Hour 3: Justin Herbert as THOR

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Hour 3: Justin Herbert as THOR" from Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron

Episode Details:

• Title: Hour 3: Justin Herbert as THOR
• Hosts: Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf
• Release Date: November 3, 2024
• Platform: ESPN Radio

---

1. Introduction and Technical Hiccups ([00:22] – [02:20])

The episode kicks off with Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf engaging in light-hearted banter about a sales segment, where Matt humorously admits, “I think we made a decision that I probably shouldn't be in sales” ([00:35]). Myron shares a frustrating personal anecdote about unexpected internet repair work interfering with their live broadcast, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a seamless show.

---

2. Quarterback Performance Analysis ([02:20] – [09:32])

Caller Kendall from Illinois ([02:33] – [05:10]): Kendall commends Justin Herbert, noting his impressive statistics over recent weeks: “without those four interceptions, with that having six touchdowns, you know, he's in the running for one of those top QBs this year” ([02:52]).

Hosts' Discussion:

• Baker Mayfield's Resurgence: Myron praises Mayfield’s comeback with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, emphasizing his regained form and strong relationships: “They have been unbelievable” ([04:17]). Matt extends this comparison to other quarterbacks like Anthony Richardson, highlighting the importance of a fresh start for QBs recovering from rocky periods.

• Lamar Jackson vs. Patrick Mahomes: The conversation evolves into a comparative analysis of Lamar Jackson’s dependency on his team’s defense versus Patrick Mahomes’ ability to win games irrespective of team performance. Myron critiques Lamar’s team: “you got to give Baker Mayfield a lot of credit” ([05:10]), while Matt defends Mahomes, pointing out that criticism often falls unfairly on Lamar, despite Mahomes’ consistent performances.

Notable Quote:

“He has earned that locker room. He has earned that team, that contract.” – Myron Metcalf ([02:44])

---

3. Fan Engagement and the Justin Herbert as THOR Tattoo ([15:28] – [28:00])

Caller Ricky from Flint, Michigan ([15:28] – [19:16]): Ricky shares his unique expression of fandom by revealing a Justin Herbert as THOR tattoo: “Yes. As Thor” ([17:08]). The hosts engage playfully, questioning the tattoo’s design and expressing admiration for such dedicated fans.

Hosts' Banter:

• Myron and Matt interact humorously about the authenticity and artistic quality of the tattoo, with Myron expressing genuine curiosity: “I need to see this” ([17:26]).
• Matt supports die-hard fans, acknowledging their passion as essential to the sports community: “I do support die-hard fans who are that in love with their teams” ([27:34]).

Notable Quote:

“He's got the hammer in his hand and everything.” – Ricky ([17:35])

---

4. MVP Race and Jared Goff’s Candidacy ([30:43] – [32:41])

Caller from Tennessee ([30:43] – [32:41]): A caller questions why Jared Goff isn't receiving as much MVP consideration as Lamar Jackson, despite outstanding statistics: “his stats are just out of this world at this point” ([30:43]).

Hosts' Analysis:

• Myron and Matt acknowledge Goff’s excellence but discuss the perception challenges: “If you were just doing straight numbers, no names, he would certainly be in the top five or six” ([31:09]).
• They explore the broader context of team performance and organizational support affecting MVP discussions, noting that Goff’s Lions have strong defensive and offensive units contributing to his statistics.

Notable Quote:

“His efficiency alone will put him in that conversation.” – Matt Jones ([31:31])

---

5. Countdown to Kickoff: Game Picks and Predictions ([34:00] – [43:29])

The segment transitions into the highly anticipated "Countdown to Kickoff," where Matt and Myron select their predictions for upcoming NFL games. They analyze team performances, player statistics, and insider knowledge to make informed guesses.

Key Game Picks:

• Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins: Both hosts favor the Bills, citing their strong turnover differential and consistent performance. Myron states, “let's go Buffalo, easy” ([35:25]).

• Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos: Despite recent losses, they predict a Ravens victory at home due to strategic acquisitions and player performance: “The Ravens win this game at home” ([35:56]).

• Dallas Cowboys vs. Atlanta Falcons: In a tricky matchup, both choose the Falcons over the struggling Cowboys, with Myron humorously lamenting his record against Falcons games: “I am 0 and 8” ([36:40]).

• Los Angeles Chargers vs. Cleveland Browns: Matt leans towards the Chargers, influenced by the unique Justin Herbert tattoo discussion: “I can’t go against that” ([37:32]).

• New England Patriots vs. New York Jets: Both opt for the Patriots, citing their strategic gameplay and Mitchell Trubisky’s form: “I’m taking the Patriots” ([38:21]).

Notable Quote:

“We have a lot of season left for you to lose, so I think we start that again today.” – Myron Metcalf ([34:30])

---

6. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events ([43:29] – [44:03])

Wrapping up, Matt and Myron tease their upcoming attendance at the Chicago Bears game, encouraging listeners to join their tailgate event. They maintain their light-hearted and humorous rapport, emphasizing community engagement and future sports coverage.

Notable Quote:

“It is the kind of game the Bears need to win, but they find a way to drop.” – Myron Metcalf ([40:36])

---

7. Conclusion

The episode concludes with Matt and Myron reiterating their excitement for future shows and on-the-road events, maintaining their signature blend of sports analysis and entertaining dialogue.

Final Quote:

“Enjoy the Thor Justin Herbert tattoo and this has been Countdown, the kickoff.” – Matt Jones ([43:45])

---

Key Insights:

• Justin Herbert’s Dedication: Highlighted through Ricky’s unique tattoo, showcasing extreme fandom.
• Quarterback Dynamics: Detailed comparisons between Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, emphasizing the impact of team support on individual performance.
• MVP Contenders: Jared Goff’s strong performance sparks discussions about recognition beyond surface perceptions.
• Game Predictions: Hosts provide informed and humorous takes on upcoming NFL matchups, engaging listeners with their expertise and personalities.

Conclusion: This episode of Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron offers a comprehensive blend of sports analysis, engaging listener interactions, and entertaining banter. From in-depth quarterback evaluations to unique expressions of fandom, Matt and Myron deliver a rich and insightful discussion for sports enthusiasts.

Transcript

[Matt Jones]

Want to shop Walmart Black Friday deals first.

[Myron Metcalf]

Walmart plus members get early access to our hottest deals.

[Caller]

Join now and get 50% off a.

[Matt Jones]

One year annual membership.

[Myron Metcalf]

Shop Black Friday deals first with Walmart Plus.

[Matt Jones]

See [e-mail] this is Matt and Myron the Podcast.

[Myron Metcalf]

It is our number three Canada kickoff on ESPN Radio presented by Progressive Insurance, Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf. Did you do well on that last one there, Myron? I didn't get to hear you because I got cut off.

[Matt Jones]

I thought I was great, man. I thought I was. I thought I did well, you know, but I think we made a decision that I probably shouldn't be in sales. You know, I was never a sales guy.

[Myron Metcalf]

You're not really a sales guy. That's all right though. We'll learn. Eight, eight, eight say espn. I will tell you what just happened to me there, right there it is Sunday morning now, 11:45 here, and the Internet company decided this was the time to come do repair work on the, on the lot. So I walk outside and the guy's like up on the telephone lines working on it. And I said to him, I go, hey, are you guys gonna be doing this all day? And he was like, yeah. He's like, we're just doing a little Internet repair. And I said, well, I'm trying to do a national radio show. And you know what he said to me? Well, you should have told us and we wouldn't have done it. How was I going to tell him? Should I just call the Internet company every week and go, by the way, please don't come to my neighborhood from 10 to 1 today. He should have called. Who was I going to call?

[Matt Jones]

Why is he acting like he runs the Internet like you call him? You call him if you got any Internet related decisions to make on the weekend.

[Myron Metcalf]

I mean, you have work to do, but can you send out a text or something? So then I went out there and said, okay, can we not, you know, can we not do that right this minute? And he goes, oh sure, that's fine. If you had told us, we wouldn't have. All right, well, next time I will tell Internet. Dear Internet, please work from 10 to 1 every Sunday morning.

[Matt Jones]

I'm just worried about my man telling people that you call him if you want to get connected to the Internet like this. This sounds very off the books is all I'm saying. You know what I mean? You just call me and I'll keep works for man.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'll call me and I'll make Sure, you're on the Internet anyway, not a cousin like that. We've had a couple people hanging on the Dr. Pepper calling line, so I want to get to that. Let's go to Kendall in Illinois. What's up, Kendall?

[Caller]

Gentlemen, gentlemen, thank you for taking my call. I hope it's beautiful where you all are. It's raining and cold here, but on my mind is my man maker playfield. Born and raised in Chiefs Nation.

[Myron Metcalf]

So memory there, that's from one early Dan Orlofsky show. That's old school. Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Any.

[Caller]

Anytime the Chiefs are down there, Tampa comes up here. It's. It's kind of big for me. Big mom. I love kind of hearing about all this different, you know, these quarterbacks that are kind of improve years or kind of falling off after getting contracts. And he's definitely showing that he has earned that locker room. He has earned that team, that contract. And just wanted to note that over the last couple weeks, without those four interceptions, with that having six touchdowns, you know, he's in the running for one of those top QBs this year. He is really, really tired.

[Myron Metcalf]

So we'll caveat though, without the four interceptions. The four interceptions do matter. But listen, he's played great and, you know, you gotta give Baker Mayfield, I appreciate the call, a lot of credit. There are very few people in the NFL, quarterbacks especially, whose career sort of goes off the rails and then they're able to turn it around. And that almost never happens. And in Baker Mayfield's case, he goes to Tampa last year, plays really well. Then this year he's re united with Liam Cohen, who was at Kentucky, but also coached with him during his kind of comeback with the Rams. And they have been unbelievable. I mean, they've had other problems on the team, but the offense, especially with Baker, has been awesome. And it goes to show you, you know, for some of these quarterbacks we've talked about that maybe haven't looked that good. Sometimes getting a fresh start is what you need.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. I think if you are. If you're looking at Anthony Richardson and you're saying that there's a second life for him somewhere, I think you point to Baker Mayfield because we've all watched him go from number one pick to starter, Heisman Trophy winner, to being an afterthought in Cleveland, kind of bouncing around, looking for that next gig and next opportunity. And now here he is, man. And obviously the Bucks have a lot of big injuries, and that is something that's undeniable and is making an impact on what they've been able to do. You lose Mike Evans, you lose Chris Godwin. I don't know how many teams would even be able to be competitive, but I think you got to give Baker Mayfield a lot of credit for the fact that they still have a shot in some of these games, but they've lost the last couple of weeks, and I think it's going to be important to see if Mayfield can overcome what they don't have as they go forward. It ain't just about the Kansas City. It's about the rest of the teams on that schedule.

[Myron Metcalf]

Eight, eight, eight, say espn. Let's go to Tom in Kentucky. Tom, where in Kentucky are you from? Tom? Tom has left us. All right, we have whoever's got a Milwaukee comment. Yeah, let's go to line four. Who's on line four?

[Matt Jones]

Who online?

[Myron Metcalf]

Four.

[Matt Jones]

Who is that?

[Myron Metcalf]

Go ahead. Sir.

[Matt Jones]

Sir.

[Caller]

All right.

[Matt Jones]

You just want to name sir.

[Myron Metcalf]

All right. Well, you know what? That wasn't the best back to back, but that's okay. 888, say ESPN. I don't know what's happening in there. That's all right. Everybody's got.

[Matt Jones]

Everybody gets.

[Myron Metcalf]

You know, maybe the Internet's out there where they are as well. Now, the Ravens have been making their claim for the top team in the NFL, but that was until last week when they fell to the Browns in kind of a shocking upset. It's the second time this year the Ravens have lost to a substantially worse team. Lost to the Raiders in week two, and now this one. What do you make of the fact that Lamar plays his best against these good teams and then the team will lay up these clunkers against. Absolutely bottom of the barrel team.

[Matt Jones]

They can't win without him playing at an MVP level. I mean, I think that's what you see. Like, this is not a team. And even though now you go out and get more playmakers. Deontay Johnson, Derek Henry, we've been talking a lot about him. I don't think that there is enough around him defensively, even with some of the other pieces they've added to win big games. Unless Lamar Jackson is the Lamar Jackson we know him to be, we know that he can be. And this is why people doubt him as a Super bowl champion, you know, because you've seen these big moments where he looks like the mvp, but a slight slip and you're going, who else on this team can change a game? Whereas I think Mahomes is in a scenario where, guess what? He hasn't been great in a lot of moments. This year. But that defense is so good. They're staying in games and finding a way to win. We're at a point, and I know you're a big Lamar guy, and I've been supportive of Lamar, and I think he deserves all the praise. He deserves all the praise and support. But we're reaching a point where you go. You gotta go and get one man, like, if you want to be memorable.

[Myron Metcalf]

He was. I just looked up his stats. He was 23 of 38 for 289 yards. He had no interceptions. He had a quarterback rating over. Over 80, which is, you know, not great, but still good. He rushed for 50 yards, so he generated 340 yards of offense. It's just the defense gave up 29. Like, how. Why is everything on him? I mean, at some point here, let me give you the offensive numbers for the Baltimore Ravens this year. They have scored 23, 23, 28, 35, 41, 30, 41, 24. I mean, on some point, isn't that on the Ravens defense? My guy has not scored less than 23 points in any game this year.

[Matt Jones]

You always make this mistake of using logic in these moments with the great quarterbacks. And nobody else does. You remember, but. But you remember just a couple of weeks ago, people destroying Joe Burrow, who I think at that point had completed like 70% of his passes, and people were saying he wasn't doing enough right. And losing games. This is what happens when you're viewed as one of the greats. When you're viewed as a top five or six quarterback in this league. You're supposed to be good enough to overcome whatever you lack, whatever you're not good at, you're supposed to be so.

[Myron Metcalf]

Good at 15 touchdowns and two interceptions, and his QBR is second in the NFL behind Josh Allen. I mean, what else do you want from this guy? At some point, you got to look at the defense, because let me read you how many points their defense is allowed in the last few games. 29, 31, 23, 38. Then they allowed 10 to Buffalo. 25, 26, 27. They have only one time held a team to under 23 points. That is on that defense.

[Matt Jones]

That matters a lot. We went into last weekend, I think he was still the MVP favorite, a guy favored to win his third mvp. And I think that could still happen. But we can't talk about Lamar in ways we don't talk about the other greats. We don't care about Josh Allen's defense. We don't care about Joe Burrow's. Defense. We assume when you are in that top five, six category that it doesn't matter what's around you, you gotta be so.

[Myron Metcalf]

But then you don't lose it around Patrick Mahomes does win no matter what's around him. He's disappointed. Like, I don't know what you want. Lamar plays great. His defense stinks. Lamar's fault. Patrick Mahomes plays okay. Defense is great. Mahomes stinks. I don't know what people want. Like, how do you judge? Is the only way to be a great quarterback for your defense to also be great and you have control over it?

[Matt Jones]

I mean, again, you're using this logic thing and that's not how fans approach these situations.

[Myron Metcalf]

Man, I feel like logic is he's.

[Matt Jones]

Going to be judged. He will be our Dan Marino if he doesn't get a ring. And I think people are judging him according to that metric.

[Myron Metcalf]

I don't think he doesn't get anything wrong this year. Zach is in Kansas City. What do you got?

[Matt Jones]

Zach need a ring.

[Caller]

Hey, what's up? What's up, guys?

[Matt Jones]

What up?

[Caller]

So, yeah, I was. I'm glad you guys bring up my homes because, you know, I've been sitting here and it seems like every single week there's a new team that's better than the Chiefs, even though the Chiefs are still undefeated. And I, granted, I understand our defense is playing out of its mind, but if you look at Mahomes, if you actually watch the games in a big moment, he makes a play, it might.

[Myron Metcalf]

Not be with his hand, might not.

[Caller]

Be with his arms, but he makes a play.

[Myron Metcalf]

Exactly.

[Caller]

He keeps us. Even though he's been making mistakes. Right. I looked at a statistic recently that said he's only had seven throws that were like, basically, I don't know, I guess egregious.

[Matt Jones]

Barbershop.com what statistic is this? You didn't seem very confident.

[Myron Metcalf]

Don't be.

[Matt Jones]

Don't be mean to Zach.

[Myron Metcalf]

Zach is exactly when a throw needs to be made. Patty M. Makes the throw when a catch needs to be made. Travis Kelsey makes the catch like, Zach. Tell these haters to hush. Y'all are winning games. What do you want?

[Caller]

That's what I mean. You want him to be perfect. He's been perfect. He's thrown for 50 touchdowns and 5,000 yards in the 16 game season. But also he's winning.

[Myron Metcalf]

Like, I appreciate the call. You tell him about it, Zach.

[Caller]

I'll take the duck.

[Matt Jones]

He's not though. He's not winning the way he has in the past. They're not.

[Myron Metcalf]

Did they look and see. Do they look and see how you won in the past or did they see the win?

[Matt Jones]

They're not. They're not winning with Patrick Mahomes putting him on his shoulders the way that he has in the past. And that's okay. It may not matter. You're staying. But I'm not gonna. People listen. Not calling them, being like, I got a stat from my uncle's group chat that says every throw he's ever made is perfect. I'm not buying that either, man. What are we talking about?

[Myron Metcalf]

Your stats are crazy. I mean, like your standard, Lamar's not good enough because his defense stinks. And Mahomes not good enough because his defense is good. I don't really know what people.

[Matt Jones]

Matt, is history going to care about Lamar without a ring?

[Myron Metcalf]

History cares about Mahomes. And you criticize him too.

[Matt Jones]

No, but he's got rings. I'm being serious. 25 years from now, how will people get a ring?

[Myron Metcalf]

He'll be in a group like Marino and those guys. But that's still a very good group. 888 say ESPN nobody talks about. Well, I'm talking about Dan Marino. He was in Ace Ventura. That's good enough for me. We will get you to more of the games getting ready for this weekend. And Myron gets worked up in our callers. That's next. Here on Countdown to Kickoff, Ryan Reynolds here for, I guess my hundredth mint commercial. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. I mean, honestly, when I started this, I thought I'd only have to do like four of these. I mean, it's unlimited to Premium Wireless for $15 a month. How are there still people paying two or three 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]

$45 upfront payment equivalent to $15 per month new customers on first three month plan only. Taxes and fees, extra Speed slower above 40 gigabytes. CD tails.

[Myron Metcalf]

Get in zone, AutoZone. Welcome to AutoZone. What are you working on today? I think my battery's dead.

[Matt Jones]

With free battery testing and charging, we.

[Myron Metcalf]

Can help you get back on the road. Get in the zone, autozone. So what if I need a. We have the right Duralast battery for you only at AutoZone. Get in the zone, AutoZone. And what about my old battery? We can recycle it right here at America's number one battery destination.

[Matt Jones]

Get in the zone, AutoZone.

[Myron Metcalf]

Restrictions apply.

[Matt Jones]

Matt and Myron, the podcast.

[Myron Metcalf]

It is Canada kickoff here on ESPN Radio 888. Say ESPN. Presented by Progressive Keys to Progress program. We drive veterans and small businesses forward. Got folks here on the line. A lot of them mad at Myron. Myron, you've been very hostile with our audience today. Is everything going all right? You know, you get a little. Little worried. You got election coming up, maybe a little stress in your life. Halloween, what's going on?

[Matt Jones]

I worry about none of that. No, I'm good. It's just Milwaukee people, man. And I've had Milwaukee people DM me who are like, we got your back. So it's just.

[Myron Metcalf]

Wait, where I don't get involved in Kentucky. I want to see.

[Matt Jones]

I don't get involved in Kentucky things. I think you got to stay out of Milwaukee things. That's all I got.

[Myron Metcalf]

Somebody just wrote me and said, matt, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, you were quoted this morning. And I. And so I wrote it back and said, what was it? And they said, I will tell you after church. Which means they were texting the text machine during church, Myron. To tell me that I was in trouble.

[Matt Jones]

I don't know. Okay, one person writes, what would they quote you on?

[Myron Metcalf]

I don't know. Probably something very holy. One person writes, do they see the.

[Matt Jones]

Things you say to me, quote, that.

[Myron Metcalf]

You stealing Myron segment is an all time Matt Jones move. Top five.

[Matt Jones]

I agree.

[Myron Metcalf]

I don't think that's.

[Matt Jones]

I agree.

[Myron Metcalf]

I was just trying to help. I feel like I want to make.

[Matt Jones]

It like the kid who would tell somebody, you should get that toy and you get home and you start playing with it like, wait a minute. Hold on a second.

[Myron Metcalf]

Let's go to Ricky in Michigan. What's up, Ricky?

[Caller]

What's happening, fellas? Good. Glad you guys took my call.

[Myron Metcalf]

Ricky. I'd be. I'd be. I'd be ready. Anybody from Michigan? Where in Michigan are you from?

[Caller]

I'm from Flint, where the water is dirty.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, yeah?

[Myron Metcalf]

Has it gotten better? Is the water better than it was?

[Caller]

It's better, but you still don't want to drink it.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, that's too bad.

[Matt Jones]

Ricky, you got. You got a Motown voice. Like you got one of those. Like, if you told me you were in the Stylistics or something, I would believe it, man. You know, you got one of those smooth voices.

[Caller]

I get that a lot. I get that a lot.

[Myron Metcalf]

Two days. You won't have to take it. Get any more election ads. So you should be happy. Michigan. It's about the End. But what do you got?

[Caller]

Okay, so I'm a Chargers fan, man. I just want to know why my votes don't get enough love.

[Myron Metcalf]

First of all, how did you become a Chargers fan? I've never met a Chargers fan in the wild.

[Matt Jones]

How'd that happen?

[Caller]

I grew up. I grew up in Las Vegas. My dad moved to Vegas when I was 2, and I moved with him. And at the time, Las Vegas didn't have no team. And I'm a Michigan fan. I'm big go blue. You know what I'm saying? Big go blue in his house. So the colors went with it, and that's how I became a. Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

Now Harbaugh's there. Let me ask you a question. Does more as. As a Chargers fan, is it a sad existence? Cause, like, you're the only one. So do you hate that there's no, like, communal part of it?

[Caller]

Not at all. Because, I mean, I got Justin Herbert tattooed on my leg at store. I. He's a great.

[Matt Jones]

Decision.

[Caller]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

You.

[Myron Metcalf]

You have a Justin Herbert tattoo?

[Caller]

Yes. As Thor.

[Matt Jones]

When. Okay, do you have other friends and loved ones, like, around you in those moments, or was this, like, one of those.

[Myron Metcalf]

That just process nights? Hang on just a second.

[Caller]

Jesse is a Justin Herbert?

[Myron Metcalf]

Yes. You have Justin Herbert as Thor on your leg?

[Caller]

Yes.

[Matt Jones]

Wow. Is there. Is there a different Thor that maybe you're. You're thinking of, like. Like, d. Tho talking about Dethor.

[Caller]

He's got the hammer in his hand and everything.

[Myron Metcalf]

All right, hang on just a second. I need to see this. Do you have Twitter, sir? Do you send Twitter?

[Caller]

I got. I got Facebook.

[Matt Jones]

I know your age just by that response. I know exactly how old you are.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'll do 42. Let me ask you a question.

[Matt Jones]

So, yeah, I knew it. I knew it.

[Myron Metcalf]

When you went to the. When you went to the tattoo parlor and you asked for Justin Herbert as Thor, did they give you a weird look?

[Caller]

No. Once I paid him enough money, he straightened his face up.

[Matt Jones]

Okay, but what about Justin Herbert says Thor to you? Because to me, Justin Herbert is more like the green Power Ranger. Go ahead. Okay.

[Caller]

The way. The way he throws that ball just now explains that ball. There's not a path that Justin Herbert.

[Myron Metcalf]

Dude, I want to see this. I want to see this tattoo. You have to be the only person in America that has Justin Herbert as Thor tattoo.

[Matt Jones]

Like, was this. Did you consent to this? Were you forced into it? Like, was there. Is there something happened that we don't know about that you can't talk about?

[Caller]

No, sir. This is all love, big boat game.

[Myron Metcalf]

Do you have any other tattoos of Chargers or anything?

[Caller]

No, but I got a picture of me and Sean Merriman on my page. I met him.

[Myron Metcalf]

Okay, but so. So you have.

[Matt Jones]

That's different than a tattoo, though.

[Myron Metcalf]

Your only tattoo is Justin Herbert. Is Thor.

[Caller]

No, I got. I got like eight, nine tattoos.

[Myron Metcalf]

Okay, so it's one of them. Well, listen. Yeah, I'm. All right. Ricky, I love you. I'm gonna give the Chargers some love for you, and I need to see that tattoo. So write down. You real quick, write down this phone number. This is the text. 772. Find your pin there. Because I want 774. 5254. And I want you to send me a picture of that tattoo and I will post it for everyone on my. On my Twitter account. Okay, I will.

[Caller]

I will send it to you in about five minutes.

[Myron Metcalf]

He's not gonna see it because he's.

[Matt Jones]

He's still on Black Planet. He's not gonna see it. Like, he ain't on. He's not on any modern social media.

[Myron Metcalf]

He's gonna text it to me. He's gonna text it to me.

[Matt Jones]

So everybody can find your MySpace page and put it up there.

[Myron Metcalf]

Thank you, Ricky. Thank you, Ricky. All right, let's go to Christopher in Phoenix. I love that guy. Christopher and Phoenix. Go ahead, Christopher.

[Caller]

Hey, thank you very much for taking my call. First time caller, long time listener driving home from work. I listen to you guys every day.

[Myron Metcalf]

Not on every day, but if you.

[Matt Jones]

Can do it on every day.

[Myron Metcalf]

So you went listening to those other days. Yeah. You went too far.

[Matt Jones]

Maybe.

[Caller]

He listens to the podcast every day.

[Matt Jones]

Every.

[Caller]

Right. Every Sunday. Every Sunday. I listen to you guys.

[Matt Jones]

I got you.

[Caller]

I have. I wanted to wait till I got home so I could open a couple Dr. Peppers and not get a ticket for calling while driving. But I got a Myron for you guys. His name is Myron Mixon. If anybody knows who he is.

[Matt Jones]

Myron.

[Caller]

He is the Tom Brady of the barbecue competition world.

[Myron Metcalf]

Okay. I'm looking him up. He is American celebrity chef and the five time world barbecue champion.

[Caller]

Exactly. So, you know, I appreciate you taking my call. I'm just throwing that out.

[Myron Metcalf]

And he's a. He has a Wikipedia page. So, yes, I would say he is more famous than Meyer Metcalf. He's been on the show Barbecue Pit Masters, and he won first place, by the way.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, whatever.

[Myron Metcalf]

In his very first barbecue contest, he won not only first place in the Whole Hog, but third place. In the pork shoulder competition.

[Matt Jones]

I won Rising Star from the United States Basketball Writers association when I was 20 years old.

[Myron Metcalf]

Let me tell you something. You've never won any whole hog contest that I've ever heard. 888 say ESPN. It is countdown to kickoff here on ESPN radio. The Colts and the Vikings play tonight. We'll preview it. That's next. Looking for a pickup truck to get just about anything done?

[Matt Jones]

Look no further.

[Myron Metcalf]

The Chevy Silverado EV isn't just the most powerful Silverado ever with next level towing capability and technology. It also offers game changing versatility with the available multiflex midgate and tailgate. Which means Silverado EV helps you carry large, bulky and oddly shaped items up to nearly 11ft in length. Chevrolet together. Let's drive. Visit Chevrolet.com to learn more.

[Matt Jones]

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.

[Myron Metcalf]

So check Allstate first for a quote.

[Matt Jones]

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. Matt and Myron the podcast and the.

[Myron Metcalf]

Rams get a takeaway here. Play clock getting short. Darnold back to his end zone. Sets the laces. Pitches hit.

[Caller]

Sacked.

[Myron Metcalf]

Game over. Game over. Byron Young with a safety agent, zero calls game on Thursday Night Football agent, zero calls game. It's kind of a kickoff on ESPN radio presented by Progressive Insurance. That was the 7:10 ESPN LA highlight. And you can hit us up on the Dr. Pepper calling line for news from Countdown to Kickoff Nation. 888-729-3776. Speaking of Thursday Night Football, by the way, you think you have Aaron Rodgers being back Jets Nation? Are you feeling good about him?

[Matt Jones]

I mean, they just lost to the Patriots, right? But I mean, I think the thing, and you always do this, Matt, this is kind of your thing. Looking at the schedule, it does open up for the Jets. Like they have a fairly favorable schedule in the second half of the season. So to me, it's not necessarily about them being back, but it does feel like they can turn things around against the schedule they have ahead.

[Myron Metcalf]

I mean, that's. Listen, I'm, I've been an Aaron Rodgers hater and still am. But you, I mean, he did that second Half is the closest he's looked like to the old Aaron Rodgers this entire year. I felt like he wasn't really close at all up until this last second half. So if you're a Jets fan, you can say, hey, this looks a little bit like what we had kind of signed up for, and we'll see if it sustains itself. It was against a good team, but you were at home. Now let's see what happens. Myron, going forward. Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

No, I think, again, you can't just overlook the fact that three days earlier they lost to the Patriots. Didn't look like, you know, the team we saw really only in the second half of that game. Cause in the first half on Thursday, they looked like the same jets who'd had all kinds of challenges. But again, the schedule kind of turns in their favor. I'm not convinced they're a good team. That defense is going to be a challenge. I think Aaron Rodgers is far removed from the MVP we saw three, four years ago. But we'll see what happens. They'll be interesting, I tell you that.

[Myron Metcalf]

I mean, it was. It was, I think, a step in the right direction for him. We'll see if it ends up going. The Vikings and the Colts play tonight. This game got flexed so that it would be in this slot. So, like, NBC wanted this game. I don't know if it's to show off the Vikings or what do you think it's going to be worth it for?

[Matt Jones]

I mean, I don't think NBC knew that Joe Flacco would be quarterback of the Colts. You know, I think maybe you saw his, like Anthony Richardson maybe emerging against this Vikings team. They're both coming in with challenges. I mean, here's the thing about the Vikings, man. I think the last couple of weeks, you can look at it two ways. You can go, wow, they've really slipped. This is the team we always thought they would be. Sam Donald isn't good enough. I watched Sam Donald up close against Detroit. I was on the sidelines. He made some decisions down the stretch. Matt, where you said, okay, that's Sam Darnold. He's not good enough to get you out of a bad situation late in the game. And I think he's shown that in the last couple of weeks. However, overall, I think the Vikings are good enough to where they can avoid a lot of those situations. Nothing wrong with losing to Detroit. Detroit's a very good team that could win a Super Bowl. And then you had a Rams team where it was like a must win. They're Talking about trading Cooper Cup. There's all these decisions that could sort of break up the team. They go out and get a win and it changes sort of how they see the rest of their season. But, you know, you look at those two games and Sam Donald completed 72% of his passes against the Rams and then 81% of his passes against the Lions. It's not Sam Darnold. It's a lot of other factors as to why they lost these last couple games.

[Myron Metcalf]

888, say ESPN. I just posted for folks, the Justin Herbert as Thor tattoo. If you go to Twitter at KY Sports Radio, you can see it if you want. So you can see, is it a great tattoo?

[Matt Jones]

I see it. What do you think about the quality of the tattoo?

[Myron Metcalf]

Not a tattoo guy. Like, I don't, I don't really. I've never had a tattoo, so I can't judge it. I don't really. It doesn't look a lot like Justin Herbert to me, but to be honest with you, I think that's probably a positive since you don't really, you know, I don't know, it looks like he does say bolt up above it. So that really is. That might be the biggest Chargers fan I've ever met. I would say, sir, you got a Coke bottle in the background there. Might want to clean that up just a little bit. You got a Coke bottle on the floor and some paper. But otherwise, Myron, I think it's good.

[Matt Jones]

That don't look like Justin Herbert. It looked like Jonathan Herbert, his fourth cousin that they put in that tattoo. I don't know. I don't get like the Thor thing. I guess the concept is cool. But listen, I do, I do support Die Hard fans who are that in love with their teams, right? Who, like you just can't tell them anything bad about their teams. So I think those kinds of people are necessary for sports.

[Myron Metcalf]

By the way, I don't know if you saw Tyreek Stevenson, the guy who screwed up the play there at the end. He will not be starting today.

[Matt Jones]

So would you start him? You can't.

[Myron Metcalf]

You can't. So I guess that will be the lesson of that. Jay is in Kentucky. Jay, where are you?

[Caller]

Hey, brother, you on here, brother?

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm here. Where in Kentucky are you?

[Caller]

Yeah, I'm from Lexington.

[Myron Metcalf]

Okay, good.

[Caller]

Three things. Three, I like the Ravens over of 20 and a half cousins that throw two TDs today. That's the parlay I've got. Talking about Lamar, you gotta remember, he was barely a first rounder. Ozzy they gave that to Ozzie for his last pick before he retired. He took him the last pick of the first round. I love Lamar. Lamar's just fine.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm with you. And as a Kentucky guy, for me to be pro, Lamar says a lot. Do.

[Caller]

Do one more last thing. Watch out for Brock Bowers today. Bowers is great against that tight end. Is really good on the Bengals. And Myron, you got a pretty easy name to be a top five guy. Just let you know.

[Myron Metcalf]

It'S hard to be top five when you're Matt. Myron is not nearly as hard. I can make you to get.

[Matt Jones]

It actually makes me look pretty bad if I'm not top five. I feel like at this point. But it is a different.

[Myron Metcalf]

Looking at the list. You are top five, though.

[Matt Jones]

I am. You brought up some barbecue dude. Some. Some road scholar.

[Myron Metcalf]

He's not just.

[Matt Jones]

I will say, let me apologize. I said, Myron Cope, who has passed away, created the terrible tile in Pittsburgh. I didn't realize that.

[Myron Metcalf]

One person writes, myron isn't impressed with the barbecue guy because his family told him not to bring a dish to the family reunion. Is that right? Your family told you not to bring it?

[Matt Jones]

When I hosted your show, we did a whole thing where I was talking about how when you go to the south and I've told you this, Southern people don't want people from other parts of the country to cook. Like, when we go to place in the south, like, I don't think you all think we can cook. You can't, don't.

[Myron Metcalf]

You can't.

[Matt Jones]

But you don't even give us an opportunity. Southern, you don't trust our spices, nothing.

[Myron Metcalf]

I will say this. I love food from other countries, but if it's American food, it's the south, then Texas and everybody else doesn't get a say. Nobody else gets to cook. Just let the people from the south and from Texas cook, and y'all just hang back.

[Matt Jones]

Well, give us some recipes. I mean, if you all don't like what we're bringing to the table, then.

[Myron Metcalf]

Give us some recipes. You don't know how to season it. You don't know how to spice it. Let's go to Tennessee. Line. What's up, Tennessee?

[Caller]

Hey, guys. Enjoy the show. I do have a question about Jared Goff. At this point in the season, why is Jared not being talked about as much for the MVP as Lamar? Even Derek Henry's name being brought up? I know we're only halfway through the season, but his stats are just out of this world at this point, are they not?

[Myron Metcalf]

They are great.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

So are Lamar's though, to be fair. But, like, they are great. And I do think there is a. You know, I do think just maybe because it's Jared Goffmeyer and we don't think about him in that context, but if you were just doing straight numbers, no names, he would certainly be in the top five or six.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I mean, his efficiency alone will put him in that conversation. I think the challenge is you look at a golf, and I don't even think it's just this year. Right. It's his whole career where people aren't really saying he's winning these games. We say the Lions are winning as an organization. Right. Because they have so many key pieces. James Williams, the Monroe St. Brown, everything they can do with the run game with Jamir Gibbs, David Montgomery, Dan Campbell, I think a lot of people see as a potential coach of the year. So in that scenario, and obviously that defense, you don't get as much credit. I mean, remember Aiden Hutchinson before the injury to me, was probably a bigger MVP candidate than Jared Goff. I mean, he was certainly your defense player of the year.

[Myron Metcalf]

If you, if you look at the, the betting odds right now, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson are tied as the favorites. Then it's Mahomes and then Jared Goff. Jared Goff is fourth right now. So I don't know. Yeah, I think the caller's right. We may not think about that as being the case, but right now, Myron, he is fourth in the mvp, but.

[Matt Jones]

I don't think anybody thinks that he has a chance to surpass those three guys above him. But he has certainly put himself in a position to be mentioned. I think that's a really good call and a good point.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, it is.888, say ESPN. Well, they actually don't call because we're now done with that point. It's time to take your pick here in just a minute.

[Matt Jones]

Somebody else.

[Myron Metcalf]

Myron and I will pick every game. Now we are eight weeks into the season. I'm still ahead of Myron. The gap is narrowed. It's down to just. It's down to just a game or two. But of course I'm going to extend the lead and we will show you how. That's next here on Countdown to Kickoff on ESPN Radio.

[Matt Jones]

With Uber reserve, good things come to those who plan ahead. Family vacay. Reserve your ride as soon as you book your flights to all the planners. Now you can reserve your Uber ride up to 90 days in advance. See Uber app For details. 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 started. @HubSpot.com Marketers Matt and Myron the podcast discount.

[Myron Metcalf]

On the kickoff final segment here on ESPN Radio, it is time to take our pick. This is where we pick every single game in the National Football League. Stash, do you have our totals right now? Between me and Myron, according to you, you're like two games ahead. We mean, according to me, you. You're supposed to be. You're supposed to be the person. You're supposed to be the person keeping the record. No, the person who actually keeps the.

[Caller]

Records is not here today. And he did not share that information with me.

[Matt Jones]

So apparently he said I picked up a game.

[Myron Metcalf]

He said he picked up a game. I think I was up, so I think he's down one. I think I was up two, so. All right, well, that's all right. You know what, Myron, we won't know for sure, but that's okay. There's a lot of season left for you to lose, so I think we start that again today. Let's tine is now time to take a pick. Now, a lot of big spreads today, so I'm interested to see if you go against any of them. What's up first?

[Matt Jones]

I mean, two completed. I think over 70% of his passes in his first game back last week. But I think the thing to note is Josh Allen has one interception this year. The Bills are plus 11 on turnover differential and that's why they've been so good. Bills win this game.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, the Dolphins, they don't. They don't beat the Bills. That's just. It doesn't happen. It's not going to happen today. And I actually really like the Bills to cover the six and a half. So give me Buffalo, easy. What's next?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I mean, you know, the Ravens coming off a loss in a game they should have won, they go out and get Deontay Johnson. Bo Nicks is playing at a way to a level. You're like, all right, maybe he's the guy, but I don't think he's Solidified that completely. Yet give me the Ravens to win this game.

[Myron Metcalf]

You know, the Ravens have done a pretty poor job against mediocre teams, but maybe the Broncos have been just good enough that it's not going to happen to them in this game. The Broncos actually played well this year, so maybe that actually focuses the Ravens. I think the Ravens win this game at home. This is the biggest spread of the day, which surprised me a little bit, but it is. What's next.

[Matt Jones]

Man? This is one of those games where, you know, the Cowboys have fallen apart. They shouldn't win, but this is one of those games that the Falcons lose.

[Myron Metcalf]

Right.

[Matt Jones]

It's just so hard to decide which Falcons team we're going to see. Javon Diggs is back. I will go with Kirk Cousins, but you might not want to. I'm going to pick the Falcons.

[Myron Metcalf]

I literally have missed every game this year on the Falcon. I am 0 and 8. Not against the spread, just picking the winner of Falcons game.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, it's hard. It's hard.

[Myron Metcalf]

Oh, and 8. They are impossible to figure out. So I'm taking the Falcons, which means the Cowboys will win, but I'm still picking the Falcons. What's next?

[Matt Jones]

I mean, the Raiders are now. I think it's sort of the Shadur Sanders Cam Ward sweepstakes more than anything. I like Brock Bowers, though. I think he's a piece that everybody should be watching. But give me the Bengals at home to get this win.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm gonna take the Bengals, but if I was betting against the spread, seven points for the Bengals, that feels really high. I think I would take the Raiders against the spread to win, which is what we're doing. I'll take the Bengals. What's next?

[Matt Jones]

James Winston. I mean, Justin Herbert has had his moments, certainly, but just you tell me the charges are on the road against a Cleveland team that just got a win against the Ravens. I probably should pick the Browns, but give me the Chargers because I feel like that wasn't necessarily real.

[Myron Metcalf]

Catch one on you here. I was going to pick the Browns, but then I saw that Justin Herbert as Thor tattoo. No way I can go against that. Give me the Chargers on the road and flip me right there at the end. What's next? Oh, my goodness.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, my goodness. The viewers, I think lose in this. The Titans are in a really, really bad spot. I don't know, man. I can't pick them. Patriots just beat the jets, but then they're going on the road. I guess I'll. I'll pick the Titans. Whatever. I'll pick the Titans. I shouldn't, but I'm picking them.

[Myron Metcalf]

I would rather watch Skip Bayless anchor election coverage than watch this game. That's where I am on it. I'm still going to have her take the Patriots to win on the road. I'll take the Patriots. Did you think that was mean? Why are you shaking your head over there?

[Matt Jones]

No, it's just such a random combination. I don't think I should have picked the Titans, man. I mean, the Giants look like a team that is going to have to hit the reset button on everything. Quarterback, probably, coaching staff, everything at this point. And they're playing a commander's team where Brian Robinson Jr. The running back is out. But we know what Jaden Daniels is capable of. Ribs are healthy, apparently. No injury designation. Give me a guy who maybe should have been the number one pick with the Commanders against the Giants.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I'm going to take the Commanders. I want to take the Giants. I really do. But I don't want to lose Myron. I don't want to lose my league to Myron. They win these games by picking the Giants. So I. I'm going to take the Commanders, but I kind of like the Giants, but I'll take the Commanders. Skip Bayless would be terrible in election coverage. Who's next?

[Matt Jones]

Who is it? Oh, goodness. Just despair between these two teams. I'll pick the Saints just because I think the Panthers are a complete mess and I think the Satans are all Saints are almost a complete mess now.

[Myron Metcalf]

That Daniel Snyder's out of the NFL. The Panthers guy seems like the worst on. He seems like the dude you want to be around the least. So because of that, I'll take the Saints. What's next? You want to pick the Jaguars? Last week it was good.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, but I mean, they were up early, though. They were up against the Packers. They had a shot, but then they became the Jaguars again. That'll happen in this game, too. It'll be close and then they'll be the Jags. Give me the Eagles.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm going to take the Eagles as well. I think they win at home. They're slowly starting to kind of figure stuff out and I like them. Tonight. What's next on ESPN radio, 4:00. Byron.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, Cardinals, I mean, are more dangerous than I think people realize. They're. They're my figuring it out team, you know, and I mean, that could happen this game. At the same time, I wouldn't want to play an angry Bears team that feels like they got cheated or robbed A little bit last week. Give me Chicago.

[Myron Metcalf]

It's the kind of game the Bears lose. As a long time fan, this is the kind of game that they need to win, but they find a way to drop. Give me the Cardinals at home to beat my Chicago Bears. What's next?

[Matt Jones]

We've been to Lambeau, Matt. It's just hard to get a win there. It's just a different kind of environment. But I just think the Lions really have it all. They did it in Minnesota. I think they'll do it at Lambeau. You know what? No, they won't. Give me Green Bay to win.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I like the lines. I think being at home, they get this win. And speaking of being at Green Bay, we are in Chicago next weekend at the Bears game. So all of our Chicago listeners be watching on social media. We are at the Bears game stash. What's the name? Where the place we're at? It's like Vinnie's Good Time Tailgate or something like that. Yeah, yeah. It's some weird name.

[Matt Jones]

We'll be on the road, but we.

[Myron Metcalf]

Will be in Chicago next weekend. So if you're in Chicago, plan on coming to. Let's just say it's Vinny's Good Time Tailgate. They're going to be there. What's next?

[Matt Jones]

Oh, man. Rams and injuries. Seahawks coming off of an abysmal performance. That defense isn't right. Give me. Give me the Rams still to win.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm taking the Seahawks at home here. I like. I think they will win it, actually. I was close. It's the busy Bears fan zone. Busy Bears. It actually is busy. How did I come up with that? I was kidding. It's the busy Chicago Bears fan zone. I'm picking the Seahawks and we will be there next week. I expect to see you in Chicago. What's next?

[Matt Jones]

Vikings are winning this. They're not going to win at home. They're not going to lose at home to Joe Flacco and the Colts. Give me the Vikings.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm going to take the Vikings too. Why is it called the Vizzy Chicago Bears fan zone?

[Matt Jones]

I don't know.

[Myron Metcalf]

It's next to gate zero there in Chicago. Come see us. Get you busy on what's next. Yeah, what's next?

[Caller]

We do Colts.

[Myron Metcalf]

Vikings. Yes.

[Caller]

Okay.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. What show have you been on?

[Myron Metcalf]

He's at the busy fan zone. Go ahead.

[Matt Jones]

Are you on this show or another show? I mean, you can't pick the bucks shorthanded. Even if they were 100% over Kansas City. Kansas City will win. But I don't. I don't know that they will win because my homes.

[Myron Metcalf]

Oh, shut up. I'm taking the. I'm taking the Chiefs.

[Matt Jones]

Shut up. This is my opinion, man.

[Myron Metcalf]

Let me read you what's going to be at the busy Bears Fan Zone. It features alumni appearances, mini monsters brought to you by Advocate Healthcare and other fun. What do you think the mini monster brought by Advocate Healthcare is?

[Matt Jones]

I don't know. It's. It sounds. It sounds like there will be fights. You know what I mean? Like, it sounds like there will be pregame fights.

[Myron Metcalf]

I can't wait to get to the busy Chicago Bears Fan Zone. We will be there too. I can't. I look forward to it. That is in Chicago. Matt Myron on the road, Kevin Clark, Justin Pugh and Mike Tannenbaum are what you laughing at Are coming up next on game day. He's Meyer Metcalf. Subscribe to the podcast Enjoy the Thor Justin Herbert tattoo and this has been Countdown, the kickoff.

[Matt Jones]

Thanks for listening to Matt and Myron the podcast. You can listen to the show live every Sunday morning at 10:00am Eastern on ESPN Radio, the ESPN app, and on SiriusXM Channel 80. Matt and Myron, the Podcast.