Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Episode: Hour 4: Weekend Warrior
Release Date: February 7, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

In the fourth hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, titled "Weekend Warrior," hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg dive deep into their weekend sports predictions, engage in a spirited debate about Eli Manning's Hall of Fame prospects, and interact with passionate listeners. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the episode's key discussions, insights, and conclusions.

1. Weekend Warrior Picks

Timestamp: 01:00 – 04:33

The episode kicks off with the hosts introducing the “Weekend Warrior” segment, where each host selects their top sports MVP (Most Valuable Player) candidates based on current performances and upcoming games.

• Alan Hahn selects Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, highlighting his exceptional playmaking ability and leadership on the field.

  Alan Hahn [02:28]: "My weekend warrior is going to be Patrick Mahomes."

• Peter Rosenberg opts for Jason Tatum of the Boston Celtics, citing his consistent high performance and pivotal role in the team's success.

  Peter Rosenberg [02:10]: "If the Celtics are going to win a big game in New York, it's Tatum. Come with Jason Tatum putting up a big night."

• Don La Greca backs J.T. Miller from the New York Rangers, emphasizing his impact since joining the team and his crucial role in upcoming games against the Penguins and in Columbus.

  Don La Greca [01:40]: "He's been a beast since he got here. Back-to-back games for the Rangers tonight against the Penguins and then in Columbus."

The trio discusses the potential scenarios that could elevate their picks to MVP status. Alan defends Mahomes by asserting his leadership and championship victories make him an undeniable warrior in the sports arena. Conversely, Peter challenges the conventional MVP criteria, urging a more analytical approach beyond mere statistics.

Peter Rosenberg [03:07]: "Can we be better than that? Instead of being like the NFL who just sees that a man played under center and hands him the MVP... let's analyze the actual game."

Don adds historical context by referencing players like Jerry Rice, illustrating how team dynamics and supporting cast influence MVP considerations.

2. Eli Manning's Hall of Fame Candidacy

Timestamp: 09:15 – 14:38

A significant portion of the episode centers on the controversial topic of Eli Manning's exclusion from the NFL Hall of Fame. Listener Joe from Rockville Center initiates the discussion by highlighting Manning's impressive achievements, including two Super Bowl victories, two Super Bowl MVPs, and two regular-season MVPs, placing him among only six players in NFL history with such honors.

Joe [09:15]: "Eli is like one of six players in NFL history to have at least two Super Bowl wins. Two Super Bowl MVPs and two MVPs."
Don La Greca [10:28]: "Brady, definitely gonna be in. And Eli."

Arguments in Favor:

• Team Achievements: Eli led the New York Giants to two Super Bowl titles, both against top-tier teams like the New England Patriots, showcasing his clutch performance in critical moments.
• Resilience and Leadership: Manning's ability to guide his team to victory despite challenging circumstances underscores his greatness as a quarterback.

Don La Greca [11:18]: "The Giants were never a great team and he was able to take them to heights that they probably didn't belong."

Arguments Against:

• Statistical Comparisons: Critics point out that Eli's regular-season numbers pale in comparison to other Hall of Famers like Drew Brees or Patrick Mahomes.
• Team Context: The success attributed to Eli is often seen as a product of a strong supporting team rather than his individual prowess alone.

Peter Rosenberg [12:10]: "Those things [stats and arm strength] do matter. So we can't throw those out."

The hosts debate the criteria for Hall of Fame induction, weighing championships and MVPs against personal statistics and overall career performance. They express concern that as time passes, Eli Manning's achievements may be overshadowed by emerging players and evolving evaluation standards that favor analytics over traditional metrics.

Alan Hahn [14:12]: "Over the next couple of years you're going to see some big names appear on these battles."

3. Listener Interactions and Sports Predictions

Timestamp: 07:40 – 17:38

The hosts engage with several listeners, addressing their questions and predictions on various sports topics:

• Garrett from Fall Park, NY discusses the New York Rangers' direction and the upcoming Super Bowl, predicting a Chiefs victory with a bet on the under for a 48.5-point game.

  Garrett [07:40]: "I'm taking the under also. It's 48 and a half."

• Joe from Rockville Center revisits the Eli Manning discussion, emphasizing his unique achievements and questioning the Hall of Fame omissions.

• David from Valley Stream shares his bullish outlook on the Chiefs, hoping they can secure a third consecutive championship, and expresses a desire to see more substantial calls in the game.

• Another Garrett from Miami Ville inquires about the podcast incorporating more boxing content, reflecting a listener's interest in diversifying the show's sports coverage.

  Garrett [16:43]: "Will you guys ever start talking about boxing more? I'm a huge boxing head."

The hosts acknowledge the suggestions, agreeing to explore more boxing discussions in future episodes to cater to the interests of their diverse audience.

Peter Rosenberg [17:29]: "We need a couple of legit super fights. I think we're gonna have more room than I've had before to do that for sure."

4. Potential Expansion into Boxing Coverage

Timestamp: 16:53 – 17:38

Responding to listener feedback, the hosts contemplate increasing their focus on boxing. They discuss the current landscape of the sport, noting a lack of high-profile fights and the rise of less reputable figures overshadowing the sport's traditional appeal.

Don La Greca [17:38]: "You need big heavyweights, you need big rivalries. And we just haven't had that on a consistent enough basis."

The hosts express enthusiasm about potentially covering more boxing events, highlighting a commitment to providing comprehensive and engaging sports content.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, the hosts extend their gratitude to listeners for their participation and support. They reinforce their dedication to delivering insightful sports commentary and fostering a community where fans can share their passions and predictions.

Alan Hahn [18:04]: "Do these shows and be out and about. You'll hear about more events coming up and we love it for you to come out."

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn [02:28]: "My weekend warrior is going to be Patrick Mahomes."
• Peter Rosenberg [03:07]: "Can we be better than that? Instead of being like the NFL who just sees that a man played under center and hands him the MVP... let's analyze the actual game."
• Don La Greca [10:28]: "Brady, definitely gonna be in. And Eli."
• Peter Rosenberg [17:29]: "We need a couple of legit super fights. I think we're gonna have more room than I've had before to do that for sure."

This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" offers a vibrant mix of sports analysis, passionate debates, and interactive listener segments, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts eager to engage with knowledgeable hosts and fellow fans.