Transcript

Michelle (0:00)

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Don Hahn (0:30)

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

Alan (0:34)

That sounds like heaven to me.

Don Hahn (0:35)

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

Alan (0:44)

Game time is brought to you by Telemore Do Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, I like that a lot. St. John's faces Xavier at MSG with coverage immediately following us on 880 at 6:10. And the Nets host the Bulls at 7:30 telemore due. The original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast mature and Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Telemore due or try to do tell them or do honey, during today's action, glasses up to enjoying Telemore Due responsibly. So here are the odds to go to the super bowl next year. Again, it's folly. It's pre draft. It's pre free agency. It's stupid, but it's fun. Who has the highest odds?

Peter (1:30)

The best odds?

Alan (1:31)

The best odds to go back.

Don Hahn (1:33)

To go back.

Alan (1:35)

To win it or to go the NFL championship?

Peter (1:40)

Odds.

Alan (1:41)

So this is to win.

Peter (1:42)

To win the whole thing?

Alan (1:43)

Yes.

Peter (1:44)

How about when?

Alan (1:45)

The whole damn thing.

Peter (1:47)

How about Philadelphia?

Don Hahn (1:48)

I'm going Seattle.

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Super Bowl Futures & Jets QB Plans

Date: February 9, 2026
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Network: ESPN New York

Episode Overview

This episode is a lively deep dive into NFL Super Bowl futures, the New York Jets’ quarterback dilemma, and some Knicks/Celtics NBA chatter. The hosts debate betting odds, roster construction, and realistic expectations for next season, especially regarding the Giants, Jets, Commanders, and changes around the league. They close with pop-culture tangents around music and an Olympic moment, all maintaining their trademark banter and New York sports edge.

Key Discussion Points

1. NFL Super Bowl Futures: Early Odds, Surprises, and Value Picks

Timestamps: 00:44–06:39

Hosts run through the betting odds to win next year's Super Bowl, noting it's "folly" to take these too seriously before the draft and free agency.
- Top Favorites: Rams and Seahawks tied at +950; Eagles and two others at 13:1; Bills at 11:1.
- "It's folly. It's pre-draft. It's pre-free agency. It's stupid, but it's fun.” – Alan (00:44)
Chicago Bears Highlight:
- Alan calls the Bears a value pick at 25:1, crediting Caleb Williams’ progress: "What I saw Caleb do last year, I like Chicago." (04:25)
- Both Alan and Don agree those odds stand out, questioning parity with teams like Cincinnati: "How are they tied with Cincinnati? Someone make that make sense again." – Peter (04:50)
Underdog Mentions:
- Cowboys (35:1), Buccaneers (40:1), Commanders (60:1), Giants (100:1), Jets (180:1), Dolphins and Cardinals (200–250:1).
- Don jokes: "So you're saying there's a chance..." for the Giants (05:34).

2. Too-Early Power Rankings & State of the Locals

Timestamps: 06:29–09:39

Giants:
- Power ranked 25th by ESPN, despite new coaching staff & hope: "Playoffs for the Giants, I think there's a better reality there... I don't think that's crazy." – Don (06:39)
- Peter would’ve placed them higher, at 18th: "Because of the new coach and the developing quarterback, I believe they would be good to be a fringe playoff team." (07:52)
Commanders:
- 20th in power ranks, 60:1 Super Bowl odds. "That's disrespectful... But they were terrible last year." – Alan & Peter (08:55, 08:58)
- Hosts note the Commanders have the fifth-most cap space, lots up in the air.
Jets:
- Bottom of the league at 31st, with hosts debating who's even lower (Browns, Cardinals, Dolphins, Raiders).
- Don: "Jets. Four of the top 44 picks in the draft, 80 million in cap space. But of course, it's never been about that. It's always been about, what are you doing with it?" (10:32)
- Jets fans’ existential pain resonates: "Everything with the Jets just makes you feel like this is not gonna work." – Don (23:20)

3. Jets Quarterback Carousel: Kirk Cousins? Kyler Murray? Anyone?

Timestamps: 13:46–24:31 & 40:35–41:22

Cousins vs. Carr Options:
- Alan sees Cousins as more viable, particularly if released: "A veteran quarterback. Cousins could work with the young guy, not embarrass you." (14:43)
- Don reminds, "Cousins being released is the easier thing for the jets to do." (14:52)
Kyler Murray as a Younger Alternative:
- Don: "It's probably a better fit for you to go there. First of all, younger, second of all, if you're sticking with Fields as well, you have two quarterbacks that can run." (15:23)
- But Alan is cautious: "There's going to be that, well, maybe we found our guy." (16:28)
QB Room Construction:
- Hosts debate a trio of Cousins, Fields, and a drafted rookie, with Alan saying he can live with that combo (18:34).
- Don is less optimistic, wary of being stuck: "Look, it's bad enough you got that extra year with Fields and now you're stuck." (19:11)
Cousins Assessment:
- Peter is skeptical of Cousins’ declining skills: "He is not Kirk Cousins... Something broke a couple of years ago." (15:57)
- Alan points to statistics: "He completed 61.7% of his passes after completing nearly 67 the previous two years... That’s where the drop off is." (21:22)
Jameis Winston Mention (fan call):
- Don and Alan don’t hate the idea, but think he’s likely to stay as a valued backup elsewhere (40:35–41:22).
- "If there's a team that can do it [break an optimistic QB], I think it's the Jets." – Alan (41:18)

4. NBA Roundup: Knicks, Celtics, and Alvarado's Impact

Timestamps: 26:45–35:37

Knicks bounce back vs. Celtics after an ugly loss to the Pistons:
- Alan: "They bounced back nicely on Sunday with a big win over the Celtics." (27:04)
- Don credits new acquisition Jose Alvarado with changing the team's attitude and intensity:
  - "He changed the attitude of the Knicks... and that galvanized the Knicks, man." (28:23)
  - Details Alvarado's signature play—sneaky steals in the backcourt and tough defense.
Celtics' Trajectory/Ceiling:
- Don isn't sold on the Celtics as a true threat: "I just don't know after they made moves that were more financially motivated than they were building up the roster..." (32:39)
- Peter says the Celtics will be “annoying” but run out of gas: "They should be annoying. It’s about how annoying that." (33:18–33:32)

5. Listener Calls and Pop Culture Tangents

Timestamps: 34:05–35:37, 35:37–39:16

Knicks strategy/rotation (Caller 'Moose'):
- Praises Alvarado and speculates on late-game lineups. "Alvarado is a Swiss army knife at 6, 7, 6, 8, who can play amongst the trees and guard them." (34:54)
Music Sidebars: "Stairway to Heaven" & Hip-Hop Equivalents:
- Hosts debate which hip-hop song is akin to "Stairway to Heaven" in overplay yet iconic status.
- Consensus is there isn’t a direct equivalent, but "Hypnotize" by Biggie is a candidate (caller Matt, 38:32).
- Don, after checking with AI: "Stairway to Heaven is a complex allegorical song about a materialistic woman trying to secure her place in heaven... through her wealth rather than spiritual growth." (39:16)
- Peter: "I honestly don't think hip hop has a Stairway." (36:16)

6. Closing Tangents: Olympics & Lindsey Vonn, Show Banter

Timestamps: 41:22–42:07

Olympics:
- Alan laments Lindsey Vonn’s misfortune, "She’s like, ACL shmacl in a loud, loud way." (42:02)
- Peter: "Sometimes you give people, congratulations, you played yourself, and you feel terrible doing it, but you go, how can you not?" (41:51)
Show banter:
- Don: "I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know it’s good." (42:07)

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Jets' QB Woes:
- "Everything with the jets just makes you feel like this is not gonna work." – Don (23:20)
- "This feels like Cousins is going to be the next jets quarterback. This feels that way, doesn't it?" – Alan (17:28)
On Betting Value:
- "25 to 1 with the Bears was sexy." – Peter (04:50)
On the Knicks' New Attitude:
- "He [Alvarado] changed the attitude of the Knicks... and that galvanized the Knicks, man." – Don (28:23)
On Musical Comparisons:
- "I honestly don't think hip hop has a Stairway." – Peter (36:16)

Key Timestamps

NFL Futures Odds Discussion: 00:44–06:39
Power Rankings Overview: 06:29–09:39
Jets QB Solutions: 13:46–24:31, returns at 40:35
NBA/Knicks Segment: 26:45–35:37
Listener Music/Culture Calls: 35:37–39:16
Olympic Incident (Lindsey Vonn): 41:22–42:07

Episode Tone and Style

The episode is marked by classic New York sports wit, skepticism, and camaraderie. The hosts balance cynical realism about the Jets and local teams with moments of hope and plenty of laughs. There’s a blend of analysis, personal anecdotes, and playful pop culture riffs, staying both insightful and entertaining throughout.

For listeners interested in NFL futures, the unpredictable quarterback market, or how the Knicks are carving out an edge, this episode delivers both information and entertainment while capturing the restless optimism and sharp-tongued commentary that is the show’s trademark.