Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Rodgers, Old Cars, Metal Music

Release Date: February 13, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: ESPN New York and New Jersey

1. Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets Split

Timestamp: [00:30]

The episode kicks off with Don Hahn delving into the recent and unexpected split between Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. He questions the timing and necessity of the Jets' decision, especially considering that the team hadn't solidified their next quarterback choice.

Don Hahn ([00:30]): "Was it too soon to do this? Did they need to put this announcement out and make it official when they don't know who their next quarterback is?"

Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg echo these sentiments, expressing frustration over the Jets' recurring struggles to maintain a stable quarterback lineup.

2. The Jets' Perennial Quarterback Crisis

Timestamp: [02:05] - [07:13]

Rosenberg and Hahn dissect the Jets' persistent issues with quarterback management. They reflect on Rodgers' tenure, highlighting the failed "Camelot" era and attributing the team's downfall to a mix of injuries, poor decisions, and a seemingly cursed franchise mindset.

Peter Rosenberg ([02:13]): "And also we can now assess what an absolute disaster it was. Who would have thought it would turn out this poorly?"

Don Hahn ([04:14]): "And there's nothing you could do with the juju. Right? It's just, all right, that's it."

The conversation underscores the Jets' inability to develop and retain effective quarterbacks, drawing parallels with past seasons where promising starts were derailed by unforeseen circumstances like Rodgers' Achilles injury.

3. Comparison with the New York Giants

Timestamp: [10:07] - [13:33]

Shifting focus, the hosts compare the Jets' quarterback woes with the Giants' struggles in maintaining a steady quarterback presence since Eli Manning. They critique the Giants' drafting decisions, particularly the oversight of promising quarterbacks like JJ McCarthy, which left them scrambling for replacements.

Peter Rosenberg ([08:57]): "With the Giants, with Saquon? I say, don't be mad that they didn't sign Saquon, be mad that they never were good enough to keep them."

Hahn and Rosenberg emphasize the importance of not just drafting talent but also fostering an environment where quarterbacks can thrive, as exemplified by successful franchises like Philadelphia.

4. Drafting and Developing Quarterbacks

Timestamp: [13:06] - [16:37]

The discussion transitions to the intricacies of drafting quarterbacks, where Hahn highlights the necessity of having the right coaching staff to nurture young talent. They debate whether recent draft picks, such as Shador Sanders, possess the pro-ready qualities required to lead a franchise.

Don Hahn ([15:20]): "The one thing that I think is prevailing about him is that he's the most pro ready mentally and physically."

Peter Rosenberg adds that while some quarterbacks show promise, the real-world application of their skills remains to be seen, drawing comparisons to other notable QBs like Trevor Lawrence and Patrick Mahomes.

5. Personal Stories: Old Cars and Generation Gaps

Timestamp: [17:00] - [32:24]

Shifting gears from sports, the hosts engage in a nostalgic conversation about their first cars, reminiscing about classic models like the Dodge Aspen, Gran Torino, and Volkswagen Beetle. They reflect on the independence that came with driving and contrast it with the younger generation's reliance on services like Uber.

Peter Rosenberg ([27:10]): "I'm just sitting there crying, holding the baby. Cause it's different when you're 26 and you have a baby."

The dialogue paints a vivid picture of past automotive culture, highlighting the transformation in how younger generations perceive driving and personal transportation.

6. Listener Engagement and Humorous Banter

Timestamp: [33:06] - [43:57]

The episode becomes interactive as listeners call in with comments, leading to humorous exchanges. Notably, a prank call involving a hypothetical discussion about Yankees' strategy prompts laughter and light-hearted teasing among the hosts.

Peter Rosenberg ([36:55]): "Don't cry, get back on the field."

These segments showcase the hosts' chemistry and ability to entertain beyond serious discussions, adding a relatable and fun dynamic to the show.

7. Final Thoughts: Transition Back to Sports and Legacy of the Franchise

Timestamp: [44:00] - [49:39]

Wrapping up, Don Hahn shares his admiration for the Brooklyn Nets' coaching staff, praising Jordy Fernandez for instilling a winning mentality despite the team's current standing. The conversation circles back to the core theme of leadership and culture in sports franchises.

Don Hahn ([47:12]): "Jordy Fernandez is a phenomenal. They hired a terrific coach. He is first. He's on point."

The hosts conclude by emphasizing the importance of a strong coaching foundation in building successful teams, reinforcing the episode's initial discussions about the Jets and quarterback management.

Notable Quotes

• Don Hahn ([00:30]): "Was it too soon to do this? Did they need to put this announcement out and make it official when they don't know who their next quarterback is?"

• Peter Rosenberg ([02:13]): "And also we can now assess what an absolute disaster it was. Who would have thought it would turn out this poorly?"

• Don Hahn ([04:14]): "And there's nothing you could do with the juju. Right? It's just, all right, that's it."

• Don Hahn ([15:20]): "The one thing that I think is prevailing about him is that he's the most pro ready mentally and physically."

• Peter Rosenberg ([27:10]): "I'm just sitting there crying, holding the baby. Cause it's different when you're 26 and you have a baby."

• Don Hahn ([33:04]): "What’s the most underrated part, in my opinion, the thing I was most proud of in that performance..."

• Don Hahn ([47:12]): "Jordy Fernandez is a phenomenal. They hired a terrific coach. He is first. He's on point."

Conclusion

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of the New York Jets' ongoing struggles with quarterback management, using Aaron Rodgers' departure as a focal point. They intertwine technical sports critiques with personal anecdotes about vintage cars and generational shifts, offering a balanced and engaging narrative. The blend of serious discussion and playful banter ensures that listeners are both informed and entertained, making it a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike.