Hour 2: Myron Steals

Summary

Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron: Episode Summary - Hour 2: Myron Steals

Release Date: November 10, 2024
Hosts: Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf
Guest: Herm Edwards
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago
Platform: ESPN Radio

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Introduction

In the second hour of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron," hosts Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf delve deep into the current landscape of the NFL, providing insightful analysis, spirited debates, and engaging live commentary from Soldier Field in Chicago. Joined by special guest Herm Edwards, the discussion covers a wide array of topics, including team dynamics, quarterback performance, and strategic game decisions.

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1. Team Dynamics and Quarterback Relationships

One of the standout discussions centers on the apparent disconnect between wide receiver DJ Moore and quarterback Caleb Williams. Myron raises concerns about their lack of synergy on the field, prompting Herm Edwards to offer his professional perspective.

Myron Metcalf (02:01): "The body language with DJ Moore isn't good. They're not connected on the field."

Herm Edwards (02:38): "You make the point. You have to ensure both players are on the same page because they are the future of the organization."

Edwards emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration between key players, suggesting direct conversations in the locker room to address and resolve underlying tensions.

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2. Eagles vs. Cowboys: Saquon Barkley's Performance and Dak Prescott's Injury

The hosts analyze the upcoming matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, focusing on Saquon Barkley's stellar performance and the implications of Dak Prescott's recent injury.

Herm Edwards (03:24): "Saquon Barkley is over 10 in his career against the Cowboys. This game is about erasing bad memories."

Edwards highlights the significance of Barkley's role and the historical context of Eagles-Cowboys encounters, stressing that the Eagles must capitalize on their advantages to secure a victory.

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3. Quarterback Contracts: Risks of the Middle Ground

A heated debate arises over why NFL teams often settle for "middle ground" quarterbacks, paying substantial salaries that may not justify their performance. Myron critiques this trend, questioning the long-term impact on franchises.

Myron Metcalf (05:56): "Why do teams feel like they've got to pay Daniel Jones or Trevor Lawrence instead of waiting or saying they're good but not $50 million good?"

Herm Edwards responds by pointing out the scarcity of franchise quarterbacks and the significant consequences teams face when they fail to secure and develop a reliable starter.

Herm Edwards (05:19): "There's not 32 franchise quarterbacks. Without one, teams struggle, and fan dissatisfaction grows."

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4. Debate: Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Matt Jones boldly declares the Detroit Lions as the best team in the NFL, sparking a vigorous counterargument from Myron Metcalf in support of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Matt Jones (08:44): "I think they are the most complete team right now in the National Football League."

Myron Metcalf (26:37): "When they start winning because of Patrick Mahomes and they're not, they're winning because of that defense."

The exchange highlights differing opinions on team strengths, quarterback performance, and the overall competitiveness of both franchises. Herm Edwards adds credibility to the debate, providing nuanced insights into what truly makes a team formidable.

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5. Strategic Game Decisions: To Go for Two or Not

Herm Edwards shares his philosophy on critical in-game decisions, particularly the choice to attempt a two-point conversion. He advocates for intuitive decision-making based on the game's context rather than rigid statistical guidelines.

Herm Edwards (10:14): "You have to trust your gut. The paper doesn't play the opponent."

This advice underscores the importance of adaptability and situational awareness in coaching, emphasizing that each game presents unique challenges that require tailored strategies.

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6. Live Reporting from Soldier Field: Fan Interactions and Atmosphere

The live segment from Chicago offers an authentic glimpse into the game-day experience at Soldier Field. Matt and Myron engage with passionate fans, including an enthusiastic supporter in a full Bears costume, adding a lively and personable element to the show.

Myron Metcalf (24:43): "Dave, nice to meet you."

These interactions not only enhance the show's relatability but also showcase the vibrant and diverse fan culture surrounding NFL games.

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7. The Steelers' Success Under Mike Tomlin

The hosts commend Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach Mike Tomlin for revitalizing the careers of players like Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, attributing the team's resilience and success to his effective leadership.

Myron Metcalf (17:03): "What Mike Tomlin has done to have success with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson is pretty amazing."

This segment highlights the critical role of coaching in player performance and team cohesion, celebrating Tomlin's ability to maximize his roster's potential.

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8. Quarterback Readiness: Anthony Richardson and Media Projections

A critical discussion unfolds around Anthony Richardson's readiness for the NFL, with Myron questioning the justification behind his high draft pick despite limited collegiate success.

Myron Metcalf (32:14): "I never understood the idea that that was a first-round pick. I still don't."

Herm Edwards echoes these sentiments, stressing the necessity for visible performance and real-game success over media hype or metrics from pre-game evaluations like the combine.

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9. "Sell the Game" Segment: Engaging the Audience

In an interactive segment, Matt and Myron attempt to 'sell' various NFL games to a fictional participant named Casey. Despite playful banter and mock frustration over their selling pitches, the exercise underscores the hosts' passion for promoting all matchups, regardless of their initial appeal.

Myron Metcalf (39:14): "Here's a chance for redemption for Drake May. Does that make you want to watch it?"

This playful exchange emphasizes the hosts' commitment to highlighting every game's unique narrative and potential excitement.

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Memorable Quotes with Timestamps

• Herm Edwards (02:38): "You guys are the future of this organization. You're not going anywhere."
• Herm Edwards (05:19): "There's not 32 franchise quarterbacks. Without one, teams struggle, and fan dissatisfaction grows."
• Herm Edwards (10:14): "You have to trust your gut. The paper doesn't play the opponent."
• Myron Metcalf (26:37): "When they start winning because of Patrick Mahomes and they're not, they're winning because of that defense."

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Conclusion

"Hour 2: Myron Steals" of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron" offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of current NFL dynamics. From quarterback performance and team strategies to live fan interactions and coaching philosophies, the episode delivers valuable insights for both avid fans and casual listeners. Through spirited debates and expert analysis, Matt, Myron, and Herm Edwards provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities shaping this NFL season.

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For those who missed the episode, "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron" is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Stay tuned every Sunday morning for more in-depth sports analysis and lively discussions.

Transcript

[Matt Jones]

Want to shop Walmart Black Friday deals first. Walmart plus members get early access to our hottest deals. Join now and get 50% off a one year annual membership. Shop Black Friday deals first with Walmart plus see [e-mail] this is Matt and Myron the podcast.

[Myron Metcalf]

Live from Soldier Field in Chicago. This is Countdown to kickoff on the.

[Herm Edwards]

Road on ESPN Radio and the ESPN.

[Matt Jones]

Now alongside him, I remember Metcalf.

[Myron Metcalf]

Here's Matt Chull. It is Canada kickoff here on ESPN Radio.

[Matt Jones]

Matt Jones Meyer Metcalf.

[Myron Metcalf]

That's a Patriots jersey. Yeah, man, that's unfortunate here in Chicago.

[Matt Jones]

That's all right.

[Myron Metcalf]

That is old school. That's like, that's what the jersey was when my Bears beat you in the Super bowl in 1985. Yeah, I mean, you were. But look at him just walk away when I said that.

[Matt Jones]

He's like nine, man.

[Myron Metcalf]

You know, I mean, like, no, you don't think I should talk trash to a 9 year old?

[Matt Jones]

I don't, I don. I don't think you should.

[Myron Metcalf]

I feel like Herm Edwards, who's here with us, I feel like he would talk trash to a nine year old. Is that 85 Bears team, IRM, Is that the best team of all time in your mind?

[Herm Edwards]

They go down as one of them. There's no doubt. I mean, they were, they were remarkable. I mean, I was out of the league then. 85. No, I was maybe my last year. Yeah, it was my last year in the league until 86. But all they were, they were really fun to watch. Even on tape as a defensive player, you'd watch those guys on defense and you go, man, man, he's got really, really good boy.

[Matt Jones]

Coach, I'm curious. You got a situation here in Chicago where it looks like DJ Moore and Caleb Williams just aren't on the same page. Right. The body language with Dj Moore isn't good. They're not connected on the field. As a coach, do you go into the locker room and sit those two guys down? Do you let them work it out? How do you handle two key guys like that getting on the same page?

[Herm Edwards]

Well, you make the point. Are you going to have a conversation? And you are. You can have a conversation with both of them and going to tell them this, look, you guys are the future of this organization. You're not. Neither one of you are going anywhere. And so we got to make sure we're on the same page. And then as an offensive coordinator, you got to make sure that you get him involved early. And then you have to make sure that how you get him involved is the quarterback is comfortable with throwing the ball in those situations. So it all becomes a conversation. There's no doubt about that.

[Myron Metcalf]

Which eight. ESPN here with her with the news. With Dak Prescott's injury now you have to say, with the future of the Cowboys unclear, but the Eagles play them today, 6 and 2. Myron was all getting down on Nick Sirianni, but they win today. They're seven and two. Do you think the Eagles are a little bit slept on, maybe the second best team in the nfc?

[Herm Edwards]

Well, no, I think you always worry about the Eagles in this sense because sometimes the Eagles will play the Eagles. We know that. We just, we watch them play. And, and I think if you're the Eagles, this is a big game for you, just historically, just to set the record and get this bad taste out of your mouth of being Owen. 10. This is what Saquon Barkley is versus the Cowboys.

[Myron Metcalf]

0, 10.

[Herm Edwards]

He's O and 10 in his career. In his career. And the last time that the Dallas, the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas was 2017. So you're playing against some ghosts and you gotta erase it. You're a 6 and 2 football team, by the way. You're chasing the Washington Commanders that have a game that's very interesting today as well. But I think this is a game where if you let the Cowboys hang around, beware. And the Eagles sometimes do that. Guys, they just, sometimes just, they get in their own way sometimes.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, we play that game all the time of like, should you have paid that quarterback? Obviously that's happening with Dak. It's happened with Tua, Brock Purdy. That conversation will keep going. But there's a guy in Jacksonville who won't play today against the Vikings who's 2 and 12 in his last 14 starts. In Trevor Lawrence, 20 touchdowns, 11 interceptions during that stretch. And he at one point was the highest paid player in this league. Should the Jaguars have regrets about the money they just gave that former number one pick?

[Herm Edwards]

Well, I think it's not turned out like you anticipated, a lot of it due to injury and that's never good. But you know the one thing about when you pay a quarterback, when you decide to do that, you're basically telling your franchise, this is our guy for the next five or so years, right? And when you don't get it right, it sets you back five years. And then the next guy you bring in, you're hoping that he's the guy. So now you gotta wait another two or Three years, unless you get a Jaden Daniels where they can win right away. So you're almost a decade of sitting there trying to figure out who my quarterback is. He's the guy I want to keep, or is it? Or do I get a new one? And that. You see a lot of franchises that struggle. They get new coaches, you know, but you say, why are they struggling? Look at one position, one position only quarterback.

[Myron Metcalf]

So why do they do that? Like, here's what I don't understand. The rush to go take. I mean, you and I have had this conversation before. Her history tells us two kinds of teams win Super Bowls, teams with a young quarterback, that they don't have to pay a lot, that they can then invest in other positions or a Hall of Famer, that's it. The middle ground kills your franchise. And the middle ground feels like that's where 8 to 10 teams are. Why do they do that? Why do they feel like, I've got to pay Daniel Jones, I've got to pay Trevor Lawrence. Why not wait or even say, look, you're good, but you're not $50 million good?

[Herm Edwards]

Well, because of the fact that when you think about. And I said this, I say this a lot, and I say it in a good way, not a bad way. But think about it this way, guys, there's 32 teams. There's not 32 franchise quarterbacks.

[Myron Metcalf]

No.

[Herm Edwards]

So there lies the problem. When you don't have one, you know, you don't have one. And guess what? After about two or three years, the fan base knows we don't have one. So now the murmurs start, by then, you're probably getting another coach, and the other coach is coming in going, hey, guys, I need a quarterback. Right? So now the pressure on you is, well, we got to go get another quarterback. And you're looking at all these guys. You know, it's the hardest position to evaluate. I think, coming out of college football is a college quarterback.

[Myron Metcalf]

But why do you think that is? I mean, we're going to have five or six of them. Because in this year's, like, if you're looking at Shadur Sanders or you're looking at Cam Ward, or you're looking at Nessmeyer down there, Nessmeyer down there at lsu, what is it I'm looking for? And on some level, are you always guessing?

[Herm Edwards]

Well, I think there's a little bit of guesswork in it. But this, this as well. The first of all, the ball's always in the middle of the field because of the hash marks, the defenses, and are more complicated. Then what comes along and I think kills a lot of quarterbacks. Is the offensive coordinator willing. Willing to massage his offense to the quarterback skill set?

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, right.

[Herm Edwards]

Jayden Daniels, perfect example. Cliff Kingsbury gets Jayden Daniels. It's the perfect marriage. Cliff Kingsbury had a quarterback before Kyler Murray, and he was at college. He had quarterbacks that could extend plays, could run plays, play off schedule. He's okay with that. He allows him to do a couple things. What does Jaden do? Well, he throws a long ball. Yep. We're going to let him throw the long ball. Okay. He's making it very simple for Jaden. He's playing to Jaden's strength. Yeah, that's important.

[Matt Jones]

Coach, a couple of weeks ago, I had a chance to do the Lions Vikings game for ESPN Radio on the sidelines.

[Myron Metcalf]

You had the chance. You said that like you called the game.

[Matt Jones]

No, I was a sideline reporter.

[Myron Metcalf]

That's a little different, though. But her. He said I had a choice to do.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, wait. Oh, wait, hold on. Were you on the field? All right. Okay. All right, again, I'll start over because sometimes I get interrupted by my co host. Yes, I was on the field and I had a chance to watch the Lions up close.

[Myron Metcalf]

Okay, that's better.

[Matt Jones]

And I was more impressed after watching them live. I'll tell you this right now. And I want to know what you think about it, Coach, if you tell me. Lions, Chiefs, super bowl tonight, I'm picking the Lions, and I think they are the best team in the NFL right now. What say you to that?

[Herm Edwards]

I say I would have to agree. They are the most complete team right now in the National Football League. And it starts with their offensive line, their ability to control the line of scrimmage. See, people, and I say it, too. These guys are the bullies, but they're talented bullies. They have a lot of talent on this team, guys. And it kind of gets kind of washed away, you know, it's like. Well, they're tough and they play physical. They do all that, but they're really at the skills positions. Think about the skill players they have. Think about the offenses they have. Think about the quarterback, okay? On defense, they're a lot better than people imagine because the one thing they can do, they take the ball away. Guys, they've taken the ball away 16 times already. They're plus 11. And here's the. Here's the statue love. On defense, they're only giving up 18 points and they're scoring 32. You score 32 and I even I know that not being a math major, but if you score 32, you only give up 18. I think the guy that scored 32 is going to win a lot.

[Myron Metcalf]

Let me ask you a question. We'll get you out on this, Herm. We've had two situations in the last week where teams have had the choice when they scored at the end to go for two. In Tampa Bay, they don't go for it. Give the ball to Mahomes and overtime, he goes, scores a touchdown. Game over then in Cincinnati against Baltimore. Go for two. Don't get it. If you're the coach, what's your.

[Matt Jones]

How do you decide?

[Myron Metcalf]

I mean, it's easy after the game's over to go, they got it right or they got it wrong. But what would you do in the moment? Is it. Is it depending on where you are, the team you're playing, what would you do?

[Herm Edwards]

A lot of that comes into factor, but this also comes into the factor of you know that when you decide to do this, you're actually telling your team this during the course of the week.

[Myron Metcalf]

Okay.

[Herm Edwards]

Like, guys, we get in this situation, we're going for it. So it's not a surprise. The defense knows, the offense knows. The only time we won't go forward is if I sense and my eyes tell me it's not time. And my gut tells me it's not time. Because if I'm looking at a piece of paper that's run by stats, I ain't doing that one. I ain't doing that one. No, no, no, no.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'll get. You like the paper, you don't like the number?

[Herm Edwards]

No, no. I'll gather it, but the paper's not actually playing the opponent. It's just spinning numbers against other games that have happened in them situations that paper can't see the situation I'm in right now at this moment. See, that's why I always tell coaches and I learned this as a player. I learned this as a player. What does my eyes tell me right now when I'm watching this game, man, what's going on? And I'm asking myself, does my team need a spark right now? Or if I do this and it doesn't work, is it going to give the other team momentum? Momentum is a big thing, man.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Herm Edwards]

And when you have it, you want to keep it. You don't want to give it to the opponent. So those are decisions you have to make during the game.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Real quick, Herm, what do you do when your co host minimizes your accomplishments is there.

[Myron Metcalf]

What would you.

[Matt Jones]

How would you.

[Myron Metcalf]

First of all, I don't mean how.

[Matt Jones]

Would you handle that?

[Myron Metcalf]

What do you do, Coach, if you have a co host who's got a.

[Matt Jones]

Big ego, Coach, how would you handle that?

[Herm Edwards]

You know what I always say?

[Matt Jones]

Remember this.

[Herm Edwards]

And you need to do this now.

[Matt Jones]

Okay?

[Herm Edwards]

Stay humble, but hungry.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, and I'm hungry, coach. Like, I'm ready for the game. Stay humble.

[Herm Edwards]

Always. Always.

[Myron Metcalf]

He didn't say he was humble.

[Herm Edwards]

No, no. Stay humble and hungry and let other folks talk good about you. You never have to talk good about yourself. Just don't leave it on. Just let other folks talk good about you. And then some people can't talk good. We won't mention who that is on the air with us, but we won't get into name calling. It's just. And first of all, you know, he's probably cold because he's in Chicago. So he's kind of a little bit. Give him some tea with some honey in it. Okay? My word. And if he doesn't like that, give him some milk and tell him to take a nap before the game starts.

[Matt Jones]

I appreciate it.

[Myron Metcalf]

Love you. Boy, when you have to deal with this diva with this three, four spritz, you would understand. I appreciate you joining us. 888 say ESPN tune in football doubleheader today. Commanders and the Steelers followed by the jets and the Cardinals. Coverage begins at noon eastern on select ESPN radio stations. We are here in Chicago outside of historic Soldier Field. It's got at a kickoff with Matt.

[Matt Jones]

Myers Football Sunday on ESPN radio.

[Myron Metcalf]

I've been in the darkness. You gotta make peace with it.

[Matt Jones]

Aaron Rodgers leads the New York jets into Arizona to face Kyler Murray and the NFC west leading Cardinals bust out running.

[Myron Metcalf]

Throwing deep. He's got Harrison touchdown.

[Matt Jones]

The jets at the Cardinals. Coverage begins today at 4 Eastern on select ESPN radio stations. Matt and Myron the podcast getting zone AutoZone. Welcome to AutoZone.

[Myron Metcalf]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Myron Metcalf]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Myron Metcalf]

We'll recommend a local shop fix finder only at AutoZone.

[Matt Jones]

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[Myron Metcalf]

AutoZone restrictions apply. Ryan Reynolds here for I guess my 100th mint commercial. No, no, no, no, no, no, don't. No, no, no. I mean honestly, when I started this.

[Matt Jones]

I thought I'd Only have to do.

[Myron Metcalf]

Like four of these. I mean it's unlimited to Premium Wireless for $15 a month. How are there still times that much? I'm sorry, I shouldn't be victim blaming. Here, give it a [e-mail] switch whenever you're ready.

[Matt Jones]

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[Myron Metcalf]

All right, so there was a woman that just came by here.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

Drove from northwest Indiana.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

Just because she said she wanted to meet the. Meet us from the show. How nice is that?

[Matt Jones]

I love it, man.

[Myron Metcalf]

Go from northwest Indiana to come and see you. And she said she came because she wanted to see the. For one week, most popular black podcast in America.

[Matt Jones]

I was. We did be the number four. I was number one in America. I was over every other black podcast host. Everybody. Shay, Shay, listen. It's gonna be on my resume and when I start doing TED talks, I'm gonna leave with that.

[Myron Metcalf]

You do TED talks?

[Matt Jones]

Of course.

[Myron Metcalf]

What would your topic even be?

[Matt Jones]

How to be number one. I mean it's. It sort of writes itself, I think, personally.

[Myron Metcalf]

All right. I didn't realize that. The Carolina Panthers are leading the Giants in munich.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, man.

[Myron Metcalf]

10 to nothing. No, now it's 10 to 7. The giants have just scored. Tyrone Tracy had a 30 yard run to give the Giants a Touchdown. It is 10 to 7, Panthers in Munich.

[Matt Jones]

When you saw that hard knocks and you saw the leaders of that organization basically saying we're not going to pay Saquon Barkley and we really don't want Daniel Jones, do you think that affected the vibe of a team coming off season? You know what I mean? Like that can't help situation.

[Myron Metcalf]

I mean, if there was a hard knocks behind the scenes in ESPN radio and I saw Justin Craig and I saw him say, you know, look, we could get someone else, but Matt's. Yeah, like here, I think there would be a sense where you might be a little frustrated.

[Matt Jones]

It's not a good look, man. And I think, you know, if you're the Giants, you can't afford for that to happen. Saquon Barkley has been playing at almost an MVP level right. Right behind Derek Henry and Russia yards. And now Daniel Jones is just what's happening. Daniel Jones, man, when did they get.

[Myron Metcalf]

Like the dance troop here?

[Matt Jones]

I. I don't know. I don't know.

[Myron Metcalf]

But we are here at the.

[Matt Jones]

How do you get that job, by the way?

[Myron Metcalf]

Busy Hard Seltzer fan zone. In Chicago, outside of Soldier Field. Come on out. We've had a ton of people stop by. We're giving out hats, we're dancing and getting ready.

[Matt Jones]

Steelers, you haven't been dancing though, at all. What do you mean? We're not dancing? I dance when you don't.

[Myron Metcalf]

Look. Steelers and the Commanders play at 1:00.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, man.

[Myron Metcalf]

Washington's a two and a half point favorite. I think both of these teams have been surprising to people.

[Herm Edwards]

What do you think about your boy?

[Myron Metcalf]

Russell Wilson kind of looked good so far. We all wrote him off. Kind of making fun of him and he's come out and played very well this year.

[Matt Jones]

I don't know, like, what Mike Thomas is going to do after football, but, like, just when you think this is it for him, the end of the run, he goes out and he tries to restore the careers of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Everybody says there's no way you can do that. And here they are in the playoff picture again midway through the season. Man, and I think it's just remarkable how he seems to get the best out of everybody. The run game has been very good. Defense recently has had some holes, but this is a Steelers team that can win anywhere at any time. And that's a testament to Mike Tomlin. But they're playing the guy that I'm sure a lot of Chicago Bears fans are wondering, did we get the wrong player at number one?

[Myron Metcalf]

See, you guys keep saying that.

[Matt Jones]

That's already happening. Who that's already.

[Myron Metcalf]

Have you asked these people?

[Matt Jones]

Ask people around here if they want the wrong guy?

[Myron Metcalf]

I think people feel that way.

[Matt Jones]

I'm not saying that it's like a full blown conversation yet, but at a minimum it's a thought. Like, y'all are engaged to Caleb Williams, but you are liking Jaden Daniels Instagram pictures at night, right? Like, you all are like, oh, man. A little bit. You know what I mean? Like a little bit. Right. So I think there's an element of that when it comes to Jaden Daniels, who.

[Myron Metcalf]

Let me ask a question. Do you think it is okay, let's say that were true.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

Is it okay to like Jaden Daniels? Like, when you're in a relationship, is it okay to like the pictures of a friend?

[Matt Jones]

No, I just. I just go to church and come home. You know, relationships, I don't know, but I think it's a situation where I feel like it's.

[Myron Metcalf]

I feel like it seems like this.

[Matt Jones]

Is something you dealt with. Maybe why you always turn into Dr. Phil in the middle of the show, man. I'll just make it a metaphor, but I'll say this. Jayden Daniels wouldn't be the first guy to have this outstanding first year. And then all of a sudden, he kind of comes back to reality. A lot of people think that about C.J. stroud, who was amazing last year.

[Myron Metcalf]

He come back to reality, and now.

[Matt Jones]

He'S come back to reality a little bit. But I feel like Jaden Daniels is doing things that make you go. There's a wow factor there that you really can't deny. And he makes you wonder, is there a world as they put more around him, is this going to be a top seven, 8ish quarterback? Whereas Caleb Williams just hasn't had enough of those wild moments yet. He still may have them, but it hasn't happened in this first half of the first season.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah. Okay, so he's walked away. So I feel like we can say this. Can we all just talk as friends here. You saw that guy. It was an adult man. He got half of his paint face painted blue and half of his face painted orange. So his entire face was blue and orange.

[Matt Jones]

He's all in.

[Myron Metcalf]

Okay, here's my question. Is that a good idea? Because he's gonna have to drive home like that.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

Like, he's gonna. When the game's over, he's gonna have to go back and like, drive home.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

Maybe stop and get gas. He's gonna walk in with all that. Like, is there an age that taking your whole face and making it red and orange is maybe a little much?

[Matt Jones]

What makes you think that's his first time? I don't think that's his first time. He looks. He looks more comfortable in the paint. Like, he looks like he actually does better like that than being normal.

[Myron Metcalf]

But like. Okay, so like having a little bears thing is ours, but painting your entire face blue and orange.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

Is that.

[Matt Jones]

Is that okay? It's okay if that's really who you are. What is that?

[Myron Metcalf]

What kind of.

[Matt Jones]

I don't like.

[Myron Metcalf]

The only person I can think of that do it is like putty from side.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, but if you're a real Die Hard, like, I bet you his story. Somebody should go find him. I bet you he does that every game. And I bet you he's done it for years. If that's your thing, I'm all for it. Just don't become a fake Die Hard overnight. I don't like that kind of a fan who suddenly becomes a Die Hard.

[Myron Metcalf]

So you think it would be fine if he did that every game?

[Matt Jones]

I bet he does it. Yeah. If that's his thing.

[Myron Metcalf]

If he painted his face completely a color every game, you're done with this.

[Matt Jones]

If that's what he does, I'm all for it. And I bet you he does that every week. All right.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well maybe, maybe if he walks back by, we will ask.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

Who do you like in the Steelers commanders game?

[Matt Jones]

By the way, man, I think the X factor to me in a close game is going to be Jaden Daniels. You know who I think is number two in rushing yards for a quarterback behind Lamar Jackson. He just does those big play things that will be the difference in a game like this. I think the Commanders win, man.

[Myron Metcalf]

You do?

[Matt Jones]

Maybe, maybe.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, thank you for taking a stand. I think the Commanders win.

[Matt Jones]

I take it. I'll stand.

[Myron Metcalf]

You know what? Maybe we'll see. I think the Steelers win. I think what Mike Tomlin has done to have success with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, two guys who you might, people might have sort of given up on both of their careers, is a pretty amazing thing. We will come back here in just a minute, talk about some of the other games today. The Chiefs still haven't lost a game yet. That's next here on Countdown to Kickoff. Hi, this is Evan Cohen joining us Monday, 6am Eastern 4 unsportsmanlike Adam Schepter is reporting that Dak Prescott is going to undergo season ending surgery. What does that mean for the Cowboys and is the tank ready to go? We'll discuss Monday 6am Eastern on Sportsman like ESPN Radio, ESPN2 ESPNU Matt and.

[Matt Jones]

Myron the podcast.

[Herm Edwards]

Future you faces some big expectations.

[Matt Jones]

Work out more, go to bed earlier and most importantly make smart money decisions. Thankfully today you has bank of America one place with tools and guidance to help balance tasks from budgeting to saving. So you can just be you with big plans. Do more with the bank that asks.

[Herm Edwards]

What would you like the power to do?

[Matt Jones]

Explore our tips and [e-mail] futureu so.

[Myron Metcalf]

You'Re getting hungry, really hungry. Head to Jack in a Box and pick up a smashed jack.

[Matt Jones]

It's a juicy, delicious smashed burger topped.

[Myron Metcalf]

With cheese, pickles, grilled onions and boss sauce. And it's now available on Sourdough. The Smash Jack.

[Matt Jones]

Only a jack in the box? Order one on the Jack app. Today.

[Myron Metcalf]

It is countdown to Kickoff here on ESPN Radio presented by Progressive Insurance. The Panthers have just scored in Munich. They are up 177 on the Giants. Bryce Young has thrown two touchdown passes, the latest one to David Moore. We are here in Chicago in the busy Fan zone. And, you know, the thing is, Myron, you never know what you're going to see.

[Matt Jones]

No, you don't live.

[Myron Metcalf]

That's why I like going live.

[Matt Jones]

You never know what's going to happen.

[Myron Metcalf]

You never know where you're going to be. And we just met this guy. He was walking by. He's wearing a full bear costume. And when I say a full bear costume, think of, like, Smokey the Bear, but, like, the Chicago Bears. Including a hat. Like, including the. The. The full thing. And I brought. I wanted to bring him up here. Sorry you had to take your. Your hat off in order to put the headphones on. What's your name? Dave. Dave, how long do you do this bear costume thing? A lot?

[Matt Jones]

Absolutely not.

[Myron Metcalf]

This is my first time. This is your first time? Have you been to a Bears game before?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

You have?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. How did you go full bear on your first time? Like what?

[Myron Metcalf]

I found the bear head at the.

[Matt Jones]

Store, and I just started doing some shopping online.

[Myron Metcalf]

So wait a minute. You've. You found this bear hat?

[Matt Jones]

Yep.

[Myron Metcalf]

Okay. Right here. You found this and then said, I want to make the full costume. Might as well. And now you're gonna. Are you gonna wear it inside for a little bit? Yeah, yeah. It draws a little bit too much.

[Matt Jones]

Attention than what I expected.

[Myron Metcalf]

But.

[Matt Jones]

You can't go full be. Say it draws too much attention.

[Myron Metcalf]

I mean, you had to think you were going to draw some attention. Some attention.

[Matt Jones]

That's the whole point, right?

[Myron Metcalf]

When you say too much attention, what's happening? Why is it not working out for you?

[Matt Jones]

It's not that it's not working out.

[Myron Metcalf]

I mean, you ended up on the national radio.

[Matt Jones]

Did end up on the radio.

[Myron Metcalf]

There are ladies all around you now. Well, like, it has to be kind of positive.

[Matt Jones]

Is it too much?

[Myron Metcalf]

It is hot. It is hot now. But let me say, when you take this off, you're just going to look like a very hairy man here. So is that. I don't know. Is that better?

[Matt Jones]

I think you got to go everything.

[Myron Metcalf]

I almost have to. Yeah. Yeah, I almost do.

[Matt Jones]

I think. Yeah. The attention thing, you know, that doesn't work when you go full bear. No, it just looks ridiculous. Like, you know what I mean? Like, MC Hammer can't be like, oh, my pants are too shiny. I'm not gonna wear them.

[Myron Metcalf]

You don't wear that.

[Matt Jones]

You know what I mean?

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, Dave, I appreciate the commitment to. Where are you from?

[Matt Jones]

Beecher, Illinois.

[Myron Metcalf]

Beecher, Illinois. Shout out to Beecher, Illinois. I would say this. Just when this is over, I Would say wash the costume.

[Herm Edwards]

Absolutely.

[Myron Metcalf]

Because you're going to be a little sweat.

[Matt Jones]

A little bit of sweat.

[Myron Metcalf]

Dave, nice to meet you.

[Matt Jones]

Nice to meet you.

[Myron Metcalf]

Can I give a shout out to Aunt Jan and Billy who brought me here today? Aunt Jan and Billy, thank you very much, Dave. Thank you for having 888 say ESPN.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, man.

[Myron Metcalf]

The Bears f. I gotta. I gotta give credit to the. Wearing a full bear costume to a.

[Matt Jones]

Is he more. He's more die hard than a paint guy, right?

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah. Cuz he's sweaty.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean that's like a, like that's like a heat thing, right? Like he might overheat in that thing.

[Myron Metcalf]

I do like that. He goes. It's gotten more attention than I thought.

[Matt Jones]

What did you expect?

[Myron Metcalf]

Really? You really didn't think walking around a full Bear anyone would wonder what you.

[Matt Jones]

What you were like? What do you mean, man? That's the whole point.

[Myron Metcalf]

Today at 1:00 here, just a little bit. The Broncos play in Kansas City. The surprisingly successful Broncos with Bo Nicks and then the Kansas City Chiefs, who I'm going to start calling the disrespected by Myron Metcalf, Kansas.

[Matt Jones]

No, just not all in. That's all they are. Eight.

[Myron Metcalf]

No.

[Matt Jones]

Yep.

[Myron Metcalf]

You continue to try to discount them. Earlier today you said that Mahomes was not the best quarterback.

[Matt Jones]

He's not.

[Myron Metcalf]

Earlier today you said that the Lions were the best team. What else did the Chiefs have to do?

[Matt Jones]

Everything I just said is fact. Lamar Jackson is playing the best football at that position and I don't think it's close. And I think Josh Allen's behind him. There are probably five or six quarterbacks playing better football than Patrick Mahomes right now.

[Myron Metcalf]

If we're just.

[Matt Jones]

Jared Goff is playing better than him. If we're talking about right now, just stop. No, I'm not going to stop because we're going to show. I'm supposed to talk, so I'm actually not going to stop.

[Myron Metcalf]

You're saying Jared Goff is playing better than Patrick? I'm not.

[Matt Jones]

I'm not saying he's better. I'm saying playing better right now. And the Lions, I think, would beat Kansas City right now in the Super Bowl. They're playing the best football, I think, of the entire league. However, Kansas City's undefeated. You can't argue against that. No team's ever won three in a row, but they have a good chance to do that. It's going to be an interesting test. They have problems with Denver last year, like Denver Is one of those teams that has given Kansas City headaches. They obviously have a win against them. Last year, in two games, Kansas City scored 28 points. No touchdowns for Patrick Mahomes, three interceptions. I think he was sacked six times in those two games. So that defense has actually been a headache.

[Myron Metcalf]

Let me read you. I'm going to read you who the Chiefs have beaten so far.

[Matt Jones]

Okay.

[Myron Metcalf]

Ravens early. But did they beat the Ravens?

[Matt Jones]

They beat an earlier version of the Ravens. Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

Bengals down team, a team that's down a 6 and 2. Falcons team, a Charger team that's in contention for the playoffs. The Saints, who are not good. A 49ers team that we talked about injured is playing well. The Raiders and then the Bucks. They now play the Broncos. They've got the Bills next week. And then honestly, the rest of their schedule is pretty easy. They get the Panthers, the Raiders again, Chargers, Browns. They do have the Texans, Steelers and Broncos. They're gonna at the worst in that schedule, go 15, two. They're gonna be the one seed.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, they are.

[Myron Metcalf]

They've got the best quarterback, one of the three or four best of all time. When are you going to give our Kansas City Chiefs the respect?

[Matt Jones]

When they start winning because of Patrick Mahomes and they're not. They're winning because of that defense. You mentioned their schedules.

[Myron Metcalf]

We say they're not. What about the drive he went on against Tampa Bay?

[Matt Jones]

Listen, he's had moments, but even at Tampa Bay.

[Myron Metcalf]

But what about that drive?

[Matt Jones]

It was a key drive. But hear me out. A normal coach wins that game by going for two. Like Ty Bowles can't be on the road and can't.

[Myron Metcalf]

It's overtime. And go ask you an honest question.

[Matt Jones]

You got.

[Myron Metcalf]

You got. Your awful Simpson shoes are on the line. Okay.

[Matt Jones]

I got. These are the best shoes I have. Man. Why are you knocking my shoes, though? You got.

[Myron Metcalf]

Your awful Simpson shoes are beautiful. I want you to be honest, look in the mirror and say this, because I feel like I ask you this every few weeks. It's overtime.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

If you score a touchdown, you win.

[Matt Jones]

Yep.

[Myron Metcalf]

You got to drive the length of the field.

[Matt Jones]

Who do you.

[Myron Metcalf]

Is there any quarterback in the NFL you want over Patrick Mahomes in that moment right now?

[Matt Jones]

Give me Lamar.

[Myron Metcalf]

You'd rather have, in that moment, Josh Allen.

[Matt Jones]

Lamar and Josh Allen playing the best football right now? Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

I said in that moment.

[Matt Jones]

Who do you want right now? Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

How can you say that? He never fails.

[Matt Jones]

So here's the reality. Here's the challenge with the show. Right you ask me a question and say, what is your answer? I give my answer and you say, that's a crazy answer. Right? Like it's impossible. At the end of the day, I think the Lions are better than Kansas City right now. I think Patrick Mahomes is not playing like the Patrick Mahomes, and that's okay. I think they have to play better to win the super bowl than what we've seen the first half of the season.

[Myron Metcalf]

The Tampa Bay game was a perfect example of why Mahomes will always be number one for me.

[Matt Jones]

They should have lost that game.

[Myron Metcalf]

But they did.

[Matt Jones]

But they should have.

[Myron Metcalf]

But they did.

[Matt Jones]

Todd Bowles doesn't know what he's doing at the end of the game. That's why they didn't lose.

[Myron Metcalf]

Let me ask you a question. What, Mikey? Who won the game between the Chiefs and the Bucks last week? That would be the Chiefs. That would be the Chief. When they got the ball and every single person watching when the Chiefs won the coin toss, we all knew they were going to win. Including, by the way, Baker Mayfield. He knew they were going to win as well.

[Matt Jones]

100%.

[Myron Metcalf]

Kansas City is. They are the best team. Mahomes is as well. Yes. You could have one of those hats.

[Matt Jones]

Have at it.

[Myron Metcalf]

By the way, if the Chiefs win today, they'll have the longest streak in franchise history with nine wins.

[Matt Jones]

What's going to be interesting in that game is the. Obviously, you got both. Bo Dix, who's had his challenges. He's been sacked 11 times in the last six games. For them, Patrick Certain, DeAndre Hopkins, that's a matchup to watch. If they shut down DeAndre Hopkins, it's going to be harder for Patrick Mahomes.

[Myron Metcalf]

By the way, back, Bo, Nick's been kind of impressive for a young guy. Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, you know, he's not Jaden Daniels. He's not the ceiling of a Caleb Williams, but he can be their franchise quarterback, at least for the next couple years. It's possible.

[Myron Metcalf]

It's interesting. I like to do something when I'm standing up here. If I see somebody watching, I'll just point at them.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

Everybody has a different.

[Matt Jones]

What are you doing? Why are you pointing.

[Myron Metcalf]

Some people, though, it scares some people. They just walk away when I point at them.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

It's like I'm saying that I must thank them for coming by.

[Matt Jones]

There's some people get scared. We don't point at people, you know, so it's a different.

[Myron Metcalf]

Who's we.

[Matt Jones]

There's a cultural difference here. Like, I don't you know, we don't walk around pointing at everybody. I think that's more like your thing. But that's okay, you know, I just.

[Myron Metcalf]

Bills and the Colts play today also at 1:00. Bills have a four game winning streak. Colts. You go back to Anthony Rich. It looks like they're going to still start Flacco again after that performance last week though. What's the point?

[Matt Jones]

It feels like he got so many issues. It doesn't matter who you start between Anthony Richardson and Flacco. I mean, this is just a team, man. It shows you how tough it is to overcome the odds when you don't get the right guy at quarterback. My problem is all of these Anthony Richardson people who are saying it was too soon. We have to see more. He's too young, Matt. Was he good in college?

[Myron Metcalf]

No.

[Matt Jones]

Was there any evidence where you thought Anthony Richardson could be a franchise guy in the NFL in college?

[Myron Metcalf]

This is not an exaggeration. You'll remember I said this last year or two years ago during the draft stuff. And I don't say this to be rude to the kid. If I would have projected him as like a 5th round pick based on what I saw in college, I never ever understood the idea that that was a first round pick. I still don't understand why it was.

[Matt Jones]

He's a good example and I'm not blaming the media, but he's a good example of a dude who goes into the combine and suddenly people forget about the actual game field.

[Myron Metcalf]

Exactly.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, that's what he is.

[Myron Metcalf]

They actually, when you actually play the games, he has not had success at any level. No, at any level. And so the idea that all of a sudden it would change in the NFL, it just never made any sense to me whatsoever. 888, say ESPN. We are here in Chicago. Who are these people?

[Matt Jones]

I don't know. I need to go jump in that, though.

[Myron Metcalf]

It's quite a dance party.

[Matt Jones]

I'm gonna go over there and dance with them.

[Myron Metcalf]

We're gonna get you ready. Now remember, every week we talk about the big games, but there's a lot of secondary games that on paper don't look like they'd be very good. Myron Metcalf has one job and that's to sell you on those games. He's not great at it. I'm gonna be.

[Matt Jones]

I'm getting better at it.

[Myron Metcalf]

He's not great at it. But we're gonna continue making better and we will promote the games that you would otherwise look over. It is Sunday mornings with Matt Myron on Countdown to Kickoff right here on ESPN radio.

[Matt Jones]

The State Farm Champions classic on ESPN radio. Michigan State number one Kansas followed by number seven Duke versus 23rd ranked Kentucky for the win.

[Herm Edwards]

Yes.

[Matt Jones]

Coverage begins Tuesday at 6 Eastern with tip off at 6 6:30 Eastern on ESPN radio and on ESPN, Matt and Myron the Podcast so you want to be a marketer? It's easy. You just have to score a ton of leads and figure out a way to turn them all into customers. Plus manage a dozen channels, write a million blogs and launch a hundred campaigns all at once. When that's done, simply make your socials go viral and bring in record profits. No sweat. Okay, fine, it's a lot of sweat. But with HubSpot's AI powered marketing tools, launching benchmark breaking campaigns is easier than ever. Get [e-mail] marketers this episode is brought to you by Allstate. Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate First. Like you know to check the date of the big game first before you accidentally buy tickets on your 20th wedding anniversary and have to spend the next 20 years of your marriage making up for it. Yeah, checking first is smart. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate Savings. Vary terms apply. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois.

[Myron Metcalf]

It is Caldwell Kickoff here on ESPN Radio, presented by Progressive Insurance here in Chicago at the busy Fan zone. Great environment here for Soldier Field. On a personal level, I'm extremely excited today. Been a lifelong Bears fan, been watching since the early or, excuse me, mid-80s. I didn't come here to feathers ruffle. I just came to do the Super bowl shuffle. The funky QB known as McMahon. I'm Samurai Mike and I stop them cold. Part of the defense, big and bold. I have waited my entire existence to be able to come here for a game and I've actually never done it. I've seen the Bears at six different stadiums. I've seen them in Cincinnati, Nashville, Atlanta, Carolina, Cleveland and Washington. But I've never been to Soldier Field. And now I get to do it today. It's against a Patriots team that I know they're not that good. But for me personally, as a person who's watched Bears game since I was a little child, Myron, I'm very excited.

[Matt Jones]

I feel like they should have played music behind that opening that you just did. That was very passionate, man. Like it felt like you ever gonna.

[Myron Metcalf]

Play at The Oscar music, you listen, this is.

[Matt Jones]

It is a big deal.

[Myron Metcalf]

Good moments, right? For some people, maybe. It's going to Beaver Stadium to see Penn State. It's going to Cameron to see to.

[Matt Jones]

A Montel Jordan concert. That's what it was for me. Like, that was on my bucket list. Yeah, man. It was one of the most amazing experiences.

[Myron Metcalf]

Where did you go, like, last week?

[Matt Jones]

No, no, I went like. I think I was like a freshman in college, man. Montale Jordan played for two hours. But it's also cool. We get to go into the building to the actual game. I mean, that's gonna be a lot of fun, man.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah. Because for people who don't know, when we went to Green Bay, it was like they didn't let me in.

[Matt Jones]

I got in. I was in, but I was working. I was working.

[Myron Metcalf]

One of the two of you could get in. I was working again, but so I am. I'm actually very excited to be here.

[Matt Jones]

This band, so people can't see it, there's a band led by veterans of an airborne division. I can't recall what they said, but they said their division can be anywhere in the world in 18 hours. They call themselves the world's first responders. It's incredible.

[Myron Metcalf]

Wait a minute. They can be anywhere in the world in 18 hours?

[Matt Jones]

Anywhere in the world in 18 hours. What they said. But their playlist is incredible. I mean, they are giving everybody something to jam to, man. I respect that.

[Myron Metcalf]

Who is your favorite Chicago Bear of all time?

[Matt Jones]

It's gotta be Peyton, right? I mean, like the most exciting running back, most durable. I mean, I was running back and Kyle is like. It's definitely Walter Payne.

[Myron Metcalf]

You know who I wanted to be when I was a kid? Brad Muster. Okay.

[Matt Jones]

Okay. You were deep in it. You were.

[Myron Metcalf]

You were.

[Matt Jones]

You were in it.

[Myron Metcalf]

He looked like me.

[Matt Jones]

I could do it. I respect it. I respect it.

[Myron Metcalf]

The Sunday Mornings of Matt Myron podcast is available for you on all the various ways you can drive, Apple, Spotify.

[Matt Jones]

Whatever you want, download.

[Myron Metcalf]

It is usually the case that when we watch games, we always focus on the good ones. But there are other games as well, and Myron Metcalf likes to sell them for you.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

What's your name again? Remind me. Casey. Myron, this. In this game, Myron's going to talk to Casey. You're going to sell Casey on why she should watch these games in something we like to call no Huddle.

[Matt Jones]

It's time to go around the National Football League. No Huddle. I'll call the place from the Line defense will never know what hit them. This is the no huddle.

[Herm Edwards]

Wrong Rick.

[Myron Metcalf]

96 double. All right, it's no huddle. We'll give you the game. Myron, you sell to Casey.

[Matt Jones]

Okay?

[Myron Metcalf]

Why she should watch it.

[Matt Jones]

Go Patriots at Bears. So I'm not in sales, so I'm working on it. You want to watch Patriots and Bears A. Because it's another chance to see Caleb Williams, the number one pick and whether or not he's ever going to find a way to connect with DJ Moore. They haven't been on the same page lately. But you also want to watch it because Drake May, who was drafted number three in this draft class, had been talking a little trash to Caleb Williams and saying he's ready to show him that he could have been the top pick as well. So that is why you want to watch this game.

[Myron Metcalf]

Casey, does that make you want to watch the game?

[Matt Jones]

See, I don't know what to do. I'm not in sales.

[Myron Metcalf]

All right. Would you like me to do it?

[Matt Jones]

See, this is why he does. He just wants to outsell me.

[Myron Metcalf]

All right, Casey, two guys coming out of college, they are both competing for the same spot. Caleb Williams is picked first. Drake May was like, what about me? No, they picked Caleb Williams and now Drake May gets to come in in his house and show it should have been him picked first instead of Caleb Williams. It's a chance for redemption for Drake May. Does that make you want to watch it? There we go.

[Matt Jones]

Okay, hold on a second. Now, I basically said that. Okay. All right, Now I got it. Okay.

[Myron Metcalf]

All right, so now let's go. Now that you know what you need to do.

[Matt Jones]

All right, I'm ready.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm ready. Let's go. Mikey, what's the next one?

[Matt Jones]

I'm ready. I'm ready. Falcons at Saints.

[Myron Metcalf]

Falcons at Saints.

[Matt Jones]

Falcons at Saints. Now you probably think it. Two and seven, Saints team. Nobody wants to watch that. They've lost seven in a row. But here's the thing. It's the NFC south. And those seven division games, the NFC south, all of them have hit the over the average combined points in NC south games. 58.7 points per game this year. This will be an explosive matchup despite the way the Saints are struggling. You want to watch because it's going to be fireworks on the field.

[Myron Metcalf]

Oh, no. I mean, I don't know Casey's answer.

[Matt Jones]

But, like, what do I have to do? Okay, what do I have to do, though? That is my best sales pitch. I have nothing better than that. Yeah, he is yeah, day five is tough. Yeah, that's true.

[Myron Metcalf]

Let me try again. Let's. Let me try again. Let me. Let me try. All right, so if I were selling the Falcons and the Saints, what I would say is Kirk Cousins is an amazing tale of redemption. Here's a guy everyone had given up on. He gets an injury that possibly could have ended his career. His old team basically gives up on him, and Atlanta risk their chance to bring him in, risk their franchises, and then after he agrees to come, they draft a rookie ahead of him. It's almost like they double down on saying, eh, we don't know if you're going to work. But he's 6:2 and now he's playing well and he has a chance to go 7:2 and take the team into a solid first place in the NFC South. Don't you want to see him in that tale of redemption?

[Matt Jones]

It's all about the redemption story. Hold on a second now.

[Myron Metcalf]

Hold on a second.

[Matt Jones]

Wait a minute. This man just said tale of redemption. He has never said that phrase in his entire life before today. And you're buying that tale of redemption.

[Myron Metcalf]

That's why you gotta sell. All right, so let's try. Let's try. Let's give him another chance. Mikey, what's the next game?

[Matt Jones]

This is rigged, man. This is rigged. Vikings and Jaguars. Oh, oh. Okay, I'm in Minnesota. I think I got this one. Now, Trevor Lawrence isn't going to play and you're probably going. Well, why would I want to watch a game if Trevor Lawrence isn't playing against the Minnesota Vikings? There's a guy named Mack Jones. Everybody gave up on Matt Jones. He was with the Patriots. That said he's not good enough for us. He's trying to prove that he still belongs in this league. If you go and beat the Vikings, one of the greatest stories in sports right now. Mac Jones is going to get another chance to be a starter in this league. But what are the odds that they can. No, I don't know nothing about no odds. I just talk. I don't know.

[Myron Metcalf]

I need a heartfelt story here. Give me it. Mac Jones, Let me just say.

[Matt Jones]

Let me give you a credit.

[Myron Metcalf]

I actually think that was better. It was better. That was the best one of the three. But I think.

[Matt Jones]

What you don't give me a C plus in this. I don't need that.

[Myron Metcalf]

Can I help you? Can I help you on this?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, go ahead.

[Myron Metcalf]

Okay. The Vikings have a quarterback named Sam Darnold who basically everyone had said was done in the league yet he got his chance here in Minnesota, and in a second opportunity has been great. Early in the year, was potentially a favorite for mvp. Now has his team on the precipice of the playoffs. Mack Jones has seen that, and now he gets the same shot today. He gets a shot to do what Sam Darnold, the guy he's playing against, has done and revitalize his career with a new team. Mack Jones gets to try to emulate the person he plays against.

[Matt Jones]

I'm back in, Marcus. See, hold on a second. This man said precipice, okay? What are you talking about? All these dictionary words don't make it a better sales pitch. I'm more down to earth.

[Myron Metcalf]

I don't know.

[Matt Jones]

I'm the people. I'm the people's salesman. I can sell myself to the people. That's what they appreciate. I feel like I needed some heartstrings.

[Myron Metcalf]

On Mac Jones, and I didn't get that from you.

[Matt Jones]

You know, Sam Darnold is gonna be out of the league if he doesn't play well today. Like the way it goes.

[Myron Metcalf]

Casey, thank you very much for participating with us. And we appreciate you playing.

[Matt Jones]

Appreciate you, Casey.

[Myron Metcalf]

Little Rigs, thank you very much.

[Matt Jones]

That's all I got. I don't have any better sales pitches than that if that's a seed. And I'm just going to get a seat.

[Myron Metcalf]

Nick, what do we do with Myron in these sales pitches? Should we. Is it. Is this just. Not any. I don't think so. David was.

[Herm Edwards]

David was so good.

[Matt Jones]

It was like. He's like, all right, what are the rules? Did it. Banged it out.

[Myron Metcalf]

Was the best. Was way better than Myron's ever been. Yeah. David.

[Matt Jones]

Who's David?

[Herm Edwards]

David Dennis Jr.

[Myron Metcalf]

Fills in when your brother is. When you left.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, now you're bringing up other people? Is that what we're doing?

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Let me tell you something. I don't have to do the last hour of this show. I'm still in Chicago, and I'll enjoy the trip with or without y'all.

[Myron Metcalf]

Not everybody's a sales team.

[Matt Jones]

I will walk off this set.

[Myron Metcalf]

It's okay. Coming up next, the line, according to Myron, are the best team in the NFL. But will it finally be the year for them to go all the way? We'll deal with that more here live. And Chicago, this is Countdown to kickoff. Hey, it's Greeny in week 10. Another sensational Sunday in the NFL.

[Matt Jones]

And we'll be the place to look.

[Myron Metcalf]

Back on all the action Monday, including.

[Matt Jones]

The Lions taken on the Texans and looking ahead to another good one on Monday night, It's greeny starting 10am Eastern.

[Myron Metcalf]

On ESPN radio and the ESPN app.

[Matt Jones]

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, the ESPN app, and on SiriusXM Channel 80. Matt and Myron the Podcast.