Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 3 – Lack of QBs

Release Date: April 11, 2025

In the third hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Alan Hahn, Don La Greca, and Peter Rosenberg tackle a range of sports topics with their characteristic blend of insight, humor, and candid discussion. This episode primarily focuses on the NFL’s ongoing quarterback shortage, the Yankees' game postponement due to severe weather, and memorable moments from the Masters golf tournament. Additionally, the hosts engage with listeners through fraud alert segments and light-hearted banter, ensuring an engaging experience for both regular listeners and newcomers.

1. NFL Quarterback Shortage

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the NFL’s troubling scarcity of elite quarterbacks. The hosts analyze the repercussions of this shortage on team competitiveness and overall league dynamics.

• Derek Carr’s Injury and Future: Peter Rosenberg highlights the dire situation facing the Saints with Derek Carr’s shoulder injury threatening his season participation. “If Derek Carr doesn’t play this season, we’re looking at a career crossroads for him,” Peter notes [17:34].

• Impact on Team Strategies: Alan Hahn and Don La Greca discuss how teams like the Giants are grappling with quarterback decisions, debating whether to nurture potential talents or invest in building robust defenses instead. “If we can’t get a quarterback, we need to build a killer defense,” Alan asserts [29:08].

• Development and Coaching Issues: The hosts criticize the lack of effective quarterback development programs and coaching strategies within the NFL. Peter emphasizes, “There are just not enough good coaches to develop good quarterbacks,” pointing to a systemic problem [05:32].

Notable Quote:

“There’s just not enough elite quarterbacks coming up in the draft. They’re not developing quarterbacks because the other problem the NFL has is they don't have enough good coaches to develop good quarterbacks.” – Peter Rosenberg [05:32]

2. Yankees’ Game Postponed Due to Severe Weather

The podcast delves into the frustrations surrounding the Yankees’ decision to proceed with their game against the San Francisco Giants despite forecasted heavy rain, leading to poor fan experiences.

• Fan Inconvenience and Refund Issues: Alan Hahn expresses his frustration over the Yankees opening the gates amidst a clear forecast for torrential rain, resulting in traffic chaos and financial inconveniences for fans who end up paying for parking without attending the game. “This is the bait and switch. Come in the building... then we'll give you the refund,” Alan vents [03:11].

• Management Decisions Critiqued: Don La Greca criticizes the Yankees’ management for prioritizing revenue over fan satisfaction. “Why are they not just looking at the weather report and understanding that this is a no-go tonight?” he questions [05:11].

• Annual Recurrence: The hosts lament that this issue recurs annually, suggesting a lack of strategic foresight from the Yankees’ leadership. “This happens every year... what are you doing?” Don emphasizes [05:11].

Notable Quote:

“This is the bait and switch. Come in the building. Oh, and then we'll give you the refund and you can come back to the next game.” – Alan Hahn [03:11]

3. Masters Tournament and Golf Stories

Shifting gears to golf, the hosts discuss the Masters Tournament, focusing on veteran golfer Bernard Langer and other memorable moments that highlight the sport’s enduring appeal.

• Bernard Langer’s Performance: Don La Greca highlights Bernard Langer’s near miss in making the cut, reflecting on the excitement that veteran players bring to the tournament. “He had a double bogey on a par five late in the second round... it just makes golf unique,” Don explains [12:50].

• Comparisons to Iconic Sports Moments: The conversation reminisces about Jimmy Connors’ legendary run at the US Open, drawing parallels to current golf narratives. “Those moments where a player can reach back and give you one last performance,” Alan reflects [14:05].

• The Unique Nature of Golf: The hosts appreciate golf’s unpredictability and the emotional highs it offers, contrasting it with more physically demanding sports.

Notable Quote:

“It really is one of the all-time great things you can do as a man in this country... It would be like you could jump onto the court and play for the Raptors for 15 minutes.” – Don La Greca [15:37]

4. Audience Interactions and Fraud Alerts

Interspersed with the main topics, the hosts engage with listeners through fraud alert segments, addressing concerns and sharing humorous anecdotes related to sports ticketing fraud.

• Fraudulent Activities: Alan Hahn discusses the increasing instances of fraud related to sports events, emphasizing the need for vigilance. “It's definitely fraud... because we didn't provide them entertainment,” he explains [20:51].

• Listener Stories: The hosts share humorous and relatable caller stories, enhancing the show’s interactive element.

Notable Quote:

“It's definitely fraud... because we didn't provide them entertainment. We did nothing for them, and they had to pay for parking.” – Alan Hahn [20:51]

5. NHL and Fan Dynamics

The episode also touches upon NHL topics, specifically the Devils hosting the Penguins and the influence of the Carolina Hurricanes on the local fanbase dynamics.

• Team Scheduling Conflicts: The hosts discuss the recurring matchup between the Devils and Hurricanes, highlighting fan frustrations and the logistical challenges it presents. “The Devils already know who they're going to play in the first round. That is the Carolina Hurricanes,” Alan states [45:03].

• Fan Base Impact: They explore how rivalries and team movements affect fan experiences and game attendance.

6. Closing Remarks and Light Banter

As the episode winds down, the hosts engage in playful banter, reflecting on the day’s discussions and teasing upcoming content. They maintain a light-hearted tone, ensuring a memorable end to the episode.

• Reflecting on the Day: The hosts summarize key points, share personal anecdotes, and interact humorously about the episode’s content.

Notable Quote:

“We are the only people who can turn a game time read into seven minutes of content. But that's a team effort to do that.” – Don La Greca [47:25]

Key Takeaways:

• NFL Quarterback Shortage: Critical analysis of the scarcity of elite quarterbacks and its impact on team strategies and league competitiveness.
• Yankees’ Game Postponement: Frustrations over management decisions prioritizing revenue over fan experience amid severe weather forecasts.
• Masters Tournament Insights: Appreciation of veteran golfers and the unique excitement golf brings through its unpredictability.
• Fraud Alerts: Addressing fraudulent activities related to sports events and engaging with listener stories.
• NHL Fan Dynamics: Exploring team scheduling conflicts and their effects on fan experiences.

The "Lack of QBs" episode offers a comprehensive and engaging discussion on pressing sports issues, enriched by notable quotes and insightful commentary from the hosts.