Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron: Hour 3 - "Hot in Dover"

Episode Overview Released on July 20, 2025, "Hour 3: Hot in Dover" of Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron delves deep into the vibrant world of sports, blending spirited discussions, engaging listener interactions, and insightful commentary. Hosts Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf navigate through exciting segments, including the popular "King of the Mountain" game, ESPN's quarterback rankings, and game predictions, all while featuring a special on the Dover Monster Mile race.

King of the Mountain: Listener Hot Takes

The episode kicks off with Matt and Myron introducing the "King of the Mountain" game, a segment that has rapidly gained popularity. In this game, listeners have 30 seconds to present their "hottest take" on any sports topic. The reigning champion, Jared from St. Louis, successfully defended his title against several challengers.

Jared's Hot Take on Mike Tomlin (01:22) Jared critiques Mike Tomlin's Hall of Fame prospects, arguing:

"I don't understand why everybody's on Mike Tomlin's first Hall of guy. ... He's three and nine in the playoffs in 14 years."

This bold stance establishes Jared as a formidable contender in the game, prompting other listeners to attempt to dethrone him.

Attempts to Challenge Jared's Reign Several callers step up with their takes, though none manage to surpass Jared's argument:

• Brad from North Carolina (03:00) suggests overhauling the NASCAR points system, comparing it to golf:

  "Why don't they just do it like golf? If you win, you get one. If you lose, you get 40."

• Jamie from Florida (04:10) proposes allowing hockey-style fights in baseball, sparking a lively debate:

  "I think they should allow hockey fights in baseball. ... they duke it out one on one till somebody falls down."

Matt and Myron engage with the callers, offering both agreement and playful criticism, such as Matt's humorous disbelief over Jamie's proposal (05:26).

Despite these spirited attempts, Jared remains unchallenged, solidifying his position as the "King of the Mountain."

Jared's Second Hot Take (06:02) Jared emphasizes college football, claiming:

"The most underrated college football coach is Jim Lawrence Mora. ... With the way the schedule is working out, he could have an undefeated season."

This assertion not only showcases Jared's passion but also raises the stakes for future challengers.

ESPN's Quarterback Rankings: Hosts' Take

A significant portion of the episode focuses on ESPN Radio's annual quarterback rankings. Myron reads out the top 10, prompting a critical analysis from both hosts.

Top 10 Quarterbacks as per ESPN:

1. Patrick Mahomes
2. Josh Allen
3. Joe Burrow
4. Lamar Jackson
5. Jaden Daniels
6. Matthew Stafford
7. Justin Herbert
8. Jared Goff
9. Jalen Hurts
10. Baker Mayfield

Matt's Perspective (18:14) Matt expresses surprise at certain placements, especially Lamar Jackson at fourth and Jaden Daniels at fifth. He argues for Jalen Hurts to be ranked higher due to his Super Bowl performance:

"I think the biggest omission is Jalen Hurts at nine. ... you can't put Jalen Hurts ninth when he wins the Super Bowl."

Myron's Agreement and Additional Critique (19:15) Myron concurs, highlighting the necessity of recognizing Hurts' accomplishments:

"You just can't put him there. I mean, like, you can't. ... He wins the Super Bowl."

Both hosts emphasize the importance of considering postseason success and overall performance consistency in rankings, suggesting adjustments to better reflect these factors.

Take Your Pick: Game Predictions

The trio transitions into the "Take Your Pick" segment, where Matt, Myron, and guest Jamie predict outcomes for various sports events.

Baseball Matchups:

1. Yankees vs. Braves

   • Myron (40:00): "I'll take the Yankees on the road to get the win."
   • Matt (40:07): Prefers the Braves, citing Ronald Acuna Jr.'s exceptional performance.

2. Reds vs. Mets

   • Myron (40:27): Bets on the Reds, affectionately nicknaming Andrew Abbott as "Fat Damon."
   • Matt: Supports the Reds, appreciating their strong pitching.

3. Red Sox vs. Cubs

   • Myron (41:04): Picks the Cubs, noting their impressive record.
   • Matt: Agrees, highlighting their home advantage and current form.

4. Astros vs. Mariners

   • Myron (41:51): Leans towards the Mariners, praising Cal Raleigh's performance.
   • Matt: Also favors the Mariners, emphasizing their player contributions.

NASCAR Cup Series at Dover:

• Myron (44:21): Chooses Chase Elliott, influenced by his experience driving Jared around in the Mustang.
• Matt (44:32): Favors William Byron, commending his car's performance and racing strategy.

The hosts provide detailed rationales for their choices, blending statistics with personal insights, while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone.

Spotlight on Dover Monster Mile: Interview with Marty Smith

A highlight of the episode is the interview with Marty Smith, covering the Dover Monster Mile race as part of SportsCenter's "50 States in 50 Days" series.

Marty's Experience and Highlights (25:04) Marty recounts his adventurous day climbing the 50-foot "Miles the Monster" monument at the Dover racetrack:

"I climbed up into the top of this thing, ... had to climb through all this scaffolding ... it was pitch black."

He describes the intense racing conditions and shares memorable interactions with NASCAR stars like Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano, including a thrilling pace car ride:

"Joey Logano put me in a Ford Mustang and ripped me around that thing on the pace laps."

Technical Insight into the Racetrack (30:13) Marty provides an in-depth look at the racetrack's unique challenges:

"These guys have to hydrate so much. ... they can lose 10 pounds today."

He emphasizes the significance of the Dover event for Delaware and shares anecdotes about community engagement and technological advancements, such as interacting with the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) unit's robot.

Upcoming Events and Personal Reflections (32:39) Marty expresses excitement about upcoming events, including the intersection of baseball and NASCAR at the Bristol Motor Speedway, and pays homage to rising stars in Major League Baseball like Ellie De La Cruz:

"His sister just passed away... he's had to deal with that and it's just a. He's a great kid."

The interview underscores the interconnectedness of different sports and the personal stories that enrich the sporting narrative.

Closing Segments and Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, Matt and Myron engage in light-hearted banter, reflecting on memorable moments and teasing future topics. They emphasize the importance of relationships and shared experiences in the sports industry:

"If they don't know that, they probably need to tighten it up a little bit."

The hosts wrap up with promotional segments and a teaser for upcoming shows, maintaining their signature blend of humor and passion for sports.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jared on Mike Tomlin (01:22):

  "I don't understand why everybody's on Mike Tomlin's first Hall of guy. ... He's three and nine in the playoffs in 14 years."

• Jamie on Baseball Fights (04:10):

  "I think they should allow hockey fights in baseball. ... they duke it out one on one till somebody falls down."

• Matt on ESPN's QB Rankings (18:14):

  "You can't put Jalen Hurts ninth when he wins the Super Bowl."

• Marty on Climbing Miles the Monster (25:05):

  "I climbed ... it was pitch black ... 386 degrees in there."

• Jared on Meeting Ellie De La Cruz (35:33):

  "The greatest joy ... is the relationships built with the people."

Conclusion

Hour 3: Hot in Dover delivers an engaging mix of listener interaction, expert analysis, and on-the-ground reporting. Matt and Myron, alongside Jared and Marty Smith, provide a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of current sports topics, ensuring that listeners are both informed and entertained. Whether debating quarterback rankings or delving into the intricacies of NASCAR racing, this episode exemplifies the dynamic and passionate spirit that defines Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron.