Hour 4: NFL Binge

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 4: NFL Binge
Release Date: January 7, 2025

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Introduction

In the Hour 4: NFL Binge episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the final week of the NFL season. The trio combines their diverse backgrounds—from sports broadcasting to hip-hop and WWE commentary—to provide a dynamic and engaging analysis of the latest NFL happenings, key player performances, and playoff predictions.

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NFL Week 18 Highlights

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Victory

The episode kicks off with a detailed breakdown of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' crucial Week 18 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Don Hahn highlights the Buccaneers' second-half surge, which saw them outscore the Saints 21-3, securing the NFC South division title.

• Don Hahn [01:55]: "The Bucs needed a win to take the NFC south or a loss from the Falcons. And both, of course, ended up happening, which was a theme for the day."

Mike Evans' Milestone

A significant moment discussed is Mike Evans reaching 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th consecutive season, tying Jerry Rice's longstanding NFL record.

• Don Hahn [03:08]: "He cried like a baby. Cried like an absolute, by design, unbelievable movie."

• Peter Rosenberg [02:53]: "He already is. He also received a $3 million escalator for receiving 70 receptions, 10 receiving touchdowns, and a thousand receiving yards."

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Analysis of Key Matchups

Commanders vs. Buccaneers

The hosts analyze the impending matchup between the Buccaneers and the Washington Commanders, with the Buccaneers favored by three points.

• Don Hahn [03:39]: "The Commanders will take a trip to Tampa Bay where the Buccaneers will host the Commanders on Sunday night football."

• Peter Rosenberg [03:39]: "This is basically, I think, a trip to Canton for him."

Commanders' Quarterback Situation

The discussion shifts to the Commanders' quarterback Jaden Daniels, who was rested during the second half due to injury. Don emphasizes the importance of having a reliable backup quarterback.

• Don Hahn [04:16]: "By the way, you know, Jaden Daniels got a little dinged up yesterday. They rested him in the second half yesterday."

• Peter Rosenberg [04:41]: "Yeah. No, I'm just saying I just think the south is the south, man."

Broncos in the Playoffs vs. Chiefs

Don and Peter discuss the Denver Broncos securing a postseason spot for the first time since the 2015 season by shutting out the Kansas City Chiefs.

• Don Hahn [06:06]: "For the first time since the 2015 season, the Broncos are headed to the postseason."

• Peter Rosenberg [06:37]: "I still think they can be had. Not based off of what I saw yesterday, but I just think they're gonna be had."

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Playoff Predictions and Discussions

Todd Bowles' Comments

The team shares insights from Commanders' coach Todd Bowles, who expresses satisfaction with the team’s performance despite numerous challenges throughout the season.

• Todd Bowles [05:32]: "It feels great. We went through a lot of ups and downs this year."

• Don Hahn [05:49]: "A big Todd Bowles guy. Didn't Todd Bowles get rooked by Arians getting to get the Super Bowl?"

Upcoming Playoff Games and Predictions

Don and Peter make predictions for upcoming playoff games, including the Buccaneers vs. Commanders and Bills vs. Broncos matchups.

• Don Hahn [08:38]: "The Bills are nine-point favorites at home against the Bronco."

• Peter Rosenberg [08:40]: "Yes, that's my pick."

Listener Interactions and Thoughts

Edward's Pool Win

Congratulations are extended to Edward from Bushkill, Pennsylvania, who won the ESPN New York Survivor pool by correctly predicting all 22 outcomes through 18 weeks.

• Don Hahn [26:42]: "Congrats to Edward from Bushkill, Pennsylvania, for correctly picking all 22 picks through 18 weeks."

Richard's Christmas Memories

Listener Richard shares nostalgic memories of watching a significant 49ers game on Christmas Eve 22 years ago, blending his love for sports with personal traditions.

• Alan [27:56]: "22 years ago, January 5th, Christmas Eve, I was in church and listening to that giant 49er game."

Matt's NFL Opinions

Matt from Nashville voices his frustrations with the Titans and Giants' poor performances and criticizes the Commanders' coaching and quarterback decisions.

• Matt [33:21]: "The quarterback play is not good but it's... Coaches are able to score more than a touchdown at home. It's embarrassing."

• Peter Rosenberg [35:20]: "I really honestly believe Matt that the reason is very simple. He went through three coaches in six years. He doesn't want to have to go through it again."

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Other Sports Discussions

Alex Ovechkin and the NHL

The hosts pivot to discuss NHL star Alex Ovechkin's remarkable performance, including his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record and the Washington Capitals' strong season.

• Peter Rosenberg [40:12]: "Alex Ovechkin is the greatest athlete to come out of D.C. in the last 75 years."

• Don Hahn [40:12]: "Alex Ovechkin is who Aaron Rodgers wants to be like."

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Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the excitement of the NFL playoffs, share humorous anecdotes, and interact with last-call listeners. They also promote upcoming episodes and encourage listeners to subscribe and engage.

• Don Hahn [44:11]: "Hear more of Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Don Hahn [01:55]: "The Bucs needed a win to take the NFC south or a loss from the Falcons. And both, of course, ended up happening, which was a theme for the day."

• Peter Rosenberg [02:53]: "He already is. He also received a $3 million escalator for receiving 70 receptions, 10 receiving touchdowns, and a thousand receiving yards."

• Don Hahn [03:39]: "The Commanders will take a trip to Tampa Bay where the Buccaneers will host the Commanders on Sunday night football."

• Don Hahn [06:06]: "For the first time since the 2015 season, the Broncos are headed to the postseason."

• Don Hahn [08:38]: "The Bills are nine-point favorites at home against the Bronco."

• Peter Rosenberg [26:42]: "He must have got the script ahead of time."

• Matt [33:21]: "The quarterback play is not good but it's... Coaches are able to score more than a touchdown at home. It's embarrassing."

• Peter Rosenberg [40:12]: "Alex Ovechkin is the greatest athlete to come out of D.C. in the last 75 years."

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Conclusion

The Hour 4: NFL Binge episode offers a comprehensive and lively discussion on the culmination of the NFL season, highlighting standout performances, strategic playoff predictions, and engaging listener interactions. Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg blend their unique perspectives to deliver an insightful and entertaining podcast episode that keeps listeners informed and entertained as the NFL playoffs approach.

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For those who haven't listened, subscribing to the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast will keep you updated with expert analysis, spirited debates, and entertaining conversations on the latest in sports and beyond.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

This episode is brought to you by Allstate. Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate First. Like, you know to check the date of the big game first before you accidentally buy tickets on your 20th wedding anniversary and have to spend the next 20 years of your marriage making up for it. Yeah, checking first is smart. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate Savings. Vary terms apply. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois. This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don Hahn]

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

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Listen, there are three things I like to binge in this life. Delicious baked goods, 1980s Diane Keaton and Sally Field movies, and the NFL. And guess what? I've already been watching Diane Keaton and Sally Field all weekend, so I'm ready for some NFL action. You know what I mean, Don?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm just trying to figure out what you were binging.

[Don Hahn]

I watched Steel Magnolias over the weekend, of course. Come on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There you go.

[Don Hahn]

Cried like a baby. Cried like an absolute, by design, unbelievable movie. And then we watched. We watched Steel Magnolias on Saturday, and we watched Fried Green Tomatoes on Sunday. It was a real Southern flag, a set, a Southern women's kind of weekend. Really, really delighted.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's the theme.

[Don Hahn]

No, it was. It was a joy. Guys, let's talk about it. There weren't a ton of games to keep your eye on yesterday, but the ones that you needed to provide some great Entertainment for week 18 were there.

[Alan]

All right.

[Don Hahn]

The Bucs needed a win to take the NFC south or a loss from the Falcones. And both, of course, ended up happening, which was a theme for the day. Tampa started off slow against the Saints at home, but they turned it on in the second half, outscoring New Orleans 213 to win the game and the division. Let's hear some from 98 Rock down in Tampa Bay. Here's the snap to Rattler. Here comes pressure. Gets the pass near sideline. Incomplete pass. Bucks take the ball away on downs. And Tampa Bay with 36 seconds left before we are the champions of the South. Here we are, the Buccaneers, four consecutive division titles is the third longest active streak in the NFL. They're only behind the Chiefs and the Bills. Mike Evans had an awesome moment, reaching 1,000 receiving yards with a nine yard reception on the Bucks last Play of the game. That's his 11th consecutive. Did you see the moment, Don?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Don Hahn]

It was a lot of fun.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That was really cool the way his.

[Don Hahn]

Teammates celebrated for him. Pretty cool, man. The 11th consecutive thousand yard receiving season ties him with Jerry Rice for the longest streak in the NFL. What a career that guy has put together.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's been every season of his career, correct?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. And bouncing back from injury and it's every season of his career. He could go on to be truly, truly up there at the very top. He already is. He also received from that catch a $3 million escalator for receiving 70 receptions, 10 receiving touchdowns and a thousand receiving yards.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And they show the list of everybody that's had nine or more. The only two that are not in the hall of Fame, Jimmy Smith and Larry Fitzgerald. And Larry Fitzgerald is all but going to be in.

[Don Hahn]

Correct.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So this is basically, I think, a trip to Canton for him.

[Don Hahn]

Well, the Commanders will take a trip to Tampa Bay where the Bucks will host the commies on Sunday night football. Buccaneers three point favorites against the Commanders. I feel like in the last 20 years where there have not been. Don. A lot of playoff appearances for my Commanders, I think the only teams we've played are the Bucks and the Seahawks. I swear to you, it might be the only teams.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You almost beat Tom Brady.

[Don Hahn]

Almost beat Tom Brady.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You had them.

[Don Hahn]

We were right there. Very, very close.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're a lock.

[Don Hahn]

You love us.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Love you.

[Don Hahn]

Really?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I.

[Don Hahn]

By the way, you know, Jaden Daniels got a little dinged up yesterday. They rested him in the second half. I loved them resting him in the second half yesterday. And can I tell you something? I don't know if you guys know this. This is really interesting. It's really helpful having like a professional backup quarterback. Did you know that?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Don Hahn]

Did you know if you get someone like Marcus Mariota, someone who, all due respect, was meant to be a backup.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I bailed you out earlier in the.

[Don Hahn]

Year and I did it again yesterday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, it's. Listen, I love this pick. I'd marry it. I'd have children with it.

[Don Hahn]

Wait.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I would die in its arms at the end of our life. Like in the Titanic.

[Don Hahn]

You're going full Titanic with the Commanders.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Bucks are so one and done. They're just. They're the south, man. The south will not rise again.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, don't get my hopes up. It all worked out. That is exactly who I wanted to play.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's no world in which the Bucs and the Texans advance to the division.

[Don Hahn]

So then I should be Nervous? You're saying if the Texans win on Saturday?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, no, no. Then I think it's even more of a lot. Both going, oh, sorry.

[Don Hahn]

If the Texans lose, I should be.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I'm just saying I just think the south is the south, man.

[Don Hahn]

Well, let's hear from Todd Bowles. I love some Todd Bowles. Post. Here's Todd Bowles on just how gratifying this is. Oh, it feels great.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, we went through a lot of ups and downs this year. A lot of injuries, guys fought hard. We went through a hurricane, by the way. And with a lot of guys missing.

[Don Hahn]

On both sides of the ball, it's even more gratifying throughout the year for.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Us to come out on top this way. I don't feel great about loving the commanders the way I do because I'm.

[Don Hahn]

A big Todd Bowles guy. Didn't Todd Bowles get rooked by Arians getting to get the Super Bowl? And he's been doing the hard work ever since keeping this team afloat.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know what it is about me loving buccaneer head coach. I loved Arians, and I love Todd Bowles.

[Don Hahn]

All right, let's move on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not so much.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, not as much. For the first time since the 2015 season, the Broncos are headed to the postseason. They shut out the Chiefs. I mean, the Chiefs, Don, made this point earlier. They really didn't want the beng. They didn't show up at all. The Broncos third touchdown was one of the most ridiculous touchdowns I've ever seen. It was tapped by, like, three different chiefs before being caught. 38 nothing. The Broncos beat the Chiefs, who will finish the season. Still a decent record. Don, they're gonna. They're gonna be okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I still think they can be had. Not. Not based off of what I saw yesterday, but I just think they're gonna be had.

[Don Hahn]

Let's hear some Steve Levy action on ESPN radio. Knicks out of the gun. Quick throw out to the right. Able. Complete the Marvin Mims and right sideline over the pylon in the end zone for a touchdown. Kind of how the game started next to Mims. That combination remains red hot. And the Broncos score again. Make it 30 to nothing. A 30 pack on Kansas City. Remember, Denzel Mims could not get on the field with. There was. There was no way that Denzel Mims was capable of playing.

[E]

You know that. You're correct. And this is Marvin Mims.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, no. Denzel's former Jet current Raven. Is Denzel out of the league?

[E]

I think he's a Charger now?

[Don Hahn]

No, but is he really?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No. We would ask Salah about Denzel Mims every week.

[Don Hahn]

I'm see where he is right now.

[E]

Couldn't play the X, couldn't play the Z, had to play the.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, that was. God, don't you, like, hate getting reminded of old stories that we covered with these teams doing horrible. Sorry. He's on the Jags. He's a Jaguar now, by the way, though, if you were wondering. He did. He did get on the field, but not. But not this year.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not this year.

[Don Hahn]

No. No, no. So it's over.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a whiff by you. What are you.

[Don Hahn]

No, listen, all you can do is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Move forward and you're like, you know. You know what that is? You know what? That's an examp. Just knowing too much football.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. When you see a wide receiver, his name is Mims and you were. And you go, well, it's got to be Denzelman.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If you knew less football, you wouldn't be as confident.

[Don Hahn]

You would have checked the first.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Made that assumption. No, you knew too much football.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. You know what? You're right. It's my own knowledge that did me in there. I'm ashamed. All right, let's keep moving here. By the way, the Broncos will get the Bills this weekend, which is kind of a fun. It's a fun little AFC matchup.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's the number on that? Going to be like seven and a half. You think?

[Don Hahn]

Is that. What is that your pick?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's my pick.

[Don Hahn]

I have it for you right now if you're prepared and ready.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You sure I'm ready? You've been thinking about it. I said Bill. Seven plus minus seven and a half over Dallas.

[Don Hahn]

All right. Well, it would be. The Bills are nine point favorites at home against the Bronco. That's going to start off your Sunday slate, in case you're wondering. 1:00 on CBS. Paramount, likely an Iron Eagle vehicle. The Bills, by the way, were not going to play anyone in their final game against the Patriots. But surely New England would win and lose their chance at the number one overall pick. Right? I mean, just couldn't happen. Wouldn't make sense.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Don Hahn]

Let's listen to 98.5. The Sports Hub takes a high snap, drops back on second down and in short four, he's rolling to his right, chased by a pair of Bills throws. On the gun. The pass is going to be caught at this point by an open booty who's going to trot into the right into the end zone. Touchdown, Patriots. Did I call it. Or did I call it? Get him outside the pocket. You've got one. You've got the first touchdown.

[Griffin]

I got the second one.

[Don Hahn]

I mean, football is so stupid. You win a game. You win a game. The commentators, they're cheering like it's good news. Your head coach is immediately fired after the game. You lose the number one pick. But, but, but don't get me wrong, the homer commentators will always be jumping up and down for touchdowns.

[Griffin]

That was especially if they call it. Did I call it?

[Don Hahn]

Did I call it? You called that one. I called this one.

[Griffin]

Like, good for you. By the way, team now didn't get the number one.

[Don Hahn]

That was like a definitively problematic franchise moment being celebrated. And I know it's their job to some extent, but good God, man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, they were going to take quarterback anyways.

[Don Hahn]

So with that, the Titans lose to the Texans and they clinch the number one overall pick. Now, the last time the Titans drafted first overall. Don know what it was?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Was that a McNair vehicle?

[Don Hahn]

Oh, here's a hint. They weren't the Titans.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh.

[Griffin]

They were the Houston Oilers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How about the fact that they wore the Houston Oiler uniforms against the Houston Texans?

[Don Hahn]

I know. Which is.

[Griffin]

Done that before, I thought.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it's gorgeous.

[Don Hahn]

I love.

[Griffin]

It's been done before.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So when the. Hi.

[Don Hahn]

So how many people out there who get to celebrate that jersey are rooting against the team playing? It's so weird.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So who's a great player? They would have taken overall, I guess the only.

[Don Hahn]

Who's the great?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Campbell.

[Don Hahn]

That's right. 1978. Earl Campbell. That's how long it is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Houston Oilers. Houston Oilers. Houston Oilers. Number one.

[Don Hahn]

Now, there was a game with a lot of meaning and starters in the whole nine. It happened on Sunday night. Foosball. No, I do. It should have been a great game. It was not. It started out all right. The Lions and the Vikings met up, and it was just nastiness. Detroit running roughshod all over the Vikings, 31 9. Let's hear a moment, shall we? From 97.4. The ticket in Detroit. Jared leans in. There's the snap. Gives it to Jameer over the left side up the hash. Still fighting at the one. Did he get in Down.

[Griffin]

Detroit Lions.

[Don Hahn]

Jameer with a boost from his offensive line. He's in. And the Lions are three scores up.

[Griffin]

Oh, he lost his voice.

[Don Hahn]

He's getting so his.

[Griffin]

His voice cracked.

[Don Hahn]

I. I want to come up with a phrase, but I. I don't think I'm allowed. I'll get dumped for saying the second word, but it sort of rhymes with homer, and it describes how excited these guys are. What. That's what they have, you know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, if you. If you say that word.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Meaning an error, then you're allowed to say.

[Don Hahn]

Or you're talking about the friend on the show Family Ties, which is unbelievable, by the way. What?

[Griffin]

I'm glad you brought it up because I was going to say that we went through a whole generation of a show that was on for how many years and like, everybody used the name they. His name literally was that. It was funny.

[Don Hahn]

I know. It was built in.

[Griffin]

There was a New York City.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There was a New York Giant way back in the turn of the century that made a base running error that cost him a game.

[Griffin]

Oh, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And it's known as Merkel's boner.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But because I'm referring to it as a mistake, I can say it right. If I refer to it as, you know, blood flow, bad job.

[Don Hahn]

Well, speaking of which, someone who had some blood flow is Dan Campbell. Here he is in the post game. Coach Campbell Cartlidge. He's excited about the one scene. Just total team effort. Started with our defense and took the whole unit, but what a great job. Back to back division winners in the NFC north at the 1 seed, 15 wins. I just couldn't be more proud of those guys. And, you know, I just told them that. To me, this has been in the making for a while. You know, it takes a special group of guys, and I think you kind of had to go through what we've been through over the last four years, the core of this unit. And then anybody that comes in, they fall in line because that's what. What we're built around is our core. And they really delivered for us today. So it was not a great day for Sam Darnold and the Vikings. Here's Sam on his performance. Just got to be a lot better, you know, for myself personally. Got to hit the throws in tight coverage and, you know, we're. We're looking forward to the challenge against LA moving forward, but, you know, gotta. Gotta watch this tape and learn from it and get better.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now, I don't know if we have the cut, but Dan Campbell disrespected the Rams.

[Don Hahn]

Is that true?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because he said we'll see the Vikings in two weeks. Oh, I think he was trying to be complimentary of the Vikings, but.

[Don Hahn]

But still, people hear those things.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They hear, and then.

[Don Hahn]

And then everyone tells you, oh, we don't care about things like that. They always seem to Care.

[Griffin]

It's on the bulletin board.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, it's on there.

[Griffin]

Somebody will put it on the bulletin board. Always that one guy.

[Don Hahn]

Let me get you guys caught up real quick with the full weekend schedule. Saturday 4:30. Smells like a. Smells like a Tuesday at 2:15. The Chargers at the Texans. And the Chargers are three point favorites.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

At the Texans. The night vehicle.

[Griffin]

Really?

[Don Hahn]

The night vehicle. In theory, when you see the names on paper, it's sexy. And I don't know if we're going to hear from Danny, from Danny on Long island today, but the Steelers are an absolute mess. For the people who don't like Mike Tomlin, the way this season has played out, it has been so what they're talking about the Steelers at the Ravens. The Ravens are 10 point favorites in.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This AFC north, the four game losing streak to close out the season.

[Don Hahn]

That's right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Can't score.

[Don Hahn]

No.

[Griffin]

Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's an issue, man.

[Don Hahn]

Russell Wilson has turned back into a pumpkin completely. Like what a.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What a far big number though.

[Don Hahn]

That's a play for a playoff number. And by the way, I'd let you know what three point play like. No, I don't know about that. No, don't lock.

[Griffin]

Three pointer.

[Don Hahn]

No, don't lock it.

[Griffin]

Call it.

[Don Hahn]

Don't lock it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Show me.

[Don Hahn]

I'm telling you. No, call it. Show something I got to tell you.

[Griffin]

Show me something.

[Don Hahn]

I got to tell you. I love it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And this is a prime vehicle, isn't it?

[Griffin]

Yeah, it's this. This is prime on Saturday night.

[Don Hahn]

That's right.

[Griffin]

I wanted to ask that question to you guys, like is, are you really locking in with no last channel button on this game? Are you really locked. Be honest. That's a Saturday night. A lot of options if you're home. A lot of options. Listen, and knowing that I cannot bail out because there's no last channel.

[Don Hahn]

But it's to me the place. Listen, if I have the ability at that time to watch what I want on TV, I will 100% have that on and only on because I'm an NFL playoff man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sure.

[Don Hahn]

That being said, my wife, we are now like two weeks and three days from delivery date. So if she's like, hey babe, I'd really like to watch blank thing. I know we know tomorrow night is all about the commander's game. I can't just keep on brave and Steelers. I got it.

[Griffin]

Do you remember, Don, do you remember the first when Nancy was pregnant right before she gave birth. What you watch that night or whatever? Like, do you remember there's Always that thing that you'll always say, we did this right before.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, it was a. Oh, she just died. Linda Lavin, remember?

[Don Hahn]

This is so dumb.

[Griffin]

Yes, Alice.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, Alice. She just passed away. She was in an ill fated sitcom. All right, that wasn't on very long. I'm just. I'm just trying. I'm just trying to look up.

[Griffin]

You randomly have it on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That was what was on 9Jkl.

[Don Hahn]

Wow.

[Griffin]

What?

[Peter Rosenberg]

And that was the last Tuesday night.

[Don Hahn]

Alan, what was yours?

[Griffin]

Anything we've heard of Serendipity, the movie.

[Don Hahn]

Okay, I remember.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a believable. The John Cusack vehicle.

[Griffin]

John Cusack.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, and my girl, Kate Beckinsale.

[Griffin]

Fantastic. Yes. Unbelievable. Like a really good movie that we just had me watching and I'm so caught up in it and she's telling me, like, you know, I don't feel well. I'm like, okay, just lay down. You're fine.

[Don Hahn]

This movie's really picking up. Be quiet.

[Griffin]

And then she finally looks at me. She goes, no, really. And she's holding her back. She's holding the bag. You know, the. I don't feel well. Like. Oh, you mean now? Like, I'm telling you, man. Like, it was just. I freaked out. Like, sprinted to the door the whole thing. But, yeah, so we always. The night before Zach's birthday, we watched Serendipity.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's so sweet. I don't know where.

[Griffin]

You don't want it to be a really bad. Yeah, you don't want it to be that. And you, Peter, you don't want it to be a really bad. Steelers.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. No, no. Dropping by the. By the Ravens. By the way, we still have four minutes left, guys. Can I get the football music Still? I miss it. It felt right. I want to give these other games.

[Griffin]

I didn't mean to take the music.

[Don Hahn]

No, that wasn't you. That wasn't you. Here we go. Let's go to Sunday. I enjoyed that story from both of you guys. Let's go to Sunday. 1:00, the Broncos at the Bills. We just discussed this. Buffalo will be a nine point favorite that game. That is a CBS vehicle. You'll roll right into 430, which guys, a game. Now listen, Watson's out, Jair Alexander's out. But I still think this could be a very sexy matchup. The Eagles, four point favorites at home against the packers on Fox. Guys, if that doesn't smell like a classic Fox playoff game, I don't know what does.

[Griffin]

Brady, right?

[Don Hahn]

Oh, that'll be a Brady vehicle. Sure.

[Griffin]

That's a Brady vehicle.

[Don Hahn]

100%. Listen, I kind of give the packers offense a chance against Philly, and I really do wonder where Jalen hurts is with this Eagles team. It's going to be interesting to see.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I got no problem rooting against the Eagles, nor do you.

[Don Hahn]

No. You know, Ballard and I have that kind of friendship. We do very much root for each other's teams. I'll definitely always pull for the pack if they're not dealing with my commie. Speaking of which, Commie's last game of the weekend. And you know, I heard from a couple of people yesterday, including Andrew Gunling or not last game, second to last game of the weekend, who congratulated me on, on the, the Sunday night slot. And I was like, I should I be celebrating this slot? And Andrew's point was he said, you know, he said, hey, you might not relate yet because you don't have kids, but when you have kids and you're looking at a playoff schedule, that Sunday night is very appealing because it's out of the way of activities. And I do, I do appreciate that. I'll be able to fully know the schedule's clear. Anyway, it'll be Commanders, Buccaneers. The Bucks are three point favorites. Alan, you may have missed it. Don, is Titanic in love with the commanders in this game?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I said I'm gonna marry it, have children with it, and die in bed with it. Like in Titanic, the elderly couple.

[Griffin]

Oh, you. Oh, that's the. Cause I was gonna say the other one, of course, is that you won't let them on the broken door. You're just gonna let them float into first infamy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. You haven't heard my opinions on Titanic.

[Don Hahn]

I'm sure he has. He's a P1. He has to have heard.

[Griffin]

Yeah, I, I, we need to discuss at some point.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, Rose. Rose was a loose woman.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, he, he does not like Rose. Okay. All right, last. Well, we got a deal.

[Griffin]

By the way. By the way, you watching this game Sunday night? I mean, seriously, this is. Are we talking about, leave me alone. I'm on the couch, like, curled up in a ball. Like, what. How are you watching this? Are you comfortably watching or are you in full, like just fetal position panic mode?

[Don Hahn]

I'm glad you asked. You're a good friend. Here's the truth. It's. It's both sides of the coin on one side. Everything about this year has been bonus. Right. Like, I thought they could make the playoffs. 12 and 5. Finding a franchise quarterback. I never thought we'd Be here.

[Griffin]

So I shouldn't be bonus, Right? I just want to make sure we had that.

[Don Hahn]

Yes. Bonus.

[Griffin]

Okay. Because I'm sure it was the other word too, for you.

[Don Hahn]

Well, that is. That's a fair point as well. However, I'd be lying now if I said that since we got the matchup that I most wanted at Tampa. Oh, I think we should win. I think we will win.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Lock.

[Griffin]

Oh, no.

[Don Hahn]

So listen. No, my point is I'm not. I didn't lock that. That was Don's lock. I'm not locking my commanders. That was dod.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's my three point play. Locking in.

[Don Hahn]

Is that it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Don Hahn]

He's done locking in three points on the commanders. Have we ever seen this on a Monday?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Never.

[Griffin]

Love it.

[Don Hahn]

So because of that feeling, it does, Alan, add the pressure of like, I kind of will be in a ball. Like, oh, my God, could we win a playoff game? Because I kind of expect they should. Last game of the weekend will be Monday Night Football right here with ESPN and abc. Of course, it'll be a Joe Buck, Troy Aikman vehicle. It'll be. This is a fun game to me, guys. You got the Rams and the Vikings in Los Angeles. The Vikings are one and a half point favorites. I don't know if I've ever liked the Rams more. I love the Rams. I. I do disagree. I don't love where the Vikings are at right now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I said Chiefs, Vikings, one and done.

[Don Hahn]

And you staying with that on the Chiefs, too?

[Griffin]

Oh, no, no. All right. You know, because of that. Because of that, in spirit of competition, I will not make it a three point.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, hold on. He's doing.

[Griffin]

But I'm already ready already. The very first show on a Monday.

[Don Hahn]

Here we go.

[Griffin]

I'm gonna lock it in. I'm gonna lock in. Give me the Vikings as my one pointer.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't like it. I don't care for that. That. That's. That's like the. The k. The. The Thursday dabble.

[Don Hahn]

If you're.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If you're gonna lock something, it's a sprinkle.

[Griffin]

I'm allowed to sprinkle.

[Don Hahn]

No, no. I mean, you're gonna go this early. If you're gonna go this early, it's kind of go harder. Go home.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Come on, man.

[Griffin]

Can't feel no. I can't feel no.

[Don Hahn]

You know. You know what? How about this? I wanna know.

[Griffin]

You're trying to bully me into it. You're not gonna do it.

[Don Hahn]

Well, how about this? Hold on. Give me three points on the Baltimore Ravens right now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I love this. Show me something, Allen. Show me something.

[Griffin]

All right, I'm in.

[Don Hahn]

I'm in.

[Griffin]

Give me the three.

[Don Hahn]

There he is. We got three men.

[Peter Rosenberg]

See, that's the kind of show we do here. Lock it in threes on Monday.

[Griffin]

Lock it in.

[Don Hahn]

By the way, three different from downtown.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Do you realize a week from today, the playoffs still will not be over in the first round because it's a Monday night game and we're locking in threes.

[E]

So to be clear, we got my.

[Griffin]

Game, we have Baltimore at minus my game. I'll know.

[Don Hahn]

Baltimore minus 10, three.

[E]

Minnesota at minus one and a half.

[Don Hahn]

That's Allen's horrifying three point play.

[E]

And then for Washington, it's plus three.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, Don has Washington plus three for.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Look at that, the Canadians are winning outright. Lock.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, man.

[Griffin]

Why am I trashed? Why me?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I wasn't. Well, that Don is just.

[Griffin]

Don's putting the jinx on your commanders.

[Don Hahn]

It's a little scary. It's a little scary, but I trust. No, I trust the man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No control.

[Don Hahn]

That is your NFL binge for the final week of your NFL season.

[Griffin]

That was excellent.

[Don Hahn]

I enjoy that. I love the NFL. I don't know if you guys know this. They do a great job. No, I appreciate it. I feel it, Alan. Thank you.

[Griffin]

Okay, good.

[Don Hahn]

It meant something to me that you.

[Griffin]

Guys did bully me into that, though. I have to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's how it goes.

[Griffin]

I mean, it's just gonna have to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Bulk up during the off season because this.

[Griffin]

Yeah, we're doing a lot of this. I figured I'd get the calluses in now, right?

[Don Hahn]

That's right.

[Griffin]

That's all. We'll be good when we get. When we get into baseball season and who knows what the hell is going to happen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We should remind people we're not going anywhere back in the old days. 6:30. Goodbye, Dan Grasse. No, no, no, no, no.

[Don Hahn]

There's more show here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We're taking another half hour.

[Griffin]

We're not saying goodbye.

[Don Hahn]

You know what? We got to open, though. You got to remind the phone lines, guys, last call crew 1-800-919-3776. We got a half hour phone calls, baby.

[Griffin]

I kind of like that. I almost think it's almost like we go Buffett.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, well, you love.

[Griffin]

Would you like a little. Would you like a little buffet where it's like, what. It's almost dealer's choice. The callers have things they want to discuss. It doesn't have to be on topic of whatever we've talked about or. Or are talking about and we just kind of go a little roulette.

[Don Hahn]

I by the way, I believe in that all the time. Whatever the people feel, I feel okay.

[Griffin]

Well, that's who we'll do.

[Don Hahn]

Flex your business with an American Express.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Business Gold card, you'll earn four times.

[Don Hahn]

Membership Rewards points on your top two eligible spending categories like transit and electronics.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Each on up to 150k in combined purchases per year. Plus, you can now earn 3 times.

[Don Hahn]

Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hotels booked on amextravel.com terms and points cap apply. Learn more at americanexpress.com business gold amex business gold.

[Don Hahn]

Built for business by American Express.

[Griffin]

Rated RP to M. You're listening to an app or PC Game Pass. Want new games on day one? Like Avowed or Football Manager 25? Say nothing if you're getting excited. Thought so.

[Don Hahn]

Did I mention legendary franchises like Diablo? And all for one low monthly price. Three words. We got you.

[Griffin]

Learn more at xbox.com PCGame Pass Some games reference coming soon. Game catalog varies by region and over time. Any questions? I'm just kidding. I can't hear you.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I didn't listen to anything you just said. Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. Oh, man. What is this?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don't just Kick Start My Heart by Motley Crue, which I'm not a fan of. It's stripper music. Music that you would go to a strip club in here. I'm not a fan of Def Leppard. Maybe the first couple of albums with Def Leppard and the first album of Motley Crue. But this song is stripper music. The one right now is Getting naked. Now, I'm a fan of that. You know what? I don't need to hear Motley Crue behind the nudity's enough, Don's 12th book, by the way.

[Don Hahn]

The Nudity Is Enough for Me. The ESPN New York Survivor pool concluded this weekend with one winner taking home the $2,000 prize. Congrats to Edward from Bushkill, Pennsylvania, for correctly picking all 22 picks through 18 weeks.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wait, what? How does that happen? My friend?

[Don Hahn]

That's. That's.

[E]

He got every game right in this season, huh?

[Peter Rosenberg]

He must have gotten the script ahead of time.

[E]

That's crazy.

[Don Hahn]

Why do you do 22 picks through 18 weeks?

[E]

I'm sure as it got later, you had to make two picks a week.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, wow. That's incredible.

[E]

And he still got him.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Good for him.

[Don Hahn]

He performed. All 5116 other contestants take the entire jackpot. You know, listen, it's not some bad money right there. It's all thanks to our [e-mail]. the phone lines are open. We got three lines open. 1-800-919-3776. Whatever the topic of the day is, it is on the table. We want to hear from you. We want to discuss it. Don, at this moment. Do it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Show me something.

[Don Hahn]

And by the way, on this special day, of all days, how could we not hear from Richard in Manhattan?

[Alan]

Hi, Don. Peter Allen.

[Don Hahn]

Hey.

[Alan]

Yeah, today's my Christmas. Last night, I was in church for Christmas Eve services. Don, you'll get a kick out of this. 22 years ago, January 5th, Christmas Eve, I was in church and I was listening to that giant 49er game. Jeff Garcia brought them back. They won 30. I was in church with my old Walkman and head and earplugs and I was dying in the back. Oh, that was terrible. Terrible. 39, 38 when they came back.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you're Russian Orthodox Armenian?

[Alan]

No, Armenian. The Armenians celebrate the Coptics, the Syrians. Yeah, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Alan]

It has to do with. It used to be January 6th, but then they figured there was a pagan holiday, so they moved it to December 21st anyway. That's cool.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, interesting. You're a very interesting man.

[Alan]

You know, you've been talking about Tyree Kill and Jimmy Butler in Miami. But the biggest Miami story you had on the radio and you didn't bring it up. Joe, name it. On this day, 55 years ago, that Monday, the same day, January 6, 1969, he's at the hotel, his feet are in a lounge chair, and he made the bold prediction that I. We will beat the Colts. I guarantee it. Look it up. January 6th, the Super bowl was that Sunday, 55 years ago. Alan, explain this to me. Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This should be Good.

[Alan]

You have two teams, Oklahoma City and Cleveland, combined 61 and nine. That's almost historic. Of course, the Bulls were 73 and nine.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Alan]

Okay. Up until three years ago, all we heard on your station, every station, everything, the only way to win in the NBA is a big three. Well, according to my calculations, not only do Oklahoma City and Cleveland do not have a big three, they don't even have a big two. They only each have a big one. And yet they're winning like they are.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, they win the whole thing, though.

[Alan]

Well, they're both not there. I was just there. Look at their record.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know, but that doesn't mean they're gonna win the championship.

[Alan]

Well, looks good now. All right, fellas, I got another statistical anomaly for you.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, perfect. Our favorite. Yeah.

[Alan]

This is unbelievable. The Kansas City Chiefs have scored 385 points. 385. The San Francisco 49ers have scored 389, four points more than the Chiefs. Yet the Chiefs won 15 games and the 49ers won six games. That's unbelievable, fellas. Unbelievable. And you notice the running game is coming back.

[Don Hahn]

It really is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It really is.

[Alan]

We heard about. No, you can't draft the running back, but you still. Yesterday, the Carolina Atlanta game combined for 400 rushing yards.

[Griffin]

Right?

[Alan]

Alan, one last thing. Go ahead, please. You gotta ask Clyde this. Tell Clyde you have a caller on your station who goes back to Richie Garon. Ask Clyde. The greatest. And Don, you're in on this, too. The greatest Nick game they ever played on television ever was the 72 first round first game against the Lakers in the championship series. They smoked LA. That was an historic LA team. They had won 33 straight. But the reason why we don't remember that game as. Don, you always say the Knicks lost those four straight after that. So they beat the Lakers Game one. Goodrich went wild, but Monroe and Frazier had great. That was almost the perfect game, Allen. That was similar to Villanova or Georgetown. The Knicks played that great a game. But because they lost the Knicks 4. Ask Clyde that. One day you have a caller that wants to know if that was the greatest game the Knicks ever played. But that was a great game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks. Now, as far as the anomaly with the Chiefs and the 49ers. Well, the Chiefs had a plus 59 point differential, while the 49ers had a minus 47. So that's why you saw the difference in the records.

[Don Hahn]

It's interesting still, but.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But the running game is coming back. But none of these running backs had to be taken second overall. And I could say, well, Saquon was taking second overall. Yeah, but not by the team that he's excelling with. So you can get a running back. You draft a running back late and still have them excel. Because if you've got the quarterback, the infrastructure and the offensive line, I could take a third round pick, Peter, and run the football. So the running game is coming back. But is it coming back to the point, Peter, where you're going to still draft running backs in the top five? And the answer is no, not yet.

[Don Hahn]

Let's talk to some more peeps. Let's go to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You almost need a second Though right after Richard.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, like you want to breathe. Because it's just.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean he certainly didn't.

[Don Hahn]

I mean the clicking alone. His clicking today. Where's my Richard clicking? Can I get my Richard clicking somewhere? Oh, it's in dhr. Alright, great. Here it is. DHR elements click. We have new.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a different.

[E]

Oh, listen, it's a work in progress here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We're building a lot of things.

[Griffin]

Why am I trashed? Why me?

[Don Hahn]

But that was one of the great Richard. One of the great Richard whatchamacallitz I've ever seen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm not a fan of it's stripper music.

[Don Hahn]

When I was seven, I was riding shotgun and smoking cigarettes. But yeah, an interesting call from Richard to say the least. His name is Rose. John Peter.

[Alan]

Thank you, Alan.

[Don Hahn]

I hope you make the team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wow.

[Don Hahn]

All right, let's hear from Matt. Nashville. Hey, Matt. What's up, man?

[Matt]

All right, I have three quick points to you guys. 1 Titans and Giants fan. So the fact that both my teams won 3 and 14 this year and no one got fired is sickening. Yep. Two, I want to touch on like Dable after they beat the Colts talking about how it's a whole lot easier to score some points when you have good quarterback play. I thought it was a ridiculous comment going into this year. Like would any of us thought that. Yeah, Darnold's a great, like a good quarterback to run your team with. I know, Don, you mentioned earlier that you always thought you didn't get a fair shake, but still like not, not a great quarterback by any means. We were meh on Baker when Goff was leaving L. A. It was meh on that. Like we thought he was so dependent on McVeigh and. And now they're all doing it. So I don't want to hear that. Hey, I can't score more than 10 points at home a week because I don't have good quarterback play. Good coaches are able to figure it out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You saw what happened in Cleveland last year where Flacco was able to get him to the playoffs and he had Daniel Jones. They gave him a contract, couldn't work through it. Yes, Daniel Jones had injuries. Drew Locke, they brought him here as a free agent because they thought they weren't going to have Daniel Jones to start the season. They got almost nothing out of him. Yeah, you got. These guys got to go to the right place. Sam Darnold's a perfect example. Geno Smith's also another example.

[Don Hahn]

If you go to the right place.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You can coach these Guys up.

[Matt]

Yeah, the quarterback play is not good but it's, it's. Coaches are able to score more than a touchdown at home. It's embarrassing. And the third one you kind of talked about how earlier the only way you can keep Shane and Dables if you don't draft quarterback. I don't want them to draft quarterback. I think that's right but I think you're better off clearing them all out anyway because one what is Shane showing you that outside of drafting neighbors that he knows what he's doing in the first round and honestly dropping a stud wide receiver is probably the easiest pick out of all he whiffed on. Neil Thibodeau's fine. I just, I just don't understand how we don't just start the clock over.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I really honestly believe Matt that the reason is very simple. He went through three coaches in six years. He doesn't want to have to go through it again. I really think he's trying to get fugazi stability by just sticking with his guys. I mean you got to win games. Why do you draft players? You draft players so that they play well enough to win games. So you could say that Chain had a great draft and he did because of the way the running back of the wide receiver play but it still resulted in three games that they won.

[Don Hahn]

And by the way, would it have been really hard for anyone to draft neighbors and know he's going to be good?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's not a big deal.

[Don Hahn]

I mean come on, I would have.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Tracy, that was a nice pick. That is a nice pick. You know but, but look at you had the offensive and defensive rookies of the year for the jets last year and the general manager that selected them still got fired. You know why? Because they didn't win games. It's not about collecting talent. It's about collecting talent to win games. Not to collect talent to say look how talented we are and then go out there and go 3 and 14. It's, it's, it's frustrating but if you are going to believe in these guys is where I agree. I disagree with Jordan Ron on who thinks that you could still have another year to evaluate. They're going into the fourth year of a five year contract. If you believe in them and you think you're headed in the right direction then extend them because they're not going to be good next year anyway. They're going to have the hardest schedule in the NFL. We have no idea who their quarterback is going to be. They're on their way to Being another, you know, a 5 and 12 team. And then what? You're going to fire everybody next year? That's why I don't think they're going to draft a quarterback. Because if they draft a quarterback, then you're going to have to give them a contract because you're not going to want to blow things up with your rookie quarterback going into his second year. And are you going to be able to extend these guys? Peter, after having another three, four win season, I really believe he's half pregnant on this. If you really believe in him, then extend them.

[Don Hahn]

I think that was one of the. In the former life when we did point God, I think it might have been that. Don, how you feel about that?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, I appreciate that.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I didn't listen to anything you just said. Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. Hi. You know what kind of hurts we didn't hear from Griffin on our first day, doesn't it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wait, wait, wait.

[Don Hahn]

Just as I said it. Oh yeah, I did. Honestly.

[E]

Okay.

[Don Hahn]

I didn't even know he was there. Last call crew, first day ever.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How does that make you feel to be remembered and thought of like that?

[Don Hahn]

Griff, how does that feel, buddy?

[E]

It really is sad. It really is sad, Peter. I, I was so excited. I finished eating. I'm like, I'm gonna try to get in to talk to them and then Peter all of a sudden doesn't even know that I'm there. Come on, Peter, wait.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Why do you take it that way? When we actually didn't see you there.

[Don Hahn]

And thought about you, I talked about you without knowing you were there.

[E]

Then that, that. Okay, that makes me feel my. Sorry. I'm. Whatever. Hey guys.

[Don Hahn]

How are you?

[E]

My, my point. I have a football thing. And then I have a question for Don. With the football matchups this weekend, the one matchup I'm very interested in, I'm wondering if you guys think is the Bills versus Denver. I'm not saying Denver is going to be the Bills, but Denver's defense is pretty good and I think they lead the NFL in the sacks. So they could maybe get some pressure and make it a very interesting game. I'm wondering if you guys think it will be.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think it can be. Just because you've got a world class coach. You would. Yeah, you would have to say that Denver's got the better coach in the game. Now you've got a rookie quarterback on the road against maybe one of the best teams in football. So I would say it's really heavy lifting. But would I be shocked if that's a game going into the fourth quarter? No, I wouldn't. But I wouldn't. I would not think that Denver would have enough to be able to win that game.

[E]

I don't. I don't think Denver has enough to win, but I think it'll be a close game.

[Don Hahn]

And by the way, what a dud that would be for, like, just the playoffs moving forward. That would be such a. They're, They're. They're a pretty boring team. I'm sorry. I'm good.

[E]

They are. Don, I have a question. NHL, you picked. The coach of the year is Spencer Carberry. Oh, way up there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, he's almost on the top of the list. I know. They went out and got, you know, Manjapani and dubois.

[Don Hahn]

Is this the current Capitals coach?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Current Capitals coach. And they're first place. And Ovechkin, they lose him for 16 games and they haven't missed the beat. He scored four times in the five games that he's been back.

[Don Hahn]

Insane.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, he, he, he's definitely going to get one of the three votes. We still have half a season to go, but he has just been terrific. And Ovechkin just continues to score.

[Don Hahn]

What a freak.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're getting tremendous goaltending and they're also getting performances from guys like, you know, Protus scoring 17 goals, McMichael scoring 17 goal. Like, you need guys that you didn't think of to all of a sudden have big years to be able to make that kind of a jump. And that's what the Capitals have been able to do.

[Don Hahn]

Alex Ovechkin is who Aaron Rodgers wants to be like. Say you're going to come back on a ridiculous timeline. He was skating like two days after he broke his leg.

[E]

Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. No, hey, listen, it was. It's not a weight bearing bone, but still. It's a broken leg.

[Don Hahn]

Well, still does.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm 39. Listen, he's. We got a. We had a caller. You weren't on with Dan on Friday. Oh, he's. He's not the greatest player. He's not Wayne Gretzky. Nobody's saying he's Wayne Gretzky, but I'm sorry. It's pretty significant that he's going to break Wayne Gretzky's record for goals. And if you're saying he's a compiler. Well, he missed his entire rookie season because of a lockout. You had the 56 game pandemic season. You had another 48 game lockdown. He would have broken this record two.

[Don Hahn]

Years ago, by the way. Anyone who would say that. And I'm a guy who, obviously, even though I'm from D.C. and I've got love for the Caps, I'm a Penguins fan, not a Capitals fan. And there's no love lost between those teams over the history of the careers of Ovechkin and Crosby. You just haven't watched him play. If you haven't marveled at Alex Ovechkin.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Before, listen, I don't want to dive into, you know, Walter Johnson and going back to the old, you know, Washington Senators. Alexander Ovechkin is the greatest athlete to come out of D.C. in the last 75 years. He's better than anybody that's ever played for the Redskins, Better than anybody that's ever played for the Wizards.

[Don Hahn]

You know, don't you win point guard again.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's. No, he. I've been saying it for years and it was. It was really, really interesting. I guess it was. Carpinello was on Twitter. It's like nobody, Nobody outside of D.C. is rooting for Ovech. Going to break this record. I am. I think it'd be pretty cool. I understand if you're coming from a Ranger perspective. You never had any love for City, Crosby or Alexander Ovechkin, but if you can't appreciate their greatness and now towards the end of their careers, seeing what they've been able to accomplish, I think it's pretty special. I could find value in it.

[Don Hahn]

Alan, how do you feel about. Do you know our good friend Jonathan in la?

[Griffin]

Yes.

[Don Hahn]

Well, I think. I think it's right. He's a great supporter of the show. Let's say hello to Jonathan in LA before we wrap up. What's up, Jonathan?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hi, guy. Hi.

[Don Hahn]

Hi, Jonathan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hi, fellas. Great, great, great to listen to you guys again. I could adapt to this. I could. That to Michael from 10 in the.

[Don Hahn]

Morning to 12pm Boom. And from you guys till 12 to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

4Pm Come on, Alan.

[Don Hahn]

Welcome to the show.

[Griffin]

Did I make the team?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Griffin]

Joe Namath wasn't sure if I made a team yet.

[Don Hahn]

Well, Joe doesn't know that the intricate workings of a contract situation that things have, have been more than determined. I mean, the photos out. And speaking of which, Neil in East Brunswick, before we get out, you had a thought on the new show picture? Yeah. Hey, guys, I know I'm up against it. I'll be quick. But I just want to say great job on the photo I think you guys look great. Alan and Peter, you guys look like you're at a wedding around midnight with that loose formal tie.

[Griffin]

That was the vibe. Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And then I love Don.

[Don Hahn]

He's wearing a classic outfit of my father, the leather jacket, collared shirt and jeans. Yep. And he looks like just making you guys laugh. I really want to know what it is. What made you guys laugh? I was thinking maybe he told you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Guys what really happened behind ClickSeas. Actually, you know what I did? I told him why I'm a Trailblazers fan. How about that?

[Don Hahn]

But by the way, he was legitimately making us crack up, which is what made that photo.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was probably something.

[Don Hahn]

So go subscribe to the podcast. Guys. Don, Han and Rosenberg. Wherever you find podcasts, sign up and tell us a friend.

[Griffin]

Yeah, and also watch the Knicks tonight because I'm going right downstairs and taking over for the pregame show that's about to happen, boys. We're going to be together tomorrow though, so make sure you keep listening. Dhr880, ESPN thanks for listening to the.

[Don Hahn]

Don, Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[Griffin]

I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good.

[Don Hahn]

Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.