Podcast Summary: "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" – Hour 3: Saquon, Mets, NFL Binge

Episode Information:

• Title: Hour 3: Saquon, Mets, NFL Binge
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Release Date: January 27, 2025
• Description: The first voice of ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don La Greca, long-time sportswriter and New York Knicks broadcaster Alan Hahn, and highly opinionated Hip Hop vet and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg discuss New York sports and more.

1. Giants and Saquon Barkley’s Super Bowl Performance

Discussion Overview: The hosts delve into the New York Giants' recent Super Bowl performance, focusing on Saquon Barkley's pivotal role in the game and the team's management decisions leading up to it.

Key Points:

• Saquon Barkley’s Impact: Barkley had an outstanding game with 15 carries, 118 yards, and three touchdowns, including a crucial 60-yard run that set the tone for the Giants.

  Don La Greca (01:00):
  "Saquon Barkley, who had himself a day, 15 carries, 118 yards, three touchdowns, he had that 60 yard run that really set the tone."

• Giants' Management Decisions: The conversation highlights the Giants' inability to retain key players and make strategic trades, particularly concerning their quarterback situation and running back compensation.

  Peter Rosenberg (03:20):
  "What should bother you, John, is you have a garbage team. Fix it and that. And the only way to get out of it, Peter, is the tank."

• Frustration with Team Building: Peter Rosenberg expresses frustration with the Giants' ongoing struggles to build a competent team, criticizing the lack of effective coaching and management.

  Peter Rosenberg (02:42):
  "But you just admitted before, Alan, if knowing the knowledge, you still got to do what you think is still best for your team."

Notable Quote: Peter Rosenberg (05:35):
"You can't be this bad for this long without really looking at what all the problems are."

2. Team Building and the Importance of Coaching and Management in the NFL

Discussion Overview: The hosts discuss the broader implications of effective team building in the NFL, emphasizing that having a strong quarterback alone isn't sufficient without the right coaching and supporting players.

Key Points:

• Quarterback’s Role Not Sole Solution: The conversation underscores that success in the NFL requires more than just securing a top quarterback; it demands a cohesive team structure, including a solid offensive line and competent coaching staff.

  Peter Rosenberg (04:17):
  "I wouldn't put Daniel Jones on the same level as Jaden Daniels, but part of the lack of success that Jones had, yeah, most of it was on him, but a lot of it was on the fact that he had so many different coaches and bad offensive line."

• Examples of Successful Team Building: Reference to quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson illustrates how supportive team environments and effective management contribute to individual and team success.

  Alan Hahn (12:19):
  "If he was the right pick, he…"

• Critique of Franchise Decisions: The hosts critique franchises like the Giants and Mets for their flawed decisions in drafts and trades, leading to long-term struggles.

  Peter Rosenberg (08:31):
  "Or trade out of it or you know, or just excited the fact, the reasoning they drafted Take Sam Darnold is the wrong reasoning."

Notable Quote: Don La Greca (07:34):
"This is the vicious cycle that you get into when you're a bad franchise."

3. Mets and Pete Alonso Negotiations

Discussion Overview: The conversation shifts to Major League Baseball, focusing on the New York Mets' negotiations with Pete Alonso and the broader implications for the franchise.

Key Points:

• Pete Alonso’s Contract Negotiations: The Mets are struggling to agree on a long-term deal with Pete Alonso, with ownership expressing dissatisfaction with the proposed contract structures that include opt-outs and lump-sum bonuses.

  Don La Greca (31:15):
  "Steve Cohen was very, very open and honest about what he doesn't like about the situation that he's dealing with when it comes to a lot."

• Ownership’s Stance: Steve Cohen highlights the challenges in negotiating a deal that aligns with the Mets' financial strategies, indicating a preference for not overcommitting financially without assured long-term benefits.

  Steve Cohen (32:42):
  "I think we're going to have to get used to the fact that, you know, we may have to go forward and with the existing players."

• Fan Reactions: There is notable frustration among Mets fans regarding Pete Alonso’s situation, with debates on whether the franchise values loyalty versus financial pragmatism.

  Don La Greca (35:45):
  "The only thing I can root for because I hate the Eagles is I'd like to see Saquon win the MVP and Eagles lose."

Notable Quote: Peter Rosenberg (36:33):
"But if you have a LeBron James, you know what? My organization is going to turn it around."

4. New York Mets’ Alternate Jersey Release

Discussion Overview: The hosts discuss the Mets unveiling their new alternate jerseys for the upcoming season, sharing their opinions on the design and its reception among fans.

Key Points:

• Jersey Design: The new jersey features a "New York" script across the chest with blue lettering and piping, aiming for a classic and universal appeal.

  Don La Greca (24:31):
  "They revealed their alternate jersey for the coming season. Did you see this? A little script. New York across the chest, blue jersey, blue lettering with some piping around the script."

• Host Opinions: The hosts express mixed feelings, with some appreciating the classic look and others criticizing it as a money grab or preferring traditional uniforms.

  Peter Rosenberg (25:07):
  "Not a fan. I just don't like changing the uniforms because I like the traditional."

  Don La Greca (25:28):
  "Those are hideous. Yeah, those are hideous."

• Uniform Nostalgia vs. Modern Design: The debate reflects a broader conversation in sports about balancing traditional team identities with modern branding strategies.

  Alan Hahn (26:17):
  "I don't hate this. I... I'm just. I don't know."

Notable Quote: Don La Greca (27:15):
"This all started with the San Jose Sharks. I blame them."

5. NFL Binge: Analysis of Recent Games

Discussion Overview: In the final segment, the hosts provide a detailed analysis of recent NFL games, highlighting key plays, referee decisions, and team performances.

Key Points:

• Eagles vs. Commanders Game: The hosts review Saquon Barkley’s standout performance and the Eagles' dominant victory over the Washington Commanders, discussing play-by-play moments and referee calls.

  Alan Hahn (40:54):
  "He touches it and he took it to the house. It's as simple as that."

  Peter Rosenberg (41:28):
  "Hurts, takes the snap, he gives it to Barkley. Barkley, lungs wide touchdown is third of the day. He's special."

• Referee Decisions: Criticism of the referees’ handling of the "Tush Push" play and other calls that influenced the outcome of the game.

  Alan Hahn (45:05):
  "If that is the play and we think that's wrong, I don't know if we need that play."

  Don La Greca (46:50):
  "So, you know."

• Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Analysis of Josh Allen’s attempts to utilize the "Tush Push" play and the Chiefs’ strategic responses leading to their back-to-back Super Bowl victories.

  Peter Rosenberg (50:12):
  "Buffalo has tried too many times to run the tush push and the Chiefs get a stop at their own 41."

• Overall NFL Strategy: Emphasis on the significance of strategic plays, coaching decisions, and the impact of star players on the game's outcome.

  Don La Greca (52:36):
  "You're gonna have to deal with the Chiefs being the first team in National Football League history to win back to back Super Bowls and go to super bowl for a chance for a three peat."

Notable Quote: Alan Hahn (49:09):
"If that is the play and we think that's wrong, I don't know if we need that play."

6. Closing Remarks and Promotions

Discussion Overview: The episode concludes with promotional segments and final thoughts from the hosts, emphasizing the show's availability on various platforms.

Key Points:

• Promotions Skipped: Advertisements for services like Shopify, TaxAct, and Allstate are present but are omitted from the summary as per guidelines.
• Final Thoughts: The hosts wrap up their discussions, reiterating key points and expressing anticipation for future episodes.

Notable Quote: Don La Greca (54:15):
"Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers."

Conclusion: In this episode, Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg provide an in-depth analysis of the New York Giants' Super Bowl performance, the Mets' contractual negotiations with Pete Alonso, recent changes to the Mets’ uniforms, and detailed breakdowns of recent NFL games. The hosts offer critical perspectives on team management decisions, emphasizing the importance of cohesive team building beyond star players. Their candid discussions are enriched with notable quotes and timely insights, making the episode engaging for listeners interested in New York sports and the broader NFL landscape.