now.