Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron – Episode: Hour 2: Jolly Christmas Release Date: December 22, 2024
Hosts: Matt Jones & Myron Medcalf
Platform: ESPN Radio

Introduction to Sports and Holiday Spirits

[00:26] Matt Jones: "I'm ready to play football. I've been waiting a long time for this moment. Time is here."
Matt and Myron kick off the episode with their usual enthusiasm, blending the excitement of the upcoming football season with the festive holiday atmosphere.

Navigating Illegal Live Streams and Online Challenges

The hosts delve into Myron's recent experience with illegal live streams, particularly during the Tyson Fury fight. An individual questioned Myron about navigating pop-ups and accessing restricted content.

[01:02] Myron Medcalf: "While he was in the chat for the Tyson Fury fight, pop-ups kept coming up asking him to look at Cam."
Matt humorously admits his limited tech savvy, leading to a lighthearted debate on internet terminology.

Refreshing Christmas Tunes: A Push for Diversity in Holiday Music

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the monotony of traditional Christmas music and Myron's proposal to incorporate more Black Christmas music into their show.

[02:19] Matt Jones: "It's a jolly day holiday. That's all of them, man. All of those songs."
[02:28] Myron Medcalf: "I played all black music. Coming back. Yeah, that's what we're gonna do."
The duo discusses the overuse of classics like "Home Alone" and "Bing Crosby," advocating for a richer, more diverse musical selection to better represent different cultures during the festive season.

Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears: A High-Stakes Matchup

The hosts analyze the upcoming game between the Detroit Lions (12-2) and the Chicago Bears (4-9), emphasizing the Lions' opportunity to secure a number one seed—a feat they've never achieved before.

[03:21] Myron Medcalf: "The Lions are 12 and two and have a chance to earn a one-seat. They have never earned a one seed."
They discuss the Bears' eight-game losing streak and the potential coaching changes that might benefit the struggling Bears. The conversation shifts to quarterback Caleb Williams, critiquing his on-field demeanor and perceived lack of confidence.

[05:01] Myron Medcalf: "He looked overwhelmed and he just looks like he's over it."
[06:18] Matt Jones: "Always pick too confident over too humble. I would say 100%."
The debate centers around the importance of a quarterback's presence and confidence, with both hosts agreeing that Williams hasn't consistently projected the necessary leadership qualities expected from a number one pick.

NFC Wild Card Scenarios: Vikings vs. Seahawks

Matt and Myron explore the playoff implications of the Vikings and Seahawks games, highlighting the Vikings' historical struggles in Seattle and the Seahawks' fluctuating home-field advantage.

[08:22] Matt Jones: "The NFC west still feels wide open with the three teams battling for that championship."
They note the Vikings' poor record in Seattle (2-9 in their last 11 games there) and question the Seahawks' traditional "12th man" advantage, which hasn't been as potent in recent seasons.

Christmas Music Segment: Embracing Motown and Beyond

Emphasizing their earlier point on diversifying holiday music, Matt and Myron showcase classic Black Christmas hits like "Santa Claus Needs Some Loving."

[11:27] Myron Medcalf: "It's just one of those songs where it's like put the kids to bed and, you know, it's just me and you."
They humorously debate the appropriateness and appeal of these songs, with Matt expressing his preference for more universal holiday tunes while appreciating the soulful additions.

Celebrity Guest Interactions and Light Banter

The episode features amusing exchanges about the hosts' personal talents, with Matt playfully boasting about his likability and Myron critically yet humorously assessing it.

[14:37] Myron Medcalf: "You have the least flavor of anybody."
The banter continues with discussions about Herm Edwards' appearance, adding a layer of camaraderie and humor to the show.

NFL Highlights and Previews

Bengals vs. Browns:
The hosts discuss the high-stakes game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, emphasizing Joe Burrow's exceptional performance despite the Bengals' losing record.

[16:54] Matt Jones: "Joe Burrow has the highest, second highest QBR of all time for a quarterback of like a team with a losing record."
They analyze the Bengals' playoff prospects, outlining the path they must take to secure a spot, while also critiquing the team's overall stability and future direction.

Chiefs vs. Contenders:
A spirited debate ensues about the Kansas City Chiefs' resilience and strategic gameplay in close matches.

[26:42] C: "Yeah, this is your bc."
[26:08] Myron Medcalf: "Chris Cany from Unsportsmanlike."
They discuss the Chiefs' ability to perform under pressure, Jalen Hurts' role, and the team's internal unity post their disgruntled phase from the previous year.

Baseball Tribute: Remembering Rickey Henderson

A heartfelt segment honors the legendary baseball player Rickey Henderson, with the hosts reminiscing about his illustrious career and impact on the sport.

[29:17] C: "I have all the art, I got the OJ's, I got Otis Redding. And when it comes to like Motown, I could be on Jeopardy."
They share personal anecdotes and acknowledge Henderson's contributions, celebrating his legacy as one of the all-time greats.

Cold Weather Challenges in Football

The conversation shifts back to football, critiquing unconventional and ineffective methods teams use to prepare for cold-weather games.

[30:48] C: "It's just cold, man. Cold is cold."
[31:10] Myron Medcalf: "It's just cold."
They discuss the Tennessee Titans' questionable practice of having quarterbacks warm up in freezers to simulate cold conditions, emphasizing that mental toughness and adaptability are more crucial than rigid physical preparations.

"Why You Should Watch" – Game Previews with a Twist

In their signature segment, Myron and Matt provide unique pitches for why listeners should tune into specific NFL games, blending insightful analysis with their trademark humor.

Rams vs. Jets:
[40:02] Matt Jones: "This come from behind story with the Rams as a possible sleeper is something that you shouldn't miss."

Cardinals vs. Panthers:
[41:04] Matt Jones: "Kyler Murray is one of the stories we just haven't really talked about."

Browns vs. Bengals:
[42:33] Myron Medcalf: "Keep using the playoff argument on everyone."

Titans vs. Colts:
[43:05] Matt Jones: "The Tennessee Titans have a chance to... maybe use that pick to try to trade and get a better quarterback."

Jaguars vs. Raiders:
[44:50] Matt Jones: "Brock Bowers might reinvent the tight end position based on how he's played thus far."

Myron humorously grades these pitches, often critiquing Matt's stats or approaches, adding a layer of playful competition to their discussions.

Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes

As the episode winds down, Matt and Myron extend their holiday greetings, reminding listeners to tune into their weekday show "Unsportsmanlike" and promoting upcoming sports coverage.

[46:10] Myron Medcalf: "Happy and healthy holiday season and happy New Year."
They wrap up with final thoughts on the day's discussions, maintaining their engaging and jovial rapport.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Jones on Confidence:
  [05:28] Matt Jones: "A quarterback has to have a certain look of confidence that he hasn't had."

• Myron Medcalf on Caleb Williams:
  [04:24] Myron Medcalf: "He has no favor. He's had a terrible coaching staff."

• Matt Jones on Vulnerability:
  [07:25] Matt Jones: "I loved it." (Referring to C.J. Stroud showing vulnerability)

• Myron Medcalf on Tennessee's Freezer Prep:
  [21:22] Myron Medcalf: "Coming up, more with Santa Claus and the loving he needs."

Conclusion

This episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron" successfully blends in-depth sports analysis with lighthearted banter and cultural commentary. From dissecting high-stakes NFL games and celebrating baseball legends to advocating for a more diverse holiday playlist, Matt and Myron provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of the sports world intertwined with the festive spirit of Christmas.

For those looking to stay informed and entertained during the holiday season, this episode offers a well-rounded mix of insightful discussions and relatable humor, making it a must-listen even if you haven't tuned in before.