Summary of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron" – Hour 3: Making the Picks
Release Date: January 26, 2025

Hosts: Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf
Guest: Herm Edwards

1. Introduction

The episode titled "Making the Picks" kicks off with brief promotional segments for sponsors like Allstate and Progressive Insurance. Matt and Myron swiftly transition into their core content, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of upcoming NFL playoff games.

2. Game Analysis: Commanders vs. Eagles

Myron's Insight:
At [00:34], Myron opens the discussion by highlighting the dynamic between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles. He notes that the Eagles are six-point favorites but leans towards betting on the Commanders with a six-point spread, emphasizing his belief that both teams have viable paths to victory.

Myron Metcalf [01:30]: "If you're giving me six points, which apparently they are on ESPN bet, then I'm betting the Commanders because I think they have a shot to win."

Matt's Perspective:
Matt counters by analyzing the impact of Jalen Hurts' return to the Eagles and the Commanders' reliance on Jaden Daniels. He expresses skepticism about rookie quarterbacks leading teams to Super Bowls.

Matt Jones [02:05]: "I think Jaden Daniels has been remarkable. But now there's a lot more film on Jaden Daniels as there was than there was early in the season."

Herm Edwards' Contribution:
Guest Herm Edwards adds depth by discussing defensive strategies and the importance of special teams. He emphasizes the need for the Eagles to maintain their running game against the Commanders' robust defense.

Herm Edwards [29:28]: "He has it. And how do you define it? ... He looks at them all the same. This is another game, man. I'm gonna go compete."

Discussion Highlights:

• Jalen Hurts' Injury: Both hosts consider Hurts' left knee injury and its potential impact on the game strategy.
• Jaden Daniels vs. Eagles Defense: The effectiveness of Daniels against Philadelphia's top-tier defense is debated, with Myron suggesting that Daniels would need exceptional performance to secure a win.

3. Game Analysis: Bills vs. Chiefs

Myron's Take:
At [05:55], Myron shifts focus to the marquee matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs. He underscores the Chiefs' superior defense and coaching, while acknowledging the Bills' offensive prowess led by Josh Allen.

Myron Metcalf [19:18]: "He couldn't say until someone beats Mahomes that they are playing better. And today, if Mahomes wins, then he'd be confirmed as better."

Matt's Analysis:
Matt argues that Josh Allen is currently playing better than Patrick Mahomes and believes the Chiefs have a slight edge in star power and team balance.

Matt Jones [16:31]: "But if we're talking about who's played the better football between these two quarterbacks, it's Josh Allen hands down."

Herm Edwards' Strategy Tips:
Herm offers tactical advice for the Bills, focusing on defensive adjustments to counter Travis Kelsey's impact.

Herm Edwards [32:28]: "I want you to hit him before you drop into your zone. Do not allow him free access."

Debate on Quarterbacks:
A heated debate ensues between Myron and Matt about whether Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes is the superior quarterback, delving into metrics, team performance, and individual accolades.

Myron Metcalf [16:18]: "Mahomes is doing what you're supposed to do, which is win. That's what he's doing."

Matt Jones [17:59]: "Josh Allen is playing better than Patrick Mahomes. That's just a fact."

4. Discussion on Quarterbacks: Josh Allen vs. Patrick Mahomes

Key Points:

• Performance Metrics:
  Matt highlights Allen's recent performances, including passing yards and touchdowns, arguing that Allen's individual stats surpass Mahomes’ this season.

• Team Dependence:
  Myron counters by emphasizing the Chiefs' consistent team performance and strategic coaching, suggesting that individual performance must translate into victories to be deemed superior.

• Historical Context:
  Both hosts draw parallels to legendary quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, discussing how pivotal games define a quarterback's legacy.

Notable Quotes:

Matt Jones [19:43]: "No, I'm going to tell you that Josh Allen has played better than Mahomes. That's just a fact."

Myron Metcalf [20:31]: "There's a difference between being the MVP... and actually being the best quarterback, which requires winning."

5. Coaching Hire Analysis

Recent Hires Discussed:

1. Brian Schottenheimer – Dallas Cowboys
2. Cohen – Jacksonville Jaguars
3. Johnson – Chicago Bears
4. Aaron Glenn – New York Jets
5. Pete Carroll – Las Vegas Raiders

Herm Edwards' Insights:

Herm Edwards [24:31]: "Brian Schottenheimer, in the fact that I worked for his father when he was in high school... It's amazing."

Discussion Highlights:

• Brian Schottenheimer:
  Herm expresses mixed feelings, giving the hire an "F" grade due to Schottenheimer’s history of short-tenure roles.

Herm Edwards [25:12]: "I think Jerry feels like, guess what? I can still be Jerry and I can run things."

• Aaron Glenn:
  Matt questions the effectiveness of defensive coordinators transitioning to head coaches. Herm emphasizes the necessity for head coaches to oversee the entire team rather than specialize.

Herm Edwards [28:15]: "In today's world, the head coach has to coach everybody. You don't coach on one side of the ball anymore."

6. Special Guest Insights: Herm Edwards

Throughout the episode, Herm Edwards shares his extensive knowledge and experiences, particularly focusing on quarterback development and defensive strategies. His anecdotes about coaching relationships and player performance provide listeners with a deeper understanding of team dynamics and game planning.

Notable Exchanges:

Herm Edwards [32:28]: "I wouldn't let this guy... He knows zones. He's very smart. He dies in the middle area of the zone where there's a void. And guess who finds him. Patrick Mahomes."

Matt Jones [33:38]: "You gotta go do more television so."

Herm Edwards [33:42]: "We won't let you."

7. Championship Game Picks

As the episode progresses towards its conclusion, Matt and Myron make their predictions for the two key playoff games:

1. Commanders vs. Eagles:
   • Winner Pick: Philadelphia Eagles
   • Spread Bet: Myron favors betting the Commanders to cover the six-point spread, while Matt believes the Eagles will win outright.

Myron Metcalf [34:53]: "I'm going to take the Eagles to win, but I still like the Commanders to bet to cover."

2. Bills vs. Chiefs:
   • Winner Pick: Kansas City Chiefs
   • Rationale: Despite Matt's argument for Josh Allen's superior play, both hosts agree that the Chiefs' balanced team and strategic advantage make them likely Super Bowl contenders.

Myron Metcalf [38:23]: "There is no way to support your argument against that [Chiefs' victory]."

Matt Jones [41:18]: "Feels that way. I think we'll get Kansas City and probably Philly in a rematch."

8. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with final thoughts on the upcoming games, emphasizing the unpredictability and excitement of the NFL playoffs. Herm Edwards shares a nostalgic moment with his 1978 football card, bridging past and present football eras. Matt and Myron encourage listeners to make their own picks, highlighting the stakes and potential outcomes of the featured games.

Myron Metcalf [34:22]: "Now we get ready. It's time to make our championship game picks."

Key Takeaways:

• Eagles vs. Commanders: While the Eagles are slight favorites, the Commanders are seen as strong contenders to cover the spread based on their current performance.

• Bills vs. Chiefs: The Chiefs are favored due to their balanced team and strategic coaching, despite arguments supporting Josh Allen's exceptional play.

• Quarterback Debate: A significant discussion revolves around the merits of Josh Allen versus Patrick Mahomes, with perspectives on individual performance versus team success.

• Coaching Strategies: Insights into recent coaching hires provide listeners with an understanding of potential team dynamics and future performances.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Myron Metcalf [01:30]: "If you're giving me six points, which apparently they are on ESPN bet, then I'm betting the Commanders because I think they have a shot to win."

• Matt Jones [02:05]: "I think Jaden Daniels has been remarkable. But now there's a lot more film on Jaden Daniels as there was than there was early in the season."

• Herm Edwards [29:28]: "He has it. And how do you define it? ... He looks at them all the same. This is another game, man. I'm gonna go compete."

• Matt Jones [16:31]: "But if we're talking about who's played the better football between these two quarterbacks, it's Josh Allen hands down."

• Myron Metcalf [16:18]: "Mahomes is doing what you're supposed to do, which is win. That's what he's doing."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the depth and breadth of discussions in the "Making the Picks" episode, offering listeners a clear and detailed overview of the key themes, debates, and expert insights shared by Matt, Myron, and guest Herm Edwards.