Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast – Hour 3: NY Football & Damien Woody

Date: October 16, 2025
Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Notable Guest: Damien Woody

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the surging excitement and scrutiny facing New York Giants football after a marquee win against the Eagles, the resulting national attention (and potential backlash), and realistic expectations for the rest of the Giants’ season. The hour also tackles the New York Jets' quarterback issues and coaching questions, plus a robust New York hockey preview featuring the Devils’ home opener and the Rangers’ struggles. The trio is joined by Damien Woody for expert NFL insights, including a breakdown of the AFC and NFC contenders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Giants' Win and the "Target on the Back"

• National Spotlight:
  The Giants’ dramatic win over the Eagles and the viral on-field celebrations by young stars Jackson Dart and Cam Scatterboo have put the team, particularly those players, in the national spotlight.
• Attention and Motivation:
  Don and Peter warn that all this attention can bring extra motivation from opponents, who may now target these players as “showboats.”
  • Quote: “Once you get everybody's attention and they know you're going to dance, the tackles are going to have a little something extra to them.” – Peter Rosenberg [03:03]
• Big Market Effects:
  Don LaGreca discusses how playing in New York elevates attention:
  • Quote: “Here are the Giants...They beat the Eagles, and all of a sudden everybody's going nuts...I'm wondering if there's some markets and some players...are like, I want to shut these guys up. They haven't accomplished anything.” – Don LaGreca [03:50]

2. Generational and Cultural Clashes in the NFL

• Player Celebrations:
  The hosts debate celebrations, with Don preferring a “Barry Sanders, act like you’ve been there” approach, but recognizing the need for young players’ enthusiasm.
  • Quote: “Younger generation is going to do that…It's also not for a lot of players, too, Alan...There’s a lot of players around the league like, oh, look at these punks.” – Don LaGreca [06:46]
• On Being Targeted:
  • Quote: “That guy gets the red dot. And you know what that means...You're in the crosshairs. You're the target.” – Peter Rosenberg (relaying Bart Scott’s wisdom) [07:17]

3. Realistic Expectations for Giants’ Season

• Schedule Analysis:
  The remainder of the Giants’ schedule is challenging with games against the Broncos, Eagles (again), Packers, Lions, an improving Patriots, and more.
• Caller Reactions:
  • Caller Victor voices concerns about sustaining success if QB Dart gets hurt and is skeptical about Coach Dable’s flexibility.
  • Quote: “Dable isn't the right coach. And unfortunately, all this excitement and all these wins…might make us hold on to Dable.” – Victor [11:11]
  • **Callers and hosts reflect on what progress means—real wins or player development—emphasizing patience and perspective after rough seasons.

4. The Jets’ Quarterback Controversy & Coaching

• Damien Woody’s Take:
  Woody strongly suggests that the Jets’ offense is failing the team and advocates for a QB change to spark the offense, at least situationally.
  • Quote: "If you’re going to give me nothing as a passer, then put Tyrod in there…You owe it to the other guys in the locker room to do what's best in the best interest of the team.” – Damien Woody [23:11]
• Locker Room Schisms:
  Woody describes how failing offenses erode locker room morale.
• Coaching Uncertainty:
  • Woody sees it as too early to say, but warns that continued losing means the coach’s seat will get hot, and questions if he should handle a possible new rookie QB next year.

5. Around the NFL with Damien Woody

• Best Team in the NFL?
  Woody favors the Chiefs:
  • Quote: “I would not bet against Kansas City right now...Are any of you guys willing to bet against Patrick Mahomes right now?” – Damien Woody [28:37]
• Bills and Ravens:
  • Bills lack elite weapons and have defensive issues.
  • Don asks if Baltimore is “dead,” but Woody believes their schedule after the bye gives them hope for a run.
• Patriots’ Resurgence:
  Woody predicted in preseason that the Patriots would return to relevance thanks to Drake Maye at QB and Mike Vrabel at coach.
• AFC North & Jets/Islanders:
  Discusses AFC North parity; when asked who wins first, the Jets or Islanders, Woody picks the Islanders.

6. NY Hockey Preview

• Rangers’ Struggles:
  Patient optimism despite offensive issues; key injuries discussed.
  • Quote: “You can't also have your best line be your fourth line…at times they look like the most dominant guys on the ice.” – Don LaGreca [37:02]
• Devils’ Home Opener:
  Don exudes excitement for the Devils’ return home despite early injuries, specifically the loss of top goalie Markstrom:
  • Quote: “Not what you want early in the season, losing your number one goaltender.” – Don LaGreca [39:53]
• Atmosphere:
  Don is happy to be calling the game in-person and describes the palpable excitement among Devils fans.

Notable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Moment | |------------|-----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:03 | Peter Rosenberg | "Once you get everybody's attention…The tackles are going to have a little something extra to them." | | 03:50 | Don LaGreca | "Here are the Giants…all of a sudden everybody's going nuts…I'm wondering if some players are like, I want to shut these guys up." | | 06:46 | Don LaGreca | "Younger generation is going to do that...There’s a lot of players around the league like, oh, look at these punks." | | 07:17 | Peter Rosenberg (via Bart Scott) | "That guy gets the red dot…You're in the crosshairs. You're the target." | | 11:11 | Victor (Caller) | “Dable isn't the right coach. And unfortunately, all this excitement…might make us hold on to Dable.” | | 13:26 | Don LaGreca | “This is kind of what it is. So let's just move forward, forget the record and just play better football.” | | 23:11 | Damien Woody | "If you’re going to give me nothing as a passer, then put Tyrod in there…You owe it to the other guys in the locker room to do what's best in the best interest of the team." | | 28:37 | Damien Woody | “I would not bet against Kansas City right now...Are any of you guys willing to bet against Patrick Mahomes right now?” |

Important Timestamps

• Giants: Market Attention & Celebrations – [02:37] to [07:25]
• Realistic Outlooks/Caller Debates – [09:56] to [15:23]
• Woody on Giants’ Ceiling – [21:31] to [22:33]
• Jets Quarterback & Locker Room Analysis (Woody) – [22:33] to [25:54]
• NFL Best Team/Contender Overview – [28:25] to [32:56]
• NY Hockey Check-in – [34:37] to [40:47]

Tone & Chemistry

The episode maintains the crew’s signature blend of sharp insight, New York sports fandom, friendly ribbing, and a touch of self-deprecating humor (“It’s more front than back…no back conversation at all.” – Don LaGreca [18:23]). Woody brings grounded NFL analysis, the hosts trade jokes and vent their exasperation at New York sports futility and fleeting hope.

Summary Takeaways

• The Giants are the talk of New York, but both fans and experts urge caution amid hype.
• Celebratory antics bring attention—and perhaps a “target”—from other NFL teams.
• Long-term success will require staying healthy and, above all, developing winning habits against a brutal remaining schedule.
• Jets fans’ patience wears thin over quarterback issues, with critics calling for immediate change to reward other hard-working units.
• Hockey-wise, cautious optimism persists for the Rangers and Devils, despite injuries and early struggles.
• National NFL scene remains in flux, but the Chiefs are still the kings until someone knocks them off.

This episode is a must-listen for NY sports fans seeking a reality check, some therapy, and hopes for Giants’ and Jets’ progress—sprinkled with sharp banter and colorful, honest sports talk.