Same Old Lions: A Detailed Summary of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron"

Episode: Hour 1: Same Old Lions
Release Date: January 19, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf (ESPN Radio)

Introduction: A Snowy Sunday Kickoff

The episode begins with Matt Jones greeting listeners amidst a snowy Kentucky morning, setting the stage for a deep dive into this year's NFL playoffs. Despite the weather, the hosts are enthusiastic about unpacking the events of what Matt refers to as "part two today of what some say is the best football weekend of the year" (00:34).

Australian Open Confusion and Banter

Early in the conversation, Matt and Myron touch upon the Australian Open. Myron admits to catching some matches, despite not being a tennis aficionado, leading to a humorous back-and-forth about a supposed upset that Matt challenges as inaccurate (02:10 – 11:15). This segment highlights the hosts' playful dynamic and sets a lighthearted tone before delving into more serious sports analysis.

Detroit Lions' Playoff Exit

Game Breakdown and Key Moments
The primary focus of the episode is the Detroit Lions' unexpected loss in the NFL playoffs. Matt provides a comprehensive overview:

• Final Score and Turnovers: The Lions, boasting the number one seed, were defeated by the Washington Commanders with a score of 45-31. Two interceptions by Lions' quarterback Jared Goff in the first half were crucial in sealing their fate (04:20).

• Impact of Teddy Bridgewater's Appearance: Myron humorously critiques Goff's performance, likening it to a "high school coach" cameo and reflecting on Bridgewater's surprising entry into the game (04:25).

Emotional Toll and Fan Sentiment
Matt expresses empathy for Detroit fans, likening the playoff disappointment to the pain felt by fans of other teams when high expectations are unmet. He recounts personal experiences as a Kentucky fan to illustrate the profound sense of unfulfillment that accompanies such losses (05:03 – 07:51).

Future Implications for Detroit
The discussion shifts to the future of the Lions:

• Coaching Concerns: With coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn potentially seeking new opportunities, Matt and Myron debate the impact of their departure. Myron confidently states, "Ben will still get a job and Aaron Glenn will too" (06:40), suggesting their reputations remain intact despite the playoff setback.

• Long-Term Team Prospects: The loss may signify that Detroit won't have another playoff opportunity under head coach Dan Campbell, raising concerns about sustained success and fan trust moving forward (07:13).

NFL Coaching Carousel: Bears' Frenzy

Current Coaching Openings
Transitioning from team performances, Matt and Myron explore the current state of NFL coaching searches:

• Teams in Search: As of this episode, six teams—Bears, Jets, Jaguars, Cowboys, Saints, and Raiders—are actively seeking new head coaches (35:03).

Bears' Extensive Hiring Process
A significant portion of the discussion critiques the Chicago Bears' exhaustive and seemingly unfocused search for a new head coach:

• Excessive Interviews: Myron likens the Bears' process to a "dating show," expressing skepticism about the sincerity and effectiveness of interviewing such a wide array of candidates, including college coaches like Eddie George (36:35 – 38:41).

• Rooney Rule Criticism: The hosts criticize the Bears for overcomplying with the Rooney Rule, suggesting that it leads to insincere interviews with candidates who are unlikely to secure the position. Myron compares it to "bringing in a couple of black coaches and being like, okay, we did it" without genuine intent (37:03 – 38:41).

Potential Hires and Likelihood of Success
When discussing potential hires, Myron humorously suggests that the Bears might end up hiring Dion from the Cowboys, emphasizing the lack of serious candidates available (41:17 – 43:46). The conversation underscores frustrations with the current coaching hiring landscape, highlighting a perceived lack of clarity and purpose among teams' search strategies.

Highly Anticipated Playoff Showdown: Ravens vs Bills

Game Significance and Anticipation
The episode shifts focus to the upcoming playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills, described as potentially "the best game of the playoffs" (25:42). The hosts express excitement about the matchup, praising the teams' styles and the pivotal roles of their star quarterbacks.

Quarterback Showdown: Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen
A central theme of the discussion is the legacy and impact of the league's top quarterbacks:

• Lamar Jackson: Recognized for his dynamic playstyle and historical achievements, Myron emphasizes Lamar's unique contributions, stating, "we have to see Lamar and Josh" (29:47). The conversation highlights Lamar's balance of passing and rushing prowess, making him a formidable force on the field.

• Josh Allen: Celebrated for his balance and ability to elevate his team's performance, Josh Allen is acknowledged for his resilience despite past playoff disappointments. Myron points out Allen's capability to succeed regardless of supporting cast changes, underscoring his importance to the Bills' success.

Legacy Implications
The outcome of the Ravens vs. Bills game is portrayed as pivotal for determining the legacy of both quarterbacks. Matt asserts, "the loser today, I think that will really be a big deal, that they will have had two shots to steal one when the other team was at their low point" (29:26). This head-to-head is seen as a defining moment that could significantly influence how Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are remembered in NFL history.

Final Thoughts on Quarterback Legacies
Both hosts agree that this matchup is more than just a game—it's a battle that will cement the legacies of two of the league's most talented quarterbacks. Myron reflects on the broader implications for NFL quarterback rankings, suggesting that a win for either could position them as the generation's premier talent (32:07 – 33:13).

Concluding Discussions: Coaching Carousel and Bowl Season

As the episode nears its end, Matt and Myron briefly revisit the NFL's ongoing coaching search and upcoming college bowl games. They maintain their engaging rapport, hinting at future discussions and segments, while continuing to blend humor with insightful sports analysis.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Matt Jones on Detroit's Playoff Loss:
  "When you have, when someone has a ridiculously good regular season and then crashes out early in the playoffs... it is one of the more unfulfilling things in sports for a fan base." (05:03)

• Myron Medcalf on Quarterback Resilience:
  "Ben will still get a job and Aaron Glenn will too." (06:40)

• Matt Jones on Quarterbacks' Legacies:
  "The loser today, I think that will really be a big deal, that they will have had two shots to steal one when the other team was at their low point, and they won't be able to do it." (29:26)

• Myron Medcalf on Playoff Imperatives:
  "At the end of the season, there's one happy team. We're going to keep fighting until we are that one team." (23:30)

• Matt Jones on Ravens vs Bills Game:
  "I don't think these teams are gonna have two more fun teams playing each other style-wise than these two." (25:56)

• Myron Medcalf on Bears' Hiring Process:
  "It's like a VIP section" (37:03)

Conclusion

In this episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron," Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf provided listeners with a comprehensive and engaging discussion on the NFL playoffs, the Detroit Lions' heartbreaking exit, the tumultuous coaching search in Chicago, and the highly anticipated Ravens vs. Bills showdown. Through their candid analysis and lively banter, they offered valuable insights into team dynamics, quarterback legacies, and the intricacies of NFL coaching hires, making for a rich and informative listen for sports enthusiasts.