Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron: Hour 3 – Live From Chicago
Release Date: November 10, 2024
Introduction: Live at Soldier Field
Timestamp: [00:27] - [01:19]
Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf kick off this episode live from the bustling Chicago Bears Fan Zone outside Gate Zero at Soldier Field. Excitement is palpable as Matt shares his first-ever experience attending a Bears game:
Matt Jones [00:58]: “My first trip to a Bears game. Very excited about it and this is a great atmosphere. Not too cold. I got here yesterday and it was really cold, and I bought a jacket and I don't even think I'm gonna need it.”
Myron playfully teases Matt about his unexpected preparedness for the weather:
Myron Metcalf [01:19]: “Oh, yeah, you got that kind of money, huh? You got like, buy a jacket and leave it at the hotel kind of money?”
Atmosphere and First Impressions
Timestamp: [01:27] - [03:21]
The duo discuss the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the game, with Myron mentioning his enthusiasm as he interacts with fans:
Myron Metcalf [01:28]: “The band is cool. They got a great... I keep doing dance breaks. I don't know if you see me, but, like, I'm running over during our breaks and getting my dance on a little bit and just really being one with the people, because that's what I am, man.”
Matt shifts the conversation to broader NFL topics, highlighting the upcoming Sunday Night Football game between the Lions and Texans:
Matt Jones [01:45]: “The biggest game tonight for me is tonight, Sunday Night Football. Chris Collins, where it's going to be. Ooh. In on. At this Jared Goff and C.J. Stroud game tonight, it's the Lions at the Texans.”
In-Depth NFL Analysis
Timestamp: [02:18] - [08:00]
A. Lions vs. Texans: Evaluating Team Dynamics
Matt and Myron delve into the Lions' potential to become the best team in the NFL and discuss the challenges faced by C.J. Stroud due to injuries on the Texans:
Myron Metcalf [02:18]: “Yeah, yeah. I mean, but I think, you know, the Texas obviously has dealt a lot of injury issues that have just changed the dynamic of that team.”
They explore how rookies like C.J. Stroud often face increased scrutiny in their second year:
Myron Metcalf [02:47]: “CJ Stroud is a great example, Matt, of how everybody will love you as a rookie and call you the greatest thing ever. And by year two, they're talking about everything that you do wrong.”
B. Coaching Brilliance: Dan Campbell and the Lions
The conversation shifts to Dan Campbell's coaching prowess, emphasizing his ability to unify the team:
Matt Jones [05:10]: “Dan Campbell doesn't come off to me as, like, an intellectual, but I think he really is. Like, he comes off to me as just a, you know, punch him in the face guy, but I actually think he is a really smart guy.”
Myron praises Campbell’s hands-on approach:
Myron Metcalf [06:47]: “Dan Campbell has that with his Lions, too. He’s involved in everything.”
C. Rams as Super Bowl Contenders
Matt reveals his confidence in the Rams, predicting their rise as Super Bowl contenders:
Matt Jones [11:15]: “I'm picking the Rams to go to the Super Bowl and I will tell you why.”
International NFL Games and Future Prospects
Timestamp: [09:00] - [14:39]
A. Expanding the NFL Globally
Myron brings up NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s announcement about expanding games to Europe, specifically Spain and potentially Ireland:
Myron Metcalf [09:59]: “On this international game, Roger Goodell announced next year they're also going to Spain and they may go to Ireland.”
Matt speculates on the NFL's long-term ambitions in Europe:
Matt Jones [10:13]: “I think the goal is they'd like to have a team in England, they'd like to have a team in Spain, they'd like to have a team in Germany, and then maybe their other one's Ireland.”
B. Challenges in Europe
They discuss the entrenched soccer culture in Europe and question the NFL’s ability to attract fans in countries like Germany:
Myron Metcalf [10:38]: “You've been there and you obviously know how entrenched the soccer culture is. Would that succeed?”
Host Anecdotes and Personal Insights
Timestamp: [07:34] - [08:05]
Myron shares a personal tidbit about his emotional connection to movies, highlighting his vulnerability:
Myron Metcalf [07:34]: “I cried mostly in, like, Rocky movie. Like the Rocky series. The Rocky. Rocky and Creed. Like, on planes. I'm a mess.”
Matt humorously contrasts this with his own emotional reactions to movies:
Matt Jones [08:11]: “I host on Thursday nights with Ian Fitzsimmons and we've given homework because I brought this up on Thursday night... Maybe I will shed Dan Campbell tears as we watch Paddington 2 this week.”
Game Predictions and Picks
Timestamp: [35:52] - [43:46]
In a spirited segment, Matt and Myron make their predictions for various NFL games, engaging in friendly banter and debates. Below are some highlighted picks:
-
49ers vs. Buccaneers
- Matt Jones [36:09]: “I actually think this game will be very close, but I do think the 49ers win on the road.”
- Myron Metcalf [36:29]: “With Christian McCaffrey's back. San Francisco win this and I think it might be a blowout.”
-
Chiefs vs. Broncos
- Matt Jones [36:48]: “I will take the Chiefs to win the game.”
- Myron Metcalf [36:31]: “Kansas City will win. But I think this will be a one score game.”
-
Steelers vs. Commanders
- Matt Jones [37:37]: “I'm going to take the Steelers to go on the road and pull what is a slight upset by the spread.”
- Myron Metcalf [36:33]: “I'll pick the Commanders.”
-
Bills vs. Colts
- Matt Jones [39:56]: “I'll take the Bills. I don't think Flacco or Richardson is playing well at this point.”
- Myron Metcalf [39:26]: “I'm still picking the Bills because James Cook and the run game and Josh Allen, they're going to win.”
-
Patriots vs. Bears
- Matt Jones [40:30]: “I'm going to take the Patriots. I actually do think the Patriots win.”
- Myron Metcalf [40:13]: “The Bears win.”
-
Chargers vs. Titans
- Matt Jones [41:21]: “I think the Chargers win probably big.”
- Myron Metcalf [41:35]: “I think Justin Herbert might not be as efficient as he has been.”
-
Eagles vs. Cowboys
- Matt Jones [41:58]: “Give me the Cowboys 010 against the Cowboys 0 and 10.”
- Myron Metcalf [41:35]: “I think Jalen Hurts is going to get another win today. I don't trust the Eagles.”
-
Jets vs. Cardinals
- Matt Jones [42:56]: “I've been pretty anti Aaron Rodgers. I think the Jets will end up winning in Arizona.”
- Myron Metcalf [42:40]: “I'll pick the Jets here. I think they figured something out in the second half.”
-
Lions vs. Texans
- Matt Jones [43:20]: “I'm going to take Detroit to win.”
- Myron Metcalf [43:19]: “I think the Lions get a significant win.”
-
Monday Night Football: Dolphins vs. Rams
- Matt Jones [44:28]: “I'm going to take the Rams. I think the Rams are a Super Bowl team.”
- Myron Metcalf [44:07]: “I'm going to pick the Dolphins here.”
Throughout their predictions, the hosts incorporate humor and personal opinions, enhancing the engaging nature of their analysis.
Shoutouts and Closing Remarks
Timestamp: [44:36] - [46:02]
As the show wraps up, Matt extends heartfelt thanks to the audience and guests who joined them in Chicago:
Matt Jones [44:37]: “Let me thank some people. Let's thank Thomas Schomper, Jason McKee for coming in. Dave, who came by in his bear outfit...”
Myron adds his appreciation:
Myron Metcalf [45:26]: “Thank you all for the support.”
The hosts tease upcoming events and express enthusiasm for future episodes:
Myron Metcalf [46:02]: “You can listen to the show live every Sunday morning at 10am Eastern on ESPN Radio, the ESPN app, and on SiriusXM Channel 80.”
Notable Quotes
- Matt Jones [08:11]: “Maybe I will shed Dan Campbell tears as we watch Paddington 2 this week.”
- Myron Metcalf [06:47]: “Dan Campbell has that with his Lions, too. He’s involved in everything.”
- Matt Jones [36:09]: “This is a bit. This is kind of a swing game for both teams.”
- Myron Metcalf [28:16]: “You can look at that. I want to know how many games he's won during that stretch.”
Conclusion
In this lively episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron," the hosts provide insightful analyses of key NFL games while engaging with the vibrant atmosphere of Chicago's Soldier Field. Their dynamic discussions, combined with personal anecdotes and spirited game predictions, offer listeners a comprehensive and entertaining recap of the sports world's latest happenings.
Whether you're a die-hard NFL fan or a casual sports enthusiast, Matt and Myron's chemistry and expertise make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to stay informed and entertained.
For more detailed insights and live discussions, listen to the full episode on ESPN Radio, the ESPN app, or SiriusXM Channel 80.