Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: A Better Woody Johnson

Release Date: January 28, 2025

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Alan Hahn, Don La Greca, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the recent developments surrounding New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, dissecting his management style and its impact on the team's performance. The conversation then transitions to an in-depth analysis of the upcoming Rangers versus Hurricanes game, covering team dynamics, recent performances, and playoff implications.

Woody Johnson: Striving to Be a Better Owner

The episode opens with Alan Hahn highlighting a pivotal moment from a recent press conference where Woody Johnson addressed criticisms of his ownership. Hahn emphasizes Johnson's acknowledgment of the need for improvement, quoting him at [00:45]:

"Absolutely. I have to look in the mirror and I have to be a better owner and I'm trying to be better."

Skepticism About Johnson's Commitment

Peter Rosenberg expresses skepticism about Johnson's commitment to truly evolving as an owner. At [01:58], he states:

"I don't think he's talking about or realizing what makes him a bad owner. He's saying, 'I'm going to try to be better,' but I want to hear, 'I'm going to let my football people decide what's going on here.'"

Rosenberg criticizes Johnson for not relinquishing control and continuing to involve himself directly in football decisions, which he believes hampers the team's progress.

Historical Context and Comparisons

Don La Greca provides historical context by comparing Johnson's current stance to previous owners like Leo Snyder, noting that attempts to distance oneself from team management often fail to produce lasting change ([02:41]). Rosenberg further contrasts Johnson with John Mara of the New York Giants, suggesting Mara's emotional investment as both a strength and a weakness:

"John's mistake is he thinks like a fan. He gets too emotional about it because this is his team, this is his heritage, this is his family." ([04:10])

Impact on the Jets’ Performance

The hosts discuss the tangible impact of Johnson's management on the Jets' performance. Rosenberg highlights the negative fallout from Johnson’s decision-making, particularly referencing the firing of coach Zebley and its detrimental effects on the team’s cohesion ([07:51]). Hahn echoes this sentiment, pointing out that such decisions have not led to any noticeable improvement:

"Woody Johnson's biggest problem with the Jets is Woody Johnson, and that's never going to get fixed." ([09:35])

La Greca concurs, expressing frustration over the lack of progress:

"The owner's changing his style. He's going to bring in a coach he listens to now. He’s going to take a back seat. It never ends." ([09:45])

Analyzing the Rangers vs. Hurricanes Showdown

Shifting focus from football to hockey, the hosts transition to discussing the imminent game between the New York Rangers and the Carolina Hurricanes. Hahn sets the stage by highlighting the significance of the matchup and recent team performances.

Team Performance and Key Players

Rosenberg provides a comprehensive analysis of both teams' strengths and weaknesses. He commends the Hurricanes for their improved defensive play and offensive contributions, noting:

"All six defensemen are playing well and when they're doing that and then the forwards can do what they do, that's when this Ranger team is on top of their game." ([12:23])

Hahn adds that the Rangers have shown significant improvement since a heartbreaking loss, attributing it to a more cohesive defense and strategic player acquisitions.

Playoff Implications and Strategy

The discussion delves into the playoff implications, with Hahn questioning whether tonight’s game could serve as a pivotal moment for the Rangers:

"Win this game on your home ice and you sort of say, okay, things definitely turned." ([14:02])

Rosenberg emphasizes the urgency, pointing out that with only 32 games remaining after tonight, every point is crucial for playoff positioning:

"You can't afford to lose those now." ([14:58])

Fan Sentiment and Team Morale

La Greca and the hosts touch upon the demoralizing effect of recent losses on Rangers fans, with La Greca lamenting the emotional rollercoaster experienced by season ticket holders. Hahn notes the importance of maintaining team morale despite the pressure:

"At what point does it break you? That's the thing." ([15:09])

Strategic Takeaways and Future Outlook

As the episode progresses, the hosts offer strategic takeaways for both teams. Hahn emphasizes the necessity for the Rangers to capitalize on their defensive improvements and secure crucial wins to bolster their playoff chances. Rosenberg underscores the importance of consistency and strategic play-calling to avoid late-game collapses that have plagued the team.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn ([00:30]): "Woody Johnson said after the press conference yesterday when asked about his role as owner and the criticism that he has been under and he said that he wants to be better."

• Peter Rosenberg ([01:58]): "I don't think he's talking about or realizing what makes him a bad owner."

• Don La Greca ([02:41]): "I hate to say this, Jets fans, I don't think it ever changes."

• Peter Rosenberg ([04:10]): "John's mistake is he thinks like a fan. He gets too emotional about it because this is his team, this is his heritage, this is his family."

• Alan Hahn ([09:35]): "Woody Johnson's biggest problem with the Jets is Woody Johnson, and that's never going to get fixed."

• Don La Greca ([09:45]): "The owner's changing his style. He's going to bring in a coach he listens to now. He's going to take a back seat. It never ends."

• Peter Rosenberg ([12:23]): "All six defensemen are playing well and when they're doing that and then the forwards can do what they do, that's when this Ranger team is on top of their game."

• Alan Hahn ([14:02]): "Win this game on your home ice and you sort of say, okay, things definitely turned."

• Peter Rosenberg ([14:58]): "You can't afford to lose those now."

• Alan Hahn ([15:09]): "At what point does it break you? That's the thing."

Conclusion

In this episode, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provide a critical examination of Woody Johnson's ownership of the New York Jets, questioning his ability to adapt and lead effectively. The hosts argue that Johnson's over-involvement in team decisions has hindered the Jets' progress, drawing comparisons to other NFL owners and their approaches. Transitioning to hockey, the discussion highlights the Rangers' recent improvements and the high stakes of their upcoming game against the Hurricanes, emphasizing the importance of strategic wins for playoff aspirations. The episode underscores the intricate balance owners must maintain between involvement and delegation to foster successful sports franchises.