Hour 3: Kevin Clark, Host of "This is Football Podcast"

Summary

Summary of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron" — Episode: Hour 3: Kevin Clark, Host of "This is Football Podcast"

Release Date: December 29, 2024

In the December 29, 2024 episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron," hosts Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf engage in a dynamic discussion centered around the NFL's regular season finale, fantasy football strategies, and the heated debate over the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl prospects. The episode features special guest Kevin Clark, host of "This is Football Podcast," and ESPN's fantasy football and gambling analyst, Eric Moody.

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1. Fantasy Football Finals Strategy

Kevin Clark begins the conversation by providing crucial insights for fantasy football players preparing for the championship week. He emphasizes the importance of understanding opponent rosters to make informed decisions on whether to prioritize high-floor or high-ceiling players.

“The biggest thing that I'm looking out for is who my opponent has on the roster. Because that's going to determine whether you need to start players who are going to give you a high floor or if you're going to need to start players who give you a very high ceiling in order to compete.” — Kevin Clark [01:49]

Clark highlights standout performances from players like Lad McConkey and T. Higgins, underscoring their potential impact on fantasy outcomes. When queried about his personal standings, Myron humorously reveals he's in a seventh-place bracket, adding a relatable touch for listeners navigating their own fantasy leagues.

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2. Debating the Chiefs' Super Bowl Chances

A significant portion of the episode revolves around the contentious topic of whether the Kansas City Chiefs can secure another Super Bowl title. Myron Medcalf takes a skeptical stance, challenging the Chiefs' prowess based on historical trends and perceived luck.

“I'm never going to vote against NFL history. No teams won three in a row. So that's why Kansas City in part is off my list of teams that I think will win the Super Bowl. I also think they've been a lucky team. I think they're closer to a 10 win team than a 15 win team.” — Matt Jones [03:18]

Eric Moody backs Myron's skepticism, critiquing key players and their consistency:

“If either Tuney or Humphreys are just a below average left tackle, you can kiss my Super Bowl ring.” — Eric Moody [09:42]

This debate intensifies with listener interactions, particularly with a caller named Bob from Kansas City, who defends the Chiefs' legacy and potential. The exchange highlights the polarized views among fans and analysts regarding the team's future success.

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3. Listener Calls and Host Banter

Throughout the episode, Matt and Myron engage with listeners who call in with their perspectives, especially concerning the Chiefs. These interactions add depth to the discussion, showcasing real-time fan sentiments and fostering a lively atmosphere.

“You don't actually have a Super Bowl ring. They do. That's number one right.” — Myron Medcalf [09:34]

The playful back-and-forth between the hosts and callers underscores the camaraderie and spirited nature of sports talk, making the episode both informative and entertaining.

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4. Selling NFL Games: A Unique Segment

In a creative twist, Matt and Myron challenge each other to "sell" upcoming NFL games to listeners, aiming to highlight why these matchups are must-watch events despite their perceived lack of excitement on paper.

Matt Jones successfully pitches the Titans vs. Jaguars game by focusing on emerging talent and future prospects:

“You're watching this game for Brian Thompson Jr. and the promise that he's shown so far.” — Matt Jones [15:23]

Myron Medcalf critiques the initial pitch but acknowledges Matt's improvement, fostering a supportive dynamic between the hosts.

“That might have been your best one of the year. Seriously... on a scale of 1 to 100, that was a 99.” — Myron Medcalf [16:31]

This segment not only provides listeners with compelling reasons to watch specific games but also showcases the hosts' ability to think on their feet and engage creatively.

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5. NFL MVP Debate: Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen

The episode delves into the contentious debate over the NFL MVP award, with Eric Moody advocating strongly for Lamar Jackson while critiquing the traditional voting biases that favor quarterbacks and team success.

“Awards... are supposed to tell the story of the season. If Lamar Jackson has 40 touchdowns and four interceptions and he looks as good as anybody looks on the football field, it's a regular season award.” — Eric Moody [26:32]

Moody criticizes the notion of voter fatigue but acknowledges that league standards often require MVP contenders to be part of playoff-bound teams. The discussion touches on broader themes of individuality versus team performance in sports accolades.

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6. Team Performances and Coaching Changes

The hosts also address recent coaching changes within the NFL, specifically focusing on Miami's coach Lara Naga and Cam Ward's departure. Eric Moody offers insights into the pressures and evolving dynamics that lead to such decisions.

“I think they're over 70 and they've also made over $70 million, a lot of them. I think we can have a long conversation about that.” — Matt Jones [26:23]

This segment highlights the challenges faced by coaches in adapting to modern sports environments and the impact of leadership changes on team performance.

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7. Concluding Remarks and Final Bets

Wrapping up the episode, Matt and Myron recap their fantasy standings and engage in a friendly betting challenge, predicting the outcomes of remaining NFL games. This light-hearted conclusion reinforces the competitive yet collegial nature of their partnership.

“I will take the Dolphins to win at home.” — Myron Medcalf [40:16]

Their final bets add an element of suspense and anticipation for listeners, tying together the episode's themes of competition and strategic planning.

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Overall Impression

This episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron" offers a blend of strategic fantasy football advice, spirited debates on team performances, and engaging segments that keep listeners informed and entertained. With insightful contributions from guest Kevin Clark and analyst Eric Moody, the hosts navigate through complex topics with humor and expertise, making it a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of the NFL landscape.

Transcript

[Matt Jones]

This episode is brought to you by Google Gemini. With the Gemini app you can talk live and have a real time conversation with an AI assistant. It's great for all kinds of things.

[Myron Metcalf]

Like if you want to practice for.

[Matt Jones]

An upcoming interview, ask for advice on things to do in a new city, or brainstorm creative ideas. And by the way, this script was actually read by Gemini. Download the Gemini app for iOS and Android today must be 18 to use Gemini live. This is Matt and Myron the pod.

[Myron Metcalf]

We are two hours in to the countdown to kickoff show that Jones, Meyer, Metcalf missed the beginning. I'm playing hurt a little under the weather weather today.

[Eric Moody]

My voice.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I'm sick. Is that what you. Is that all right? But I wasn't gonna miss it. Unlike you who takes every chance to miss to go on various play. And I, I answer the bell. So I came in. So we got one hour to go. Trying to struggle through, you know, and then, and then keep going. We're going to get back to phones here in a minute because Myron made the insane comment that the Chiefs can't win the Super Bowl. Six other teams can. But Eric Moody is ESPN's fantasy football and gambling analyst. This is the championship game for day for many fantasy football leagues. And Eric, you know, six games have already taken place, so you're in a very unique situation if you still have spots to fill or something to happen. So tell me, going into Fantasy finals Sunday, what are the things you're most looking at and what should players, if they have a person on their roster, what should they watch out for?

[Kevin Clark]

Yeah, I think the biggest thing that I'm, that I'm looking out for is who, you know, who my opponent has on the roster. Because that's going to determine whether you need to start players who are going to give you a high floor or if you're going to need to start players who give you a very high ceiling in order to compete. And we've obviously had some big performances in the, in the, for week 17 so far. Like even you know, looking at like lad McConkey like yesterday, I'm like, that's the kind of performance that's really going to propel teams to championships. So I would just look at do I need upside or do I need a high floor? And then that's where I can come in and help answer these questions to really guide these teams to a championship. So what about, what about you? Are you playing in the championship game this week?

[Myron Metcalf]

No, I'm in a seventh place game which is a Very important part of a league. Going for seventh place. Myron and I actually had McConkey and T. Higgins, Eric. So I feel pretty good going into the final day.

[Kevin Clark]

All right, there you go. T. Higgins was another guy who went, you know, who went gangbusters last night. So, you know, we'll see. So, yeah, I gotta help some people. Here we go. We gotta get to the questions. You know, I've got to answer as many questions.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, we don't have to ask for fantasy questions because the phone lines are full of people being mad at Myron. So you're gonna have to give the. Give advice in the app. Yeah. Because Myron just says stupid stuff. Eric, you have to understand. Tell Eric. Tell Myron. Tell Eric what you said.

[Kevin Clark]

I started by saying.

[Matt Jones]

Well, I started by saying, Eric. Well, great to have you on. Started with the idea that I'm never going to vote against NFL history. No teams won three in a row. So that's why Kansas City in part is off my list of teams that I think will win the Super Bowl. I also think they've been a lucky team. I think they're closer to a 10 win team than a 15 win team. And now everybody's mad at me because you can't say anything about Kansas City. Oh, no.

[Myron Metcalf]

So.

[Matt Jones]

So that's kind of what it is.

[Kevin Clark]

Those Kansas City fans will come after you.

[Matt Jones]

No, they will. And they can all fight too. So I do get a little concerned about that. I don't want any problems, but it's just my opinion, you know.

[Myron Metcalf]

Okay, let. Let me ask you, Eric. I know you also do some on the gambling side. Is there a prop bet today that you particularly like? You know, I knew yesterday going into the Bengals game it might be Higgins last game in Cincinnati, so I bet him to score a touchdown. I wish I'd bet more. He scored three. Do you have one you like today?

[Kevin Clark]

Yeah, there's quite a few that I like, but one that really keeps kind of calling out to me is Jameer Gibbs. I know in ESPN bats they've got Gibbs for 100 or more rushing yards. Last time I checked, it was at +115. And he's been great this year. You know, he's averaged five and a half yards per carry. You got Monty, who's out. He sidelined. And Gibbs saw 23 carries last week. And I think he's expected to get a ton of touches this week. And the 49ers have struggled against the run, so I do like Gibbs. 100 or more rushing yards. That's on ESPN BET right now that you can bet on.

[Matt Jones]

Moody, you do fantasy football. I know. You do fantasy basketball. You do betting. Do you fix cars, too? Like, what other jobs you got, man? That's a lot.

[Kevin Clark]

You know, I do a little voice work, too. You know, I keep trying to work something out so I can get, like, a. Like a cameo, like in the next, like, Avengers movie, you know, with the Disney connection. So what's, you know.

[Matt Jones]

What'S your best voice? Like, what do you mean? What's your best voice?

[Kevin Clark]

Well, I was actually just kind of kidding on the voice act.

[Matt Jones]

Okay.

[Kevin Clark]

You know, I could do like a. I could do, like, a documentary. It's like, here.

[Myron Metcalf]

Here we go. Can I tell you who's a good voice analyst? You know, Eric, I don't think, you know, Myron sometimes is asked to drive, and he's not good at it, and he puts on a different voice.

[Matt Jones]

Stop saying that to people.

[Myron Metcalf]

He puts on a different voice when he does it. Let's play the Myron voiceover here, Nick, for us.

[Matt Jones]

Again, they'll say that Myron and I.

[Eric Moody]

Will debate it next.

[Matt Jones]

But first, Myron has this word from.

[Eric Moody]

Our friends at Vivid Seats.

[Matt Jones]

Does the college football overtime rule need to change? Oh, I'm sorry. Yeah, right. Does the college football overtime rule need to change? But first, my.

[Myron Metcalf]

See, Eric, that's a voiceover right there. Like, completely change the way your normal voice is in order to sell a product.

[Matt Jones]

I'm selling stuff, right? Like, when you sell stuff, that's how you talk, right?

[Kevin Clark]

Yeah, you gotta get that vocal inflection in. Yeah, I don't think it was that bad.

[Matt Jones]

I don't think.

[Myron Metcalf]

No, he sits there. Here. I'm gonna do my. This is my Myron Metcalf voiceover. Hey, everybody, this is Myron Metcalf, and.

[Matt Jones]

We'Re here for Vivid C. You just be a ridiculous.

[Myron Metcalf]

Let's go to Kevin in New Orleans. He has a question for Eric. Go ahead, Kevin.

[Matt Jones]

I've never done that.

[Eric Moody]

I'm in the unfortunate position of Trevor.

[Kevin Clark]

Hubbard being out today, and I have.

[Matt Jones]

To start Madison or Abdullah in a ppr.

[Kevin Clark]

Okay. Okay. Yeah, I know with Hubbard going down, I think that shocked a lot of people. I actually like Madison and Abdullah in his matchup, so I do prefer Abdullah. But you look at like. Like, week 16. Like, this group both played a similar number of snapshots in touches. You got some sear McCormick on IR. So I think they're both great flex options. But I do like Abdullah over Madison.

[Myron Metcalf]

There you go. Abdullah over Madison with The chubba Hubbard being out 888, say ESPN. Eric Moody, ESPN betting analyst. Thank you for your time. And I do think you have a future in voiceover work. Either way, if you're going head to head with Myron, I know you're going to get it. So good luck on your final day of the fantasy season.

[Kevin Clark]

So I do have a future in voiceover work.

[Myron Metcalf]

You do, certainly over Myron. And I think you also have a future in betting and fantasy. We appreciate your time.

[Matt Jones]

Let's go. Thanks for my voice, man. This is all I have. This is.

[Myron Metcalf]

I know, but it's. That says a lot.

[Matt Jones]

This is a key part of how I make a living, man.

[Myron Metcalf]

I know. And we need to keep working on it. Jeff in Missouri, who's next? Go ahead. That's just that big part. Yeah.

[Eric Moody]

This is your crazy talk.

[Myron Metcalf]

Cream hunt, Isaiah Pachanko, DeAndre Hopkins, Xavier Worthy, Travis Kelsey are.

[Eric Moody]

We've shored up our line problems. Let's go to the other side.

[Myron Metcalf]

Oh, minute. Since Omenahue's back, Kansas City is at the rate they were last year. Yes, they are.

[Matt Jones]

And they still with everything. You said they've had a lot of lucky wins. Can you. Can you admit that as a Kansas City fan there have been some lucky wins? Can you admit that?

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I can admit that.

[Matt Jones]

Okay.

[Myron Metcalf]

But you.

[Eric Moody]

If you think anybody's going to stop.

[Myron Metcalf]

Them from getting through garden right now. What are you doing? It sounds like you're moving around. Are you planting tomatoes? What are you doing?

[Eric Moody]

Nope, just relaxing.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, you're not relaxing because your phone is not moving.

[Matt Jones]

Are you doing laundry?

[Myron Metcalf]

What are you doing?

[Eric Moody]

I don't know.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm on a cell phone. Yeah. Are you.

[Matt Jones]

Are you on a cell phone where you got to put minutes on it or are you one with like a. An actual pay a plan? Like what kind of phone you on, man? Myron.

[Myron Metcalf]

Dang. That's right. Shoo, Myron. Dang. Thank you, Jeff. Appreciate it. Shoo, Myron. Dang. Bob in Kansas City. What do you got, Bob?

[Eric Moody]

I got a lifetime of a Chiefs fan since they moved here, including in the 2 and 14 years.

[Kevin Clark]

But I'm going to count.

[Eric Moody]

Myron. I can count to 15 and 1. You talk about luck, but winners win. And I'll say this. If either Tuney or Humphreys are just a below average left tackle, you can kiss my super bowl ring.

[Myron Metcalf]

Oh, bam.

[Matt Jones]

Well, here's the Bob, here's the problem about Bob. You don't actually have a Super bowl ring. They do. That's number one Right. So there's no super bowl ring.

[Myron Metcalf]

Bob, I think, knocks it out of the park. He's an accountant. He can count to 15 and you can kiss his super bowl ring. Byron, he doesn't have one.

[Matt Jones]

Personally. That's not.

[Myron Metcalf]

I think he just.

[Matt Jones]

I think these Kansas City fans, they.

[Kevin Clark]

Could, they could give me one for this call. You never know.

[Matt Jones]

Hey, Bob, can I be honest with you? I know a bunch of y'all. Like, I've been to Kansas City many times. Got a lot of friends down there. You all were more nervous this season than you're willing to admit. Things have ended well for y'all. But there were a lot of stretches this season where you all were not confident that this team was going to get to the Super Bowl. Is that accurate or not?

[Eric Moody]

I think it has something to do with the left tackle.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, but is that true or not? I get that, but is that true or not?

[Eric Moody]

Three out of five in the last two.

[Matt Jones]

See, Bob, you don't answer the question. Is it true or not? Were you all, in many stretches this season, not confident in this Kansas City team making it to the Super Bowl?

[Eric Moody]

We were not as unconfident as we were last Christmas Day.

[Matt Jones]

You didn't answer the question. The semantics of it. Just answer the question. He wouldn't answer the question.

[Myron Metcalf]

Thank you, Bob. I appreciate the call. It makes perfect sense to me. He was not as unconfident as he was last year. A lot of negatives there, but I.

[Matt Jones]

Think it works out.

[Myron Metcalf]

We come back. There's a lot of bad games this week. I'm not going to lie to you. Like, the NFL gave all our good games before and they made Sunday a big bag of. So we're going to go through these games, especially the early ones, and Myers are going to try to convince you why you should watch them. That's next here on Sunday mornings with Matt Myers.

[Matt Jones]

Matt and Myron.

[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]

Dip, or ordering pizza, there's something about.

[Matt Jones]

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[Myron Metcalf]

See app for details. Yes, the boys are back in town. It is counting down to kickoff here on ESPN Radio presented by Progressive Insurance. He's Myron Metcalf. I'm Matt Jones. ESPN Radio is presented by Progressive Insurance. Progressive Commercial Insurance flexes to fix your business needs. From quick repairs to adjustable coverages and even payment options. Progressive Commercial makes it easy to get what you need. Quote Today in as little as six minutes@progressive commercial.com playing a little under the weather today, but we've done a good job. We've had, we've had our good guy Herm Edwards. We've had Eric Moody. We've also had Myron fighting with Kansas City Chiefs fans who have just completely bodied him and owned him over his Take that the Chiefs can't win the Super Bowl.

[Matt Jones]

What, They've been mad? Yeah, they've been mad and they've also beaten you.

[Myron Metcalf]

But that doesn't mean Myron doesn't have a chance to come back. One of the things he's gotten better on during the year was really bad to start, but it's gotten better is selling us on the games that on paper don't look like they would be very entertaining. So let's do it again. It is now time to go. No huddle.

[Matt Jones]

It's time to go around the National Football League.

[Myron Metcalf]

No huddles.

[Matt Jones]

I'll call the place from the line. Defense will never know what hit him.

[Myron Metcalf]

Double rules here are very simple. I give you a game, you tell me why the fans out there should watch it, even though on paper they would think they have no interest. What's up first?

[Matt Jones]

Titans at Jaguars I think this is difficult for anybody to make a statement about two teams who have become irrelevant, obviously, in the playoff picture. I think you watch this because you're probably watching Doug Peterson's last game as head coach and the Jags are probably going to hit a reset here. I think you're also watching the Titans, who are probably going to get a quarterback in the off season. So I think you're looking at both teams and Going, okay, who sticks around? Who lasts next season? And are there any salvageable players and pieces from both of these rosters that you can take into next season with perhaps a new coach for Jacksonville and a new quarterback for the Tennessee Titans?

[Myron Metcalf]

All right, so you started it by saying, I don't think this is going to be one. Somebody want to watch. That's like going up somebody and going, you don't want this car, do you? Like, you need to, you know. You know, that's not a good way. We ever been to a car dealership and somebody comes up and go, you don't really want this, do you? But since you're standing here. Yeah, exactly. So let's, let's try this one more time. Let's act like he said Peterson's last game.

[Matt Jones]

They play next week, too, Myron.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, they also play next week. So I don't. Unless you think he's getting fired this week.

[Matt Jones]

One of his.

[Myron Metcalf]

Let's just, let's just do this again. Like, it's like, I want you. I want you to act like you're actually trying to sell me on this game. Not like, you don't want to eat this meal, do you? It ain't good. I want you to sell this. Like, you. Your job depends. I'm sure Chris Myers is calling this game, so do Chris Myers a favor and make this happen. Let's go again.

[Matt Jones]

Titans at Jaguars. Well, obviously these are two teams that are trying to get on the right path going into next season. The Titans will have a new quarterback probably this off season. You have to see what does that new quarterback have around him. I think they're Tennessee Titans players playing to kind of keep their jobs in a lot of ways. But the Jacksonville Jaguars have a guy named Brian Thomas Jr. If you haven't heard of him, he set rookie records for yards, receptions, touchdowns. As a. In that. For that franchise, you're looking at a future star in the NFL potentially, if they can get the right people around him. You're watching this game for Brian Thompson Jr. And the promise that he's shown so far.

[Myron Metcalf]

That was excellent. That might have been your best one of the year. Seriously, like, on a. On a scale of 1 to 100, that was a 99. That's the best you have ever done. And the difference was focus and energy and all. Do you realize how good you were right there?

[Matt Jones]

I don't know. No, it felt good. I don't know. Is that good?

[Myron Metcalf]

You could have sold me a Pinto with that car, with that. With that sales ability. So I think you're on. Let's keep that energy going for the next one.

[Matt Jones]

Raiders, Ed Saints. There's a guy named Mike Ditka that a lot of people know for who he was as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. What they don't know is that he was also a really, really good player in the NFL. And this guy named Brock Bowers with the Las Vegas raiders, who with 10 receiving yards has a chance to pass Mike Ditka's record for a rookie tight end in receiving yards. Mike Ditka set the record with 1,961 yards. Brock Bowers. I'm sorry, 1076 yards. Brock Bowers can surpass that with 10 yards in this game. So Brock Bowers could be a generational tight end. He's playing to pass Ditka today for a Raiders team that might give him an elite quarterback next year. And Brock Bowers could become a Hall of Famer if that transition works out.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm still going to give you a round of applause there. I still think that was pretty good. I like the Brock Bowers that didn't know where you were going with Ditka, but you made it work. Bright Bowers is special. You're right about that. I think you're two for two once I gave you a false start on the first one. Let's go to the next one.

[Matt Jones]

Coats at Giants.

[Myron Metcalf]

Let's keep the energy rolling.

[Matt Jones]

Well, there's two reasons you want to watch a game like this. Obviously, the Coats are still alive in the playoff picture. A lot of things have to happen. Anthony Richardson being out is a challenge for that team. But you're watching the Giants because this is a team that can help their odds in the NFL draft by losing. But you got a guy in Brian Dabble who maybe says, I might get fired. Who cares what they want? I'm going to keep winning. And I think that's why you're watching this. How does Brian Dabel and his team approach this? Does he do what's best for the team or does he do what's best for Brian Dabel? So I think it's going to be interesting. Giants fans might be upset with a win because of what it does in the NFL draft. Brian Daughter, however, is saying, that's the job that I was signed to do.

[Myron Metcalf]

Pretty solid.

[Matt Jones]

Okay.

[Myron Metcalf]

I will note you said keep winning, and they've only won two games, so I'm not sure what to keep winning.

[Matt Jones]

Part of it is keep winning, keep.

[Myron Metcalf]

Winning because they really haven't won at all. Keep Winning, but nevertheless, you made two very good points. Can the Colts stay in the playoffs? The Giants, should they win? Will they win? I have to say you're three for three. And if you don't screw this last one up, this may be the first time in the history of the no huddle that Myron gives a complete performance. A Kansas City Chiefs esque performance in the no huddle. Will he be able to do it with this game?

[Matt Jones]

Dolphins at Browns. Well, you're watching this in part because the Miami Dolphins still have a slight chance to get into the playoffs. Very low, but I think you're really watching this to see Is this Mike McDaniels, one of his last games? Potentially. Everybody loved Mike McDaniel when he came into the NFL. He was the offensive guru. He was playing hip hop in the locker room, he was dancing in practice and everybody said, this is the guy. Now we're at a point where the Miami Dolphins, who've spent a lot of money to try to be a contender, they're not going to make the playoffs, most likely, and they certainly won't make it if they lose this game. So we could go from Mike McDaniel being the IT coach maybe just two years ago to being a guy who is coaching for his job. I think that's why you're watching this game.

[Myron Metcalf]

And what about the Browns, the team they play?

[Matt Jones]

You also have a guy in Kevin Stefanski that a lot of people think might be a guy who's playing coaching for his job as well. DeSean Watson, with a restructured deal, he's going to be their quarterback for the next couple of years. And the interesting thing is this. If Kevin Stefanski gets fired, there can be a lot of teams that are going to call him right away.

[Myron Metcalf]

He's not getting coached, he's not getting fired. You're exactly right. He would be. He would be well liked. All right, so, yeah, I'm gonna go ahead and pass you on the last one. You're gonna be like a kid I have in my, in my class who does pretty well. And then the exam just goes so. So the final, I still pass them because I want them to move on. I want to give you a nice job. You gave four games with not a lot to do and you actually were able to sell them pretty well. Are you proud of yourself and your performance?

[Matt Jones]

I feel like I've come a long way. I mean, from the first, the first round.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah. No, you have come a long way. You were really, really bad at that at the beginning, but because you could. You couldn't fake excitement. And now, well, you're becoming like a host on qvc. You don't want these crappy products, right? But nevertheless, you have to act like the, the bedazzled sweaters are worth wearing and that's what you do now.

[Matt Jones]

They do great work. I don't know how they sell stuff all day, like, but they're incredible.

[Myron Metcalf]

You know, when I was a kid, I wanted to be a host on qvc. I would practice being QVC host.

[Matt Jones]

Okay, that's an interesting dream. You know, some people are like, I want to be a host.

[Myron Metcalf]

I was like, I could do the quacker factory. I was like, I could. I would take products in my house and mimic selling them a steamer on qvc. Okay, yeah, listen, we all have our dreams. I ended up on espn, but one of these days I'll get on qvc. You'll see it. Okay, we'll do more here next on ESPN Radio.

[Matt Jones]

Matt and Myron. The podcast.

[Myron Metcalf]

Is Cat on the kickoff here on ESPN Radio. Matt Jones, my Metcalf, getting ready for another big day of NFL football next to last week of the regular season. Kevin Clark, he is the host of the this Is Football podcast and he hosts Game Day on ESPN Radio. It comes on right after us. You can hear it after we finish all of our very intelligent, you know, thoughts on this show. Kevin, I'm glad to have you. I know you're a Miami grad, so two big things have happened with Miami. Lara Naga, the basketball coach, quits mid season and Cam Ward quits mid game. Is it just a university full of quitters? What's going on there?

[Eric Moody]

Oh, wow. Starting out hot there. I like that. No, I, it's two separate things. I, and I think both are accepted now. And I was thinking about this last night. I'm not bothered by Cam Ward now playing the second half. There have been guys who have only done a couple of drives in bowl games. These are exhibitions and they should be treated as such. I mean, I think guys, the end of NFL teams asking about participation at all was the COVID year where you had first round picks who didn't even play in a full year and no teams cared. There were only a couple of teams that even had questions about it and we just kind of moved on. So the idea that, you know, this opt out trend really started with Christian McCaffrey. When was the last time anybody brought up Christian McCaffrey not playing in a bowl game as part of his, his great legacy? So I don't care about the Cam Ward thing, Lara Naga thing. I mean, frankly, I think he's done great things for Miami. I think they were losing a bunch and he had to quit because I don't think there was a long Runway for him at that school. You know, he obviously been down for two years and I think that the Nil stuff and all the stuff he said about the portal was almost incidental. It wasn't like Saban, where Saban was leaving after a great season and just said, you know what, I'm kind of done with this. This was, I think, kind of Jim Larnega saying I'm quitting because were bad also, you know, all this new stuff is a little too much for me.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I thought that was a bit disingenuous with Laronaga. He obviously benefited from Nil and then he kind of.

[Myron Metcalf]

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[Eric Moody]

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[Myron Metcalf]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Eric Moody]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Eric Moody]

I think it's a little bit like Saban, right? Where it's like Saban goes to Congress right after he quits and everybody knows, you know, Alabama was using the Portal and IO and all that stuff. Everybody was saying, well, it's, it's, you know, it's disingenuous that he did that he shouldn't be arguing against or whatever. I mean, for me it's just like it's a different job. And I can see this kind of being like, whatever. Like, you know, sometimes when you're old, you don't want to adapt. So I know it comes off as disingenuous, but it's also these guys are, you know, either pushy 70 or over 70 and they just don't want to do, they don't want to learn these new rules. And learn the new way business is doing. I'm not. I'm not going to. I'm not going to kill them for that.

[Matt Jones]

They're over 70 and they've also made over $70 million, a lot of them. I think we can have. We can, we can have a long conversation about that. Lamar Jackson versus Josh Allen.

[Eric Moody]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

How should we make a decision about mvp? What should the criteria, and based on that, who is the mvp?

[Eric Moody]

Yeah, you know, it's funny, honestly, it's probably Lamar Jackson. And what's funny is that I had a couple people on my show this week and all of them said, well, maybe the voters don't want to give LaMar Jackson a third MVP and Josh Allen have none. And I'm thinking, I mean, it's a little bit like, like Steve Nash in the mid 2000s where they had to give him a second MVP because he was clearly the MVP and a better season than the year before he was the mvp. And the thing I hate guys is when voters say, we're tired of this guy, or hey, we, you know, we saw in the 90s with Jordan where it's like, hey, let's give somebody else an mvp. I'm not obviously, Lamar and Jordan, very different. But when voters get fatigued on a guy and vote the other way, to me, awards, whether that's all pro, that's mvp, defensive player, or whatever, are supposed to tell the story of the season. And if LaMar Jackson has 40 touchdowns and four interceptions and he looks as good as anybody looks on the football field, A, it's a regular season award, but B, you can't just get too cute because you want to give an award to a guy. I wouldn't be surprised if voters just decide to give it to Josh Allen because they're bored with Lamar Jackson's greatness. That's whatever. I just vehemently disagree, and I don't think voters should look at that.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I understand what you're saying. I still don't know if that makes Lamar the winner. But let me ask you kind of more generally on that. How much do you think winning should matter? Because if it's just a numbers game, you could make a strong argument for Joe Burrow. So, like, how much should winning matter?

[Eric Moody]

Yeah, I mean, it's a little bit like the Heisman. Right. Where it's like, your team has to be good enough.

[Kevin Clark]

Right.

[Eric Moody]

Like you. No, no. No one is going to win a Heisman on it, on a three and nine team.

[Kevin Clark]

Right.

[Eric Moody]

And so I think you just have to be good Enough. If Joe Burrow doesn't make the playoffs, I think voters won't really. Won't really entertain that idea. And I understand, like, listen, the. The Bengals even being in playoff position right now with their defense and special teams, and I think people have really let the special teams off the hook because they've cost him a couple games as well. Everyone talks about the defense, but Joe Burrow has been failed by everybody around him. Heck, his head coach tried to fail him yesterday, and Joe Burrow was able to bail him out. His kicker tried to fail him yesterday. Joe Burrow was able to bail him out. So I think that, you know, he's kind of the people's mvp because we know how great he's been this year and anybody who actually watched the games. But I do think there's an accepted standard that you at least have to be a playoff team, rightly or wrongly. I think if I was doing the MVP award, it wouldn't be a quarterback every year. I mean, I think there's. There's arguments to me, like, you know, I had a lineman on my show last year said the most valuable player in football for the last past few years has been Jason Kelsey, because what they're able to do in short yardage and all that stuff. So if I was doing the mvp, it'd be a completely different award. But I also understand by the parameters set up, it's either going to be Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen.

[Matt Jones]

Nobody was gonna give Jason Kelsey mvp. What?

[Eric Moody]

No, I know. I'm just saying if we're doing Most Valuable Guy, I would open it up to a lot.

[Myron Metcalf]

It is true. They don't. They can't tush. Push like they used to.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, but that's. That's right. That's never gonna win mvp. I mean, that's not like.

[Eric Moody]

Okay, I'll give you an example, right? So I was talking to a Chiefs guy a couple of. A couple of months ago, and I said, hey, besides Mahomes, who's the Jenga piece where if you take it out, it doesn't work anymore? And he said, chris Jones. Because if Chris Jones is not on the field, then Spags can't do all his crazy blitzes, the defense has their ceiling lower, and the Mahomes has scored more than 30 points. So to me, if I was able to open it up to the entire world, Chris Jones would be an MVP candidate. But we just don't have those conversations because we can't. Because we just look at quarterback numbers.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Not. I don't know. Yeah. It'd be a hard sell, I think, for, for most people in that situation. Let me make you Vikings GM right now. Let's say the Vikings make a run to the NFC championship, lose to Detroit, but Sam Donald looks incredible. Sam Donald comes to the Vikings and says, listen, I want to stay. I have other shooters. I need 50 million over two years guaranteed. If you want me to stay on this team. You've got J.J. mcCarthy, who you drafted to be the next guy coming off a season ending injury. How do you approach that situation if you're in charge of the Vikings?

[Eric Moody]

So I saw that the tag is $40 million.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yep.

[Eric Moody]

I think you tag and trade. I think that you tag and trade and you go to J.J. mcCarthy. And there's a couple things about this. Number one, Kevin O'Connell is an awesome coach, an awesome coach, and I need that top five playbook. I think he's one of the most underrated guys in this league. I still think we're not giving this Vikings team enough credit because they just don't have a famous name outside of Justin Jefferson and there's not enough focus on him. And so for me, JJ McCarthy can do a couple of things well, I thought JJ McCarthy was going to start this year and I thought he was going to be really good. And then he gets hurt in the preseason and everything kind of devolves from there. But I would go with McCarthy. He can, he can pass out the middle of the field. He's quick, he's accurate, he does a lot of things well that Kevin O'Connor is going to be able to accentuate. I roll with him. I think that next year JJ McCarthy can give you a huge percentage of what Sam Darnold's given them this year. And for cheaper for a. I mean, like, what do you do with Jason McCarthy if he signed Sam Darnold to a two year extension? And what's funny to me is I got some hot water earlier this year because I said, you know, if you trade Darnold, you don't have a lot of drama. And Vikings fans got mad at me because they thought I was saying Sam Darnold was drama or whatever was going to be a diva. I didn't mean that. What I meant is if you have a first round pick on the bench, you're going to have some tension every single time. We just learned this with Michael Bennett and Kirk Cousins. When there's a first round pick, everybody says, oh, it's a two year plan, a three year plan. No, it's not. It's A one week plan because that's how first round quarterbacks operate. The moment they throw in a completion, the entire town, especially if there's not enough equity in the locker room, the entire town wants the first round pick to start. So I think that just. I don't care. Sam Darn was a great personality. He's a great locker room guy. J.J. mcCarthy sounds like the same way. I don't really know him, but I just think it's easier to roll with one guy and for me, that DJ J. McCarthy.

[Myron Metcalf]

Kevin Clark, host of this is Football podcast Game Day. Right. As soon as we are done here on ESPN Radio. Kevin, thank you very much for your time and enjoy your day of maybe mediocre football this afternoon.

[Eric Moody]

Hey, we're gonna sell it. Me, Mike Tannen, mom, Justin Pugh, we're gonna, we're gonna make it seem like it's a Super bowl, boy.

[Myron Metcalf]

Good, I'm glad to hear it. Thank you. Speaking of selling it. Byron.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

I have a live read to do here and you say you're. You've gotten good at this. Why don't you do it and see if you could sell it?

[Matt Jones]

Okay. Is there music behind it or.

[Myron Metcalf]

No, it's just a live read. I do it. Okay. You don't get music?

[Matt Jones]

Well, they do music on the other shows when I read it. Okay. Hey, ESPN subscribers. Dude, you can't do that if I'm gonna do it.

[Myron Metcalf]

I mean, you're.

[Matt Jones]

Hey, that's so funny.

[Myron Metcalf]

Start again. Sorry.

[Matt Jones]

Don't laugh at me. If I'm gonna do it. Hey, espn.

[Myron Metcalf]

Can you not just say a normal.

[Matt Jones]

Hey, you can't ask me to read it and then do that to me. Mad.

[Myron Metcalf]

Okay. All right, go ahead.

[Matt Jones]

Hey, ESPN subscribers. Get even more of the sports and teams you love. You can now stream six months of SiriusXM on us for even more live games and sports talk music and podcasts.

[Myron Metcalf]

You got me choked.

[Matt Jones]

All at your fingertips. Wherever you go, score Even more with ESPN and get 6 months of the SiriusXM app. Today you just need an active ESPN subscription. Get all the [e-mail] SiriusXM eligibility and offer details apply.

[Myron Metcalf]

You don't know the punctuation. I'm sorry, I'm getting choked. ESPN radio effect.

[Matt Jones]

Matt Myron the podcast.

[Myron Metcalf]

It is Canada Kickoff here on ESPN Radio presented by Progressive Insurance for a job you'll love. Is it progressive ins. It is time to pick all the games left in our NFL slate. Now, six have already occurred, so we only have 10 left in this before the End of this week. Now, two weeks ago I had a six game lead and it looked like the path to six straight championships in the pick them contest was headed towards continuing. But Myron has made up three games the last two weeks. Now granted a week ago it was because someone filled in for him and got one right. But this week he got two more. So it is now a three game lead. You are in it with a chance here in the week before. You need a big. You cannot fall any further behind this week or it's probably over. So are you ready for a big week? Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

I got to take gambles.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, you might have to take gambles.

[Matt Jones]

I do.

[Myron Metcalf]

What's up?

[Matt Jones]

First.

[Myron Metcalf]

This year Santa's bringing the power of Energizer into his workshop.

[Matt Jones]

Whoa. The Energizer Bunny's got so much power. Wait, he's powered up all the toys.

[Eric Moody]

I think that means we're done for the year.

[Matt Jones]

I love this bunny.

[Myron Metcalf]

He's the hardest working helper the North Pole has ever seen. And he wants all your gifts to have the power of the number one longest lasting AA battery. So this holiday season, stock up on Santa's and the elves favorite battery, Energizer Ultimate Lithium. This episode is brought to you by State Farm. You might say all kinds of stuff when things go wrong, but these are.

[Matt Jones]

The words you really need to remember.

[Myron Metcalf]

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. They've got options to fit your unique insurance needs. Meaning you can talk to your agent.

[Matt Jones]

To choose the coverage you need.

[Myron Metcalf]

Have coverage options to protect if they things you value most. File a claim right on the State Farm mobile app and even reach a real person when you need to talk to someone. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Here we go. Jets and Bills. You ready to take a gamble on your Aaron Rodgers Jets.

[Matt Jones]

Man, I guess I could kind of gamble here. I won't do it. I mean they got Josh Allen who's going for mvp. I'll pick the Bills. Even though you know the jets you're watching maybe the last of Aaron Rodgers last two games. I'll still go with Buffalo here.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I will. I'm going to take Buffalo as well. I thought you were going to pick the Jets. I was going to get very excited if this was your first game.

[Matt Jones]

That can't be the gamble.

[Myron Metcalf]

Aaron Rodgers has no chance. Cold old sad Aaron Rodgers collapsing as a player is fun to watch. So I'm going to take the Bills to win at home. What's next?

[Matt Jones]

Titans at Jaguars?

[Myron Metcalf]

Now this is a kids a toss Interesting guy.

[Matt Jones]

This is very, very interesting for the Titans and Jags. Two teams that have obviously struggled in different ways. I mean the Titans past events has been pretty good. The quarterback situation has been questionable. But I am going to gamble here. I would pick the Jags if it was just about who I think is going to win. I got to go with the Titans here because I'm trying to pick up games. I'm picking the Titans.

[Eric Moody]

Wow.

[Myron Metcalf]

So see this is a meaningless game in the season.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

But it is a meaningful game in the mat versus Myron because I'm going to take the Jags at home to to get the victory. So we have our first departure. Got the Titans, I got the Jags. What's next?

[Matt Jones]

Hackers Ed. Vikings.

[Myron Metcalf]

Big, big game.

[Matt Jones]

A lot of people here in Minnesota are excited for this. Green Bay has been one of the hottest teams in the league. Just played their best football down the stretch of the season. A lot of people excited about them. But I think the Vikings are a team that's still underrated. The schedule hasn't been great, but they've been dominant for a long stretch. I think that will continue today. And I think the Vikings win and exit this game with people saying that's a team that can not only maybe beat the Lions in the NFC championship, they can probably handle the AFC team as well. They'll have a shot if they get to a Super Bowl.

[Myron Metcalf]

The Vikings are going to win today. But the rest of your comment was nonsense. They're not winning.

[Matt Jones]

I was a nonsense.

[Myron Metcalf]

Any person who thinks the Vikings super bowl but the Chiefs can't is on his Nyquil fix. But I will take the Vikings to win today at home against Green Bay. Who's next?

[Matt Jones]

Raiders. Ed. Saints, man. It's another interesting game. You got a Raiders team that people knock them for winning. It's like, hey, you're trying to get one of these top picks and a Saint team, Saints team that has had their struggles as well. I got a gambler. I think the Saints will win. There aren't a lot of reasons for anyone to pick the Raiders, but I gotta move up in the standing. So give me the Raiders to win.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I don't know why. I mean it's. The Raiders are the favorite in this game. Are they?

[Matt Jones]

I didn't realize it.

[Myron Metcalf]

The Raiders are a two point favorite. I didn't realize in this game. I'm going to. Who's starting for the Saints? Do they have Rattler? Are they playing that other guy?

[Matt Jones]

It'll be Rattler.

[Myron Metcalf]

It's Rattler. Give me the Saints at home. Actually, you know what? Never mind. Give me the Raiders. Raiders are a better team. Brock Bowers is going to break that record. I switch it. I was. I can't bet on Spencer Rattler. I'll take the Raiders. Who's next?

[Matt Jones]

Colts at Giants. Man. Colts at Giants. No Anthony Richardson. But will that even matter? Colts got a win to stay into the same playoff hunt and I think they'll approach this game that way. I think Brian Dibble is trying to spoil his chances, his team's chances of getting that top pick. But I'll pick the Colts here to win on the road.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I got the Colts. Colts have something to play for. Giants don't. That's the difference. I'll take Indianapolis. What's next?

[Matt Jones]

Dolphins at Browns. Dolphins got a win to stay in it. Cleveland is typically like a tough place to play.

[Myron Metcalf]

No.

[Matt Jones]

Two of them. You got two.

[Myron Metcalf]

No, two.

[Matt Jones]

No. Two. I'm sorry, but again, I got a gamble somewhere. Where else do I pick up a win? I'll pick the Browns. I'm not going to pick.

[Myron Metcalf]

All right, good. I'll take the Dolphins. I need you to pick the Browns there. I'll take the Dolphins. The Browns have put me down for a few weeks when I've picked them and they haven't happened. Give me the Dolphins to get the win. Thank you very much for that one, Myron. What's next?

[Matt Jones]

Cowboys at Eagles. Cowboys at Eagles. What's Jalen Hurts of status.

[Myron Metcalf]

He is out.

[Matt Jones]

He's out, right? So Kenny Pickett. You're going to Kenny Pickett for. For the Eagles. I think the team is good enough around him for them to still get the win. I'll pick the Eagles here.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I'm going to take the Eagles. But I love that Cowboys plus seven half.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, come on.

[Myron Metcalf]

Are you kidding me?

[Matt Jones]

Plus, can he pick it? Yeah, I would take it.

[Myron Metcalf]

I feel like the seven and a half is just asking you to take it. But I will take the Eagles to win the game. What's next?

[Matt Jones]

Falcons at Commanders.

[Myron Metcalf]

Falcons at Commanders. What do you got, Matt?

[Matt Jones]

Sunday Night Football. If the Bucks lose, the Falcons can clinch the NFC South. Michael Bennett's Jr. But he's going and playing a Washington team that is pretty much a lock for the playoffs. But Jaden Daniels trying to lock up rookie of the Year. Give me the Falcons to go into Washington and get this win.

[Myron Metcalf]

You're going to Falcons on the road.

[Matt Jones]

I got to pick up a win somewhere, man.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I'll take the Commanders. Another game. Where we're depart like there's a lot of chances. You could make up three right there. We could be tied next week when it happens. I'll take the Commanders to win at home. What's Next?

[Matt Jones]

Lions at 49ers. Just so you know, it's 11 and 2 versus 9 and 4. I'm two games back.

[Myron Metcalf]

No, you're two base back on the week, but you're three games back.

[Matt Jones]

You won by two last week, but.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm ahead three on the year.

[Matt Jones]

I was only made 12 picks. Yeah. What's his game again? My bad. What's this game? Lions at 49ers. Yeah. Lions will win. Lions will win. That 49ers are a mess of a franchise right now. A lot of things they got to figure out for their future. Lions win. If the Lions win in the Vikings lose, the Lions clinch the NFC north and the number one seed in the playoffs. So it's a big game.

[Myron Metcalf]

I will take. I will take the Lions as well. I think they, you know, they're trying to get both finish the season, get the number one seed, but also get healthy. That's a delicate balance, but I think they'll get it done this week and get the lines. All right, so I am three games ahead for the year. Give us the three games we separated from Nick so we can follow him.

[Matt Jones]

I didn't write it down because I had to hit the buttons, but you definitely you did. Titans, Jaguars.

[Myron Metcalf]

Titan. Jaguars. I have the Jags. You have the Titans. I have the Commanders.

[Matt Jones]

Falcons. Commanders had the Falcons and then Dolphins. Browns.

[Myron Metcalf]

I had the Dolphins and you had the Browns. Those are the games that will decide if. If you even have a chance next week. We could go into next week tied or I could go up six and you would be completely out and it would.

[Matt Jones]

I got a gamble, though. I got a gamble.

[Myron Metcalf]

You do have to gamble because of your terrible picking to start the season. Myron, thank you very much. Thanks to our guests who kind of helped me coach get through our. You know, that's just what you do sometimes. You lift up your weaker teammates and I was the weaker team to teammate today. So thank you all very much. And remember, ESPN Radio is presented by Progressive Insurance. For a job you'll love, visit progressive.com careers Kevin Clark, Justin Pugh, Mike Tannenbaum sounds like the best boy band in America. And they are next here on game day on ESPN Radio.

[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 Sirius XM channel 80. Matt and Myron the Podcast from ESPN Podcast and Omaha Productions Coach is a new, groundbreaking educational football podcast hosted by NFL legends Bill Belichick, Matt, Patricia and Michael Lombardi. In each episode, the coaches break down game changing situation and front office management tactics, sharing insights from decades of coaching experience and opening up the Bill Belichick Encyclopedia of Football Knowledge created by football legends for football fans. New episodes of Coach Drop Weekly. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.