Don, Hahn & Rosenberg | Hour 4: Jets Expectations

Date: August 21, 2025
Host(s): Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Main Theme: In this episode, the crew dives deep into the upcoming Jets season, weighing Chris Canty’s recent takes on Justin Fields and Aaron Glenn, and debating New York sports expectations—particularly for the Jets, Mets, and Yankees.

1. Overview of Episode Theme

The central discussion in this hour revolves around the New York Jets’ 2025 outlook, with particular attention to the impact of their new quarterback, Justin Fields, and new head coach, Aaron Glenn. The hosts analyze national commentary (Chris Canty) on what kind of team the Jets can realistically be, expressing skepticism, curiosity, and cautious hope. The conversation is interspersed with their characteristic banter, musical references, and quick pivots to baseball, all in their easygoing, sarcastic style.

2. Key Discussion Points & Insights

A. Chris Canty’s Take: Is the Ground-and-Pound Jets Offense a Formula for Success?

• Chris Canty’s theory: Aaron Glenn wants a conservative offense led by Justin Fields, emphasizing heavy run and defense, not air attacks.

  “In an ideal world, he's going to be able to run the ball 30 times a game and…rely on his defense to keep games close…” (Chris Canty, 05:02)

• Key Point: Canty doesn’t predict a winning record, but believes the Jets will be “hard to beat”—a notable shift from recent seasons.

B. Skepticism & Breakdown by Don and Jacob

• Skepticism on the offense:
  • Don questions whether Justin Fields’ run-first style can succeed if opponents stack the box and force him to throw.
  • Don doubts Fields’ accuracy and the depth of the Jets receiving corps (noting only Garrett Wilson stands out).
  • Don further questions if the defense is genuinely improved or just widely assumed.

  “Fields is not the best as far as an accurate thrower… I just don't know what the Jets are going to be.” (Don Hahn, 05:38)

• Coaching discipline:
  • The hosts underscore the Jets’ chronic penalty problem, with the new staff focusing on discipline and attention to detail, even bringing in referees to training camp.

  “Being disciplined. Attention to detail. I respect all of that. I just don't know…when you talk about the jets looking good. What. What is it? I'm not seeing it here.” (Don Hahn, 07:08)

C. Is Justin Fields Truly the Difference?

• The panel agrees: the entire season hinges on Fields dramatically outperforming his historical self.
  • Jacob: “For there to be an improvement…Justin Fields will have to be better than he's ever been…by a long shot.” (09:24)
  • Don expresses both weary resignation and curiosity, admitting it’s a “season…watching with curiosity, but really not a lot of emotion.” (08:58)
• Depth & risk:
  • If Fields falters or is injured, the QB alternatives are uninspiring (Tyrod Taylor, Adrian Martinez).
• Lack of weaponry:
  • Alan Lazard as WR2 is noted with irony; the hosts recall he was only added for Rodgers.
  • Jacob: “If Justin Fields does not turn out to be…special…this is a nightmare throwaway season.” (10:30)
• Draft implications:
  • The possibility of “tanking” for a generational QB (Arch Manning) is raised if Fields underwhelms.

D. Baseball Update – Mets Collapse, Yankees-Red Sox Pressure

• Mets: Another bullpen meltdown against the Nationals; ongoing disappointment for fans.

  “You can’t lose to the Nationals, man.” (Don Hahn, 15:33) “Don’t you doubt them. They can absolutely lose to the Nationals.” (Jacob Rosenberg, 15:37)

• Yankees:
  • Importance of beating the Red Sox for momentum and confidence.
  • The psychological edge (“mental hurdle”) of facing Boston is dissected, echoing prior themes of sport’s intangibles.

  “This series has got to have juice from the Yankee perspective. Richard, thank you. Like, Peter, like, if I'm watching anything tonight…it’s just to see, are the Yankees taking this personal?” (Don Hahn, 19:02)

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Chris Canty on the Jets’ offensive philosophy:

  “He doesn't want a quarterback that's going to go out there and throw for 4,000 yards…he's going to be able to run the ball 30 times a game and…rely on his defense...” (05:02)

• Don Hahn’s realism:

  “I just don't know what the Jets are going to be…But here's a little more Canty about the Jets. He believes they're going to look good this year.” (05:38)

• Jacob Rosenberg on Fields’ needed improvement:

  “Justin Fields will have to be better than he's ever been in his career by a long shot…So for that to be a really impactful change, we'll need to see a great version of Justin Field.” (09:24)

• Don, emotionally fatigued as a Jets fan:

  “I’m watching with curiosity, but really not a lot of emotion.” (08:58)

• Jacob on offensive weaponry:

  “Alan Lazard is your number two wide receiver. They were trying to…get rid of him.” (10:15)

• Baseball gallows humor:

  “You beat them 8:1 in the first game of the series. And then you just lose yesterday…this is a bad look for the Mets.” (Don Hahn, 15:33) “Don't you doubt them. They can absolutely lose to the Nationals.” (Jacob Rosenberg, 15:37)

4. Timestamps for Important Segments

• 05:02 – Chris Canty's assessment of the Jets and Fields' fit
• 05:38 – Don and Jacob weigh in, casting doubt on the Jets' new look
• 07:08 – Discussion on the coaching focus on penalties and discipline
• 08:58-09:52 – Debate on whether Justin Fields can be a transformative QB for the Jets
• 10:30-11:16 – Contemplating the “tanking” scenario for a top QB if Fields struggles
• 14:19-15:39 – Mets bullpen disaster and typical Mets banter
• 19:02-20:08 – Yankees vs. Red Sox: the mental aspect, importance of the series, and looking for “juice”

5. Additional Segments: Music & Pop Culture Banter

• Short arguments over Huey Lewis & the News vs. Hall & Oates (“Hall & Oates is significantly better…” - Jacob, 13:59) provide the episode’s easy comic relief and classic sports radio flavor.

6. Tone & Style

The conversation flows in the laid-back, wisecrack-heavy, “true New Yorker” style. The hosts are candid—alternating between skeptical, jaded, and hopeful—but rarely sentimental. Sarcasm, dry humor, and a touch of self-deprecation keep the analysis lively and relatable.

7. Closing Thoughts

The episode paints a picture of Jets fans and New York sports followers as both exhausted by false hope and eager for genuine progress. The season, as the hosts see it, is a test for both Justin Fields and Jets management—one that could lead to long-awaited improvement or, yet again, to starting over.

For New York fans, “Jets Expectations” is a must-listen if you want unvarnished talk, solid analysis, and a healthy dose of gallows humor.