Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Joe Namath & Seth Rollins

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 3: Joe Namath & Seth Rollins
• Release Date: January 6, 2025

1. New York Jets Analysis

Woody Johnson and Media Accessibility: The hosts delve into the ongoing frustrations surrounding New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. Rich Samini references a tweet highlighting the Jets' reluctance to provide media access to Woody, contradicting NFL media policies that mandate news conferences with key team officials at season's end.

• Samini (01:21): “NFL media policy requires teams to hold a news conference with its head coach and or chief executive/president GM at the end of seasons. Now the Jets are going through a search. They don't technically have either of those…”

Peter Rosenberg’s Insights: Peter Rosenberg shares personal anecdotes about Woody, illustrating a more positive side while critiquing the Jets' handling of Johnson's public interactions.

• Rosenberg (02:50): “He wants to talk. So when he is, when he doesn't talk, it's the Jets stopping him from talking because they don't want to say something.”

Joe Namath’s Critique on Media Handling: Joe Namath criticizes Woody Johnson's post-game comments, suggesting they lack substance and are strategically orchestrated to maintain a positive public image.

• Namath (03:44): “Sure, you end a losing streak against the Dolphins, but I see what… You can't let them speak. You can't say all I care as we won the last meaningless game.”

2. Aaron Rodgers and the Jets’ Future

Aaron Rodgers' Potential Role: Joe Namath discusses Aaron Rodgers’ capabilities and his potential impact if retained by the Jets. He lauds Rodgers' accuracy and leadership, asserting Rodgers could significantly aid the new GM and coaching staff.

• Namath (14:24): “After watching Aaron Rodgers play today, there's no doubt he's got at least another year in him. So if he wants to, I'd love to see him stay with the Jets. He could definitely help the new GM and coach as well as play ball.”

Peter Rosenberg’s Conspiracy Theory: Rosenberg posits that Woody Johnson's decision to potentially let go of Rodgers stems from a desire to retain ultimate control over the franchise, fearing Rodgers’ growing influence might overshadow his own.

• Rosenberg (05:45): “I think Woody Johnson looks at these two years terrific. His team’s being talked about. He sold a bunch of tickets early on… So from a marketing standpoint, this was a coup.”

Michael Kay’s Support for Rodgers: Michael Kay emphasizes Rodgers' enduring skills and mental fortitude, advocating for his continued presence in the Jets’ lineup.

• Kay (15:08): “I see it. I can see that he hasn't lost the throwing ability to passing ability. I just know he knows what's happening out there at all times on the field.”

3. Coaching Debates and Team Strategies

Brian Daboll vs. Shane Steichen: The discussion shifts to the Jets’ coaching decisions, debating whether to retain Brian Daboll or bring back Rex Ryan. Critics question Daboll’s effectiveness despite his coaching acumen, pointing to the team’s inconsistent performance.

• Namath (11:56): “They got boat raised by a great team in the Eagles. That was a great team.”

Peter Rosenberg’s Perspective: Rosenberg argues for Daboll’s retention, citing his dedication and the challenges posed by player performance issues like Daniel Jones’ inconsistency.

• Rosenberg (10:15): “Is Brian Daboll a better option than other guys that you could have brought in to coach this team?”

Michael Kay on Coaching Stability: Kay advocates for stable coaching to foster team synergy, suggesting that frequent changes disrupt the team's progress.

• Kay (20:11): “You got to get somebody in there that the players are going to trust and believe in.”

4. Chicago Bears Season Review

Season Struggles and Future Outlook: Rich Samini provides a detailed review of the Chicago Bears' disappointing season, highlighting the challenges faced due to injuries and quarterback performance. He underscores the potential for future improvements with strategic coaching hires.

• Samini (36:54): “As a Chicago Bears fan, I'll tell you… expectations were through the roof… but everything went south, and then it was just a slow log for the rest of the season.”

Coaching Considerations: The conversation touches on possible coaching changes, with mentions of Rex Ryan possibly taking over and enhancing the Bears’ chances for success in the coming seasons.

• Samini (38:52): “You hope so. You look at that offense and it runs like a smooth machine… they’ve got great weapons, but just the scheme… it's unbelievable to see.”

5. WWE’s Monday Night Raw Debut on Netflix

Partnership Announcement: Seth Rollins announces the debut of Monday Night Raw on Netflix, emphasizing the significance of this billion-dollar partnership between WWE and Netflix. He highlights the unique aspects of live programming and its appeal to wrestling fans.

• Rollins (28:56): “Monday Night Raw is the longest running episodic television show in history… going to Netflix and now being on a streaming service as the exclusive place to get it worldwide, it's a game changer.”

Fan Reactions and Industry Impact: Rich Samini discusses fan excitement and logistical questions regarding the move to a streaming platform, indicating minimal resistance and a positive reception overall.

• Samini (31:25): “All excitement, yeah. There’s tons of questions, right? Like, how’s it gonna work? What’s the rating going to be? But… there’s a real enthusiasm about us landing on the biggest streamer in the game.”

Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk Match: The hosts delve into the upcoming match between Seth Rollins and CM Punk, highlighting the personal vendetta Samini holds against Punk due to past conflicts. Samini expresses eagerness for the showdown, viewing it as a cathartic event.

• Samini (34:15): “I finally get the opportunity to slap this guy in the mouth… there’s going to be a catharsis involved with that.”

Behind the Scenes Dynamics: Rich Samini elaborates on the complexities of performing intense matches while maintaining professionalism, acknowledging the inherent dangers and emotional stakes involved.

• Samini (35:14): “It’s just dangerous… there’s a real emotion behind it… you’re the ultimate professional who cares for your opponents.”

6. Additional Topics and Caller Interactions

Becky Lynch’s WWE Involvement: A brief mention is made regarding Becky Lynch’s potential participation in the Royal Rumble, though Samini maintains a boundary between personal and professional life.

• Samini (41:53): “I have no idea. You know, that’s one of the things we keep our business separate.”

Caller Segment: A caller shares personal news about the birth of his child and inquires about the Knicks’ strategies before the trade deadline. The hosts provide insights into Knicks' roster decisions and discuss recent developments in other NBA teams.

• Caller (46:02): “My wife and I actually just had our first baby New Year's Day.”
• Namath (48:25): “You can't. There's no mathematics that can happen without gutting your team even more.”

Notable Quotes

• Rich Samini (01:21): “NFL media policy requires teams to hold a news conference with its head coach and or chief executive/president GM at the end of seasons. Now the Jets are going through a search…”

• Peter Rosenberg (02:50): “He wants to talk. So when he is, when he doesn't talk, it's the Jets stopping him from talking because they don't want to say something.”

• Joe Namath (03:44): “Sure, you end a losing streak against the Dolphins, but I see what… You can't let them speak. You can't say all I care as we won the last meaningless game.”

• Michael Kay (15:08): “I see it. I can see that he hasn't lost the throwing ability to passing ability. I just know he knows what's happening out there at all times on the field.”

• Seth Rollins (28:56): “Monday Night Raw is the longest running episodic television show in history… going to Netflix and now being on a streaming service as the exclusive place to get it worldwide, it's a game changer.”

• Rich Samini (34:15): “I finally get the opportunity to slap this guy in the mouth… there’s going to be a catharsis involved with that.”

Conclusion

In this episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," the hosts offer a comprehensive and insightful discussion on the New York Jets' current struggles and potential future moves, particularly focusing on Aaron Rodgers' role and coaching decisions. They also review the Chicago Bears' disappointing season and explore the significant partnership between WWE and Netflix for the debut of Monday Night Raw. Special guest Joe Namath provides veteran perspectives on team management and media relations, while Seth Rollins and Rich Samini bring in their unique insights from the worlds of wrestling and sports fandom. The episode is rich with expert opinions, personal anecdotes, and engaging debates, making it a must-listen for fans of New York sports, NFL dynamics, and WWE developments.