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Podcast Host
This is Matt and Myron the podcast.
Matt Jones
It is Matt Myron on ESPN Radio, presented by Progressive Insurance. I have to tell you, though, while I love Tyler Childers, I've got another song I would like to play this morning. James, do we have that ready? Let's go. This is the song I want to play this morning.
Myron Metcalf
Oh, boy.
Matt Jones
Running the ball is like making romance as the Bears are headed to the Super Bowl. That's right. We're not doing this because we're greedy. Meyer and the Bears doing it to feed the needy. And last night, in a cold day on Soldier Field, the Bears beat the packers in one of the more exciting comebacks of all time.
Myron Metcalf
It was incredible, man. You know, I think a lot of people were sold. I will say Caleb Williams, nice to see him finally, like, make one of those throws that everyone thought he would make when he was the unanimous number one pick. It feels like he's living up to a lot of the hype, and that was a great win.
Matt Jones
I'm not letting you be negative, I.
Myron Metcalf
Must say, be a part of being negative.
Matt Jones
Nation on the doctor calling line 888, say ESPN. ESPN Nation's presented by Dr. Pipper. It's not college football season with the delicious without the delicious taste of an Ice cold Dr. Pepper. College football. It's a Pepper thing.
Podcast Host
What are we thinking about?
Matt Jones
I'm trying to think, but nothing happens. Nothing happens.
Podcast Host
Time to find out. This is off the top.
Matt Jones
Flash off the top with Matt and Myron. You don't get to be negative because I had a wonderful sports day yesterday. All right, look, I'm a Kentucky basque. I have three sports I care about the most. Kentucky 4. Kentucky basketball, Chicago Bears, Carolina, Hurricane, Cincinnati Reds. That is a hard lot to. Especially the last three. A hard lot to cheer for. But, you know, yesterday, Kentucky one, that was good. But the Chicago Bears, that might be the best regular season win. I don't know, Myron. I mean, you might have to go back to the super bowl shuffle. I can't remember a win in the regular season. Better than that one, maybe in my lifetime. In terms of what it meant, the stage and the way they came back so improbably with the onside kick, all of that, it was. It was just a special night for the Bears fans.
Myron Metcalf
Well, and it was also about who they did it against. Yes, too. I mean, I think the fact that you have Bears, packers, the division's on the line, you know, the top seed is on the line in the nfc. That rivalry, to me, is what made it even more impactful. Yeah. For the Bears to come back and that's what they would do it all season. That was a. Maybe a franchise altering win. I think that was also the victory that made people go, okay, if you had any doubts about what Johnson and Caleb Williams can do together, we've seen the results.
Matt Jones
I agree. I think that is, to me, that's the biggest takeaway. First of all, you have to understand the inferiority complex that Bears fans and the Bears franchise have with the Packers. They've been owned by the packers for, you know, at least the last eight years. And it's just. It's been constantly. It's been Lucy or who pulled the football away. Was it Lucy or Schroeder who pulled the football away?
Myron Metcalf
And Charlie Brown?
Matt Jones
Yeah, Chris?
Myron Metcalf
I think it was Lucy. I think it was Lucy.
Matt Jones
It was just on the cartoon. Lucy.
Myron Metcalf
I think Lucy. I think it was.
Matt Jones
Yeah. How many. Let me ask you, were you a Charlie Brown guy?
Myron Metcalf
I wasn't a huge Charlie Brown guy. Can you give me.
Matt Jones
Can you get what Charlie Brown characters do you know real quick? Can Myron name five Charlie Brown characters? Not named?
Myron Metcalf
Probably can. I didn't watch Charlie Brown like that. Charlie Brown.
Matt Jones
No, I said without Charlie Brown. I gave you that one.
Myron Metcalf
Lucy. Lucy's one who knows Two other white kids with him.
Matt Jones
There's a lot of white kids. There was one black kid.
Myron Metcalf
There was a black kid on Charlie Brown.
Matt Jones
There was one black kid.
Myron Metcalf
Did they introduce him late? I don't think he was in the original.
Matt Jones
Well, there may have been some pressure that brought him in at some point.
Myron Metcalf
You sure he just wasn't on the February episode? Was he there all year Year. Or did they. Or did they only bring him in for guest appearance? I don't know. He was full time.
Matt Jones
Come on. That's not. That's not right. Who. What was the. What was the name of the dog?
Myron Metcalf
A black character.
Matt Jones
What was the name of the dog? You know, the dog. Come on, man.
Myron Metcalf
Keep saying I know, and I'm telling you, I don't know.
Matt Jones
But the name of the dog.
Myron Metcalf
I don't remember Charlie Brown like that, man.
Matt Jones
Okay.
Myron Metcalf
I didn't watch Charlie Brown.
Matt Jones
Let me help you. Snoopy. You ever heard of Snoopy?
Myron Metcalf
Snoopy, of course.
Matt Jones
Snoopy. Yeah.
Myron Metcalf
What am I thinking?
Matt Jones
Okay. And then you had. You had Peppermint Patty.
Myron Metcalf
Peppermint. I remember Peppermint Patty.
Matt Jones
You had her friend Marcy. Right? Marcy. Probably remember Marcy Schroeder Linus, who had the blanket. Do you.
Myron Metcalf
Do you know mysterious black kids?
Matt Jones
Do you want to know the black kid's name or do you want to. Yes, it was. I don't know if you would have guessed it. The black kid's name was Franklin. I ain't.
Myron Metcalf
No way. That's not a. That's not. That never happened. Nobody planned. What happened was they didn't plan for him to be a black character. And then somebody at the last minute said, we might want to do something here. It's February. Let's go ahead and change Franklin.
Matt Jones
I don't know how many dolls the Franklin doll sold.
Myron Metcalf
Franklin was never on the shelves, I'll tell you that much. Because I would have known. I would have seen Franklin if he was on the shelves.
Matt Jones
All right. I don't know how we got off on that. Oh, we pulled the football. All right. So they kept pulling the football. They kept pulling the football away from the Bears.
Myron Metcalf
Franklin, by the way, this is what.
Matt Jones
You have to get ready for. On the New Orleans Bowl Tuesday, they.
Myron Metcalf
Put Franklin one of those 50 cent bowl. You know, one of those big buckets, three for 50 cents.
Matt Jones
Pig pen. That's another one. Pig Penny.
Myron Metcalf
He didn't pick pin. Yeah. So Franklin, though.
Matt Jones
But Caleb Williams, you have been a skeptic. You have all year, tried to sort of go, me and go, oh, don't you wish you had all these other quarterbacks? The other quarterbacks in that. In that class have done amazing. But that throw, not just that throw, by the way, that. The touchdown throw in regulation that he throws off his back foot into the corner of the end zone. I think those two throws sort of legitimize Caleb Williams as an NFL starter that people think you can win with.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah. I mean, throws where not many quarterbacks in the NFL can make that throw. I think that's legit. But I think that's also what you've thought about Caleb Williams in terms of his potential. I think the other thing that was maybe underrated was his scrambling ability. Like, I just felt like he took charge.
Matt Jones
People have always felt like he could do that. I think They've been worried. Make the right throw at the right time.
Myron Metcalf
And he. He definitely did that, and he's been doing that in a lot of clutch situations. I think you do it against a Packers team that's also fighting for the division, your rival. That, to me, is what elevates Caleb Williams in the eyes of Bears fans. Like, forget the NFL. I think that solidified his spot for Bears fans more than anything. Right.
Matt Jones
I think this year he had kind of been solidified with the Bears fans. But you're right. To the extent that you had any worry, I think that one goes. It goes away. And this is a huge win. They're now a game and a half ahead. Basically, they just need to win a game or have the packers lose a game and they will win the division. They're still in play for the 1 seed. I mean, it's not, you know, they're a game back for Seattle for the one seed. If you had to go through Chicago in that cold, especially if you're an indoor team like the Rams or Seattle, Myron, the weather could have a factor. I mean, those things are important.
Myron Metcalf
Well, and I think this is going to be somebody's Akeem Olajuwon season. Patrick Mahomes is not in the playoffs. Somebody's gonna. I don't want to say steal a Super bowl, but someone's gonna get a Super bowl without sort of the generational quarterback in the mix for the first time in a long time. And I think if you're Chicago, that has to be the way you see this thing. Like, here's a chance to make a run against a field that doesn't look like the other fields. When Brady and Mahomes were all at their best. You might have to go through Denver to get a Super Bowl. You might have to beat Sam Donald to get to a Super Bowl. So I think Bears fans got to be thinking about that and how far they can really go from here.
Matt Jones
All right, I'm going to read you before we. I'm going to read you a couple Franklin tidbits. Are you ready?
Myron Metcalf
All right. Yep.
Matt Jones
Franklin was the first black character introduced in Peanuts. By my account, I think Myron may be the only one. He goes to school with Peppermint Patty and Marcy. In his first appearance, he meets Charlie Brown's Charlie Brown while they're on a beach. Charlie Brown says, my dad's a barber. To which Franklin replies, my dad's a soldier in the Vietnam War.
Myron Metcalf
Of course, they gave Franklin a tough. Of course. Of course, Franklin's dad could just be a doctor or a lawyer.
Matt Jones
Of course.
Myron Metcalf
Of course.
Matt Jones
What a response. Charlie comes in, meets Franklin on the beach, says my dad's a barber. And Franklin goes, well, my dad's in the Vietnam War. He, he's full name is Franklin Armstrong and he had one show dedicated to him. A direct to Internet special called welcome Home Franklin.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah, I don't, that never happened. I don't think, I don't think that ever happened.
Matt Jones
I want you to watch welcome Home.
Myron Metcalf
A direct to what special?
Matt Jones
A direct to VCR direct to Internet special. This week, Todd Tuesday, Myron and I are calling the New Orleans bowl for ESPN Radio. We'll have both of the coaches for that game on here today. We'll do one after this. Charlie Brown, Myron Metcalf here on ESPN Radio. Hey, Ryan Reynolds here wishing you a very happy half off holiday because right now Mint Mobile is offering you the gift of 50% off unlimited. To be clear, that's half price, not half the service. Mint is still premium unlimited wireless for a great price. So that means half day.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah.
Matt Jones
Give it a try@mintmobile.com switch upfront payment.
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Podcast Host
Matt and Myron, the podcast it is.
Matt Jones
Matt Myron here on ESPN Radio, presented by Progressive Insurance. Charlie Brown Christmas. I've been teaching Myron about Charlie Brown and also this week been teaching myself about the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team because we're going on an adventure this week. Myron metcalf, I'm Matt Jones. We have never called a football game before, but we are calling the New Orleans bowl Tuesday at 5:30 here on ESPN Radio. And one of the two coaches for the game, we'll have the other one later on today is Tyson Helton. He coaches the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, which is just down the road from me in Bowling Green. Tyson, thank you very much for coming. And I, we are excited to get to meet you and to get to call the game in New Orleans. I'm sure you got other things on your mind, but we're looking forward to seeing you.
Tyson Helton
Well, no, I appreciate you having me on and looking forward to meeting you guys. So that's pretty cool y' all are calling your first football game, huh?
Matt Jones
Not just, I mean, we'll talk about this later. Tyson. Not just calling our first bowl game, calling our first game, but because of that, I've been studying up on your team. What are you laughing about, Tyson? What do you mean? Why, why is it, why is that so funny?
Tyson Helton
Well, no, that's pretty good. I mean, you know, you guys, you'll get, you get the big game right out of the gate. Let me just say that so that, that, that's good.
Myron Metcalf
So.
Matt Jones
Well, the good thing is I've seen both of you.
Tyson Helton
I'm glad you're doing it.
Matt Jones
I'm glad both of your teams play. I follow Kentucky. Both Western and Southern Miss have beaten Kentucky in the last 15 years. So there. But Tyson, you guys, 8 and 4 on the year, number one offense in Conference USA. And give folks a little bit who will be tuning into this game on Tuesday, a little bit about your team.
Tyson Helton
Well, I tell you, we're an exciting team to watch. You know, we got a really good, young, talented quarterback and Rodney Tinsdale and we like to throw it all over the park. And you know, we're, we're one of those brands that I'd like to think we're a pretty recognizable brand and we've had some great players over the years here, a lot of great quarterbacks and a lot of recognizable names. You know, we've, we've had over the past four years, you know, we've, we've had top three round draft picks every year, which not a lot of teams can say that. So a lot of great things going on here at Western Kentucky. I'm finishing my seventh season. This is a very special place. We make bowl games extremely important around here. Not just going to bowl games, but winning bowl games. And so this is a big one. We were down here in 2022, had a great bowl win against South Alabama that year and had a great experience. And so it's great to be back in New Orleans and being part of this event again.
Myron Metcalf
Coach, New Orleans is a fun and exciting city. There's a lot to do, maybe too much to do when you're trying to get a team focused. What do you do to allow you guys to have a little bit of fun, but to also remember that they got a game that they have to play on Tuesday?
Tyson Helton
Well, the biggest thing is finding balance. I tell my guys, hey, you got to have a pro mentality. And you know, it's hard when you're right here in a vibrant city in New Orleans and Bourbon Streets about a block away. It's kind of hard to take young 20 somethings and say, you know, you gotta make sure you're doing everything right. But I usually like my team to have a good time early. You know, it's a four day event. Let them go out, have a good time, let them go see what the city has to offer. We practice every day, but you know, we had our first bowl practice yesterday. The guys were fantastic. So they had that pro mentality that you needed. I have not seen them yet this morning, so hopefully they keep that pro mentality about them. But closer and closer to the bowl game, you start dialing in more and more and getting more serious about it. You know, we got two more days and we'll see how they are today. But we got a great team, great group of guys and they're pretty serious about wanting to go win this game. So they found the balance for sure.
Matt Jones
Tyson, we're talking Tyson Hilton, coach of Western Kentucky. You made a point that I think is, I don't think a lot of people realize Western Kentucky has had a player taken in the first three rounds of the draft the last four years in the NFL draft. You know, the transfer portal has changed everything, but you guys have still been able to, to keep guys or develop guys to become top three round draft picks. That is a pretty amazing run of success, I would think. There's no group of five team besides you, all that have that streak. I mean, I'm glad to be proven wrong, but I, I would think. How have you been able to do that and how do you keep those kind of guys in your program?
Tyson Helton
Well, I tell you, we are. You hit the nail on the head. We are the only group of five team that's been able to do that. And it really, you know, starts with the evaluation piece and knowing what skill traits you're looking for in a player and what fits you, whether offense, defense, and being able to develop young men. I think the developmental piece has kind of declined a little bit over the past couple years with the Portal coming on because you don't have as much time to develop young men. So when we evaluate somebody, we say, hey, we may only have this guy two, three years max. Can we, can he. Can we get his max potential out of him while he's here? And we ask ourselves the question, will he be an NFL player? Can we project that he can be a possible NFL player? Because obviously you want as much talent on the team, but you want a high level of talent. And we've been able to do that very, very well. And we've had some great players come through here and it's been a great recruiting for us, too. I mean, we've had a lot of recruits over the past year or so that want to come to Western Kentucky because they've seen what we have done and how we' developed young men and we put them on a great platform to go to the NFL. And so it's work. It's a model that's worked really well for us. And, you know, we've had a great reception from young recruits that want to be the next top three round draft pick. So even though the Portal is hard to deal with at times, we've embraced it. We know how to navigate it. I think you have to do a great job of having a combination of signing young men out of high school and then also adding a couple transfer guys. And we've done a really good job with that and hopefully this year we'll have another top three.
Matt Jones
Are you able to add some coach? Are you able to add some high school guys? Because these big colleges are taking smaller classes due to the Portal. Are you able to add some talent that maybe you couldn't get five years ago?
Tyson Helton
Yeah, I think, you know, couple, you know, everybody was chasing the Portal, you know, three to five years ago. We've kind of shifted a little bit. You still, no matter what, you have to take transfer players to fill gaps in your roster. But we've shifted a little bit back to the high school ranks that we think we can get a really good quality player that we can develop. Obviously, money is a factor now in when you're recruiting players, but for us, a young high school player, he. He just wants an opportunity to get a scholarship and, and to try to be developed. And so we've gone that route a little bit now. That's worked well for us. And, you know, everybody right now, I think, is kind of chasing the Portal guys and those kind of things. And so we've always stayed one step ahead of the posse, I would say, you know, as far as doing different things that give us an edge. And that's one of. One of our blueprints is having balance between signing young high school players that you and then adding really talented transfer guys. That's worked well for us.
Matt Jones
Well, last thing, where do you eat in Bowling Green? What's your favorite restaurant? And don't give me just the one that sponsors Western Kentucky. Like, if you really want to go and get something, what do you. Where do you go?
Tyson Helton
Oh, gosh, there's so many great restaurants in Bowling Green, Kentucky. I mean, it's one of the top cities in America that has most restaurants per capita. I mean, it's really. That's one of our selling points is you can't go 50 yards and not run into some great restaurant in town. But I tell you, I like a place called Pub Nova. It's kind of a sports bar kind of place. Have a lot of variety. You've been to Pub Nova, have you?
Matt Jones
I mean, I live in Lexington, so, you know, I'm not. I'm not far from.
Myron Metcalf
I've been to a great Mexican spot.
Tyson Helton
We got a good couple good. We got a couple good steak places. Hickory Notes good. Tony's is good.
Matt Jones
Quite a bit. Yeah. Tyson, thank you very much. Game is 5, Tuesday, 5:30, the New Orleans Bowl. My and Myron's debut. Broadcasting. We will probably meet you at the coaches meeting tomorrow. Thank you very much, Tyson. We appreciate it.
Tyson Helton
All right, thanks, guys. Go tops.
Matt Jones
All right, we got another coach coming up next, the legend Herm Edwards, who almost certainly will feud with Myron. Maybe they can talk about their favorite Charlie Brown character. That's next here on Matt Myron on ESPN Radio.
Podcast Host
Tuesday bowl season continues on ESPN Radio.
Matt Jones
Here we go.
Podcast Host
First at two Eastern Toledo faces Louisville in the Bush's Boca Raton bowl of Beans. Then it's Western Kentucky and Southern Miss in the New Orleans Bowl. It's bowl season, and it continues Tuesday on ESPN Radio. And on espn.
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Podcast Host
Matt and Myron.
Myron Metcalf
The Podcast Now I see what they doing.
Matt Jones
It's Matt everybody. Progressive Insurance. Not only does Progressive let you bundle your insurance, they give you round the clock protection quote today@progressive.com who is this?
Myron Metcalf
This is Boys to Bed, which they haven't played any songs like this until Herm showed up. Herm. They were playing, you know, country hit after country hit and then you show up and now they play 90s R&B.
Herm Edwards
No, that.
Tyson Helton
That's nice.
Myron Metcalf
We're playing the Supermore Shuffle. We Playing Christmas song.
Matt Jones
This is nice super bowl song.
Herm Edwards
You know, there's no bang bang music and all that crazy.
Matt Jones
What is bang bang?
Herm Edwards
Well we'll, we'll talk about that off there.
Myron Metcalf
But all the soul, if you listen to the soul holiday station her it's a little different. Like I'll switch from like the soul, like the black soul Christmas station and the regular one. Like our songs are a little bit different. You even know the Christmas song More.
Matt Jones
Love making in the, in the Christmas time.
Myron Metcalf
I'm a smooth jazz Santa coming down the chimney and trying to. That that's what it's always about.
Herm Edwards
Yeah. Okay.
Matt Jones
Herm Edwards ESPN NFL Analyst We're a little nervous. At least I am about calling our first football.
Myron Metcalf
I'm okay.
Herm Edwards
Yeah, you guys would be great.
Matt Jones
Well, I, I appreciate it. I wish I could have called that game last night with the Bears in the Packers. What an exciting win. That's got to be her. One of the more exciting last 30 minutes of an NFL game in a long time.
Herm Edwards
Yeah, it was really like you said, it was fun to watch and it's really kind of fun to watch. Caleb Williams, his development can't say enough about Ben Johnson, what he's brought to this football team and how Caleb Williams, boy, it's just from going from last year to this year looks like an entirely different player. And the Chicago Bears, I mean who would imagine at this point in time in the season. These guys are 11 and 4. They're in the division with the Green Bay packers and Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings and they, they. It was a fabulous game to watch last night. It really was.
Myron Metcalf
I wonder about the concept coach, of, of luck. And here's why I say that you have a Bears team.
Matt Jones
Listen to you.
Myron Metcalf
Oh, hold on a second. Let me just, let me get my thought up. You have a Bears team coach that has won six teams, six games this year.
Herm Edwards
Yes.
Myron Metcalf
When they were trailing with two minutes to go in the fourth quarter, which is a record since the 1970 merger. When you see a team that continues to just win in miraculous fashion like that, is that skill? Is that luck? Is that some combination of both.
Herm Edwards
A combination of that and then belief that it's never, that it's never over. That was the Kansas City Chiefs last year.
Matt Jones
That's what I was going to say.
Grainger/Shopify Advertiser
Right.
Herm Edwards
Yeah. They winning all those ones.
Myron Metcalf
But I thought they were fraudulent though. I thought, I thought those Kansas City Chiefs were fraudulent and we saw the results this year when they lost those one score games.
Herm Edwards
I thought they're fatigued More than anything else. And their offensive line is not the same as we know. But I just think that there comes a point when you're, you know, I've been on teams like that, when it's close, you just say, we're going to find a way to win. Somebody's going to make a play and someone does, you know.
Matt Jones
But I will also note to take up for the Bears. Yes, Herm, they lost all those games last year.
Herm Edwards
Yeah.
Myron Metcalf
Okay.
Matt Jones
So this is like a pattern of a two year pattern. Last year, I think they lost eight games where they were. It was in one score with like five minutes to go and they literally were like one in eight in those games. So I mean, you could, you can look at it as they're lucky this year or you can look at it as Herm, they were close last year and Ben Johnson has flipped it to now they're winning those.
Herm Edwards
Well, I think a lot of. I think both answers can be right. I think this, I think the development of the quarterback has changed dramatically. This guy took 68 sacks last year. 68. He turned the ball over. I mean, this team is entirely different, you know, and you're right.
Matt Jones
What do you see that Ben Johnson has done that has made that happen?
Herm Edwards
The offense is more efficient. Quarterback is way more efficient. They have an identity. I think it helps when you get a coach like Ben Johnson that's competed in the division. He knows the opponents very well. People lose sight of that. I mean, you got a coach that's coached in this division with Detroit. I understand that. But he understands the teams, he understands the defense, he understands the concepts of what they're trying to do. So it's not a coach coming into a division where he doesn't know anything about this guy. You know, he played against this division. I mean, he's in Detroit, so all those things matter, I think. But you know, this is a Chicago team that don't. They don't get enough credit for this, guys. They lead the league in takeaways now.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah.
Herm Edwards
Okay. They got like 20 plus takeaways. That helps too. All these things matter.
Myron Metcalf
Coach, I'm, I'm curious with the Packers. Right. So I mean, obviously people talking about the Bears, Malik Willis still puts them in a position.
Herm Edwards
Yeah.
Myron Metcalf
To. To almost win that game when Jordan Love gets hurt. And I'm looking around the league, all these backup quarterbacks, have we reached a point where you have to invest in a good backup because of how many guys are getting hurt at this level, at that position?
Herm Edwards
Yeah. Correct. I mean, you need A backup guy. And you need a guy that's played too, you know, that has some experience, that is played where it's not too big for him. He doesn't need a lot of reps during practice because even the backup guys, certain situations when the week starts, you're going to get that guy some reps, you know, in situational football. And so offense doesn't change a whole lot with him in there, but you also understand what his threshold is and what he can handle and what he can't. So you might dial it down a little bit with him in there. But I thought Malik Willis would be. Look, when that thing was going on, I mean, he. He wasn't. The moment wasn't too big for him. Now he was playing that game. That kid played good. It's just the heroics of Caleb Williams was like unbelievable. A couple of throws he made toward the end there.
Matt Jones
Well, that. I mean, there's also just like that scenario. It's, you know, it's freezing. You're on the road in Chicago. You have to come in literally cold. I actually thought he did fine as well. Now, I will note for as a Bears pessimist because I'm a fan and we lose a lot. They're still not even guaranteed in the playoffs. No. You know, if they lose their last two games and the packers and Lions win their last games and both of them have very winnable schedules left. So it's not over yet. I mean, with the Bears still have the. At the 49ers and against the line. So it's not done yet.
Herm Edwards
Well, that's when you know. Well, you know. And coach is probably preaching to him, guys, we're in playoff mode. Because they are. Look, until last night, going into this week. Okay, so you think about it this way. This. I've kind of in my own mind try to put my head around this. There's really only one team that's safe and that's Philadelphia Eagles.
Matt Jones
Yeah. Because they got everybody behind every other division.
Herm Edwards
Every other division you could. There's a lot of movement still to be made in these last couple games. Some have two, some have three. So that's. I think if you're the NFL, you couldn't want a better scenario, right?
Myron Metcalf
Yeah.
Matt Jones
No.
Herm Edwards
You. You.
Matt Jones
Well, this is what they look.
Advertisement Voice
Yeah.
Matt Jones
Is this.
Myron Metcalf
Yes.
Matt Jones
Is this kind of thing, Coach, there.
Myron Metcalf
Were two Houston Rockets teams that won championships in the mid-90s when Michael Jordan wasn't in the league. You got Patrick Mahomes not in the playoffs, hurt. Who knows what happens next?
Matt Jones
Year.
Myron Metcalf
I mean, will this kind of be a period where the teams that are right there contending will be judged more severely if they don't get a Super bowl ring because they don't have to go through my homes and kids?
Matt Jones
Or it's a period that Josh Allen has to win. Right?
Herm Edwards
Yeah. I mean, it's open for Josh Allen, but here again, Josh Allen's a one man band.
Matt Jones
Yeah.
Herm Edwards
I mean, I mean he wears the.
Myron Metcalf
Cape guys pretty good band.
Herm Edwards
Yeah, but, but you know, he can't do. He can't play defense. I mean, he can't. There's so many things when you look at this team that he covers up a lot of deficiencies in my opinion. The quarterback, the way he plays. Right. So.
Myron Metcalf
But then we said it about every great quarterback. I was wondering about that coach with Josh Allen. Like, I mean, when you're paid that much and you're considered a top three guy at that level, I mean Brady, every great quarterback I feel like has been in that position where you do.
Herm Edwards
But Brady played on a team where it was a really good defense.
Matt Jones
Okay, so like covered up that Chiefs team last year.
Herm Edwards
He did. But, but, but defensively, you know, they were still good. They were still pretty good.
Matt Jones
Yeah. I mean, let me ask you this. Let me switch gears for a second to Miami.
Herm Edwards
Oh my.
Matt Jones
Is it over for Tua? Like the fact that they're not starting him this week, I mean, is, you know, is it just. Is that it?
Herm Edwards
Indications might be leaning that way? You know, all of a sudden he's turning the ball over too much and that's, that's never good. Who knows what's going to happen down there. No one knows. You know, at one point when they came in front of the masses, the head coach and tua and they were spiraling, I thought it was over. I said, their season's done, man. These guys. And they found a way to come together. They got galvanized and they came together and they started winning some games and now they're 6 and 8. Can they get in? Probably not. They're not gonna get in the playoffs, I don't think. And so what happens? And you're right. Ewers the guy now, is he the guy?
Matt Jones
But I don't even know. Like, once you go to Ewers, I don't know. Ewers was like, well, you're basically.
Herm Edwards
That's what I'm. They basically said, okay, we're looking at this backup quarterback to see is what is he, Is he the backup guy? Is he.
Matt Jones
Well, I Mean, he's not a star.
Herm Edwards
But.
Matt Jones
But Herm.
Myron Metcalf
I wonder about this. We were on. I think Matt and I were on this show when Tua got hurt.
Herm Edwards
Yes.
Myron Metcalf
Right. The. The concussion.
Herm Edwards
Yes.
Myron Metcalf
Can a guy just not be the same after something like that? Like, can something happen where it's not on the field? It's just. Well, it wasn't just concussion.
Matt Jones
Really bad.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah.
Matt Jones
No.
Myron Metcalf
Two really bad ones.
Herm Edwards
Well, we were all. We were all worried about him even coming back.
Myron Metcalf
A lot of people don't think he would.
Herm Edwards
I thought, you know what? This dude shouldn't do it. I was scared to death he was coming back. I was like, oh, he shouldn't do this. Now he's come back. Obviously, this team is just not the same. You know, when they first put this offense and Mike McDaniels went down there, boy, it was like, whoa, these guys are rolling. And now I think people have kind of caught up to it a little bit. Right. And so all these things become a factor, you know, because once you have an offense like they had going early when. When Mike McDaniels first went down there, everyone's studying you and they're figuring it out. Okay, we got it. This is what we got to do to slow this thing down. So it'll be interesting when the season ends and how this team ends. What happens?
Matt Jones
Let me ask you this question before we get out.
Herm Edwards
Yeah.
Matt Jones
The game we haven't talked about is the team with the game with two best records? Jaguars, Broncos.
Herm Edwards
Yeah.
Matt Jones
Broncos have won a lot of close games, too.
Herm Edwards
Yep.
Matt Jones
Are the Jaguars, who've been beating people by huge amounts, are they for real in your mind?
Herm Edwards
We're going to find out. This is where Trevor Lawrence. You know what? You got to play really good now. You're going into the Lions den. You're playing maybe the best defense in modern day football right now. Don't give up a lot of points. They lead the league in sacks with 58. And so now you're going to get tested. You. You're going to get tested by this defense in this Bronco football team. And I think it's a good test for Jacksonville. I mean, you know, they've done a nice job. They're. They're 10 and 4. Houston's chasing them, obviously, and Houston has a fantastic defense as well. So I'm looking forward to watching this game. I want to see how Trevor Lawrence plays. He's been playing well. So can he. Can he do this against an elite defense?
Matt Jones
You know, you coach UK football offensive coordinator. You are ready to take over the NFL. And that's what Liam Cohen has done. Herm, I hope you'll listen Tuesday to hear your boys making our debut on the radio.
Herm Edwards
Oh, I'll be listening. You gotta worry about that.
Matt Jones
I got things to say.
Herm Edwards
You guys will do great.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah, I appreciate that.
Matt Jones
That's very nice.
Herm Edwards
It's easy. Just talk about football. Don't complicate it.
Matt Jones
What was it one guy said? Just say what you see, that's all. Although people don't necessarily want to know what.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah, but we tend to complicate it, Herm. I think that's the problem.
Matt Jones
Thank you very much for your time, Edwards. We will talk more about the New Orleans bowl and our attempts at play by play in color. That's next here on Matt Myron on ESPN Radio. So good, so good, so good.
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Podcast Host
Matt and Myron, the podcast Matt Myron.
Matt Jones
Here on ESPN Radio. What are your favorite Christmas songs? I have three.
Myron Metcalf
This is one of them. This is one of them.
Matt Jones
I'm a big.
Myron Metcalf
I'm a big silent night. And then Mariah Carey all the way.
Matt Jones
Christmas is you. Yeah.
Myron Metcalf
Is gigantic.
Matt Jones
I like Little Drummer Boys, My favorite by far. Big Little Drummer Boy fan. Yeah. Because I just think I like the message. I like live aids. Do you know it's Christmas?
Myron Metcalf
Okay. Okay.
Matt Jones
I do. They. I like it. And then I like a new one that I just sort of. It's not new. It's new to me. I discovered last year, which is the Fairy Tale of New York the Way by the Pogues. Do you know that one?
Myron Metcalf
No, I don't.
Matt Jones
We'll play that James play Fairy Tale of New York by the Pogues. Although there's a. There's a line you got to be careful we don't play. But. But Christmas Song.
Herm Edwards
Hold on.
Matt Jones
Yeah, it was. It was just that. Yeah. There's line you can't say, but they've changed it in modern versions of it. But just the overall thing, it's about, like, falling in love in New York at Christmas. Those. Those are my three, but Little Drummer Boy is my favorite.
Myron Metcalf
What's. What's at the top of your Christmas movie list? Like, what do you.
Matt Jones
Well, I mean, I like the Requireation a lot. I like Scrooged.
Myron Metcalf
That's my favorite. I love Screws.
Matt Jones
I like Screws. I like Bad Santa.
Myron Metcalf
Oh, okay. That's a classic.
Matt Jones
But so those are probably mine. I mean, I don't understand why people like, like White Christmas and who wants to watch that? I mean, that's boring.
Myron Metcalf
Oh, it's a Wonderful Life is. Is a requirement for me.
Matt Jones
I mean, I was in the play, so I feel like I kind of.
Myron Metcalf
You know, It's a Wonderful Life is a required view. And I feel like.
Matt Jones
Well, now you and I. Excuse me. We're going to be arriving to Christmas. Sorry about that. We're going to be arriving. Didn't mean to cough right in the microphone. Yeah. We are going to be arriving to Christmas a little bit late because on the 23rd, we're calling the New Orleans Bowl. Matt, Myron, call. Our first ever bowl game, and it is in New Orleans. 5:30 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, Southern Miss Eagles. All right, so let's start with this. I need to make a confession here on national radio. I've never called a football game in my life, okay? And now I'm gonna do play by play for the first time on national radio. And if you've listened this show, I'm a pretty confident person. James sometimes says, maybe even a little too confident. Not about this. I'm nervous, and I don't get nervous. But I'm a little nervous about Tuesday. Myron, I have to be honest.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah. Now we've talked about it. I don't think you have to be nervous. I mean, to me, here's what I've learned at this stage of my life. I'm gonna be myself, and whoever likes it, likes it. Whoever does it, doesn't. I don't have any other person to be. I'm the greatest Myron Metcalf in the history of this planet. And that's all I go by. You know what I mean?
Matt Jones
Like, I know.
Myron Metcalf
That's all I got. You're the greatest Matt Jones of, you know, Kentucky, where, you know, that's all we got.
Matt Jones
So notice how he's the greatest Meyer Metcalf of all time, but the only greatest Matt Jones.
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I don't know the town.
Myron Metcalf
I don't know the town.
Matt Jones
Kentucky.
Myron Metcalf
He gets. I don't know the specific town that.
Matt Jones
You'Re from the world. And I get Kentucky.
Myron Metcalf
I'm the only one. I'm the only one. I'm just saying if we go down there and we try to be an on 1st and 10 and you blah, blah, and then I know, and then you come to me and it's like, well, they're in cover three and the blitz pack, like, nobody wants to hear that from us. They just want to hear us talk about the game.
Matt Jones
I totally agree. I totally agree. It's just the mechanics of play by play. Like, listening right now, all over the country are people who, like, know their local high school play by play. Announcer. Right. And they've. They've done the games when Lin Camp plays Caldwell County. I mean, they. They've heard all that. Right? I never did that, you know, so, like, you're throwing me into the deep end because this is. And I'm not trying to act like Western Kentucky Southern misses the Super Bowl. I get it. But at the same time, you know, it's ESPN Radio, so I listened to the playoff games this weekend. I listen to all four of them on ESPN Radio. Myron. They're pretty good.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah, but, like, so let's say you're listening to them on ESPN Radio. They're the greatest broadcasters in the world. They've been doing it for 20 years. A lot of them, like, you know, how do I listen?
Matt Jones
You know, James, where do I find the people that are bad at this?
Myron Metcalf
Why would you. What do you mean?
Matt Jones
I want to find the people that.
Myron Metcalf
I don't do that segment during the game.
Matt Jones
No, let's do a segment. Who are the bad people at this? And can we be better than them? I'm kidding with you. But seriously, like, trying to compare yourself to these, like, uber successful people at this, it's just. It's a little daunting. But I worked at it. I've read about these teams. I know all kinds of facts about Southern Miss. They got a new coach, Blake Anderson. He. He's gonna be on the show in a minute. He puts frosted tips in his hair. He frosts his hair, which is nice.
Myron Metcalf
Do all that.
Matt Jones
We had Tyson Helton, the coach of Western. Like, I'm good.
Myron Metcalf
Well, and 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. 100 years. I'm on the Wikipedia page, so I'm not worried about it.
Matt Jones
This is the 25th New Orleans bowl, so it's a. It's a. It's the anniversary. That's exciting, right?
Myron Metcalf
Well, the teams are the teams to be. They're good teams, good team that it's going to be exciting. Like these are both pass heavy teams. They're going to throw the ball all over the field. So I think that to me is why I look, look forward to most. And I hope it's a good game. Like what I hope is fourth quarter, you know, five minutes to play, one score game. And I also hope there's enough of a crowd because what I love about games like this, man, is they'll usually give a couple thousand tickets to like local schools and kids and people to kind of fill up the building. I think it's going to be a fun.
Matt Jones
Ms. Is close, so they'll probably get people because that's not that far away.
Myron Metcalf
How far is that?
Matt Jones
How far is Hattiesburg? It's only a couple hours from Hattiesburg to New Orleans.
Myron Metcalf
It's fascinating to me because we would go to Mississippi and that was as far south as you could get. And the idea that there's a southern Mississippi, like Mississippi is that big, that people in the south are like, nah. And you don't know about Southern New.
Matt Jones
Orleans is more southern than southern Mississippi.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah, See, I don't understand those dynamics.
Matt Jones
Do you like New Orleans? Do you like New Orleans food and all this, like we're gonna get a whole New Orleans thing.
Myron Metcalf
Love New Orleans. It's not as fun for me because of my seafood allergies, but I do love just the vibe. Yeah. Yeah.
Matt Jones
Oh, okay. Well, I was gonna get you like some shrimp etouffee, so that's not.
Myron Metcalf
It'd be my last etouffee is what it would be interesting.
Matt Jones
But I know that well.
Myron Metcalf
I love the music scene. I love everything.
Matt Jones
It's kind of funny. I was like, let's figure out what Myron I gonna do Monday night Pelicans Mavericks are playing Monday night Cooper flag. That's exciting. James, how much would you think a suite for Pelicans Mavericks would go for a suite? I'm not talking, by the way, like, just tickets. A suite for you and 11 of your friends for Pelicans Mavericks.
Myron Metcalf
How much you think Maverick? I mean, a few thousand dollars. I've never been in a suite.
Matt Jones
What if I told you you could get a suite for Pelicans, Mavericks for 550.
Myron Metcalf
That's a deal. How many tickets, Matt?
Matt Jones
12 tickets to Pelicans Maverick. So here's what I'm considering doing. Getting a suite. And Myron and I just have it to ourselves.
Myron Metcalf
100%. We got to do that. 100%.
Matt Jones
We should do it. Just spread out all over the suite. $550. And how, how in the world can the Pelicans stay in New Orleans if they're selling?
Myron Metcalf
Nobody's going to know $50. They can't. But nobody's going to know us. But they're going to wonder if we're somebody important. They're going to see just us and wonder like what do they do?
Matt Jones
That is true. People, we really matter. They're like.
Myron Metcalf
And I'm just gonna be pointing at random people as if I know them. And like, just to make it even more mysterious.
Matt Jones
I like it. Well, that will be Tuesday at 5:30. We hope you'll tune in it. Of all the football games ever broadcast on this network, it will be one of them. We're gonna look ahead to week 16 in the NFL next here on Matt Myard on ESPN Radio.
Podcast Host
Matt and Myron the podcast.
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Hour 1: Herm Edwards and Tyson Helton Join the Show
Date: December 21, 2025 | Hosts: Matt Jones & Myron Medcalf (ESPN Radio)
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.
[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]
[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.
Matt reads trivia about Franklin from Peanuts, adding levity before getting back to football. [09:14]
[12:33-21:35]
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]
[24:14-35:33]
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]
[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]
Matt Jones:
Myron Medcalf:
Tyson Helton:
Herm Edwards:
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.