Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron - Hour 2: Herm Edwards, ESPN NFL Analyst

Release Date: January 12, 2025

In this episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron," hosts Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf sit down with Herm Edwards, ESPN NFL Analyst, to dissect the latest happenings in the NFL playoffs. The trio delves deep into game analyses, quarterback performances, coaching decisions, and the broader implications for the teams involved. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

The episode kicks off with a light-hearted exchange about enjoying Jack in the Box's menu offerings, quickly transitioning to the main focus: the NFL playoffs.

Matt Jones [00:27]: "I'm ready to play football. I've been waiting a long time for this."

Myron Metcalf [00:32]: "Time is here, time is now."

Herm Edwards joins the conversation to provide his expert analysis on the unfolding playoff scenarios.

2. Houston vs. Chargers: A Complete Breakdown

The trio begins by analyzing the Houston Texans' decisive victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, with a particular focus on Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert's performance.

Herm Edwards [01:50]:

"That was a Houston team that obviously, you know, was the team we thought they were in the beginning of the season. I thought the last month of football they weren't very good. They were struggling. They kind of put it all together defensively for sure. And then offensively did enough, you know, running the football to win this game in a big way. But it was a complete breakdown of the Chargers. I mean, you know, they got beat offensively, defensively and special team wise. I mean, it's just, they just broke down."

Matt Jones [02:26]:

"No, I just think if I were the Chargers, I'd be having meetings about whether or not Justin Herbert ever leads them anywhere. I don't think Coach, he ever leads them anywhere. I think you've seen him at his peak, and I think they're just stuck with Justin Herbert. You can't win a playoff game with Justin Herbert."

Herm acknowledges Herbert's strides in his first year but emphasizes the critical role of a quarterback in playoff success.

Herm Edwards [02:54]:

"It's going to boil down to the quarterback. Can he do it in big moments, especially in playoff competition? Because now they're going to be considered, you know, one of those teams that obviously is going to continue to be in the playoffs. But I want to see more. But it was a poor performance by Herbert."

3. Ravens vs. Steelers: Coaching and Team Dynamics

The conversation shifts to the Baltimore Ravens' victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, with particular attention to coach Mike Tomlin's strategies and the Steelers' ongoing struggles.

Matt Jones [05:16]:

"Yeah, it's different. I mean, everybody respects Mike Tom. I think you're the Rooney family. I think what will happen is I think the Rooney family will bring him in the room and say, listen, we won't fire you because that's just not what we do. But I do think it's time for a split for everybody. I mean, I think it's fair to say Mike Tomlin has been legendary."

Herm discusses the Steelers' defensive shortcomings and the aging offense, questioning the sustainability of their current approach.

Herm Edwards [04:18]:

"They don't have a lot of speed on their defense. Right. And the defense just, it was, it wasn't very good. I mean, and you expect that out of a Steelers team. Good defense. I think their offense is 10 years behind schedule now."

Matt underscores the difficulty in finding a viable replacement for Tomlin and the broader issues facing the Steelers.

4. Broncos vs. Bills: Bo Nix's Playoff Prospect

A significant portion of the episode is devoted to analyzing the playoff matchup between the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills, with a spotlight on rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

Herm Edwards [06:31]:

"If Josh Allen. All of a sudden the slipper falls off and he starts turning the ball over. I mean. But no, I mean, look, Denver defense is going to have to try to keep this game in reach and then slow him down some. But look, this is Josh Allen's moment."

Matt Jones [07:17]:

"I think Bo Nix is going to take chances. Like I think Bo Nix is going to come out here and feel like who cares if I throw five interceptions as a rookie in the playoffs? He's going to take his shots. I'll give you a prediction. This is a one score game going into the fourth quarter."

Herm discusses the potential impact of Bo Nix's aggressive playstyle and how it could influence the game's outcome.

Herm Edwards [08:38]:

"If they allow Bo Nix to extend plays because Bo Nix can run. We don't talk about him as a runner. He can run, you know, and that's the problem."

The trio debates the strategic implications of allowing a rookie QB to take liberties on the field, with Matt predicting a closely contested game.

5. Packers vs. Eagles: Quarterback Showdown

The discussion transitions to the NFC wild card game between the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles, focusing on the quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Jordan Love.

Herm Edwards [09:04]:

"History says the Packers have gone in there twice in this position and beaten them with Brett Favre. And obviously Aaron Rodgers, I think this Eagle team understands that. I think they're a team that, you know, they're built for this, for the playoff run now."

Matt Jones [10:51]:

"I've lived that busboy life, too. Yeah, no, it's a good way to come up."

Herm emphasizes the importance of Hurts transitioning into a more effective passing role, drawing parallels to Lamar Jackson's evolution.

Herm Edwards [11:30]:

"That's right. That's where, that's where he's at with his career right now, you know, and he's a good quarterback."

The duo debates the reliability of Jordan Love compared to Jalen Hurts, considering Love's inconsistent performances this season.

Myron Metcalf [21:30]:

"This is an interesting game for the narrative of both quarterbacks."

Matt highlights the historical challenges of quarterbacks like Justin Herbert in postseason play, questioning their ability to perform under pressure.

Matt Jones [31:38]:

"But if you could pick between the really good regular season quarterback who never shows up in the postseason or the kind of up and down regular season quarterback who always shows up in the postseason, which option are you taking?"

6. Coaching Changes: Patriots Hiring Mike Brable

Herm offers his perspective on the New England Patriots' recent hiring of Mike Brable as their new head coach.

Herm Edwards [14:30]:

"I think we all saw this coming, right? Well, it's not like we're surprised in stretch of the imagination, but I think obviously it's a good hire. They've got a guy that understands the dynamics of this organization, what this organization has accomplished in that span of winning all these Super Bowls."

Matt underscores the significance of Brable's hire, suggesting it may influence the broader coaching landscape.

Matt Jones [15:03]:

"He's a good tipper to Herb. That's usually a good sign."

7. The FA Cup Anecdote: David vs. Goliath in Soccer

Shifting gears, Myron shares an engaging story about the English FA Cup, illustrating the classic "big guy vs. little guy" dynamic.

Myron Metcalf [25:20]:

"So in England they have a soccer tournament. All the teams in England can play, including like not just Manchester United and Liverpool, but even like part time pub league teams."

The anecdote highlights Tamworth, a modest sixth-division team, facing off against Tottenham Hotspur, emphasizing the unpredictable and heartfelt nature of such matchups.

Herm Edwards [27:31]:

"They get to the game. The locker room at Tamworth is so small that it's like all the players are sitting on top of each other. Games about to start. It gets delayed. Why? The net is broken and they need to duct tape the net to the goal."

Myron and Matt draw parallels between this and potential underdog stories in American sports, enhancing the episode's relatability.

8. Rams' Relocation to Arizona: Impact on Team Preparation

The discussion returns to NFL dynamics with the Los Angeles Rams' move to Arizona, exploring how such relocations affect team routines and performance.

Matt Jones [15:44]:

"We were talking kind of offline, Herm, obviously, about everything that's happening in California and just sort of tragedies there. The Rams have moved everything to Arizona."

Herm dissects the logistical challenges and the Rams' ability to maintain their performance despite the upheaval.

Herm Edwards [16:19]:

"It's all about routine, obviously, and that takes place when you have to deal with something like this. And this happens sometimes in the NFL with, with weather conditions."

9. Minnesota Vikings' Quarterback Dilemma: Sam Darnold vs. Daniel Jones

A heated debate arises around the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback situation, specifically the potential rise of Daniel Jones over Sam Darnold.

Matt Jones [17:18]:

"Well, you hear the rumors up here, Herm, there, you know, they just signed Daniel Jones from the practice squad."

Herm challenges the feasibility and impact of inserting Daniel Jones into high-stakes playoff games.

Herm Edwards [18:49]:

"If Daniel Jones goes in the game, guys, that game's already lost."

Matt counters by highlighting the Vikings' strategic moves to position Jones for potential playoff impact.

Matt Jones [24:34]:

"They're not following what's happened up here. The Vikings aren't saying what Daniel Jones's role will be in the playoffs, whether he'll be QB2 or not. But there is a world where it happens."

Despite the skepticism, the conversation underscores the unpredictability of playoff decisions and their ramifications.

10. Playoff Predictions and Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts and Herm share their predictions for the remaining playoff games, emphasizing key matchups and potential upsets.

Matt Jones [35:37]:

"They would have like Central Florida. Except Tamworth's not even a good team from the non league. So it'd be like Central Florida plays against Oklahoma City Thunder."

The trio emphasizes the high-stakes environment of the playoffs, where historical performances and current form will significantly influence outcomes.

Matt Jones [42:21]:

"I think a lot of people will feel like the winner of Buffalo, Baltimore will have a real chance going."

Herm reflects on the emotional and abrupt nature of playoff eliminations, adding depth to the discussion.

Herm Edwards [22:13]:

"People don't realize when you're in the playoffs and you lose, the ending is so abrupt. For players and coaches, it's like, we're done, you know, because you wait all year to get here and then you're out."

11. Audience Interaction and Closing Remarks

Throughout the episode, Matt and Myron engage with listeners through text messages, addressing questions and sharing anecdotes to enhance the interactive experience.

Listener Message [23:24]:

"I love that that Myron brought up. Daniel Jones does. Would he like to give me odds on Daniel Jones playing? Unless Sam Darnold gets hurt."

The episode concludes with promotional segments and teasers for upcoming shows, maintaining engagement and anticipation for future discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones [02:26]:

  "You can't win a playoff game with Justin Herbert."

• Herm Edwards [04:18]:

  "They just broke down."

• Herm Edwards [16:19]:

  "It's all about routine."

• Herm Edwards [22:13]:

  "We're done, you know, because you wait all year to get here and then you're out."

This episode offers a thorough and insightful analysis of the NFL playoffs, enriched by Herm Edwards' expert perspectives and the hosts' engaging discussions. Whether you're an avid football fan or a casual observer, the conversation provides valuable takeaways on the teams and players shaping the postseason landscape.