Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron
Hour 1: Herm Edwards and Tyson Helton Join the Show
Date: December 21, 2025 | Hosts: Matt Jones & Myron Medcalf (ESPN Radio)
Episode Overview
In this energetic and wide-ranging first hour, Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf celebrate the Chicago Bears' remarkable comeback win over the Packers, touch on fan psychology, and dig into the evolving legacy of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. The hosts interview Western Kentucky football head coach Tyson Helton, previewing the upcoming New Orleans Bowl, and then bring on legendary NFL analyst Herm Edwards for a thoughtful deep dive into the NFL’s playoff landscape, quarterback development, and coaching strategies. Along the way, the banter covers everything from Charlie Brown characters to tips for calling their first national football broadcast.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Bears’ Monumental Comeback & the Caleb Williams Effect
[00:58-11:01]
-
Matt’s Ecstasy as a Bears Fan:
Matt opens with unrestrained joy about the Bears' improbable comeback over the Packers in a critical NFC matchup.“That might be the best regular season win...maybe in my lifetime. In terms of what it meant, the stage and the way they came back so improbably – it was just a special night for the Bears fans.” – Matt Jones [02:34]
-
Rivalry Stakes:
Myron reflects on the symbolic significance of the Bears beating their historical nemesis, with playoff seeding on the line.“The fact that you have Bears-Packers, the division's on the line...that rivalry is what made it even more impactful. Maybe a franchise-altering win.” – Myron Medcalf [02:56]
-
The Caleb Williams Narrative:
Both hosts agree the performance helped cement rookie QB Caleb Williams’ legitimacy after months of skepticism.“That throw, not just that throw...the touchdown throw in regulation...I think those two throws legitimize Caleb Williams as an NFL starter.” – Matt Jones [06:47]
“Not many quarterbacks in the NFL can make that throw. His scrambling ability...he took charge.” – Myron Medcalf [07:16] -
Playoff Path Opens:
Both hosts discuss how the Bears are poised for a deep run, given the absence of generational QBs like Mahomes or Brady in the field.“Somebody’s gonna get a Super Bowl without sort of the generational quarterback... Bears fans got to be thinking about that and how far they can really go from here.” – Myron Medcalf [08:37]
2. Pop Culture Detours: Charlie Brown, Franklin & Fan Psychology
[03:26-11:01]
-
A lengthy, humorous tangent about the Peanuts gang, focusing on the rarely-discussed character Franklin and diversity in classic cartoons.
“They didn’t plan for him to be a black character. Somebody at the last minute said, 'We might want to do something here… it’s February...'” – Myron Medcalf [05:49]
“Franklin was never on the shelves, I’ll tell you that much. Because I would have seen Franklin if he was on the shelves.” – Myron Medcalf [06:09] -
This discussion segues back to sports, comparing the Bears’ long rivalry struggles to Charlie Brown’s perpetual football flubs.
★ Memorable Segment
Matt reads trivia about Franklin from Peanuts, adding levity before getting back to football. [09:14]
3. Tyson Helton Interview: Western Kentucky’s Program & Bowl Prep
[12:33-21:35]
Coach Tyson Helton (Western Kentucky Hilltoppers) Joins the Show
-
Previewing the New Orleans Bowl:
Helton stresses their explosive offense led by QB Rodney Tinsdale and notes WKU’s tradition of developing NFL talent.“We’ve had over the past four years, top three round draft picks every year, which not a lot of teams can say that... Bowl games are extremely important around here—not just going, but winning.” – Tyson Helton [14:25]
-
Managing Team Focus in New Orleans:
Helton discusses the challenge of balancing fun and discipline with college kids in a city like New Orleans.“I usually like my team to have a good time early. Let them go out, see what the city has to offer… but closer and closer to the bowl game, you start dialing in.” – Tyson Helton [15:40]
-
Navigating the Transfer Portal & Recruiting:
Helton details their strategy for recruiting and developing both high school and transfer players amid NCAA rule changes.“The developmental piece has kind of declined a little bit… we may only have this guy two, three years max. Can we get his max potential out of him?” – Tyson Helton [17:25]
“We've always stayed one step ahead of the posse... that's one of our blueprints—balance between signing young high school players and adding talented transfer guys.” – Tyson Helton [19:23]
-
Favorite Bowling Green Eats:
Helton shouts out local favorite restaurants, including Pub Nova, showing pride in the Bowling Green community.“That's one of our selling points, you can’t go 50 yards and not run into some great restaurant in town.” – Tyson Helton [20:37]
4. Herm Edwards Interview: Bears, Quarterback Evolution, and Playoff Parity
[24:14-35:33]
NFL Analyst Herm Edwards on the State of the League
-
On the Bears’ Transformation:
Herm commends Caleb Williams’ growth and Ben Johnson’s impact as head coach.“It’s really fun to watch Caleb Williams’ development. Can’t say enough about Ben Johnson... this team is entirely different.” – Herm Edwards [25:29 & 27:33]
-
Luck or Skill in Close Wins?
Myron asks whether the Bears’ stunning string of last-minute comebacks is luck, skill, or belief. Herm says:“A combination of that and then belief that it's never over… that was the Kansas City Chiefs last year.” – Herm Edwards [26:32]
-
On Backup Quarterbacks:
With so many injuries, Herm sees investing in quality backups as essential.“You need a backup guy that’s played, that has some experience, so the moment isn’t too big for him...” – Herm Edwards [29:04]
-
Playoff Parity With Mahomes Absent:
Herm and Myron note the wide-open feel of this year’s playoffs, comparing it to the NBA after Jordan’s hiatus.“It’s open for Josh Allen, but he’s a one-man band. He covers up a lot of deficiencies in my opinion.” – Herm Edwards [31:26]
-
On Tua Tagovailoa & Dolphins:
The discussion shifts to Tua’s struggles and whether his career is in jeopardy post-concussion. Herm voices concern over Tua’s health and the offense’s recent decline.“We were all worried about him even coming back... This team is just not the same.” – Herm Edwards [33:42]
-
Jaguars vs. Broncos Preview:
Herm frames this as a proving ground for Trevor Lawrence against an elite Broncos defense.“They lead the league in sacks… now you’re going to get tested… it’s a good test for Jacksonville.” – Herm Edwards [34:40]
5. First-Time Play-by-Play Nerves & Broadcast Banter
[37:06-45:25]
-
Matt’s Nervousness About Calling the Bowl Game:
Matt candidly shares anxiety about calling his first-ever football game, live on national radio.“I’ve never called a football game in my life. Now I’m gonna do play-by-play for the first time on national radio… I’m nervous, and I don’t get nervous.” – Matt Jones [39:45]
-
Myron’s Confidence & Self-Acceptance:
“I’m the greatest Myron Metcalf in the history of this planet. That’s all I got.” – Myron Medcalf [40:03]
-
Honest Humor About Their Broadcasting Style:
The hosts agree not to force technical football jargon and to simply convey the game with their personalities.“Nobody wants to hear that from us. They just want to hear us talk about the game.” – Myron Metcalf [40:22]
“Trying to compare yourself to these, like, uber successful people at this, it’s just... daunting.” – Matt Jones [41:32] -
Historic Note:
“I think I’m the first black commentator on the New Orleans Bowl in ESPN history – they’re gonna build a statue of me whether I’m good or bad.” – Myron Metcalf [42:14]
-
Banter About New Orleans, Potential Suite at Pelicans/Mavericks Game:
The pair poke fun at splurging on a stadium suite and the idea of “the mystique” of broadcasters living it up before Bowl Season.“I’m just gonna be pointing at random people as if I know them… just to make it even more mysterious.” – Myron Medcalf [45:01]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Matt Jones:
- “That might be the best regular season win...maybe in my lifetime.” [02:34]
- “I’ve never called a football game in my life. Now I’m gonna do play-by-play for the first time on national radio… I’m nervous, and I don’t get nervous.” [39:45]
-
Myron Medcalf:
- “Not many quarterbacks in the NFL can make that throw. His scrambling ability...he took charge.” [07:16]
- “I’m the greatest Myron Metcalf in the history of this planet. That’s all I got.” [40:03]
-
Tyson Helton:
- “We've had over the past four years, top three round draft picks every year, which not a lot of teams can say that... Bowl games are extremely important around here—not just going, but winning.” [14:25]
- “We've always stayed one step ahead of the posse... that's one of our blueprints—balance between signing young high school players and adding talented transfer guys.” [19:23]
-
Herm Edwards:
- “It’s really fun to watch Caleb Williams’ development. Can’t say enough about Ben Johnson... this team is entirely different.” [25:29 & 27:33]
- “A combination of (skill, luck, and belief) that it's never over… that was the Kansas City Chiefs last year.” [26:32]
Segment Timestamps
- Chicago Bears’ Comeback, Fan Experience, and Peanuts Banter: [00:58 – 11:01]
- Interview: Tyson Helton, Western Kentucky Head Coach: [12:33 – 21:35]
- Interview: Herm Edwards on Bears, NFL Playoffs, QBs: [24:14 – 35:33]
- Hosts’ Nerves & Humor About Calling the New Orleans Bowl: [37:06 – 45:25]
Tone & Style
The episode maintains a relaxed, witty, and often self-deprecating tone, blending die-hard sports passion with cultural footnotes, honest anxieties, and good-natured ribbing between hosts and guests. High-level analysis mixes seamlessly with playful banter, making the show accessible and engaging for hardcore and casual fans alike.
For listeners: Expect this hour to deliver a genuine slice of Sunday morning sports radio—equal parts heartfelt, humorous, and sharp insight into both the day’s biggest games and the personalities covering them.