Hour 3: Talking with Stafford - Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Transcript

Alan Hahn (0:00)

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Don LaGreca (0:30)

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

Peter Rosenberg (0:34)

That sounds like heaven to me.

Don LaGreca (0:36)

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers. All right to the 5 o'clock hour we go with Don Lagra and Peter rosenberg. I'm Alan Hahn. 800 now at 93776. The number it has been a lively conversation today. It goes we got into the football side of things because we do have the combine going on and you get rumors and all kinds of stuff out of that. And reports early on had connections between potentially Aaron Rodgers and the Giants. Matthew Stafford still out there, of course, and other options and suggestions of what teams will do the mock draft that Mel Kuiper did that's already been out, that's been kicked around. But both teams need quarterbacks. There are quarterbacks available. And then there's, there's this interesting story that the Giants have at least had contact about Matthew Stafford. They have talked about it. And so Giants this is in the New York Post. The Giants and Matthew Stafford's representatives met Tuesday at the combine. That's according to a source. So there is already a meeting. So whether a Giants fan wants to or not, you know, there's those that believe, oh, they should just tank. They should just keep getting, you know, younger and all that stuff. Getting a guy like Stafford doesn't make sense because what's, what's the use of a seven win season? You, of course, Don, believe the opposite. You're trying to win. So you must feel good that at least the Giants agree with you and that they are at least kicking the tires on the potential of bringing in a guy like Matthew Stafford.

Peter Rosenberg (2:13)

Well, it was what Shane said yesterday. You know, you're going to, you're going to take a lot of swings here. Let's see. First of all, they have no idea what's going to happen at 1 and 2. So it is possible that both quarterbacks are gone at 3. Then what do you do? Can you afford, can you afford guys for the Giants to go into next year without a quarterback. Now the Tank crowd will say, yeah, we'll go Owen 17, and we'll get Arch Manning and everything will be okay. But I don't think the Giants are looking at it that way. I think they're trying to get all their ducks in a row here. All right, what's going to happen? How do we feel about these quarterbacks? Maybe they're not in love with them. If not in love with them, where we're going to go. The best veteran out there is Matthew Stafford. I think he's got a few years left. There's a lot of money, but that's going to make neighbors happy. Let's not forget, you don't want Neighbors to all of a sudden become Wilson and say, I want out of here. They can't find a quarterback. It's a mess here. So I think they're trying to stabilize things. And maybe they did reach out down Rogers, maybe Rogers reached out to them. But they're going to have to have an alternative. Giant fans, just sink your teeth into this. They are not going to try to Tank. They're not. John Mara told you that. So they're going to need somebody to play quarterback. They've got one quarterback on their roster right now. So even if you want DeVito to start, they got to go out and get another one. So they're doing the due diligence. We don't know if Stafford wants to come here. Maybe the price will be too high. But isn't it the job of a general manager to look at all of the possible options? Because they don't control the fate in the draft. There's two quarterbacks in this draft and the Giants have the third pick. So I don't care what mocks tell you, there's still a chance that Tennessee goes one with a quarterback and Cleveland goes two with a quarterback. And then what? Then what are you doing?

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary

Podcast Information:

Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
Host/Author: ESPN New York, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Episode: Hour 3: Talking with Stafford
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Description: Featuring Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg, the podcast delves into New York sports, current events, and much more.

I. Introduction

In the "Hour 3: Talking with Stafford" episode, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg engage in a spirited discussion primarily centered around the New York Giants' potential interest in acquiring quarterback Matthew Stafford. The conversation delves into the implications of such a move, comparing Stafford to other quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, and explores alternative scenarios for the Giants and Stafford's future in the NFL.

II. Giants' Interest in Matthew Stafford

Alan Hahn initiates the discussion by highlighting the Giants' active pursuit of Matthew Stafford amid the ongoing NFL Combine and mock draft rumors. He states:

“The Giants have had contact about Matthew Stafford. They have talked about it. ... they have at least had contact about Matthew Stafford.” (00:36)

Peter Rosenberg elaborates on the Giants' strategy, emphasizing their need for a stable quarterback to avoid tanking the season:

“I think they're trying to stabilize things. ... they've got to have somebody to play quarterback.” (02:13)

Don La Greca supports the acquisition by underscoring Stafford's potential as a "force multiplier" for the Giants, enhancing the confidence of the entire offensive unit:

“He could be a force multiplier for your franchise. ... You’re going to maximize your offense with a player like this.” (04:52)

III. Potential Alternatives and Other Teams

The hosts examine other teams that might be interested in Stafford, particularly the New York Jets. Peter Rosenberg questions why the Jets haven't shown interest despite their substantial talent:

“Why would the Jets not be interested? They seem like they're a lot closer, have more talent.” (07:19)

Don La Greca responds by noting the lack of rumors about the Jets' interest but underscores the complexity of switching quarterbacks from Aaron Rodgers to Stafford:

“Nobody says they're not interested. ... to go from Rodgers to Stafford, it's a weird thing to do.” (07:36 - 08:02)

IV. The Debate: Veteran QB vs. Young QB

A heated debate arises between Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg regarding the wisdom of acquiring an older quarterback like Stafford versus investing in younger talent such as Sam Darnold or the prospect Arch Manning.

Don La Greca argues for Stafford's experience and immediate impact:

“If you find out a player of that caliber is available, you absolutely do it.” (03:58)

Conversely, Peter Rosenberg raises concerns about Stafford's age and future performance:

“Matthew Stafford turned 37 ... so maybe they win seven games in 2025, maybe they win 10 in the second year...” (05:19)

Don La Greca counters by highlighting the current struggles of the Giants without a stable quarterback and the potential benefits Stafford brings despite his salary demands:

“He wants more money ... but how much does it help your franchise?” (04:52 - 05:19)

V. Team Dynamics and Organizational Considerations

The discussion shifts to the Giants' organizational culture and capacity to support an older quarterback. Peter Rosenberg points out the importance of a stable environment and competent coaching staff:

“They have a defensive head coach, first. ... a new offensive coordinator ... maybe he wants to work with Brian Daboll.” (14:43 - 15:19)

Don La Greca underscores the necessity for general managers to consider all options to avoid future quarterback instability:

“Isn't it the job of a general manager to look at all of the possible options?” (06:27)

The hosts also touch upon the challenges within the Giants' offensive line, which could impact Stafford's performance:

“Thomas has only played in 47% of the snaps. Stafford's going to get killed behind that line...” (34:34)

VI. Audience Callers' Perspectives

Several callers contribute to the dialogue, offering diverse viewpoints:

Caller 1 expresses skepticism about acquiring Stafford, suggesting the Giants should explore other options due to its offensive line struggles:

“Stafford's going to get killed behind that line and we're going to be right back to where we started.” (35:09)
Caller 2 supports Don La Greca's stance, emphasizing the need for a stabilizing quarterback like Stafford:

“He is the stabilizer. He can control a room. ... it's my job to the line.” (31:53)
Caller 3 highlights the potential decline in Stafford's performance over the coming years and compares him unfavorably to players like Aaron Rodgers:

“His production is going to go down. Next year will be his best year.” (11:21)

These interactions enrich the discussion, presenting a spectrum of opinions on the Giants' quarterback strategy.

VII. Light-hearted Banter and Conclusion

Beyond the primary topic, the hosts engage in light-hearted conversations, touching on skiing accidents, golf, and humorous exchanges about sports and personal anecdotes. While these segments provide comedic relief, they also showcase the hosts' camaraderie and diverse interests.

Peter Rosenberg humorously muses about skiing fatalities:

“Have 43 ran into a tree. Two went off a cliff. One died from the sheer boredom.” (22:20)

The episode concludes with the hosts encouraging listeners to engage with the show and promoting upcoming sports coverage, maintaining the balance between informative discussions and entertaining banter.

Notable Quotes

Alan Hahn: “The Giants have had contact about Matthew Stafford. They have talked about it.” (00:36)
Don La Greca: “He could be a force multiplier for your franchise.” (04:52)
Peter Rosenberg: “I think they're trying to stabilize things. ... they've got to have somebody to play quarterback.” (02:13)
Caller 2: “He is the stabilizer. He can control a room.” (31:53)

Conclusion

In "Talking with Stafford," Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg dissect the New York Giants' potential acquisition of Matthew Stafford, weighing the benefits of experience against the challenges of age and team dynamics. Through robust discussions and listener interactions, the episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the quarterback landscape, providing valuable insights for New York sports fans and NFL enthusiasts alike.