Hour 3: NFL Trust Tree

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast — Hour 3: NFL Trust Tree

ESPN New York | September 29, 2025

---

Episode Overview

This hour finds Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg right in their New York wheelhouse, blending sharp NFL analysis with inside jokes and caller interactions. The big theme? NFL unpredictability, trust—or lack thereof—in teams amid a chaotic early season, the emotional state of Giants and Jets fans, and exactly what kind of hope, if any, is left for lovers of New York football. Along the way, the crew shares reactions to Jackson Dart’s first Giants win, bemoans yet another MetLife ACL injury, dives into coaching bravado, and takes light-hearted detours through sports nostalgia and New York lore.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The ESPN NY Couchcast & Celebrity Lineup

[00:52-03:22]

• The guys riff on the upcoming “Couchcast”—an ESPN NY alternate feed for Jets vs Dolphins with a parade of on-air personalities dropping by, building hype for a new kind of viewing experience.
• Internal jockeying about who’s showing up, with playful needling over absences and side gigs.

  “Tell ass man to get his ass here and work for us. All right.” — Don La Greca [02:19]

2. Giants’ Win, Draft Dynamics, and Quarterback Futures

[03:22-04:23]

• Discussion transitions to the Giants’ much-needed win and how draft order angst (“tanking”) does or doesn’t matter in hindsight.
• The QB debate: Cam Ward vs Jackson Dart—highlighting the unknowable nature of draft-day decisions.

3. The NFL Trust Tree: Chaos Reigns

[04:23-07:06]

• Peter marvels at how every team feels untrustworthy: huge swings week-to-week, defenses that disappear, offenses evaporating.

• “You just cannot figure this league out for the first…” — Peter Rosenberg [05:12]

• Don contends, “We’re still in preseason,” pointing to teams not knowing their identities until October.

• Alan and Peter agree: right now, only the Eagles and Bills (and maybe the Lions) inspire actual trust.

  “All right, so the only two teams you trust are the Bills and the Eagles right now.” — Alan Hahn [07:46]

4. NFC and AFC Frontrunners, Up and Down Teams

[07:06-10:25]

• Deeper dive into specific teams: trust issues with Detroit, Green Bay, Baltimore. Peter: “Everything they gained in the first two weeks, they lost in the next two weeks.”
• The consensus is that even teams like Baltimore and Cleveland feel shaky, and the AFC North is a mess.

5. The Giants' Decision-Making — Coaching Aggression and Hindsight

[10:44-14:23]

• Caller Frank from Harrison questions how a young, losing team gets inspired—Do coaches have to be aggressive?
• Don argues for “logical aggression,” pushing back on recklessness, especially with young teams.

  “It's got to be logical aggression, Frank...” — Don La Greca [11:11]

• Peter brings old-school wisdom:

  “I've been watching football for 40 years...No, get the points. Go up six.” — Peter Rosenberg [13:59]

6. Jackson Dart’s Debut & Giants Euphoria

[14:24-17:51]

• Hahn notes the rookie QB played with poise (no turnovers, managed the game), but Peter is less wowed:

  “Can we just meet in the middle here? He didn't give you, oh my God, I think we found our guy.” — Peter Rosenberg [14:42]

• The loss of top WR Malik Nabers to an ACL injury darkens the win—both as a blow to team and Dart’s development.

7. MetLife Turf Debate — Injury Plague

[16:49-18:13]

• Don laments the “wet blanket” of ACLs at MetLife.

  “Somebody gave the list, like, how many guys have lost seasons to ACL injuries at MetLife?” — Don La Greca [16:38]

• The troubling stat: 14 ACLs at MetLife since 2020.

8. Giants Fan Raw Emotion: Voicemails from the Meadowlands

[32:26-36:44]

• Tessa from West Caldwell calls, voice hoarse from cheering at MetLife—her emotion underscores just how starved Giants fans were for hope.

  “It literally...the building was shaking. I've never...been a part of something like that.” — Tessa [32:41]

• Appreciation of the Giants’ conservative gameplan for the rookie, and skepticism about Dabol’s offensive ceiling.

9. Jets Fan Malaise, Expectations, and Coaching Doubts

[27:11-30:18]

• The guys prod Alan about his dead-inside attitude as a Jets fan: “Is there anything that could happen tonight to get you in the vicinity of how Giant fans feel?” — Don La Greca [27:28]
• Alan is downbeat, unconvinced anything would restore hope. The only thing that would make him emotional is more evidence the Jets are poorly coached.

10. Who’s the Most Swole New York Football Coach?

[40:01-44:36]

• Mo from Jacksonville raises a coaching scuffle, leading to an extended riff on which current or past NY coach was the most “swole.”

• “I don’t like that word, but Damian Woody described him as swole…” — Don La Greca [40:53]

• Jokes about memorable old baseball managers (Sparky Anderson, Jim Leyland) looking ancient while in their 40s, and the difference in athlete size through eras.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “In the NFL, you can’t mess around.” — Don La Greca [07:44]
• “You can bury yourself. Right. So the Jets lose...your Own four. It doesn’t matter, really.” — Don La Greca [06:05]
• “If they just attack the Tush Push from a football fundamental standpoint instead of the Eagles are too good…good burns. That’s what they do.” — Don La Greca [06:37]
• “Well, I know we got some large...Understand we're not missing any. Now Ray Santiago is gonna be here...” — Don La Greca [03:08]
• “That neighbor's loss, man, that's a big loss.” — Alan Hahn [16:31]
• “Tessa from West Caldwell: ‘It literally...the building was shaking. I've never...been a part of something like that yesterday. Everybody was hugging, kumbaya. It was insane. It was thrilling. It was uplifting. It was motivating. I feel like they attached pieces of my soul again, you know?’” [32:41]
• “If the Jets look poorly coached, they get run out of the gym and they lose. Livid, because then I know I don’t have a coach.” — Alan Hahn [29:51]

---

Highlighted Timestamps

• Couchcast preview, wild lineup: [00:52-03:22]
• Giants’ win and tanking argument: [03:22-04:23]
• NFL Trust Tree: chaos, trust issues, Eagles & Bills: [04:23-07:06]
• AFC/NFC division debates and trouble teams: [07:06-10:25]
• Caller Frank—aggression, coaching style debate: [10:44-14:23]
• Jackson Dart’s debut & Malik Nabers injury: [14:24-17:59]
• MetLife’s ACL problem: [16:49-18:13]
• Tessa’s powerful Giants fan call: [32:26-36:44]
• Jets emotional state, pessimism: [27:11-30:18]
• Swole coaches & Sparky Anderson’s age: [40:01-44:36]

---

Tone & Style

As always, the tone is quick-witted, irreverent, and authentic to the hosts’ New York radio roots. There’s the banter and razzing you’d expect between old friends, but also flashes of genuine feeling—especially from fans desperate for hope and from the hosts when discussing the realities of team-building and the grind of NFL seasons.

Don is big on old-school football logic, has emotional investments in NY teams, and relishes a good tangent.
Alan is the battered Jet fan, always analytical but a tad fatalistic.
Peter brings the zingers, hip hop analogies, and a sharp eye for what the audience is really feeling.

---

For New Listeners

This episode is a strong standalone—an immersive primer in both the current mood of New York sports and the whiplash nature of modern NFL fandom. Come for the breakdowns, stay for the catharsis, and enjoy the inside jokes about swole coaches and curly-haired broadcasters. Whether you’re a New York diehard or just love football’s unpredictability, you’ll recognize the mix of hope, skepticism, and gallows humor that defines the city’s sports pulse.

---

Want the full fan experience?
Don’t miss the “Couchcast” for Jets/Dolphins on YouTube—it might just be the start of a new tradition in sports media.

Transcript

[Don La Greca]

Some days call for working up a sweat, working on your passion and endless action. Ditch the glitch with Liquid IV's new energy multiplier. Sugar free refreshing flavors like strawberry, kiwi and BlackBerry lemonade. Scientifically formulated to support physical energy, hydration, focus, mood and social stamina. Liquid IV's new energy multiplier, sugar free hydrating energy. Tap the banner to learn more.

[Alan Hahn]

This is the dark Han at Rosenberg podcast.

[Don La Greca]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Alan Hahn]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.

[Don La Greca]

Game time is brought to you by Tellam or do Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, guys.

[Caller]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's Tolly time.

[Alan Hahn]

That sounded like Fred Flintstone. Yeah, I thought that was a Wilma coming.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I never really noticed that before. Well, if I bring the Flintstones, I like it. The jets face the Dolphins on Monday night football on ESPN at 7:15. But you know, that's the way the old folks used to do it. The youngins are going to be listening and watching us on the couch. Cast on YouTube channel kids like you dream. Because everybody, me, Peter Allen, Michael K, Rick D. Pietro, Dave Rothenberg, Chris Carlin, we're all going to be hanging out here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So what's. Let's go over it one more time.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Ties on the air, of course.

[Alan Hahn]

Or he ties me live on the air. Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

And Dan and Bart have to do their work obligations on Q100.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The three of us.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Michael K. Yes. Carlin. Dave, Rick.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

And I think Jake is here too, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is Asmin here?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I think it. No, he's not.

[Alan Hahn]

No, he's.

[Caller]

What?

[Alan Hahn]

I don't believe he is. No.

[Don La Greca]

What are you talking about? You know what he's doing. He's probably hosting like 10 grand out of his pocket.

[Alan Hahn]

Exactly. Out of his pocket. I did try try to convince Bart, him and Willie to come by. I don't know if that'll happen, by the way. That would be amazing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That'll be fun. No room on the couch anymore.

[Alan Hahn]

Doesn't matter. It's just worth.

[Don La Greca]

Wait a minute.

[Alan Hahn]

What if.

[Don La Greca]

Is Jake doing some kind of yo yo thing?

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's not Yo Yo. I don't know if it's Yo Yo. I just.

[Don La Greca]

I just don't believe it's yo yo because he does these things on YouTube. He can't be competition, you know, we can't carnivore ourselves here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That would be disappointing.

[Don La Greca]

Tell ass man to get his ass here and work for us. All right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What if he has an event where he's making buku bucks though.

[Don La Greca]

But if it's on YouTube now he's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well what if it's not on YouTube? What if it's a non televised party where he's making a lot of money?

[Don La Greca]

Well, that's the only excuse. No, seriously, find out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He wants to know. Don wants to know.

[Don La Greca]

Listen, Anthony's got a lot on his plate. Jacob, make the call.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He wants to know make.

[Don La Greca]

I'll call him on the air right now. I'll let it know now because no, if he's making money. No, it's all about the cash. Yeah. The cache. But if he's doing something on YouTube, that's a. That's poor form.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Bad to get right up against us, you mean. And by the way, he's. He's got a built in audience there. He's been doing this for years.

[Don La Greca]

But in the world. And we want that audience so we need them.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You want a collab is on the case now.

[Don La Greca]

That's it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I get all the names on everyone.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, because Ty will get breaks and things.

[Alan Hahn]

Not that big of a couch now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I know we got some large.

[Don La Greca]

Understand we're not missing any Now Ray Santiago is going to be here but he may not be like in camera shot.

[Alan Hahn]

I think we're just going to be floating around. We should discuss Cowboys with him though.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh yeah, that'll be. Oh boy, we got some fun there.

[Don La Greca]

Nobody hates the Cowboys more than him. As a cowboy fan right now, it's amazing. All right. But I should close out the read, shall we? Tullamore Due. The original triple distilled triple One dead and triple cast mature at Iris Whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore due or try the new Tullamore Dew Honey during today's action glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Due responsibly. So we're looking forward to that. But it's nice to just get the Giants. Probably their best win in a long time. I know they beat Indianapolis, but most Jet fans hated that. Most Giant fans hated that because it hurt the draft pick. Although now why would you care?

[Alan Hahn]

Right?

[Don La Greca]

Because this might be the guy you wanted all along. See, that's why I always talk about not wanting the Tank. Because all the Giant fans want them to lose to Indianapolis. They would have gotten Cam Ward.

[Alan Hahn]

Sure.

[Don La Greca]

For all we know Jackson Dart might be the better quarterback. May not be.

[Peter Rosenberg]

May not.

[Don La Greca]

We don't know. The Giants would have taken Cam Ward and we'll see by that Tennessee A Met. That's my one point. Got that. I wish that was my thousand point play because I had my three point play with the Packers. Very disappointed. I did nail the Tennessee. They got shut out. I mean brutal. Not good. And I got the jets today as my two point play.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Alan, you and I, it's funny because we didn't even hesitate on our three point play or two point play in my case. Your three point play being the Rams.

[Alan Hahn]

God, I needed that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But then in retrospect they. They made it ugly. Well, it was harder than it had to be.

[Alan Hahn]

They always make it ugly, but they still make it. That's all that matters. Pretty or ugly, I just need you to make it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And by the way and this is what I wanted to go back to before and we'll keep talking to the people about the Giants. 1-800-9193776 all your Giants thoughts. And the jets are playing tonight as well. But what do you make of this league? Every team that we talk about, we talked about. The packers defense didn't exist yesterday. Right. The Falcons got smoked by Carolina last week. They scored zero points last night. Yesterday the commanders could not stop them.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All they did Michael Pennix Jr. Who by the way, I'm not impressed by. I know he put up a ton of points yesterday.

[Alan Hahn]

He's got some weapons now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's got. Oh, he's got weapons. Legoard as Griffin Gourd.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But just. I don't like the way he throws the. And I just think it's slow release. I'm not impressed. But I mean we stunk we all day. You just cannot figure this league out for the first.

[Alan Hahn]

As you referenced the Carolina Panthers the week before did what not only shut them out, put up 30.

[Don La Greca]

30.

[Alan Hahn]

Did you see what they look like against New England?

[Peter Rosenberg]

They got completely bombed off by the Patriots.

[Don La Greca]

They had a lead early. Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Then it was awful.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Cleveland defense give up 40 something. Cleveland has the best defense in football.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Detroit couldn't find their way out of a paper bag the first week. Now they're back to being the Lions.

[Alan Hahn]

Now they're the Lions, if you will.

[Don La Greca]

You said the first few weeks that's we are still in preseason. We're still in.

[Alan Hahn]

I think this is like a week one. Right. Because the first three weeks generally feel like preseason. You're trying to figure it out now I think you're in. Okay. Now we know who we are.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think it's next week. I think this coming week is week one.

[Don La Greca]

But unfortunately the games count. So you can bury yourself. Right. So the jets lose. That's right. Your Own four. It doesn't matter, really. What you're not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What do you trust? What a difference.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, how about that? Who do you trust?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Give me one team that you outright trust. Outright Detroit.

[Alan Hahn]

You trust Detroit.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I trust Detroit.

[Alan Hahn]

Despite the first game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Eagles. Oh, sorry. Ego is number one without with a bullet.

[Alan Hahn]

Did you see what they did with the Tush Push? Now they're like, oh, watch this.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Now you're going to be. You're going to think you're going to stop. And now we got this. Like the wrinkle they just threw in, it almost feel like it was too early in the season.

[Peter Rosenberg]

See, that's why.

[Alan Hahn]

That's crazy what they're doing.

[Don La Greca]

Again, I said. I emphasize. I'm going to keep saying it over and over again. If they just attack the Tush Push from a football fundamental standpoint instead of the Eagles are too good. Because when you go after good, you get burned. Right. Yankees are good. You went after a Met fans.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Guess what?

[Don La Greca]

The Met fans that did go after him, you get burned. Go after the Eagles, you're going to get burned. You know why? Because good burns. That's what they do. And the Eagles are just good. So now everybody's all caught up on the Tush push. Now they're, they're. They're finding other ways to score around that. Eagles are good. And.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

And here's a note to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He could have run. Saquon could have run for an hour.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, he could have run a circle. He could have made a circle.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Figure eight, by the way. I think I could have gotten in from there. Everyone fell in the middle.

[Alan Hahn]

All you would have to do is catch the ball, like just, Just not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Drop it when he.

[Alan Hahn]

Just don't drop that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And don't tear my meniscus on the run.

[Don La Greca]

Anthony brings up a good point, too. In the afc, you still have to trust the Bills.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

There's no reason.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And they, you know, bat the bunny. They totally batted the bunny.

[Don La Greca]

Well, that's why. That's why.

[Alan Hahn]

Batted the bunny. And they still.

[Don La Greca]

15 and a half.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What, they end up winning by 12.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's why I can't do it.

[Don La Greca]

That's why it was a brain.

[Alan Hahn]

But you don't bet that game.

[Don La Greca]

But that's why you.

[Alan Hahn]

That's why they bet the bunny.

[Don La Greca]

In the NFL, you can't mess around.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, so the only two teams you trust are the Bills and the Eagles right now.

[Don La Greca]

Sure.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I'd say Detroit's right there.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, yeah, you mentioned Detroit.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay. Because the packers were a team we all thought we trusted. I don't trust them.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sorry. Real quick. And Ballard's having. He's borderline out of his mind today. I think he's a very emotional person. They. I'm sorry. They lost to Cleveland and then they gave up a 40 spot to the Cowboys.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm not saying they're not going to turn out to be great in January, but I will say that what we saw the first two weeks may have not been a full representation of who they are.

[Alan Hahn]

Everything they gained in the first two weeks, they lost in the next two weeks. That's how I feel to some extent. We're back to. We're back to zero with them.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. I don't know.

[Alan Hahn]

I still don't know who you are.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You can't tell me you're favoring them still to win the division over Detroit.

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. Right. This week.

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You can't tell me you feel that way this week.

[Don La Greca]

And if. And the other way. The good teams that I think are in big time trouble. The Ravens are in big time trouble.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because they're a week away.

[Don La Greca]

Because now they don't have the tiebreaker against Kansas City or Buffalo.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yep.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, that's that, though. But they could still win that division.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Here comes Raven. Boy, he might as well be a Ravens fan. No, no.

[Don La Greca]

You.

[Alan Hahn]

Me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's looking around. Alan's looking around.

[Alan Hahn]

Here we go. Me, Raven.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, you love the. You love the pick. The Ravens. You love Lamar.

[Alan Hahn]

I think you are a Raven man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Stone it.

[Alan Hahn]

All right. I'll give you that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And they're in trouble right now.

[Alan Hahn]

I worked with a former Raven.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know you.

[Alan Hahn]

Two of them, actually, for many years. Current ramp. So Ram. So. But no, I see their schedule coming. Look at. Look at the division they got the Texas.

[Don La Greca]

You just said that.

[Alan Hahn]

They have a bunch of home games coming up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They got the Rams at home. They got the Bears at home. They got to. They got to get.

[Alan Hahn]

Their defense is. Is hard to fix in the middle of a season like that because what they're missing, they don't have. The problem is that division, which you thought would be a gauntlet because it's always a tough division. Do you trust Steelers and Rogers? Do you trust.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Alan Hahn]

All right. No. No borough in Cincinnati.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nope.

[Alan Hahn]

And then Cleveland.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Cleveland's Cleveland.

[Alan Hahn]

Cleveland's got Dylan Gabriel starting now. Quarterb. But they're only like a week away.

[Don La Greca]

One hit away.

[Alan Hahn]

And Shadow is a quarterback.

[Don La Greca]

They can win the division. But. But unlike Kansas City last year, the Ravens are not equipped winning Three games to get to the super bowl, two on the road like Kansas City could, because that's how great they were.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

So they'll win the division, they'll get the home game, they'll get that Saturday afternoon against Houston.

[Alan Hahn]

But their defense is not tough enough.

[Don La Greca]

They're not going to Buffalo, and they're not going to Kansas City to win in the playoffs.

[Alan Hahn]

That reputation of the Ravens and tough defense and physicality, Ray Lewis, that's go.

[Don La Greca]

Gone, gone, way gone. And let's see, man, they've had a very difficult schedule, for sure, a lot of nationally televised games, short weeks, all that stuff. They will get better. But that, you know, I don't think Houston's a given. Like, I, I, I would, I would say I would think they would win, but would you be shocked if they lost? And then the Rams.

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

And the Bears, like, all right, so maybe 2 and 1.

[Alan Hahn]

Where's Rams home for Ravens. Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Also see, that helps.

[Alan Hahn]

So Rams having to go across this country again.

[Don La Greca]

So, yeah, let's dive into the calls. 1-800-919-3776, Frank and Harrison, you're on ESPN New York. What's up, Frank?

[Caller]

Good afternoon, guys.

[Don La Greca]

Look, I'm, I'm all about.

[Caller]

You know, you know, taking, you know, taking the.

[Don La Greca]

Points that are given on the field.

[Caller]

You know, not chasing, not chasing after the points later.

[Don La Greca]

However, you have a young team that.

[Caller]

For the last two, maybe two to three years has been accustomed to losing.

[Don La Greca]

So outside of being aggressive, how do.

[Caller]

You inspire those men?

[Don La Greca]

A lot of times you have to.

[Caller]

Be aggressive, have to go out there and.

[Don La Greca]

But it's got to be logical aggression, Frank, because to your, to your logic is that you got to be aggressive.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

But it could also work, too. Now you're aggressive. You don't get the first down. And now, and now, now you're reeling because you're a young team and you give up the lead and you look back and go, why did we put ourselves in that situation?

[Caller]

A lot of times we used to.

[Don La Greca]

Criticize Tom Coughlin, and Tom Coughlin was the most conservative coach I've ever seen.

[Caller]

In the NFL back in the day on why he didn't, you know, he didn't go straight for the touchdown. He didn't try to, you know, put the exclamation point at the end of everything.

[Don La Greca]

So we're at that point now with.

[Caller]

A young team where, you know, this.

[Don La Greca]

Team has, in the last couple years.

[Caller]

Has done nothing but lose. And a lot of times the fan.

[Don La Greca]

Base was out of the Games flying helicopters, over. Well, I just, But I don't. Frank, I understand if you were telling me that at the end of the game they decided to go for two for the win instead of going to overtime, I'd understand what you're talking about. But I just. Peter said it best. I don't, I just don't. I think the cons outweigh the pros in that situation. You lost yardage on third down. What was it like fourth and goal from like, I think the five or six. So it wasn't even like at the one yard line. He's a kid, you don't get it. You know, you give him the ball back. And now the defense, it didn't matter. The defense made it a moot point. But boy, I would feel a lot more comfortable if I'm the Giants and I'm up six as opposed to three. And even if I give up a touchdown, I still have time to win the game on a field goal. Yeah, and even. And he also, to Peter's point, I mean, is a two possession game really putting the final nail in the coffin? A nine point lead against Justin Hero, is that really like aggressively ending the game or just making it a little harder for them? Now again, the defense made it a moot point. But you didn't know that at the time.

[Alan Hahn]

No, you didn't. Look, like I said, do I, do I think it was the right decision? Of course, because I have the hindsight to my benefit. But do I understand it? I understand it and I think it's what Frank said. I think I understand the mentality in that moment was ride the wave of emotion and punch this thing in there at the three yard line. Okay? Punch this thing in.

[Don La Greca]

I was right. They lost yardage on third day.

[Alan Hahn]

Remember it was a keeper, right. And he got, he got sacked. That kid. What was that kid's name? I couldn't say his name. But from the Chargers, he was all over dart.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, he was very good.

[Alan Hahn]

Five sacks, like he might have three of them. But the past. Wanda Robinson, I mean he catches that. What?

[Don La Greca]

No, I get it.

[Alan Hahn]

You know what I mean?

[Don La Greca]

But I just did. I didn't think it was necessary at the time. But I think the way these coaches are in the NFL is, you know, it's the big bravado in the post game press conference. That's the way I am, I go for it. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's always the right thing to do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's two problems. It's the bravado and usually it's the numbers also. So like it. Usually they'll tell you. No, it makes more sense. You do go for it there, but I don't care. I've been watching football for 40 years. Forty, as a wise man once said, and now it's true of me also. No, get the points. Go up six. You have a young team trying to secure its first victory. You gotta just secure the victory.

[Alan Hahn]

I get it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And that's the thing.

[Don La Greca]

Make them score a touchdown.

[Alan Hahn]

Now the.

[Don La Greca]

The.

[Alan Hahn]

The. All the good news, right? Abdul Carter played great, right? Number one.

[Don La Greca]

I love that Dart.

[Alan Hahn]

Played great, right. For him for his first game. That's great. Come on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Played a good game.

[Alan Hahn]

If I would have told you, this is what would have happened. You'd say, well, you'll take it, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

You take it.

[Alan Hahn]

So he played. He gave you something. He gave you juice. He gave you everything you needed.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Could we just. Again, I'm gonna sound like I'm raining on it. Can we just meet in the middle here? He didn't give you. Oh, my God. I think we found our guy.

[Alan Hahn]

He gave you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I want to.

[Alan Hahn]

We got something here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, there's. There could be something here. Let's see more.

[Alan Hahn]

Didn't turn it over.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Alan Hahn]

Right. 13 for 20 like he. He was.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I just went back and watched every throw. There aren't a ton of good throws.

[Don La Greca]

That you got to see it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's not.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, well, let me just finish. The point is that, you know, Scatter Boo just shows you also a guy that's just willing to run. Run into a brick wall. How long that lasts for him. We'll see. But last but not least is to me, the real wet blanket on the day is Malik Neighbors.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And how you saw Dart looking at Neighbors like, you're my best player. I'm finding you as much as I can. He was looking for him every chance he could. And on that throw, Neighbors was trying to make a spectacular play. And that's when he popped the acl, which we found out today, officially, it's an acl. They lose him for the season. That, like, while. While everybody was still caught up in the euphoria of a, a win and B, that Dart looked serviceable. And you want to see more Dart not having Malik Neighbors, to me, that's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a big story.

[Alan Hahn]

That's a huge part of the story that I think will really show itself, especially against the better teams. Him not having that guy, who's one of the best young receivers in the sport, is really going to hamper any type of development he can have this year. That sucks what happened there. Yeah, that is absolutely sucks.

[Don La Greca]

It got over.

[Alan Hahn]

Not just for the kid, for the whole organization. For Dart, all of it. And I don't. I mean, yes, it's been talked about, but I just feel like it got lost in the excitement of the win. And, you know, Dart's number one selling jersey right now in the NFL. This is how Giants fans have really received this and are excited about it. But that neighbor's loss, man, that's a big loss.

[Don La Greca]

What it does is just. It puts an end to any thinking of.

[Alan Hahn]

Even if magical comes well, that they're.

[Don La Greca]

Going to run to the play. That's too big a loss. And also, I don't know, man, but, like, somebody gave the list, like, how many guys have lost seasons to ACL injuries at MetLife?

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, the turf.

[Don La Greca]

The turf. You know, again, I don't know. I'm no doctor. I can't. No, it's a thing, but it's a thing. The numbers are there, man. It's. It's nobody last year, but, like, from 23 to. I think they went back like 17.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean, I've seen on the MetLife turf, guys have the non contact. I just planted my foot and down I went. Type injuries. This was him. It looked like he was trying to jump off one foot, make a spectacular catch. I don't know if. If it is the turf, but the only way to know is did his foot get, like, jammed? I don't know or not, but he'll be the one have to explain it. But still, that. That absolute. That's such a wet blanket on the day.

[Don La Greca]

And, And. And.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And frankly, just from a. You. And you said this already, but from a development standpoint for Dart to lose.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, like top weapon because he can make catches, man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So it's. It's going to be hard.

[Don La Greca]

You don't have to be perfect.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're really getting now at the kid because all of a sudden, now you're thinking all about Wondale Robinson and Jalen Hyatt. It's not the same. It's just not the same.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, yeah. And Slayton, then you got to wait a year now to see Dart with neighbors instead of being able to see it develop over the course of a season.

[Don La Greca]

And then anticipated for next year, 14 ACLs since 2020.

[Alan Hahn]

Wow. On that turf.

[Don La Greca]

On that turf. Majority of them Giants, obviously. Aaron Rodgers, Fuller for Baltimore.

[Alan Hahn]

Rogers wasn't an ACL, though. Rogers was an Achilles.

[Don La Greca]

I'm sorry. So 13 doesn't Zach Wilson won as well.

[Alan Hahn]

Didn't Zach Wilson also pop something?

[Don La Greca]

But it's not on this list here. So all ACLs with the exception of Rogers Achilles and a partial patella tendon for Shane Lemieux. Otherwise it's all ACL since 2020. So we're talking five years.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You can't see anything in his to.

[Don La Greca]

Let you know what it is, but it's a lot. I don't know what you do about it, but the Johnson touchdown we all agree was really, really impressive. And Brian Dabel talked about that after the game. You know, it's interesting with that play. It was a little bunch play. We've worked it one way for, I don't know, 10 years since we've been running a play. And Dart sees me in the locker room right before I come out here, he's like, you know, on that play we ran, Theo and I talked about that, what it was yesterday, the day before. And if we get this look, I want you to sit. We normally don't really sit on it. So that's a credit to two young players playing the game and having confidence in a critical time to do what they talked about. Whether studying film and look, I got a lot of confidence in our rookie quarterback, you know, play. I thought the first drive touchdown was excellent as well.

[Alan Hahn]

That was a great drive 80 yards ago. Like it's the last time a rookie in his first start was Patrick Mahomes to lead a first, first drive, 80 yard touchdown drive. Did you like what Dart said, giving credit to Russell Wilson? Yeah, of course it was probably not necessary, but the fact that he had the wherewithal to show some like respect to the veteran, like, you know what I mean?

[Don La Greca]

It all could be true.

[Alan Hahn]

Like it may or may not, but it doesn't matter. It just kind of shows you what the kids about, right?

[Don La Greca]

It shows, hey, he's been a big help, but also he was making business decisions on the field. I just think that that's where we're at there. And, and then what happened because I guess he had to go into concussion protocol. You can see how mad he was that he had to leave. And then there's, you know, Russell Wilson.

[Alan Hahn]

After he boot all the crowd went crazy.

[Don La Greca]

But that's why Russell in that moment is exactly why he didn't scorch earth and demand a trade. Because what if it ended up being a concussion and he couldn't play the rest of the game? Guess what? Wilson's your quarterback. He's your quarterback and he's going to be your quarterback possibly next week, too. Right, Right. Because we only found out about Fields being out of concussion protocol today.

[Alan Hahn]

What's that got to feel like 80,000 people in the place you were once. Like, think about it. In Seattle, you walked on water. Now you're in New York, and the minute you step on the field, the crowd is booing, booing you. Like, think about where he was at one point in his career and where he is right now.

[Don La Greca]

It's sad, man, when nobody wants to see you play.

[Alan Hahn]

That's like, God.

[Don La Greca]

It's not deserved.

[Alan Hahn]

What a turn of events.

[Don La Greca]

I mean, that performance the week before, you know.

[Alan Hahn]

No, I understand.

[Don La Greca]

It was deserved.

[Alan Hahn]

Well earned.

[Don La Greca]

Whether that makes him feel better or not, I don't know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I know, but he's.

[Alan Hahn]

He.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He is sort of. I don't want to say he's built for this. That sounds like an insult, but he is sort of built oblivious, like.

[Alan Hahn]

He doesn't hear it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I know. Just being a team guy, that's at least what he's built. His reputation.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Whether. Whether his reputation is good or not, I'm not sure. It's really depends. He's one of the hardest players to read of Loud.

[Alan Hahn]

Loud. Unbelievable.

[Don La Greca]

Because it's a combination of how he's playing and how dart was playing before he got hurt. 1-800-919-3776. Enn's coming up at 6. Take it up to 7 o' clock and then it's the couch cast on ESPN New York.

[Alan Hahn]

Hey, guys. Every aspect of your business, from the most mundane to the most complex, will operate orders of magnitude better and faster. When you add artificial intelligence, you know AI. AI is literally right now a race to the top. Companies that engage AI first will win. Will that be you or will it be your competitors? Thrive Managed AI is your advantage over all your competitors. Founded by tech powerhouses, Thrive partners you with on partners with you on a smart and secure AI strategy for your business. Then they deploy and manage it for you. Probably need AI to read this. Imagine AI solutions working across every part of your business. Automating support, powering chatbots, analyzing competitors, even managing billing, collections and orders. That's just a taste of what Thrive managed AI can help you achieve. It makes your talented team even better by letting them focus on what they do best. The race to the top will be won by those who Engage Thrive managed AI first. That needs to be you. Go to ThriveNextGen.com ESPN and get started with a complimentary strategy consultation. That's ThriveNextGen.com ESPN Thrive NextGen.com ESPN this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is an ad by BetterHelp we all turn to some funny places for support, but not everyone is a therapist. Not everyone is the one. Find your right match with BetterHelp BetterHelp does the initial matching work for you so you can focus on your therapy goals. A short questionnaire helps identify your needs and preferences and their 10 plus years of experience and industry leading match fulfillment rate means they typically get it right the first time. If you aren't happy with your match, switch to a different therapist at any time. From their tailored recs, you can join a session with a therapist at the click of a button, helping you fit therapy into your busy life. Plus switch therapists at any time. As the largest online therapy provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of Expertise. Find the one with BetterHelp our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com timeout that's betterhelp.com timeout.

[Don La Greca]

I'm Christian.

[Alan Hahn]

McCaffrey, pro running back and Abercrombie is.

[Don La Greca]

An official fashion partner of the NFL. I'm not kidding when I say NFL by Abercrombie broke the Internet last year and I think this season's lineup is even cooler.

[Alan Hahn]

And so does my wife who keeps.

[Don La Greca]

Stealing all my hoodies. Stay fit for the season and Abercrombie's newest arrivals shop NFL by Abercrombie in the app, online and in store.

[Alan Hahn]

When did making plans get this complicated? It's time to streamline with WhatsApp, the secure messaging app that brings the whole group together. Use polls to settle dinner plans, send event invites and pin messages so no one forgets mom's 60th and never miss a meme or milestone. All protected with end to end encryption. It's time for WhatsApp message privately with everyone. Learn [e-mail] thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Alan Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don La Greca]

Get ready for a new Monday Night Football experience with the ESPN New York Couchcast when the jets take on the Dolphins for the Week 4 divisional matchup. Settle in on the couch. Join the alt cast with all of your favorite ESPN New York personalities for instant reactions. Unfiltered commentary behind the mic banter. Stream live on our YouTube page from kickoff to the final whistle. Grab your snacks and watch the game with the pros. It's the ESPN New York Couchcast presented by Calandra's Bakery, Jacobs Pickles and driven by the all American Ford Auto Group. Your giant Ford Auto Group with giants savings and a giant selection tonight starting at 7 on ESPN New York's YouTube channel. So Ty Butler is going to be in. Dan Gross has got to do the jets with Bart Scott. But everybody else will be here. And I'm not saying this for the promotion. I'm saying this because I'm feeling it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Don La Greca]

This is gonna be the biggest thing we've ever done.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, you guys have had beach bashes. Thousands of serious people.

[Don La Greca]

Yes. And those were all huge successes. And this is going to be the beginning of something huge. Because think about it. If this is successful with YouTube, we could be talking about thousands of people watching this. This could be something we do for, like a lot of big games. It could be in the future. Right? Because so think about, like, maybe, maybe in the future it's going to be a big Nick game or a big game.

[Alan Hahn]

Yankee World Series game.

[Don La Greca]

Yankees World Series game. There's so many different things that we can do with this that could be a lot of fun. And I think this is going to be the first of many. It may not be as big as this because of like getting everybody in one place at one time, which is obviously the most difficult obstacle to hurdle. Always something like this.

[Alan Hahn]

What do you.

[Don La Greca]

What this be a big deal aside.

[Alan Hahn]

From obviously watching the game and commenting on what we're seeing as we're seeing it, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Like, what is. What is the typical behavior of these types of watch.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think we do whatever we want.

[Alan Hahn]

Is it.

[Don La Greca]

Well, within reason. But I. I'm not going to take.

[Peter Rosenberg]

My you know what Out.

[Don La Greca]

Well, I think. Well, listen, if something doesn't happen, I will.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, so we've already discussed that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, but I think. I think we talk trash and have. It's a joint radio show with all of us.

[Don La Greca]

I think they tried to try to do the bootleg there instead of going for.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, exactly.

[Don La Greca]

The A gap.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. I mean, what are we going to do? Like, honestly.

[Don La Greca]

No, we're going to watch it. Like, we'd watch it. And you're going to be a voyeur into how we watch football. And you're going to have Jet fans. Alan's a Jet fan. Rick is a Jet fan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Alan's dead inside when it comes to the Jets.

[Alan Hahn]

I am dead inside.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's not even hyped for. Maybe this is the game hype to hang out. I need some Jacob's Pickles, I am dead serious.

[Alan Hahn]

And I'm more about the food spread and hanging out with the boys.

[Don La Greca]

Is there anything that can happen tonight? Now, this is a loaded question, but you, you're. You're an intellectual.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, very much.

[Don La Greca]

You're a deep thinker.

[Alan Hahn]

Too deep sometimes.

[Don La Greca]

Is there anything that could happen tonight to get you in the vicinity of how Giant fans feel?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like.

[Alan Hahn]

Like what will give me movement?

[Don La Greca]

Like, the jets go one in three. What could give you that kind of movement?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Movement, you're saying?

[Don La Greca]

That's what he said.

[Alan Hahn]

So, I mean, the Dolphins are pretty much bad, right? They're.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're ass, so it seems ass. Right.

[Don La Greca]

So just winning is not enough, Right. All right. You might.

[Alan Hahn]

What's gonna happen that's gonna make me puff my chest out and say, I damn right I'm a Jets fan?

[Don La Greca]

Like, Justin fields throws for 400 yards and four touches.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, it's like, yeah, the Dolphins win.

[Don La Greca]

The game, 40 to nothing.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, that'd be nice.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Fields goes off, be nice to.

[Alan Hahn]

Still ain't making up for the mud bowl. Still making up for the fake spike.

[Don La Greca]

You just defeated it. Nothing's gonna happen tonight that's gonna. You're asking me what am I getting?

[Alan Hahn]

What am I getting at?

[Don La Greca]

No, I'm just saying. I'm admitting there's nothing that's going to happen tonight that's going to get you as excited as Giant fans are for Jackson Dart, but you still have a young quarterback in Justin Fields. So if everything. If the defense finally plays to what we've been sold for years with this franchise and Fields goes off for a bunch of yards and touchdowns and you're one in three, so you're not in last place anymore. You get your first victory. You got some winnable games coming up. I'm just saying that. Is there a scenario where you can at least be excited about tonight?

[Alan Hahn]

No, I'm sorry. I guarantee if it was 24 to nothing with two minutes to go, I'd wonder how they're gonna blow this.

[Don La Greca]

That's where I'm just.

[Alan Hahn]

That's where I am done. I'm. I'm sorry.

[Don La Greca]

I mean, Peter was exaggerating, but. No, I'm in a real close.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm in a real place right now.

[Don La Greca]

You're in a really dark place.

[Alan Hahn]

I am because it's just hard for me to fathom what does the future look like?

[Peter Rosenberg]

What is good?

[Alan Hahn]

Because I don't know what to believe anymore.

[Don La Greca]

I'm gonna give you something.

[Alan Hahn]

Give me something to believe in.

[Don La Greca]

And I don't Know what it's gonna look like?

[Alan Hahn]

Have somebody call in as a Jets fan and tell me what I should be believing because I'm having a hard time.

[Don La Greca]

Your Jackson dart is Aaron Glenn, right? If you don't believe that Justin Fields really has any kind of a future, your hope is, is that you got at least got the coach. Yeah, I'm hoping we got the quarterback. You're hoping you got the, you know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You don't have coaches.

[Alan Hahn]

Mike McDaniel, where he is right now. But if you, you know what, I'll actually, you know what's really going to. You want me to be emotional tonight. I'll be livid. If the jets look poorly coached, they get run out of the gym and they lose. Live it, because then I know I don't have a coach. That guy's, that guy's walking and he just came and kicked your ass.

[Don La Greca]

And I don't know if there's anything.

[Alan Hahn]

Would set me off.

[Don La Greca]

And I don't think there's anything that happened tonight where you say, I got my coach, but there could be a game where he's like, you know what? That was a well coached game. The defense looked fantastic. They didn't give. I need to see Miami anything.

[Alan Hahn]

I need to see it start trending that way. Right. Like that's what I want.

[Don La Greca]

You're coming off one of those moral victories in town, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what you're coming off.

[Alan Hahn]

I know.

[Don La Greca]

So you got to follow that up with a win and an impressive win and maybe you start to believe just a little.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes. Yes.

[Don La Greca]

All right, let's get back to the phones. Let's go to Alex in the UPS truck. You're on espn, New York. What's up, Alex?

[Caller]

Hey, what's up, boys?

[Don La Greca]

So, hey, man, I feel good about yesterday, like it or not, you know, whether, if you want to say, threw for only 111 yards or like Peter said, his little, little pass, you know, that apparently doesn't mean that much.

[Caller]

You know, they got the dub and you just beat a team that was.

[Don La Greca]

3, 0 that just won three straight divisional games. Ran the ball 41 times. You know, I think they found an identity there.

[Caller]

The pass rush played good against an.

[Don La Greca]

Injured offensive line like Chargers team with no Joel, no Slater.

[Caller]

But hey, man, this, this league's about winning.

[Don La Greca]

And he did that. You know, I think they look good on third down.

[Alan Hahn]

Very good.

[Don La Greca]

And you know, like when you look.

[Caller]

At Jaden Daniels, man, he, you know.

[Don La Greca]

He didn't throw a touchdown his first game. He rushed for one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, Daniels was not. That's the thing. I didn't walk and see this is this. I'm glad you mentioned that. Daniels did nothing against in week one against Tampa. And I did not walk out going, oh my God.

[Alan Hahn]

No, it took.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was, it was when they beat Cincinnati on Monday Night Football that I went, we might have the guy and that was like a thriller. We threw multiple touchdowns. So all yesterday was was a good first day. Let's see what's next.

[Don La Greca]

And the thing is, is that also we're going to see how this ages for the chargers. They beat a 3, 0 chargers team that everybody was excited about. Chargers might turn around and lose the next four games. I don't know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who knows?

[Don La Greca]

I mean, the Chargers might end up being a team that doesn't make the playoffs.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, they just lost Joe Walt. Now that's their offensive line really start to get rickety and you know, that's not good for Herbert.

[Don La Greca]

That win could age poorly or it could age very well. Now, if this had happened last week against Kansas City, maybe you could say, well, Kansas City is not very good right now, but it's Kansas City.

[Alan Hahn]

Although it had they look yesterday, I don't know.

[Don La Greca]

Well, they're not going away. When it's all said and done, it might be the Chiefs that end up winning that division and not the Chargers or the Broncos and which is very possible. Let's go to, let's get back to the phone. How about Tessa and West Caldwell? I heard you were at the game, Tessa.

[Caller]

Guys, please excuse my voice because I was at the game yesterday and my voice is gone. But I did tea. I did everything. But it doesn't matter because I was there in the building. I just want to say this one thing, Don, before I make a comment and thank you guys so much for taking my call. Before I make a comment about the Giants, you already know I'm a die hard Yankee fan. And I just want to say, Don, when we lost Juan Soto to you guys, I wasn't that Yankees fan that felt like the Mets fan was like pumping their chest and hanging off the rim. I was the Yankees fan that it didn't matter who we lost him to. I was just pissed we lost him because I'm just so, so used as a Yankee fan getting what I want, you understand? So I never had no beef with the Mets. I felt like y' all should be like that. Are you kidding me? Look, you just got this world beater. Y' all should be like that. So I definitely wasn't that Yankee stand That felt like, oh, look at you guys thinking you're all that. No, you should feel like that. You just got this guy. I'm just a spoiled Yankee fan. That felt like, oh, we should just get whatever we want. So that's just how I was Don. That's just how I was feeling. And I felt so terrible for you yesterday because I felt like you're not even going to be able to really soak in this win because you're devastated over your nets. I felt bad for you. But just speaking of devastation as well, it's catastrophic. Losing Malik gave up neighbors. I felt guilty being happy for the win. I don't even want to go through that because I was just so sad for him and just our organization. But as a whole, I'm not joking, guys. I know I could be over the top, but I've been. I've been feeling like trash for the past thousands of years. You understand? With our Giant, it literally. I'm not joking, guys. The building was shaking. I've never. And I used to go to Giants game all the time before COVID Three, four times a year. I've never been a part of something like that. Yesterday, everybody was hugging Kumbaya. It was insane, guys. It was no beef. No, no, it was crazy. When they. When the defense got them out three and out, and then the offense comes back and scores 80 yards. To me, that was like, oh, my God, is this my Super Bowl? Because I don't even know when we're going again. That's how I felt yesterday. It was insane, guys. It was thrilling. It was up uplifting. It was motivating. I feel like they attached pieces of my soul again, you know? But it was amazing. But I do want to say this. I was happy before Jackson dart, but it was so vanilla. And I'm like, are they scared for him to throw it down the field? Are they just trying to be safe? Did they not? I saw a part of me was a little bit nervous and skeptical. Like, let him just go. Let's see what he's doing. And like, I do agree with Peter and I go front today. I'm not gonna get in the petty play pin. My voice won't even allow it. However, it did feel good that we weren't the trash and the losers on Sunday. And, you know, Peter's commander did lose. That did make me feel a little better, too, you know, just a little bit. But that's all I'm saying about that, Pete. I ain't gonna go too far today. Not today. My voice can't take.

[Alan Hahn]

Your voice. Sounds like you probably just need to take a drink and just drink a bite.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right now it's voice rest. That's really.

[Don La Greca]

Just really.

[Alan Hahn]

Don't push it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Water. It said, I just did this. It's warm and hot water. It's no talking.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, that's rough.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. You're not talking about a guy who seemed to split two games with a backup quarterback start.

[Alan Hahn]

The offense was by design conservative. It's his first start. He doesn't have full command of the playbook yet.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like the whole notion of just let.

[Alan Hahn]

Him throw it down the field, like they don't put. Baby steps, man. Baby steps.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The problem is, you're right. The hard part is I think a lot of people just don't know what Dable even has left. So we haven't seen. No one's seen anything in a long time from Dable that impressed them. And then yesterday, two years ago. It's been two years, so.

[Alan Hahn]

And remember two years ago, did Daniel Jones throw it all over the field or did they have a great running game?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Exactly.

[Alan Hahn]

And he was part of the running.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We've really never seen slinging under Dave.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, well, they never had the weapons and they were supposed to have weapons.

[Alan Hahn]

This year, the game against the Cowboys was slinging it.

[Don La Greca]

That's right.

[Alan Hahn]

But that's mainly because Cowboys were like, go ahead and sling it.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, we're not going to tackle, obviously, Neighbors losses, you know, changes things a little bit. But this team's got way more weapons than they had. And even. Even with. Even with Barkley a couple of years ago when they made the playoffs, they didn't have any receivers and they were kind of forced to. To do what they did. But maybe, you know, with Neighbors gone, it might feel a little similar, but that just shows you how bad things have been for this team. That a moment like that felt like the super bowl because the Giant fans are passionate and they. They haven't seen anything like that in such a long time. Again, Indianapolis last year, but everybody was rooting against them because they wanted a better pick. When was the last time they won again?

[Alan Hahn]

Playoff year. Had some. Some good, exciting moments ago. But. But the. She's right, though. That stadium like that, that was different for them. They needed a day.

[Don La Greca]

They needed that for sure, badly.

[Alan Hahn]

This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Checking off the boxes on your to.

[Don La Greca]

Do list is a great feeling. And when it comes to checking off coverage, a State Farm agent can help you choose an option that's right for.

[Alan Hahn]

You, whether you Prefer talking in person.

[Don La Greca]

On the phone or using the award award winning app. It's nice knowing you have help finding.

[Alan Hahn]

Coverage that best fits your needs.

[Don La Greca]

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Lowe's knows how to help make your.

[Alan Hahn]

Home holiday ready for less. Get select style selections vinyl flooring for just $1.99 per square foot and have it installed before the festivities begin. Our team can help you every step of the way. C Lowe's Red Vesting associate or visit lowe's.comholidayinstall to get started. Lowe's we help you save basic Install only.

[Don La Greca]

Date restrictions apply subject to availability. Install by independent contractors.

[Alan Hahn]

See Associate for details.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Contiguous US only mint is still 15amonth for premium wireless. And if you haven't made the switch yet, here are 15 reasons why you should. 1. It's $15 a month.

[Alan Hahn]

2.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Seriously, it's $15 a month month.

[Don La Greca]

3.

[Alan Hahn]

No big contracts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

4.

[Alan Hahn]

I use it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

5. My mom uses it. Are you.

[Alan Hahn]

Are you playing me off? That's what's happening, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay, give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront.

[Don La Greca]

Payment of $45 for 3 month plan. 15 per month equivalent required. New customer offer first 3 months only, then full price plan options available. Taxes and fees extra.

[Alan Hahn]

See mint mobile.com thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Alan Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. You would be complicated.

[Don La Greca]

What did I do?

[Alan Hahn]

Because you make it. When are you ever referenced this way? Ever, Ever, Ever.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's crazy.

[Don La Greca]

I didn't even know I was referenced.

[Alan Hahn]

I was trying to do a couple of bucks and it's like, you know.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, did you do it?

[Alan Hahn]

I'm doing it right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Watching Alan and Don try to come.

[Alan Hahn]

Together on a Venmo and who looks bad? I do know he. I'm the first to admit I know I look bad. Yeah, but I don't like owing people at all. Ever.

[Don La Greca]

It's me.

[Alan Hahn]

I know it's you, but doesn't it's me? I'm the one that's complicated, not you.

[Don La Greca]

Why are you getting me worried?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, what are you worried about?

[Don La Greca]

Well, because you're. You don't like borrowing money.

[Alan Hahn]

Makes me think because you're bad at paying. No, no.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a concern. I see.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm definitely always good for it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it hits different when Alan can't figure out something like tech because he looks like he's of a different generation. Like he's so young. And then you remember you guys are.

[Don La Greca]

The exact same thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You just got white hair. You're both lost on your phone. Let's be honest, he's got an iPhone, your phone's green. But he's pretty lost.

[Alan Hahn]

It's very lost.

[Don La Greca]

Let's go to Mo. He's in Jacksonville, Florida. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, Mo? Hey, how you guys doing?

[Caller]

I wanted to get your point on the Liam Cohen. Who would you guys bet on if.

[Don La Greca]

You had to put your hard earned money on it? Oh, Salah for sure. You see him? He's a piece.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We're getting there. We're getting there for you.

[Alan Hahn]

You saw it. Salah, like let him know, like, nah, you don't want to do that with me. He made that clear. Players were laughing.

[Don La Greca]

But do you guys think that Salah.

[Caller]

Can get potentially fined for this?

[Don La Greca]

Because I mean he used some derogatory.

[Caller]

Language towards calling and he also threatened his life.

[Don La Greca]

Like it's all on camera. So what do you guys think? Oh, that'll be a fine. They'll be a fine for sure. Because you can't do that.

[Alan Hahn]

Did not know that.

[Don La Greca]

This is all coming up on E and M. Oh yeah, we got it. For you not being able to get a mental picture of Cohen. I'm still saying that Salah the way Damian, I hate this word because it's so kid, but Damian Woody described him as swole. I don't like that word about who Solace.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're not a swole guy.

[Don La Greca]

No, I'm not particularly into swole.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm not anti swole, but it's, I.

[Don La Greca]

Don'T know, it doesn't do it for you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It. Because it's giving swollen.

[Alan Hahn]

You guys have met Salah in person, right?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, sure.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Bob, he is swole. He's just, he's, he's, he's built, he's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He'S a, he said if you met him in regular life, you think that's a pretty jacked up regular guy. He's pretty jacked up.

[Alan Hahn]

Alright.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm looking at him again right now from yesterday.

[Alan Hahn]

No, I literally have met him.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We've all met him.

[Alan Hahn]

Saying like, I, I don't recall going like, damn, guy's big.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, but you also worked with Bart.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, that's a good point.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like Bart makes.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, right. Bart makes regular people look skinny.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

No matter who it is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Same with like in like can't these. If these are physical giants.

[Alan Hahn]

By the way, being anywhere with Canti.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He'S really Respectfully, that man is a freak.

[Alan Hahn]

Like. Like I feel small around him.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You should.

[Alan Hahn]

He's the hug he gave me at his wedding. Like, you know, at the receiving line.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Where is it, dude?

[Alan Hahn]

Like, he lifted me off the ground.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What are you doing?

[Don La Greca]

You know what?

[Alan Hahn]

Thank you. A guy I've worked with for many years. I went to his wedding.

[Don La Greca]

That's a drop. Yeah, but you wanted people to know you went to as well.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

If I just randomly said the hug he gave me. Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Then now there would be no reason to play again. You're making it seem like it's a bad thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's just a thing.

[Alan Hahn]

It's just.

[Don La Greca]

It's a thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's just a thing you could have.

[Don La Greca]

Said when he hugged me. I felt it.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm so cute. You wanted people.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, the only thing would have been better is, you know, I remember when he hugged me as we were. We were over at Obama's house and I mean, I mean. But he said at his wedding.

[Alan Hahn]

So he's a fine.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because by the way, Don, you. You've worked with Canty before, haven't you?

[Don La Greca]

I wasn't about.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

I can't even get him to come. Things that he said he'd come to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I was. I wasn't invited.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay.

[Don La Greca]

So that's why I get the button and all that was in the message. And that's why there was the drop.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Correct. But he.

[Don La Greca]

That's where I was. That you weren't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But the point is, guess what? He's a gigantic, gigantic.

[Alan Hahn]

That's the. Yeah, that was the point.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And compared to them. No.

[Don La Greca]

No regular guy, though.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If you got into a solid. He was like out of control angry. You'd be like, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, bro. You're pretty muscular in shape guy.

[Don La Greca]

But when you look at the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's not tearing his meniscus on the stairs.

[Alan Hahn]

That's a good one.

[Don La Greca]

When was the last coach in New.

[Peter Rosenberg]

York football who wasn't a complete slob that.

[Don La Greca]

That looked anywhere close to solid? Yes. Wasn't overweight, but he was skinny, in good shape.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But he's older. He's 15 years older than.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, he's heavier.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, he's got.

[Don La Greca]

He's a decade ago and no Giant coach. When was the last Giant coachells? Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Coughlin was on the elderly side.

[Don La Greca]

Keep going. Bill Orange Barger was a mess.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know.

[Don La Greca]

He probably Alex Webster because he was.

[Peter Rosenberg]

A former player going way back. By the way, that's a great top five most jacked up swole coaches Top five swole coaches.

[Alan Hahn]

Swole coaches?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. Who else you got if you went outside football?

[Alan Hahn]

Joe Girardi using a chair. Pretty jacked up.

[Don La Greca]

Not. Not thick. But he was.

[Alan Hahn]

No, no, but he's.

[Don La Greca]

And then he's in good shape, but he's not. Oh, he's not big. Boone's underrated. Tall, though.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Best in shape. Baseball manager.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, you're going baseball.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I'm thinking baseball next. You mentioned Boone would have to be Sparky Anderson in his prime. You're not messing with Jim Leland. Jim Leland. Heater in mouth, flicking the heater in your face.

[Don La Greca]

We got it. We gotta. We've played the Sparky Anderson game before.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I love Sparkle, but, you know, he was 30.

[Don La Greca]

Like Sparky Anderson. 75 World Series. He looks 75 years old and he was 22.

[Alan Hahn]

I wonder how.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He was 22.

[Alan Hahn]

I wonder how old when they drafted Alan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

When they got Alan Trammell. He was 21 years old. They were the same age, Trammel.

[Alan Hahn]

And what year were you looking for?

[Don La Greca]

75.

[Alan Hahn]

Red.

[Don La Greca]

You're talking 84 tigers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I'm going tigers. He was still 21.

[Alan Hahn]

Let's see.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You don't want to know. You bet he was. I bet it's 40.

[Alan Hahn]

Let me look at the picture here.

[Don La Greca]

What year was he.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, good Lord, he's all gray.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, but what year was he born.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And what year was he born? That's the question.

[Don La Greca]

That's 1975.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I bet Don. He was born 1935. He's gonna be younger than me right now.

[Alan Hahn]

He was 50.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm going younger. I'm going 40.

[Don La Greca]

40.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm going. He's in his 40s.

[Alan Hahn]

He was born in 1934.

[Peter Rosenberg]

41 years old. 41 years old.

[Alan Hahn]

When I show now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let me see the pictures.

[Alan Hahn]

Ready?

[Don La Greca]

Turn it around.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I need it.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, yeah. Red Sparky. Oh, my God.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's 41. He's Steve Martin.

[Alan Hahn]

It looks like he dyes his hair white.

[Don La Greca]

Steve Martin now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Don La Greca]

They called him murderers in the.

[Alan Hahn]

Should have called him whitey. Let's be honest. Yeah, he's white. He's really white.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's the real white. He's Whitey Anderson.

[Don La Greca]

So. So in 84.

[Alan Hahn]

84 tigers. How about that? There you go. There you go.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like that's. Look at.

[Alan Hahn]

How old is he? What did you say?

[Peter Rosenberg]

He was there. That's 41.

[Alan Hahn]

41. That's 41. 41. People age different now. This poor man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And by the way, I'm blanking out because I've been like this. 56 years old. Who's he talking to there?

[Don La Greca]

Joe Morgan.

[Alan Hahn]

That's Joe Morgan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So Joe Morgan, the great Joe Morgan. Ten years ago, when he was still in the booth all the time, he looked better than Sparky looks there. In the 70s when Joe Morgan was 75 years old calling games.

[Don La Greca]

So 84. Sparky was 50.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Show it the tiger picture.

[Alan Hahn]

Here you go. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

84 sparky.

[Don La Greca]

It's like the ghost of Christmas Pass.

[Alan Hahn]

The only thing that changed was his eyebrows went from brown to gray and.

[Peter Rosenberg]

His face is a little more sunken. He looks 80 there.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, my God.

[Alan Hahn]

That's. That's tremendous. Yeah, God bless him.

[Don La Greca]

God bless.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We love Sparky. But anyways, he's not the most.

[Alan Hahn]

There he is as a young man. His face still looks like he's like 40.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He looks like Aaron Judge as a young man.

[Don La Greca]

He does.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, just Sparky Anderson looks like Aaron Judge.

[Alan Hahn]

A shorter version, but. Yeah, everyone's a shorter version.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, it's really true. All right, we'll give more to your calls at 1-800-919-3776. But coming up next, it's a Monday enn like no other.

[Alan Hahn]

Look at this.

[Don La Greca]

What year was that?

[Alan Hahn]

He's smoking a pipe.

[Don La Greca]

He's leaning into it.

[Alan Hahn]

He's got a pipe.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hold on. Hold on there. It looks like he should be yelling varshi blood.

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks for listening. Listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't want to know how the.

[Alan Hahn]

Sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter. Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers. This isn't just another ESPN fantasy football season.

[Don La Greca]

It's your shot at greatness. With a refreshed design, the ESPN Fantasy.

[Caller]

App is sharper than ever.

[Don La Greca]

So you can draft like a pro and dominate your league. And introducing gridiron Gauntlet, a new game mode where the best compete to be crowned the number one fantasy football player of 2025.

[Caller]

One app, one shot, one champion.

[Don La Greca]

Download the ESPN fantasy app and sign up to play ESPN fantasy football today.