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Matt Jones
It's winter and you can now get almost anything you need for the coldest months of the year delivered with Uber Eats. What do we mean by almost? Well, you can't get a ski slope delivered, but you can get dish soap delivered. Sunshine, that's a no. But a bottle of wine, that's a yes. A snow angel. Sorry, no, but angel hair pasta. Uber Eats can definitely get you that. Get almost, almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol and select markets. Product availability may vary by region. See out for details. This is Matt and Myron the podcast.
Myron Metcalf
It is Sunday morning here on ESPN Radio, ESPN App, Sirius XM Channel 80, presented by Progressive Insurance. It is Sunday morning no longer Countdown to kickoff. It is our regular show. Matt and Myron, Matt Jones, Myron Metcalf. It was great that morning before we got started, Byron wasn't in a, you know, like we just had a regular start and ready to go this morning. Last week Meyer was yelling about things, throwing things this morning, much more upbeat. Glad to be with you.
Matt Jones
Yeah, I'm upbeat, man. No, I'm excited, man. We're moving to the new off season format. So fun times ahead, man.
Myron Metcalf
Let me read you something that'll make you excited. One person that knows you list this show. I have a text machine where you can send texts during the show and we can hear your thoughts. It's 772-774-5254. A lot of our listeners will write even during the week and give me thoughts. And I got this one this morning. It said, matt, you and Myron are the best show sports talk show on the radio. I like that you talk sports, but at the end of the show I actually feel like I know you all. I know you are very exuberant and think you're smarter than other people but a good person. And Myron is grumpy. Best laugh in media. I love you guys. Don't let anyone say anything negative to you. Well, you seem to say a few things negative, but nevertheless I think that it buried in there was a compliment.
Matt Jones
Yeah. What's the grumpy thing? People think I'm like, what is that off of, man? I don't think anyone would describe me as grumpy.
Myron Metcalf
Usually from 10 to 10:30 it's getting you out of your shell, right? Like it's getting you out of your shell. By 10:30 you're radio.
Matt Jones
No, I don't think I'm grumpy.
Myron Metcalf
Maybe a little.
Matt Jones
No, man, maybe a little. But I'm glad to like the show though. I appreciate that.
Myron Metcalf
I actually was in. Was in Texas last week, and I met multiple people that listen to this show. That always freaks me out. Like, I've been on my Kentucky show so long that I'm used to when people come up to me, 97, 98. Want to talk about the Kentucky show when. So when someone comes up to me either from the wrestling Netflix show or from this show, it freaks me out, and it makes me, like, very happy. So when I'm in Texas and somebody goes, hey, I know you. I'm like, oh, you're a Kentucky fan. They go, no, you're on ESPN radio. For some reason, Myron. It makes me very happy.
Matt Jones
It makes me happy, but it is a little freaky. Like, I've had. I've had people, like, hear my voice and didn't even necessarily know what I look like, but heard my voice and been like, hey, are you that dude? That. That's a little. That happened to me at a bar in Chicago one time where this dude was like, hey, man, say something else. And I thought he wanted to, like, fight me or something, but he just wanted to hear my voice again. He was like, oh, you're the dude on the Sunday morning thing. So that. That. That can be a little weird, you.
Myron Metcalf
Know, but you know what? It's. We're glad to have all our listeners, and yesterday was kind of a major day in. In sports. You know, we are in that season where you're kind of between the NFL and the Super Bowl. March Madness is not here yet. So you had a lot of college basketball. You had some NBA games. There were in college basketball, some. Some big wins. You had Houston beat Iowa State. Alabama takes out Kentucky late in the night. BYU wins at Arizona. But this is the time of year, Myron, where people sort of get focused on college basketball. The schedule the next two weeks includes massive matchups. I actually think the season has been really good so far. What stuck out to you about the games yesterday?
Matt Jones
Well, I mean, it's just going to be a really competitive march, and I'll be interested to see what the SEC does. I mean, right now, it just feels like they are so far ahead of everybody else. But what does that look like in the tournament? You know, So I think they're going into the postseason.
Myron Metcalf
When people. When people say the sec, this may be the best conference of all time, do you buy that or are you, like, skeptical of it?
Matt Jones
No, I'll buy that. I mean, if it's about depth, I mean, that's. It's hard for me to say best of all time where you can go back to like the old biggies and it's like Patrick Ewing and some of those, like future hall of Famers, but top to bottom in terms of depth, I don't think that's a crazy statement at all. But you know what everyone's looking for? What does it look like in March? Because if an SEC team doesn't win at all or doesn't get to the title game, you know what people are going to say? They're going to say it was all fraudulent because that's how fans look at things like this.
Myron Metcalf
They look at like one at one up things and then make the decision. Yes, I actually had Byron. What? You know, I've been doing some form of sports media for 20 years and I think I had the moment yesterday when I felt the oldest, right. When I. That, you know, you get to be in your mid-40s and you start to look in the mirror and you go, wait a minute, am I getting old? Am I really not 24 anymore? You have those moments and they're not everybody out there who's in their mid-40s, they. They know that moment. You start to see a little more gray hair, maybe it's a little more thinning. You start to see areas that maybe get a little plumper that you're not like. Like all of those things start happening. People say things like, you should get a colonoscopy. And they're like, you know, people just.
Matt Jones
Walk up to you and say that on.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah, I mean, like eating in a red. When I'm eating in a restaurant, they're like, you look like the kind of guy who should go ahead and get a colonoscopy.
Matt Jones
What restaurants are you going to? So I don't go there.
Myron Metcalf
I mean, I think go to the nicest places, but there are places where people sort of when they do them.
Matt Jones
In the parking lot or something. Yeah, you know, I don't want anything.
Myron Metcalf
Did you buy those Air Jordans for your kid? No, they're actually for me, sir. But. But this happened yesterday. I saw a headline that Miami, the college basketball team, Miami is focusing in on hiring Duke's assistant coach, Jay Lucas as their high school coach. And you're probably saying, well, Matt, why did that make you feel old? When I first started doing media, I was following intently Jay Lucas's high school recruitment. Okay. I met Jay Lucas when he was 16 years old and followed his high school recruitment when he was choosing between Duke, Kentucky and Florida. And I actually had a live camera feed at his commitment Ceremony. And now this kid that I watched coach in high school or play in high school is about to become a major college program coach. And Myron, that may have been the moment that I went, wow. Like, when people talk about middle age, here it is in the flesh.
Matt Jones
Yeah, no, I remember. I think he played at Texas, right? I mean, he went to Texas and Florida.
Myron Metcalf
He ended up playing at both. Transfer.
Matt Jones
Yeah, yeah. I was covering college basketball when he was in school. And then obviously he's been like this coach on the rise. Had a big stint at Kentucky and then went to Duke, and now there he is. Apparently, according to reports, he's going to be the next guy at Miami. Man. So it does make you feel older when you see that.
Myron Metcalf
For me, it's, have you had a.
Matt Jones
Moment you felt old? Well, like, I don't know if you follow Michigan State, but Jace Richardson, the son of Jason Richardson, is like their star now, like one of their best players.
Myron Metcalf
Oh, that's Jason Richardson's kid.
Matt Jones
That's Jason Richardson's kid.
Myron Metcalf
No way. You're lying. That's not Jason Richardson's kid.
Matt Jones
That is Jason Richards. Jason is Jason Richardson's kid. So when I see that, I'm like, that feels impossible to me because in my mind, Jason Richardson is like 35, you know, but now these guys are having kids that I'm covering. So that certainly makes me feel old.
Myron Metcalf
Wow. Jason Richardson has a kid in college basketball who's really good at Michigan State.
Matt Jones
Yeah. Great kid.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah. I guess I should have learned that. So there are these moments that happen in sports that are like that. There are also moments where you go.
Matt Jones
How did that happen?
Myron Metcalf
And that happened yesterday as Luca and the Lakers actually won a game. They beat Denver. Luka and LeBron combined for 57. You know, the thing about Luka, I am still into the point where I like, think the Lakers need to change their color scheme for him because when he's wearing yellow, he looks a little bit like James Corden from the Late Night Host.
Matt Jones
But when he. Come on, man, he's been hurt, man.
Myron Metcalf
You don't think that's true? Yellow is not a slimming fit. Byron, he's.
Matt Jones
Let him get back. He's been, he's been hurt, man. He's still letting get back in shape. He's never been in shape.
Myron Metcalf
I'm just telling you, as he gets older, yellow is not going to be a flattering color on him. It's just not.
Matt Jones
He's, He's. It'll. It'll look good on him at some point. He just needs like an off season to kind of get focused, you know.
Myron Metcalf
You're believing that. You think he's going to get in shape in the off season?
Matt Jones
Oh yeah, I think he's motivated. I think he's motivated. I think he'll be with LeBron. LeBron's gonna lock him up in some cave or wherever he goes and trains. He's gonna come back in the best shape of his life.
Myron Metcalf
People do get tend to get in shape in LA because if you like, you don't, you don't want to be the guy in LA that won't take his shirt off. So like people don't tend to get shape a little more in la.
Matt Jones
Like at the airport they make you take your shirt off. It's like if you don't look good, they don't let you in the city.
Myron Metcalf
There's Luca say no shoes, no shirt to come in. Like in la. You have to. Well, anyway, he actually played it. We're going to talk a little bit about that game and the Lakers ultimate ceiling with Luca. Sunday morning is presented by Progressive Insurance. Save when you bundle auto, home or motorcycle insurance, visit Progressive it is two younger middle aged folks getting you ready for all the sports of the day. And Jason Richardson's kid is in college. We'll talk about it all next on Sunday morning on ESPN Radio.
Matt Jones
Matt and Myron the Podcast.
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Myron Metcalf
It is Sunday morning here on ESPN Radio, presented by Progressive Insurance, Matt Jones, Myron Metcalf 888 say ESPN on a beautiful Sunday morning where I am in Kentucky. How are things in Minnesota? Are they cold?
Matt Jones
Bald. But no, it's nice. Met 40s, up to maybe even 50 today. So it's been. Wow, we had the craziest switch, man. We were 20, 30 below on Monday with the wind chill.
Myron Metcalf
You were not with the wind chill. Yeah, I like you always say it's 20 or 30 below. I don't believe.
Matt Jones
No, but it was 15. It was 19 below without it.
Myron Metcalf
You're telling me it was 19 below in Minnesota?
Matt Jones
We got down to 19 below.
Myron Metcalf
All right, James, I need, I need a check. I think that, as they would say in football, I'm throwing the challenge flag. It was not my name Tuesday.
Matt Jones
Check in many the kids didn't go to school.
Myron Metcalf
See if it was 19 below in Minneapolis. I challenge flag is thrown. We'll go to the booth review. Let's see if that's the case.
Matt Jones
Do you think I'll make up weather?
Myron Metcalf
Yes, I do.
Matt Jones
I think you would make up weather just below.
Myron Metcalf
All right, we're through the challenge flag. We'll, we'll get a booth review here in a minute. Now, last night, it took Luka one quarter to match his highest scoring output from the three games prior, which was 16 points. He finished with 32. The Lakers beat the Nuggets. The Lakers had won nine straight games against the Nuggets. The Lakers had lost eight straight games in Denver. Last time the Lakers beat the Nuggets in Denver was in 2022. So, you know, some people say this is the moment that it turns around. LeBron, Luka, the Lakers are now fifth in the Western Conference standings. Are you, are you starting to feel a little like show potentially has a chance to win the west, or do you still think people ought to slow down?
Matt Jones
Yeah, they can't win. They won't win the West. I mean, they're not better than okc, not better than Memphis, and they're not going to be Denver, I think, in a seven game series. But I do think it's promising. They can certainly win a playoff series. And I think what we saw is, it was weird to me that people were talking about Luka and whatever, these off court rumors and all that. And I'm like, let's remember he's a top five player in this league. If for some reason there was a narrative almost implying that he wasn't. And I think last night was him reminding people of how good he is and that he is one of the few players who can compete at that level. I just don't know that he settled in and I don't think he will be settled in by the end of the year. Like, it's kind of like you come back from a weekend and you got switched to a new class and nobody told you, you know, man, like you were having fun with your buddies on Friday and on Monday you got to go to Mrs. Johnson's class. Like, he looks like he's trying to force himself to be excited about something that he didn't choose.
Myron Metcalf
Even though Dallas is like the fourth biggest city in America and Los Angeles is second, I feel like you're almost playing in a completely different. Just a completely different environment, sort of. I would analogize it to going to school like. Like my high school, Myron. My graduating class was like 85 people, right? So I was in a tiny class. And for me it would be like going from my high school senior class to going to a senior class with like 600 people. It's just all of a sudden everything is just bigger, more magnified. I think everything with the Lakers is just a different stage. And even though Dallas is a major city, it doesn't get the coverage, you know, you don't have game by game on first take of your games in Dallas. And I do wonder if that's going to take some getting used to for Myron from just being in the middle of the spotlight every single day. I don't think that happens when you're in Dallas. Even though that was a team that went to the finals last year.
Matt Jones
Yeah, no, I mean, there's no tmz, you know, in Dallas. Like, he's not dealing with that kind of stuff. So I do think that's a factor. I mean, you hear a lot of those international guys, Giannis and Jokers, those guys have talked about. They love being in those kind of Mid secondary, smaller markets, you know what I mean? It kind of suits them. Um, I think it is a big switch from Dallas to la. I think it's also a challenge, Matt, when everyone's kind of telling you that, hey, you should love it here, you know what I mean? You're in la, of course you should love it. And it's like, well, he didn't choose it. Like, he didn't force a trade to LA and say this is where he wanted to be. So I just wonder how much of that is going to factor into what we see in the months ahead. His talent is undeniable. Can they be competitive in the playoffs? Sure. But the bigger question is going to be, does Luka want to stay? Because I think everybody's assuming that he'll want to sign with the Lakers, because that's what you do.
Myron Metcalf
Nobody does.
Matt Jones
But who knows?
Myron Metcalf
No, but who doesn't?
Matt Jones
Who knows?
Myron Metcalf
The Lakers. They. Everyone signs with the Lakers when they have a chance.
Matt Jones
But. But the difference with Luca, like, the difference with him is he didn't choose this. Like, you look at Anthony Davis. Anthony Davis made it very clear, I'm going to la. This is not that case. This is Nico Harrison saying, you're going to la. And then the idea is, well, Luka has to resign. He actually does it. And there's a world where maybe he decides to test free agency in the future.
Myron Metcalf
LeBron had an interesting quote about he and Luca yesterday. This is what he said. I'm a natural born wide receiver.
Matt Jones
He's a natural born quarterback. So it fits perfectly. You know, I've been running the floor.
Myron Metcalf
And running lanes like, you know, pretty much my whole life. And he's been throwing great passes pretty much his whole life. So it's not, it's not hard to.
Matt Jones
Get a rhythm when it comes to that. You know, it's all about, you know.
Myron Metcalf
Eye contact and, you know, him being a great quarterback like he is me being the recipient of it. Do you believe that LeBron sees himself as the wide receiver with Luca as the quarterback? Or is that another thing I should throw a Challenge flag on?
Matt Jones
LeBron has been a quarterback for 20 years in the NBA. I don't think anyone seen him as a receiver and someone who's just going to be kind of a number two. I think he's saying all the right things. You know, I think this is Lucas team. I think that's the plan at least.
Myron Metcalf
But do you believe that he. But he doesn't believe that, right?
Matt Jones
No. This is a. This is two quarterbacks. You know, this is Manning and Brady playing together and having to figure it out. And I think yesterday was amazing when they let Luke could be the quarterback. Like he's different, man, like the way he controls the action on the floor. But over time, LeBron's instinct is to take over in the dominant dominate games. And I think that's going to be the question is what happens in those moments.
Myron Metcalf
It's 105. 105 with 45 seconds left in game four of the first round of the playoffs. Somebody's got to shoot the ball. Who do you think is going to have the ball at the top of the key?
Matt Jones
LeBron will be the quarterback.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah, LeBron will be the quarterback. That's why, you know, I mean, I'm not even saying he shouldn't be, but he will be. He's never stepped back to anyone. I mean, the only moments that I can even think about that was occasionally they do like a back and forth with Kyrie during those days in Cleveland, but that's it. Yeah, for the rest of the time, it's always been him. And you know, excuse me if I just find it hard to believe he's going to all of a sudden give it to Luca in those situations and he's going to be standing in the corner waiting for a corner three. I just don't believe it.
Matt Jones
Well, and it's 40 year old LeBron who legitimately is playing to prove a point that he's the greatest of all time and that no one could do this at this age. He's not going to defer to anybody. You know, I think he sees Luca as the future, but I also think he still sees himself as the present. Like if the day LeBron wants to give up that mantle, he's going to walk away and that ain't today. So they're gonna have to balance their instincts in those moments.
Myron Metcalf
Have you watched any of the Netflix documentary about the Olympics, the Heart of Gold or Cross of Gold or.
Matt Jones
I've only seen a couple of clips. I've only seen a couple clips of it.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah, so I watched a couple episodes. I do highly recommend it. I mean, I know it's all sanitized through whatever.
Matt Jones
Yeah.
Myron Metcalf
But the. But it's interesting. What's interesting to me is to see how Steve Kerr coached those guys and then also to see how these NBA dudes are coached by their national teams, because I could tell you their coaches don't seem to care that they're stars. I mean, the Serbian coach is yelling at Jokic as if he's talking to a child. The French coach is doing the same thing to Wimpanyama Batum and those guys. Like, it's like. It is. It is interesting to see that the way American coaches in the NBA have to coach is not the way the coaches do it in the other countries.
Matt Jones
Yeah, no, it's. I've seen some of those clips, like, with Serbia and France. It is different. It feels like. I mean, but a lot of those guys, like, they've been coached by those staffs for decades, you know, so it's like there's a different relationship there too.
Myron Metcalf
It's just weird seeing a dude yell at YIC like he's a child. I just want to go, you realize that's the best player in the world, right? Like, yeah, like, you get it. All right, so we threw the challenge flag on Myron saying it was -19 in Minneapolis. Do we have a. Do we have a review from the booth? We do.
C
The challenge.
Myron Metcalf
Let's see.
C
How do I say this? It's upheld.
Myron Metcalf
The claim is upheld. I will say the challenge. Meteorology is a very imperfect science, though, depending on where you go. So wait a minute, wait a minute.
Matt Jones
You all just said a lot of words.
Myron Metcalf
You said a lot of words and we didn't get an answer. - 19 challenge was unsuccessful.
C
Myron's claim that it was - 20 degrees is true.
Myron Metcalf
- 20 degrees. Regular. No wind chill.
Matt Jones
Yeah, that's what it said on the website.
C
It said it would be minus 20 degrees.
Myron Metcalf
Yes. All right. Well, there you go.
Matt Jones
How are you going to challenge me about weather in Minnesota? Well, the audacity. You like to challenge things so much that you would challenge me about weather in a place that I've known to exist.
Myron Metcalf
Exaggerate things. I think that's fair to say.
Matt Jones
You like to fight sometimes, that's all.
Myron Metcalf
I do not like to fight. I wonder if Matthew Stafford is going to have to fight for his job with the Rams. That's next.
Matt Jones
Matt and Myron, the podcast.
Myron Metcalf
I can.
Matt Jones
Say to my new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, hey, find a keto friendly restaurant nearby and text it to Beth and Steve. And it does without me lifting a finger so I can get in more.
Myron Metcalf
Squats anywhere I can.
Matt Jones
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Myron Metcalf
Will that be cash or credit? Credit.
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Myron Metcalf
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Matt Jones
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Matt Jones
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Matt Jones
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Myron Metcalf
Yeah. It is Sunday morning on ESPN Radio with Matt Myron. You like a little AC DC Myron? Mr. Grumpy. This gets you happy like little. You AC DC fan?
Matt Jones
Oh, I don't know. I didn't know. It's ACDC. I thought it was Metallica. It's ACDC.
Myron Metcalf
It's ACDC, right?
Matt Jones
Okay.
Myron Metcalf
Am I wrong? Yeah. It's ACD. A lot of great ACD songs you got. Listen to the money talk, right?
Matt Jones
She shook me All Night does Highway to Hell. Who does Highway?
Myron Metcalf
Highway to Hell. That's them Thunder. Like, they, like. ACDC's got like, a zillion hits. You got. You should be a fan.
Matt Jones
Okay. I know Howard. Hell, I know Howard. You don't know.
Myron Metcalf
You shook me all night long. You know?
Matt Jones
I don't know. You shook me all night long. What is that?
Myron Metcalf
Yes, you do. KO Baby, You.
Matt Jones
You love this. I love this show. I love this show. I say. I say things like, you know what? I don't know this. And then the people in the studio and my co host go, no, you absolutely do. James.
Myron Metcalf
You. He has to know that you all.
Matt Jones
Would have been great teachers, man. You all would have been great elementary school teachers, like Tommy. What's three plus three?
Myron Metcalf
I gotta bring. We only have it.
Matt Jones
You know it.
Myron Metcalf
I. I guarantee you when you hear it, you're gonna know it. I just want you to be honest when we play it, because I know, like, that's one of those songs. My mother shook me all night long. If you don't know it.
Matt Jones
Okay.
Myron Metcalf
If you don't know it, then you're not allowed at the barbecue. At least my barbecue. Sunday morning.
Matt Jones
Y'all have barbecues. I feel like.
Myron Metcalf
Well, we don't feel like.
Matt Jones
Y'all have coffee. Yeah. I feel like. Y'all have scones.
Myron Metcalf
We do.
Matt Jones
We have mochas. Our burgers. Yeah, that's right. Y'all have it. Yeah. I don't know if y'all.
Myron Metcalf
You're invited. You're invited to the coffee shop. Is that what I should start Saying.
Matt Jones
To the coffee and scones. Is that what y'all?
Myron Metcalf
Yeah, that's what we do. While they're looking up and to see if you know that ACDC song, the. The Rams are trying to decide whether or not to bring Matthew Stafford to their coffee shop again for another year. They have given Stafford permission to look for a trade. He is able his agent, to speak to other teams about his market value, a source confirmed to ESPN on Saturday. The sides have been also discussing a reworked contract. I always find it interesting, Meyer, when it comes to NFL, the way they do trades, I mean, we just talked about Luca, who was, like, out at a restaurant and found out you're going to the Lakers and he didn't know. Whereas in the NFL, they go to the agent and they go, hey, if you can find somebody to take it, you can leave. Like, it's a completely different process in the NFL, which is so weird, don't you think?
Matt Jones
Yeah, I mean, it looks courteous, but they're still kicking you out. Like, I mean, it looks very professional, very kind, but they're still saying, you ain't got to go home, but you can't stay here, you know, so.
Myron Metcalf
So you think. Do you see this as he's, like, done in la?
Matt Jones
Yeah. Yeah. I mean, to me, you don't get to this point, like, the whole restructure contract, you would have already worked that out if that was something that was going to happen. So I think what they're saying is, you know, Matthew Stafford, who was debating his future. There are questions about his future. I think the Rams probably feel like, and rightfully so, they've taken this as far as they can go. They got a Super Bowl. They got some really good years, mind you, Cooper Cup. They've said they're going to trade. So this is a team that has a lot of moving pieces, and they can see how a guy at 37 who wants to win another ring may not want to stick around for that. And I think it's smart because there are a bunch of suitors out there that probably feel like they can make a run with Matthew Stafford. So it might work out for both sides.
Myron Metcalf
I am a little surprised by this. I mean, the Rams have made the playoffs the last two years. I think by the end of the year, this year, they were playing well. I don't get the desire. I mean, I guess they don't have a high enough pick that you would think they would get a quarterback that you would really want out of the draft. I mean, let's say you get rid of Matthew Stafford. What do you. What, what. What are you trying to do? I mean, like, do you not want to compete next year? Are you just completely rebuilding? I mean, who is available that's better? Like, what. What is the end game to getting rid of Matthew Stafford?
Matt Jones
I think it is maybe a mid rebuild again. You know, Cooper Cup's gonna move on. I don't know if you go get a Sam Darnold. I just think maybe they work something out. But I could also understand because we're talking so much about what the Rams want. What does Matthew Stafford want? Like, does Matthew Stafford feel like he's. Feels like he's on a team that can help him get another ring? Does he want to go to another place where maybe they have some of the pieces and they're in a better position to compete? I don't know. But anytime this happens, it makes me feel like at least one of the sides are saying, let's see what's out there. And I think Matthew Stafford as a free agent would be. Would get a lot of offers.
Myron Metcalf
Okay, so let's say that's a. That's the next question. First of all, do you think Matthew Stafford is still a quarterback that could take the right franchise to a Super Bowl? Do you think he's that good?
Matt Jones
Yes. No, I think the right.
Myron Metcalf
Okay, I do too. So then let's talk about it. There would be no sense in Matthew Stafford, in my opinion, going to a team that is worse than the Rams or with a lesser chance to win a Super bowl than the Rams. So that leaves the amount of teams at like. And then a lot of the teams that are better already have their quarterbacks. So what is the team? Is it. I mean, the ones that come to my mind as a maybe would, I guess be maybe Minnesota, maybe Pittsburgh. Is there anyone else you can think of that would maybe make sense for a Matthew Stafford?
Matt Jones
Nothing. Those are two of the. Two of the biggest teams, you know, I mean, Minnesota has JJ McCarthy coming off an injury. Do they feel like he's ready to go? Does he need another year? I can see that being a place where you sign Stafford for a year, try to make.
Myron Metcalf
Do you think Matthew Stafford is an upgrade over Sam Darnold? Yes. Okay.
Matt Jones
Yeah. We saw the best Sam Darnold we'll ever see, you know, so I think Stafford in that offense would be all right.
Myron Metcalf
So you put Stafford in that offense, you're basically what, sitting JJ McCarthy for another year? Is that the mindset?
Matt Jones
Yeah. Which isn't crazy. You know, again, it Sounds by all accounts, he's ready to go. Remember, J.J. mcCarthy is really young. He was drafted at 20. So this is still a fairly young guy. Just in terms of his age, coming off an injury, what better mentorship to give him than a guy like Matthew Stafford while also putting yourself in a position to try to chase a ring because they were right there. They just didn't have a quarterback who could take them there at the end.
Myron Metcalf
So he has two more years left on the deal. Is that right?
Matt Jones
He just. I believe so. He just reworked it. But, I mean, football contracts, you can.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah, that.
Matt Jones
Football contracts are kind of, you know.
Myron Metcalf
Football contracts are malleable. You're exactly right. All right, so you say, what about Pittsburgh? I mean, like, would you do a Pittsburgh thing where you have, you know, all these great young quarterbacks or younger quarterbacks in the afc? Is Stafford the kind of person that could make Pittsburgh compete with Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore, Cincinnati next year?
Matt Jones
I mean, this guy got to the playoffs with, like, 72% Russell Wilson. I mean, like, if he can do it with them, I think certainly Matthew, can they.
Myron Metcalf
I mean, again, I don't think you bring him in unless you think you can win him a super. That he can win you a Super Bowl. Like, what's the point in some ways to bring in an expensive old guy unless he could do that? Can. Does a Steelers team with Stafford compete at the top level in that afc?
Matt Jones
It's possible. I mean, they were leading that division for a stretch. They beat the Ravens. So I think, yeah, the difference is, to me, between regular season and postseason is you can be a really good regular season team. But other than the teams that had, like, those legendary defenses. The Ravens. Yes, The Tampa Bay Bucks.
Myron Metcalf
You gotta have a great quarterback.
Matt Jones
Yeah, you have to have a great quarterback. So I think the Steelers are good enough to get into the playoffs without them. They've proven.
Myron Metcalf
So you still think Stafford at the age of 37, is great?
Matt Jones
I think he's still better than what Pittsburgh has. I think he can be elite. Yeah. Especially with the right.
Myron Metcalf
Can he be all right again, if we're talking, you would, I'm sure, put him below Mahomes, Allen Burrow, Lamar Hertz. Yeah, you put him below that. Can he be in that next group, which might now include Jaden Daniels, Justin Herbert, C.J. stroud? Can he be in that group?
Matt Jones
Yes, he can. Definitely can.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah.
Matt Jones
I mean, those guys are younger, so there are certain things they can do that he can't do anymore. But he has been consistent. He has a ring and again, I think you're asking Matthew Stafford to say, hey, we can get into the playoffs without you. You don't have to be great for us to get into the playoffs if you pick a team like Pittsburgh in Minnesota, let's say. But in the playoffs is where you need the best Matthew Stafford. And I think that's why you sign a guy like that is for what he.
Myron Metcalf
One of the things, though, for me, if I'm. If I was Matthew Stafford and I was looking for a place to play, I will say it's so much easier to be in the nfc, Right? Like, I wouldn't want to go look at that murderer's row of quarterbacks and go to the afc. So I would want to look at the NFC and say, all right, what's my spot? And that's where Minnesota, I do think, becomes really sort of a lucrative thought because they were in contention, to be in contention last year. And it's not crazy to think you could put him on there. And, yes, they could compete with Detroit, Washington, Philadelphia. I don't think that's insane. So if I were Matthew Stafford and I really wanted to win, I actually think he's got as good a chance as to win in the NFC as the afc. And the Rams were probably the fifth best team in the nfc. So the only thing to me is, are you looking at, can you get on one of those four better teams? And I think the only one you could get on would be Minnesota. No.
Matt Jones
Yeah. And again, so Minnesota. J.J. mcCarthy is the future. Right. And I think that's been the word here, has been he's ready to go. Coming off the injury. Here's the challenge that J.J. mcCarthy has. Sam Donald just played great for, like, seven, 16 games in that. Yeah. So now you're coming into the expectation that you have a higher ceiling than a guy like Sam Darnold. There's gonna be a lot of pressure for you to win right away. Like, Justin Jefferson ain't waiting around to win. Like, these guys are in the primes of their careers. So I think there's value in maybe a guy like Matthew Stafford being there trying to get this team to the Super Bowl. And then the young guy comes in, and then you say, all right, now we're officially rebuilding. That might be better for everybody involved.
Myron Metcalf
All right. Did you get the AC DC song? Did you get. Did you pull it up? Yes, we have it. Yeah. All right, so I want to play this. I want you to really, Myron, say to me that you've never heard this song. I just refuse to believe it. Go ahead.
Matt Jones
This is highway to Hell.
Myron Metcalf
No, it's not.
Matt Jones
Do all their songs sound the same? Yeah, I've heard this.
Myron Metcalf
Maybe, but you've. Of course you've heard this. So why did you argue with me? I knew you had heard this. This song. There's no human being under the over the age of 20 who's walking Earth who didn't. Had never heard that.
Matt Jones
Okay, but do they have a thing where they just recycle all their songs and just change?
Myron Metcalf
Yes, all their songs do sound the same. We're on a highway.
Matt Jones
Like it sounds the same.
Myron Metcalf
Yes, they. They do all sound the same. But I knew you knew that song.
Matt Jones
I knew that song.
Myron Metcalf
You should. I think generally speaking, I know you better than you know yourself. And I think you need to remember that when we talk about pop culture.
Matt Jones
Culture, I tend to think that you think you know everybody better than they know themselves.
Myron Metcalf
That's true. But in your case, it actually is correct. He was right. Even if it's not corrected everybody and everybody else. I'm glad you'd heard that song. I was going to be worried about you. It was a big deal in my. In my favorite sport, college basketball, last night. We'll tell you, we are only. What? What are we looking at? It's three weeks from today is selection Sunday. We'll give you a sense of where everything is. And I think one of three teams is winning the national championship. I will guarantee it, or at least come close to guaranteeing the three that's next here on Sunday Morning.
Matt Jones
Matt and Myron, the podcast. Get the Angel REEF Special at McDonald's.
Myron Metcalf
Now let's break it down. My favorite barbecue sauce, American cheese, crispy.
Matt Jones
Bacon, pickles, onions and a sesame seed bun, of course.
Myron Metcalf
And don't forget the fries and the drinks.
Matt Jones
Sound good.
C
I participate in restaurants for a limited time.
Myron Metcalf
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Matt Jones
Of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent.
C
To $15 per month required intro rate.
Myron Metcalf
First 3 months only, then full price.
Matt Jones
Plan options available, taxes and fees extra.
Myron Metcalf
See full terms@mintmobile.com There you go. Here's another one. You've heard this, right? Acdc, tnt.
Matt Jones
Yeah, they all sound the same. It Sounds like they went in the studio for one session.
Myron Metcalf
Part of it is, I think. You think that white heavy metal singers all sound the same.
Matt Jones
Not at all, but. But like, it feels like AC DC made about 10 songs off the same song.
Myron Metcalf
All right, let's do this.
Matt Jones
It was kind of turned to.
Myron Metcalf
Let me ask you a question. Do you think you can name seven heavy metal bands, not counting AC DC and not counting Metallica? Take those two out. Can you name.
Matt Jones
Oh, you can't take them out.
Myron Metcalf
Well, we've already talked about them. We've already talked about them, so I need seven besides them.
Matt Jones
Seven. Seven's a lot, though, by the way.
Myron Metcalf
That's a great. Let's see if you can get it.
Matt Jones
Black Sabbath.
Myron Metcalf
Okay.
Matt Jones
Romstein. What a pool.
Myron Metcalf
Hang on just a second. I mean, it's. It's Ramstein. Right?
Matt Jones
But I'll give you credit for it.
Myron Metcalf
But how did you come up with that one?
Matt Jones
My best friend growing up was a big Ramsden guy, so he was a big heavy metal dude.
Myron Metcalf
I would have never thought you would come up with that one. All right, that's two. Go ahead.
Matt Jones
Oh, man.
Myron Metcalf
Like heavy or even like hair bands. I'll take hair bands.
Matt Jones
Anything in the metal genre. Kiss. Take Kiss.
Myron Metcalf
All right. That's a little stretching, but I'll take it. Whoa, whoa.
Matt Jones
What does that mean? What do you mean?
Myron Metcalf
Because that's more like a 70s group. I don't consider that's. It's. But. But I'll take it. That's fair. I'm fine with it.
Matt Jones
Kiss isn't Kisses and heavy metal.
Myron Metcalf
I consider 70s more. I consider it more like 70s rock. But it did bleed into the 80s and the head. So I'll take it.
C
Go ahead and say hair, too.
Matt Jones
So they're kind of like.
Myron Metcalf
They do have the hair. They do have the hair. Yeah. I don't.
Matt Jones
I don't know. I mean, I'm trying to think off the top of Heavy Rams.
Myron Metcalf
Let me give you a couple songs, see if you know the name. You know, Here I Go again on my own with the dancing on the car.
Matt Jones
They don't sing it like that, though. Yeah, they do, but they don't sing it like that. I don't.
Myron Metcalf
What do you mean they don't sing it like that? They sing it exactly.
Matt Jones
But when you. When you imitate people singing, you sing like a folk singer who plays the banjo. Like, that's your. So it's hard to hear the song because it's like the way you sing it is not how it's really I know. I know the song. Oh, who's the dude? Dude, I know this group, man. The dude with the blonde hair.
Myron Metcalf
What about the dude that was on the reality shows, remember? I know.
Matt Jones
That's. I could see him.
Myron Metcalf
That's a difference. A group, though. Do you know that one?
Matt Jones
Nirvana wasn't a heavy metal group.
Myron Metcalf
Nirvana. No, they don't count. That's grunge.
Matt Jones
Okay? Green Day was Green Day.
Myron Metcalf
Now Green Bay is a football team.
Matt Jones
Green Day.
Myron Metcalf
Green Day.
Matt Jones
Green Day.
Myron Metcalf
It's not heavy metal. No, I'm sorry. That doesn't count.
Matt Jones
I know the dude you're talking about. He's on the. All the shows.
Myron Metcalf
All right, so the. Here I am going to hit. It's White Snake. You got poison.
Matt Jones
Poison. That's what I knew. Poison.
Myron Metcalf
I would have given you, like, Mega Death.
Matt Jones
Slay Death.
Myron Metcalf
I would have give you mly Crew. That would have been another head. Yeah, and you didn't. You didn't know any of those.
Matt Jones
But how about Ramstein? Ramstein shocking you all that I knew that. No idea that I would know that, man.
Myron Metcalf
Very good. Ramstein's a heck of a. All right. So I'm of the belief, Myron, that there are three teams.
Matt Jones
I could tell we probably would never hang out outside the show, really. Right. We.
Myron Metcalf
We.
Matt Jones
We go to different concerts. I feel like. No, but when it's time to go to concerts. No, but I mean, we just go to different. We'd have dinner, we'd have fun. And then when it's time to go to, like, the music scene, I think we go to different places.
Myron Metcalf
Oh. I mean, there's some things we could go to together. Like, I think you would enjoy Tyler Childers, wouldn't you? I'd go see Groot with you, Chris.
Matt Jones
I wouldn't see.
Myron Metcalf
Why would you go.
Matt Jones
Would you go to Usher? Well, I don't know. I don't know if we need to walk. I don't know if we need to walk to an Usher concert together.
Myron Metcalf
Maybe not.
Matt Jones
Never mind. Never mind. Usher. We probably shouldn't.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah. Just you and I going into an Usher contest. Probably not the thing to do. But you know what? I can see Dr. Dre, Snoop and Eminem.
Matt Jones
Okay. Yeah, I'd see them all right.
Myron Metcalf
There we go. We'll go to Tyler Childers, Chris. And then we'll go to. Go to that. All right, so I think one of three teams go in the national championship in college basketball.
Matt Jones
Three.
Myron Metcalf
Three. I've got three. Some people say two. I'm putting in a third. Duke, Auburn, Houston. You give me those three, you can have the field. Do you like my chances?
Matt Jones
You have a good chance. I just think there are more teams in there, you know, that probably have a chance. But I mean, Auburn and Duke look like they're pulling away.
Myron Metcalf
I mean, Auburn's just a case for Houston real quick. Houston for the last five or six years has had one of the top two or three defenses every year. But I think the thing people aren't talking about with Houston this year is they have a top six offense in the Kim Palm now. Yeah, that has not been the case. Normally their offense has been like in the 20s and their defense has been number one or two. This year they are one of only three teams, along with Auburn and Duke to have a top 10 offense and a top 10 defense. To me, that puts them, Myron, in contention to win it.
Matt Jones
They're good. No, they're very, very good. And Kelvin Sampson's teams always are. But I feel like Auburn and Duke are a cut above everybody. I mean, it feels like that's just.
Myron Metcalf
Kind of where they're at last night by 43 points.
Matt Jones
I mean, I think it was the worst loss Illinois history. One of the worst loss.
Myron Metcalf
I mean, history.
Matt Jones
Yeah, you know, that's a, that's an Illinois team that has two first round picks. You know, that's an Illinois team that had some injury issues, but like to just destroy them like that on the national stage. And obviously Duke won the first meeting against Auburn. I think Auburn's been better since then. But I don't know, man. Like Auburn's got a bunch of grown men on that team. All those dudes like 23, 24, 25. And if you can dominate the SEC, the NCAA tournament might be easier.
Myron Metcalf
Yeah. All right, give me the Myron sleeper. Who is the sleeper out there that Myron Metcalf says, hey, no one's talking about this team, but I could see them ending up in the Final Four. Who's the Myron sleeper?
Matt Jones
I don't know if it's a sleeper, but Wisconsin or perhaps, you know. Yeah, John Tanji, I mean, has been incredible All American. I mean, they lost yesterday to Oregon, which just has a very weird resume, but I think Wisconsin is probably a team to watch. Purdue's been really good. They're not really sleepers though, right?
Myron Metcalf
I'll give you one. I'll give you a sleeper that's like Wisconsin, Missouri. Missouri was oh, and 18 in conference last year.
Matt Jones
Yeah, it was amazing.
Myron Metcalf
Now they did lose last night to Arkansas, but before that they. Alabama on the road. They only have, I think five or four conference losses. Missouri, to me is a team that in the SEC gets lost behind all the powers that I could see making a run and being a sleeper now.
Matt Jones
Dennis Gates is fascinating. This is going to be a tournament to me where I'm just going to pick the best coach in a lot of games because coach is going to matter more than ever. A good coach with a solid team. I'll take over. A good team with a coach who's not proven.
Myron Metcalf
This can be one of the best tournaments of all time. It could really do. There are so many good teams. The Portal has made college basketball. If you've not been watching it, it's made it a lot better and I think you're going to see it this March. We'll figure out more if Metal bands Myron knows plus Joel Embiid Next Matt.
Matt Jones
And Myron the Podcast.
C
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Release Date: February 23, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones & Myron Metcalf
Platform: ESPN Radio
The episode begins with Myron Metcalf expressing his enthusiasm about the show's transition to the new offseason format. He reflects positively on the current mood, contrasting it with the previous week's more intense discussions.
Notable Quote:
Myron Metcalf (01:08): “We’re moving to the new offseason format. So fun times ahead, man.”
Myron shares a heartfelt text from a listener praising the show, highlighting their ability to make listeners feel personally connected. The conversation shifts to both hosts recounting experiences of being recognized by fans, underscoring the show's growing popularity.
Notable Quote:
Myron Metcalf (02:05): “You talk sports, but at the end of the show I actually feel like I know you all.”
The hosts delve into the recent surge of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in college basketball, discussing notable victories such as Houston defeating Iowa State, Alabama overcoming Kentucky, and BYU triumphing over Arizona. They analyze the SEC's depth and its implications for the upcoming NCAA tournament.
Notable Quote:
Matt Jones (04:12): “If an SEC team doesn't win at all or doesn't get to the title game, you know what people are going to say? They’re going to say it was all fraudulent because that's how fans look at things like this.”
Myron shares a personal moment that made him feel older: witnessing Jay Lucas, a former high school star now becoming a major college coach. Matt adds to this sentiment by mentioning Jason Richardson's son excelling in college basketball, highlighting the passage of time in the sports landscape.
Notable Quote:
Myron Metcalf (07:53): “Maybe a little... But I'm glad to like the show though. I appreciate that.”
The discussion shifts to the NBA, specifically the Los Angeles Lakers. They analyze Luka Doncic's recent performance, LeBron James' role, and the overall dynamics of the team. The hosts debate whether the Lakers have a genuine chance to win the Western Conference and navigate potential leadership conflicts between Doncic and James.
Notable Quotes:
Myron Metcalf (09:09): “People don’t tend to get in shape in LA because if you like, you don’t want to be the guy in LA that won’t take his shirt off.”
Matt Jones (14:45): “LeBron will be the quarterback.”
Myron Metcalf (18:05): “LeBron had an interesting quote about he and Luka yesterday. This is what he said. I’m a natural born wide receiver.”
The hosts transition to NFL discussions, focusing on Matthew Stafford's situation with the Los Angeles Rams. They explore the likelihood of Stafford being traded, potential destinations like Minnesota and Pittsburgh, and his capabilities as a quarterback at 37 years old. The conversation covers whether Stafford can still elevate a franchise to Super Bowl contention and the Rams' strategic decisions moving forward.
Notable Quotes:
Matt Jones (27:31): “Football contracts are kind of, you know.”
Myron Metcalf (29:46): “Do you think Matthew Stafford is still a quarterback that could take the right franchise to a Super Bowl?”
Matt Jones (33:21): “Football contracts are malleable. You’re exactly right.”
Returning to college basketball, Myron and Matt discuss their predictions for the NCAA tournament. They highlight top contenders like Duke, Auburn, and Houston, analyzing team strengths and coaching strategies. Myron introduces the idea of a "sleeper" team that could make an unexpected run to the Final Four, mentioning Missouri as a dark horse.
Notable Quotes:
Myron Metcalf (42:37): “They have a top six offense in the Kim Palm now. Yeah, that has not been the case...”
Matt Jones (43:32): “They’re good. No, they’re very, very good. And Kelvin Sampson's teams always are.”
The episode concludes with the hosts engaging in playful banter about heavy metal music, specifically ACDC. They challenge each other on their knowledge of the genre, adding humor and showcasing their chemistry off the main sports topics.
Notable Quote:
Myron Metcalf (38:12): “If you don’t know it, then you’re not allowed at the barbecue. At least my barbecue.”
In this episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron," the hosts provide an in-depth analysis of the SEC's outstanding performance in college basketball, reflet on personal milestones, evaluate key NBA and NFL storylines, and offer predictions for the upcoming NCAA tournament. Their blend of professional insights and personal anecdotes makes for an engaging listen, accessible even to those who haven't tuned in before.
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Remember: This summary captures the essence and key discussions of the episode, complete with notable quotes and timestamps to provide context and depth.