Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron: Episode Summary

Title: Hour 2: Herm Edwards, ESPN NFL Analyst
Release Date: January 5, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf
Guest: Herm Edwards, ESPN NFL Analyst

1. Introduction and Episode Overview

The episode kicks off with Myron Metcalf and Matt Jones welcoming listeners to "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron." They introduce their special guest, Herm Edwards, an esteemed NFL analyst from ESPN. The hosts set the stage by discussing the current state of the NFL's regular season, highlighting that although it's the final week and not the most thrilling, there are still significant outcomes at stake.

Myron Metcalf [00:35]: "It is Calvary Kickoff... some things are still up in the grabs."

2. The Patriots and Draft Pick Implications

The conversation begins with an analysis of the New England Patriots' potential performance in the last game of the season. Myron suggests that even if the Patriots lose, they wouldn't intentionally underperform because the organization, led by Coach Bill Belichick, is intrinsically built to win every game.

Myron Metcalf [01:11]: "They’re going to try to win a football game. I mean, that’s, that’s."

Herm agrees, emphasizing the Patriots' commitment to excellence, regardless of the implications for their draft position.

3. Deion Sanders and His Son’s Influence

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Deion Sanders, particularly focusing on the potential dynamics if Sanders’ son joins a team Herm is coaching. Myron speculates that Sanders will advocate for his son’s inclusion and performance within the team, highlighting the possible pressures and expectations that come with it.

Herm Edwards [02:32]: "Every press conference, he’s going to be asked about your door... If he likes the way things are going, I’m sure that’s good for a head coach."

4. Vikings vs. Lions: A Crucial Regular Season Clash

The hosts delve into the critical matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions. Myron underlines the game's importance, noting it's one of the most significant regular-season games they've seen, with playoff implications hinging on the outcome.

Myron Metcalf [04:02]: "This is as good as it gets, right?"

Herm adds that both teams have demonstrated strong road performances, making the game a compelling contest likely to be decided by clutch moments, such as field goals.

5. Quarterback Debate: Sam Darnold vs. Sam Donald

A substantial segment is dedicated to discussing quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Sam Donald. Myron expresses skepticism about Darnold's future success and questions the value of investing heavily in him over other emerging talents like Darnold might pose.

Myron Metcalf [06:25]: "If I got him and somebody wants him bad enough... maybe… I'm good. I got a quarterback."

Herm counters by emphasizing the uncertainty in predicting a quarterback's future performance, comparing the situation to past quarterbacks who had late-career resurgences.

6. The Economics of Overpaying Quarterbacks

The conversation shifts to the financial aspects of NFL quarterbacks, with Myron critiquing the trend of exorbitant salaries for quarterbacks. He suggests that while players deserve their earnings, the inflated salaries create a financial imbalance within teams.

Myron Metcalf [10:39]: "I just think you’re going to overpay all these quarterbacks... Somebody’s got to make the money."

Herm concurs, acknowledging the financial realities of the modern NFL and how it impacts team dynamics and salary structures.

7. Dysfunction in Indianapolis: Analyzing Coach Steichen’s Tenure

Addressing recent reports about dysfunction within the Indianapolis Colts under Coach Steichen, Myron and Herm discuss the challenges teams face when internal issues become public. They explore the implications of leaked information on team morale and public perception.

Myron Metcalf [11:28]: "The mere fact something leaks out usually suggests there's a problem in and of itself."

Herm adds that such leaks often arise from frustration within the organization, further complicating the team's performance and reputation.

8. Aaron Rodgers: Legacy and Possible Retirement

A heated discussion emerges around Aaron Rodgers, focusing on his potential retirement and the waning of his legacy. Myron and Herm compare Rodgers’ current standing to iconic athletes whose final performances left lasting impressions, questioning why Rodgers' possible final game hasn't garnered widespread attention.

Herm Edwards [17:40]: "He has legitimately written the book… to tarnish a legacy that was set up for you to be a really successful dude after the NFL."

Myron Metcalf [19:25]: "He went from being talked about as the Jeopardy Host three years ago to his last game not even on national TV."

9. Comparisons to Other Athletes’ Final Acts

Herm and Myron draw parallels between Rodgers and other athletes like Willie Mays, Shaquille O'Neal, and Ric Flair, examining how these figures managed their final stages in their respective sports. They debate the effectiveness and public reception of these final performances.

Herm Edwards [20:36]: "He’s down there with the guys where we pretend it didn’t happen... He’s down there with the guys where we pretend it didn’t happen."

10. Listener Interactions: Forgotten Final Acts in Sports

The podcast features a segment where listeners call in to share examples of athletes whose final performances were either underwhelming or overshadowed by other factors. Examples include Joe Namath's tenure with the Rams and Deion Sanders' brief comeback with the Ravens.

Listener Nick [28:07]: "Deion Sanders. After he retired, he came back and played two years with the Ravens."

11. Weather’s Role in Sports Narratives

Transitioning from on-field performance, the hosts discuss the influence of weather on sports, particularly how it affects game outcomes and fan perceptions. They humorously compare weather broadcasters' rivalries to player performances.

Myron Metcalf [15:15]: "In Kentucky, we have three weather guys that fight... they don’t even market it to us."

12. Selling the Unappealing Games

In a playful segment, Myron and Herm attempt to "sell" games that are deemed uninteresting or have little at stake. Both hosts humorously struggle to find compelling reasons to watch such games, highlighting their lack of enthusiasm.

Herm Edwards [37:43]: "You’re watching Dolphins and Jets because this could be the end of Aaron Rodgers... this is the last time you may see him in the NFL."

Myron Metcalf [38:20]: "I'll watch the game if you promise me I'll never have to see Aaron Rodgers in any form again."

13. Concluding Remarks and Future Episodes

As the episode wraps up, Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf thank listeners for tuning in and tease upcoming content, including coverage of significant college football games and future discussions on player performances and team dynamics.

Matt Jones [43:14]: "Thanks for listening to Matt and Myron the Podcast. You can listen to the show live every Sunday morning at 10am Eastern on ESPN Radio..."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Myron Metcalf [02:32]: "Every press conference, he’s going to be asked about your door..."
• Herm Edwards [06:25]: "I do wonder if maybe we in the modern age... maybe… I'm good. I got a quarterback."
• Herm Edwards [17:40]: "He has legitimately written the book… to tarnish a legacy..."
• Myron Metcalf [19:25]: "He went from being talked about as the Jeopardy Host three years ago to his last game not even on national TV."

Insights and Conclusions

• Patriots’ Consistent Winning Culture: The Patriots remain a formidable team aiming to win every game, emphasizing the organization's dedication under Belichick.

• Draft Pick Uncertainty: The unpredictability of the NFL Draft continues to be a topic of concern, with hosts highlighting the inefficacy and uncertainties surrounding first-round picks.

• Legacy of Quarterbacks: The discussion underscores the challenges of defining and maintaining a quarterback's legacy amidst performance fluctuations and off-field narratives.

• Financial Pressures in the NFL: Overpaying quarterbacks is critiqued as a systemic issue impacting team dynamics and financial sustainability.

• Media and Athlete Interactions: The episode touches on how media portrayals and public interactions influence athlete legacies, using Aaron Rodgers as a primary example.

• Engagement with Fans: Through listener calls and interactive segments, the podcast fosters a connection with its audience, encouraging fan participation and diverse perspectives.

Conclusion

This episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron" offers a comprehensive analysis of current NFL dynamics, focusing on team strategies, player legacies, and the economic factors influencing the league. Herm Edwards provides expert insights, while the hosts engage in thoughtful discussions, enriched by listener interactions and comparative analyses with other sports figures. The episode underscores the complexities of maintaining performance and legacy in the high-stakes environment of professional football.