Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron
Episode: Hour 1: Time for Franklin to Go
Release Date: November 3, 2024
In the "Hour 1: Time for Franklin to Go" episode of Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron, ESPN Radio hosts Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf engage in a dynamic discussion covering a range of sports topics, with a particular focus on college football dynamics, NFL quarterback performances, and the evolving landscape of the College Football Playoff (CFP). The episode seamlessly blends in-depth analysis with lighthearted banter and listener interactions, making it both informative and entertaining for sports enthusiasts.
1. Celebrating Podcast Success and Future Prospects
The episode kicks off with Matt and Myron celebrating their podcast’s impressive ranking:
Matt Jones [01:03]: "This week, Myron, we got up to number four on the podcast. It was only, pardon my take, Bill Simmons and Dan LeBatard were ahead of us. We were ahead of the Kelsey brothers for a period of time. That had to make you happy."
Myron Metcalf reflects on their success and future endeavors:
Myron Metcalf [01:26]: "I had so many people reaching out, you know what I mean? It was just incredible to see all the work we've put in. There was a stretch where I think I was the number one black sports podcast host in America, man. And listen, I don't care if we end up, I don't care if we end up number 199. I got TED talks coming. I got a book coming off that. Things are going to be in the works, Matt, no matter where we go."
The conversation highlights their determination to continue growing the podcast regardless of its ranking, underscoring their passion and commitment to sports journalism.
2. Deep Dive into College Football and CFP Structure
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the recent Ohio State vs. Penn State game, focusing on James Franklin's coaching performance and Penn State's struggles against top teams.
Myron Metcalf [03:50]: "What bothers me is he has the demeanor of someone who has won a lot of big games. You look at his resume and he hasn't done that. So, like, at some point we got to stop talking about Penn State as if they're Ohio State or Michigan. They're not. Right. They're in that next tier."
The hosts critique Franklin's inability to secure victories in high-stakes matches, prompting a broader discussion about Penn State's place in college football.
Transitioning to the structure of the CFP, Matt and Myron provide insightful predictions:
Matt Jones [05:55]: "Yeah, I don't think anybody is going to bet on him. All right, let's talk about the playoff for a second because it is right now wild."
They break down the likely playoff contenders based on conference performances:
- Big 12: Likely one representative following Iowa State's loss.
- ACC: Potentially one team, possibly Miami.
- Group of Five: Including Notre Dame.
- Big Ten and SEC: Competing fiercely for the remaining slots.
Myron Metcalf [07:21]: "I think Alabama gets in."
Discussing the SEC, they highlight the depth of strong teams and the impact of the expanded playoff system:
Myron Metcalf [07:38]: "I just think there's going to be a way somebody's going to get in. Matt, in this 12 team field, this initial rankings where people are going to go, wait a minute, that doesn't make a ton of sense. And Alabama to me is going to be a good candidate."
The conversation underscores the increased competitiveness and unpredictability introduced by the 12-team CFP format.
3. NFL Quarterback Performance and Team Dynamics
The discussion shifts to the NFL, focusing on the Dallas Cowboys and their quarterback Dak Prescott:
Matt Jones [26:42]: "I think it was overcoming into the season, man, just all the drama they had that they haven't been overcome. And now you got the Zeke Elliott drama where he's been a healthy scratch."
Myron offers a critical perspective on the Cowboys' management and Prescott's performance:
Myron Metcalf [26:42]: "But Jerry Jones has to take, I think, most of the blame. I think this is the game where you fire Mike McCarthy if you lose just because. High visibility, big moment. It certainly feels like a must win."
They delve into the broader issue of high-paid quarterbacks not meeting performance expectations, citing examples like Daniel Jones and Trevor Lawrence.
Matt Jones [27:38]: "We always say, Myron, the quickest way to franchise irrelevance is to pay a non hall of Fame quarterback."
The analysis highlights the delicate balance teams must maintain between investing in star quarterbacks and ensuring overall team performance.
4. Confrontation Stories: Jason Kelce and Joel Embiid
A poignant segment discusses recent confrontations involving NHL’s Jason Kelce and NBA’s Joel Embiid:
Myron Metcalf [15:37]: "I was always taught if you mentioned somebody's family, be ready to fight or worse. Right."
Myron emphasizes the seriousness of personal insults in sports and media interactions, reflecting on his own experiences:
Myron Metcalf [16:08]: "Social media has made people feel really bold. Do things for sure, just won't do in person."
This discussion underscores the importance of respecting personal boundaries and the potential repercussions of verbal confrontations.
5. Engaging Listener Interactions: The Google Challenge
The episode features a humorous and interactive segment where listeners call in about the Google search results for the hosts’ names. The playful banter between Matt and Myron highlights their camaraderie:
Matt Jones [10:08]: "What happens if I do Google you, though? Like, if I Google you right now. What's coming up?"
Myron Metcalf [30:04]: "Why you trying to make it seem like people don't know? Well, I don't know, man."
The segment not only entertains but also humanizes the hosts, making the podcast relatable to the audience.
6. Packers vs. Lions Game Analysis
The hosts provide a thorough analysis of the upcoming Packers vs. Lions game, emphasizing its significance in the NFC North division:
Myron Metcalf [38:07]: "They are incredible. And I think they are the biggest threat, honestly, to Kansas City. And I think they have a real chance if they get to the Super Bowl and they match up against Mahomes in Kansas City."
They discuss the strengths of Jared Goff with the Lions compared to Jordan Love with the Packers, projecting Goff as a more suitable fit for championship aspirations.
Matt Jones [40:24]: "If you're not paying him max money, right. But he's still good enough to be very successful."
This analysis offers listeners valuable insights into quarterback performance and team strategies pivotal for the season’s outcomes.
7. Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Future Segments
As the episode concludes, Matt and Myron reflect on various topics discussed and tease upcoming segments, maintaining the episode's engaging and forward-looking tone.
Myron Metcalf [35:43]: "I'm in control. It's just kind of what we do in Milwaukee, which we've always kind of had that little brother complex a lot with Chicago."
Their ability to blend serious analysis with lighthearted interaction ensures that listeners are both informed and entertained, eagerly anticipating future episodes.
Conclusion
"Hour 1: Time for Franklin to Go" exemplifies the strengths of Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf as hosts who combine deep sports analysis with engaging, relatable interactions. From dissecting the intricacies of the CFP to critiquing NFL quarterback performances and sharing personal anecdotes, the episode offers a comprehensive and entertaining listen for sports fans.