Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 3 – Monica McNutt & NFL Ratings

Release Date: January 28, 2025

In Episode Hour 3 of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg engage in a dynamic and in-depth discussion with guest Monica McNutt. The episode delves into a variety of topics, including recent NFL performances, NBA insights, and the intriguing influence of pop culture on sports viewership.

1. Reflecting on the Recent NFL Sunday

The conversation kicks off with Monica McNutt sharing her thoughts on a recent agonizing NFL Sunday. She discusses the challenges faced by her team, highlighting critical turnovers and unmet expectations.

Monica McNutt [01:12]: "The turnovers kill you. I would never have fathomed this season in Jaden's rookie year, Dan Quinn's first year."

Monica expresses a sense of cautious optimism despite the setbacks, emphasizing that the team is building in the right direction.

Monica McNutt [01:58]: "It's cool. We're building, we're going in the right direction."

2. Super Bowl Support and Team Allegiances

Peter Rosenberg reveals his support for the Eagles in the upcoming Super Bowl, sparking a thoughtful response from Monica. She shares her nuanced stance, appreciating the players' journeys without fully committing to rooting for the team.

Monica McNutt [02:19]: "I do appreciate those guys and their journey through the league, but that's all I got."

3. Analyzing the Knicks' Offensive Prowess

Shifting focus to the NBA, Monica and Peter analyze the New York Knicks' remarkable offensive performance, citing back-to-back games with high-scoring outputs. They discuss the implications of such offensive highs juxtaposed with occasional defensive lows.

Monica McNutt [03:51]: "The offense is fantastic and the three ball is like a lifeline for this squad."

Don Hahn probes deeper into the team's defensive strategies, questioning whether recent performances hint at a stronger defensive approach for the playoffs.

Don Hahn [05:10]: "Did they show something against the league's best offense that they have another level of defense they can get to if they wanted?"

Monica counters by analyzing opposing teams' offensive strategies, suggesting that the Knicks have not yet unveiled a game-changing defensive tactic.

Monica McNutt [05:19]: "I don't feel like they snitched on themselves. I think this weekend or tomorrow, the Nuggets roll into town. That is a layered and nuanced offense."

4. The "Swifty Effect" on NFL Ratings

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the recent surge in NFL ratings, particularly the AFC Championship game attracting 55 million viewers. The hosts explore the concept of the "Swifty Effect," hypothesizing that Taylor Swift’s involvement with Travis Kelce has influenced viewership numbers.

Don Hahn [28:00]: "I think it is. I think it definitely is."

Monica contributes by examining various factors that contribute to the ratings discrepancy, including time slots and team rivalries. However, the consensus leans towards the substantial impact of Taylor Swift's fanbase on the numbers.

Peter Rosenberg [35:55]: "But I do believe this goes beyond. You said it goes beyond the football."

5. NBA Insights: Dwight Howard and De'Aaron Fox

The hosts shift gears to discuss potential NBA movements, focusing on Dwight Howard's rumored return and De'Aaron Fox's uncertain status with the Sacramento Kings. They debate the implications of these developments on their respective teams.

Monica McNutt [07:23]: "I think that in terms of the easiest way to tackle it is veterans minimum."

6. Personal Anecdotes and Listener Interactions

The episode features engaging interactions with callers, including heartfelt congratulations and personal anecdotes. Monica shares a memorable moment from a previous game where she was hit with a T-shirt, highlighting the camaraderie among the hosts.

Peter Rosenberg [19:17]: "When I got hit in the face when they launched the T-shirt."

7. Playoff Predictions and Team Strategies

As the conversation progresses, the focus returns to playoff strategies, particularly the Knicks' defensive adjustments. Don and Monica discuss the necessity of reinforcing the team's defense to compete effectively in the postseason.

Monica McNutt [43:04]: "Until Robbins is on the court, I can't say whether or not like it's."

8. The Future of NFL Viewership and Pop Culture Influence

In the closing segments, the hosts ponder the long-term effects of pop culture figures like Taylor Swift on sports viewership. They speculate on scenarios where personal milestones of celebrities could further influence audience engagement.

Don Hahn [49:14]: "Would that Swifty Twitter just implode if that happened?"

Monica adds a balanced perspective, acknowledging the overlap of personal interests with professional sports fandom.

Monica McNutt [46:04]: "I kind of like it. It's nice to see, like, the overlap of, like, two of my big interests."

Conclusion

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg masterfully intertwines sports analysis with contemporary cultural phenomena, offering listeners a comprehensive and engaging exploration of current sports dynamics. From dissecting NFL and NBA performances to examining the ripple effects of celebrity influence, the hosts and Monica McNutt provide valuable insights that resonate with both avid fans and casual listeners alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Monica McNutt [01:12]: "The turnovers kill you."
• Don Hahn [28:00]: "I think it is. I think it definitely is."
• Peter Rosenberg [35:55]: "But I do believe this goes beyond."

For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights shared by the hosts and guest Monica McNutt, ensuring you stay informed on the latest in sports and beyond.