Hour 3: Old

Summary

Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron – Episode: Hour 3: Old Release Date: January 5, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron, hosts Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf dive deep into the intricacies of the NFL playoffs, offering insightful analysis, spirited debates, and their personal predictions. Skipping the advertisements and introductory segments, the discussion zeroes in on high-stakes games, standout performances, and pivotal moments shaping the postseason landscape.

1. High-Stakes Showdown: Vikings vs. Lions

The episode opens with Myron highlighting the impending clash between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions, emphasizing its unprecedented nature. Both teams boast impressive records with 14 wins each, setting the stage for a crucial playoff game.

Myron (02:13): "Game today or tonight at 8:00, I mean, I can't. I don't think the NFL's ever had a game like this. Both teams have won 14 games, all right, that never happens..."

Matt concurs, noting the immense pressure on both franchises.

Matt (04:31): "This is high stakes football with two teams where as a league, as a fan base, collectively you can go, 'man, that's kind of cool for either one of these teams to find a way to win and to have the one.'"

2. Analyzing the Steelers' Playoff Prospects

Shifting focus, the hosts dissect the Pittsburgh Steelers' diminishing playoff hopes amidst a string of four consecutive losses. The conversation delves into coach Mike Tomlin's potential future and the team's quarterback conundrum.

Myron (13:01): "But it is interesting how good they were for so long. I mean, they really were. I mean, they're still in the playoffs, but like they were."

Matt expresses skepticism about the Steelers' ability to turn their season around without an elite quarterback.

Matt (16:10): "But it is interesting how good they were for so long. I mean, they really were... Mike Tomlin, if Pittsburgh would be insane to let him go..."

3. Saquon Barkley’s Historic Rushing Milestone

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Saquon Barkley's astounding achievement of surpassing 2,000 rushing yards in a single season, a feat not seen since Eric Dickerson in 1984. The discussion navigates the risks and rewards of Barkley potentially breaking this record in the upcoming game.

Myron (21:38): "Saquon Barkley has 2,005 yards rushing on the year. Really an unbelievable accomplishment... If he just hits his average, he'll break the record."

Matt and Myron debate whether sitting Barkley for the final game is a wise decision, weighing his injury history against the legacy of setting an NFL milestone.

Myron (26:45): "It is ever present. I mean, you know, the way you look at it is, okay, what is your risk of getting hurt if you don't play this week? Yeah, zero. What is your risk if you play well, it's some number higher than zero."

4. Eagles’ Super Bowl Chances

The hosts assess the Philadelphia Eagles' prospects of clinching the Super Bowl, scrutinizing their current form and the competitive landscape of the AFC.

Myron (23:02): "They have a 30% chance of winning the Super Bowl."

Nick (28:16): "According to ESPN, they have a 16% chance to make the Super Bowl. 8% chance to win the Super Bowl."

Matt advocates for a lower probability, reflecting on the challenges within the AFC.

Matt (24:25): "I'm gonna say it's like 5 to 8% just because, you know, I think the AFC, all those teams are probably going to add up to like 60 or 65 for me."

5. Game Picking Challenge: Matt vs. Myron

Towards the episode's conclusion, Matt and Myron engage in their annual game-picking challenge, showcasing their competitive spirits. Myron leads with a significant advantage, boasting a record of seven wins to Matt's six before the contest begins.

Myron (31:28): "I'm going to pick first this week... So here's what I'm going to do. Normally I go last just for the flow of the show to give Myron a chance here in this last week."

Their playful banter and strategic selections highlight their deep knowledge and passion for the game.

Myron (33:15): "Texans already in the playoffs, locking up the AFC South... I was going to take the home team, though. I'll get. I'll pick the Colts here."

The challenge culminates with Myron maintaining his lead, reinforcing his expertise and competitive edge.

Myron (41:27): "I'm trying to win a title. I am trying... But I also. It could be worse if I just pick all the other games today."

Conclusion

Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron delivers a comprehensive and lively analysis of the NFL playoff race, blending statistical insights with personal anecdotes. From the high-stakes Vikings-Lions matchup to the Steelers' quarterback dilemma and Barkley's historic run, the hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the current sports landscape. Their game-picking challenge adds an entertaining twist, showcasing their camaraderie and deep-seated passion for football. Whether you're a casual fan or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives and engaging discussions that capture the essence of Sunday morning sports talk.

Notable Quotes:

• Myron (02:13): "I can't. I don't think the NFL's ever had a game like this."
• Matt (04:31): "This is high stakes football with two teams where as a league, as a fan base, collectively you can go..."
• Myron (21:38): "Saquon Barkley has 2,005 yards rushing on the year. Really an unbelievable accomplishment."
• Myron (26:45): "What is your risk of getting hurt if you don't play this week? Yeah, zero."
• Myron (31:28): "I'm going to pick first this week."
• Myron (41:27): "I'm trying to win a title."

Tune In: For more in-depth discussions and analyses, listen to Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron every Sunday at 10 AM Eastern on ESPN Radio, the ESPN App, and SiriusXM Channel 80.

Transcript

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[Matt]

This is Matt and Myron the podcast.

[Myron]

It is final hour here countdown to kickoff. One hour before the early games and they are a terrible lot. Coming up, good games of four and then a great game of eight headed by Progressive Insurance. Match on Whitmeier Metcalf. That's how you know I'm in Kentucky. The snow is getting serious. Doordash. The only restaurant that's delivered right now is Popeyes. All the other restaurants are closed. Popeyes is the last resort.

Yeah, and you know what? I'm not surprised. Like, Popeyes, the dude ringing up the meal and cooking the chicken is probably delivering it, too. Like, that's how Popeyes rolls, man.

You say Popeyes doesn't stop.

No, no, nothing. Nothing stops, Dude, I tell you, if.

They get rid of the doordash and all these restaurants close, I. I'm just gonna starve. You're gonna need to come.

You know how to cook. You don't know how to cook. Something basic.

Know how to cook. I'm gonna learn in 2025. It's my resolution. But I don't know.

Just get an air fryer. You don't have to learn. Just get. Get an air fryer. You'll be fine.

You're gonna make some poor guy come out in the snow to bring you.

Yeah. What are you tipping him?

I'm gonna tip him. Well, I give a double tip for snow days. Like, if you're a doordash driver, Mikey, this is the day it is when the snow's out. People feel sorry for you. You get your biggest tip if you can get out in it today, Mikey, this is the day to be a Dover. Guess so. You're right. Because everybody needs it, right? Like, everybody's at home. Everybody's stuck.

Put some chains on the tires and get going, man.

This is the day if you're a doordash driver. It's also the day if you're a Vikings or a Lines fan. This is what.

It's huge. I was Just following, I mean, this.

Game today or tonight at 8:00, I mean, I can't. I don't think the NFL's ever had a game like this. Both teams have won 14 games, all right, that never happens, so start with that. One of them is going up, winning 15. The loser is going to end up with the third best record in the league, but will be a five seed and have not, probably have no home games in the playoffs. I've never seen a moment, Myron, where so much is at stake in a game and then to have it in the regular season really is perfect.

It's amazing, man. You know, I'm here in Minnesota and everybody is gearing up to have some sort of watch party, hang out. I'm making some wings. You know, it's. It's a fun.

Oh, you're making wings?

Well, just for me and mine, like. But yeah, I make you get an air fryer. Like, I'm going to get you. I'm going to buy you give me your address. I'm going to send you an air fryer because you can't mess up an air fryer.

What's the. What brand do I get?

Ninja is what I would go with. So I'll show you what to get. You can't mess it up.

That's the name of it.

That's the brand. Yeah, that's the brand that everybody has.

All right, so you're gonna make your.

Wings, but everyone's having a good time.

You're gonna bake your wings with, as you said, you and yours, which is a great phrase. Yeah, me and my girls. And then what do you think's gonna.

Happen tonight with the air fryer?

No more the game than the air fryer.

I thought you were questioning my cooking. I don't know, but here's why I think it's so interesting to the entire country. You can legitimately root for both of these teams, even if you don't have an interest in either one of them, like the Detroit Lions. And for Dan Campbell to go from biting kneecaps to being one of the more beloved coaches. And I think he'll win Coach of the year unless Kevin O'Connell steals it from him. Right, because Kevin O'Connell could be coach of the Year. You look at the way the team rallies around him, Sam Donald being your quarterback, it's almost like, you know, the American Idol final with Carrie Underwood versus Reuben Studdard or something like that. You know what I mean?

They didn't go against each other, but otherwise, yes, But I wasn't the same year.

But you know what I mean though. It's like two beloved, I think people that you really want to see win playing for the number one seat and the loser. Matt, think about that. To go from either hosting the playoffs to having to travel in your first game. I mean this is high stakes football with two teams that are really likable.

Well, that's the fascinating thing to me about it is, is, is. Is the. What's going to happen for the loser. I mean, the winner is going to get home field. And while I think that both of these teams can make the Super Bowl, I also think a two seed Philadelphia does not necessarily come into the home of either Detroit, Minnesota and not think they can win. I think Green Bay will as well. Yeah, but the loser, it's fascinating to me what happens with the loser because they're the five seed. They'll then likely go on the road maybe to Tampa Bay or to Atlanta and Tampa Bay. And that's not a gimme game, right? Like that's not a gimme game since you have to go on the road. So there is a ton at stake. And these are two teams. I mean, Detroit has been focused on the super bowl all year. They get this game at home. This would be a major, major fumbling if they lose this game because they have a chance. I think if they're the home seat, if they're the home team, they're the favorites to go to the Super Bowl. But if they're not and they have to go to Tampa Bay, then probably go to Minnesota and then probably go to Philadelphia. I don't think they're making the Super Bowl. So for me, this game is all about the Lions and whether or not they can kind of take the final step to this journey they've been building for probably three seasons.

No, I'm with you. I mean, I think the winner ends up in the Super Bowl. But to your point, for Detroit to be at this point and if you don't win this game at home, there's going to be a whole lot of people who say, I told you so. This is just what Detroit is. Despite everything that they've done, if they were to lose tonight, to your point, Matt, it would kind of sum up the history of the franchise in many ways with some of the missed opportunities. And then that opening game potentially against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay is playing really good football right now. They're getting healthy. Mike Evans being back has just changed so much. I would not want to go to Tampa Bay and see Baker Mayfield on that team in game one. But that could be the situation if you end up losing today. It's just high stakes football when again, two teams where as a league, as a fan base, collectively you can go, man, that's kind of cool for either one of these teams to find a way to win and to have the one.

So let me ask you this. Would you. If you had to pick one of these teams? I mean, you will at the end of the show, but where are you leaning towards in this game tonight? You know both these teams very well.

Yeah, I had a chance to. I was an NFL sideline reporter, you know, at this game for the Vikings and Lions for ESPN Radio. So I was there on the sidelines.

Watching, like it wouldn't be a big game. So they put you on it now.

Like, I'm glad they did. But watching up close and you know, I think this would be a much different game. That game came down to a couple of plays. I think the biggest thing, Matt, is you can't fake health in that. Detroit defense, man, is really limping around right now. And they're playing a Vikings offense that has maybe more confidence than ever. I mean, against the Green Bay packers, although the packers came back late, the way Sam Darnold spread the ball around, the way that they played defense, they are just coming into to this game feeling like they could beat the 85 Bears. Right. And that's the edge in this matchup. Whereas Detroit, I feel like, is almost like a boxer who's winning on the scorecards going into the 12th round, just trying to survive a little bit. And I think that's why the Vikings have the edge right now.

I like the Lions at home. I mean, if this game were in Minnesota, I might have a different.

That's fair.

A different reaction to it. I think being at home, these two teams are very similar. So I do think home field will make a big difference. You know, I'm worried about the lines in the playoffs, but I think the Lions for me go from. If they lose, I'm not. I think they have. I'm not gonna say no chance, but they become very unlikely to me to go to the super bowl to where if they win, I think they can still get there. I mean, this. This for me is the Lions season. I don't know. You know, they need more than any other team, they need the bye week for health.

Yeah.

You know, I mean, they. They need to literally get healthy. There might not be one team in the league that needs that more than they do. And the difference between getting a week off, getting to get your guys as healthy as they can, and then having to go on the road to Tampa Bay, That's a massive difference, Myron. And that's why I think this game today, I'm going to pick Detroit. But it's because I really think it is a must win for them and their franchise, considering how well they started.

Yeah, no, I. I could see that. I mean, certainly the health is a big issue. The bye week matters that much. You know, I also think these two teams are maybe showing the rest of the league how to build without a $60 million quarterback, you know, and that is possible if you have the right guy, the veteran presence at quarterback, signing other pieces, getting the right coaching staff. You know, this isn't a team that has a Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen, but they've also just found the right pieces to be in this position. What do you think real quick, Matt, about the Vikings buying all those tickets and then selling them to their fans?

They should do it. There's something very. I've said this. There's no better feeling in sports as a fan than going into a road arena and getting the victory and you being there. So it'll be. I mean, Minnesota and Detroit close enough that people can drive if they want to. 2000 tickets went up for sale on the. And the. In the Lions. Excuse me. The Vikings just. Just bought them. And then the last complaint and. But the lines need to shut up. Sell yourselves. You know, I mean, like, don't. Don't hate on people for being smarter than you were about it. So it was smart, those 2,000 people. I mean, it's gonna still be hard to beat out the rest of the noise, but they'll be loud. And if it's me, I'm to the point with my favorite team, the Kentucky Wildcats. I prefer to go on the road when I think they're going to win because I love to be there and watch everyone be sad, and I'm happy.

All I can tell you is just from people in my world, in my circle, there are a ton of people making that easy, quick flight to Detroit for this game. So I think the Vikings will be hurt.

Why don't they drive? It's not that far.

It is far.

How far is it?

You got to go around the lake, brother.

But how far are we talking? Like six hours?

No, eight to 10, I think, to go now you're flying.

You got to go around the lake. See, I never.

I can't do you know geography.

Well, I don't. Minnesota and Michigan, you're right. They're far away and they don't. But they shouldn't be. Feels like they should be right next to each other.

Oh, man, there's a lake that kind of messes all that up.

Wisconsin and Michigan are like the same state.

They're not though.

They. Well, they feel like it to me, but clearly they're not Minnesota's ex.

It's like 10 hours to get to Detroit from here, man.

And you got to go through Chicago. Nobody wants to.

Yeah.

[Nick]

9 hours and 59 minute drive.

[Myron]

Yeah. You can't just. You can't just. Do you got a car that can drive on the water? Is that what you're saying?

[Nick]

It says it's a six hour flight, but I don't believe that.

[Myron]

Six hours. It's a one hour flight at that. If there are multiple connections.

You go through Atlanta with Trevor.

No, you go from Minneapolis to Detroit. They're both Delta hubs. It's a very quick flight.

[Nick]

Well, Google Maps is telling me it's going to take seven hours.

[Myron]

Well, I'm Google Maps for this conversation and I'm telling you it's an hour.

Myron knows more than the Internet. Coming up, the Steelers are limping into the playoffs. But could they do something drastic about that soon? They don't have a lot of time. And we'll touch Saquon Barkley. He's not playing. Should he? That's next on ESPN Radio.

[Matt]

Matt and Myron the podcast.

[Myron]

It is Canada kickoff here on ESPN Radio presented by Progressive Insurance. The Bengals beat the Steelers yesterday And that's now four straight losses. That's four straight game with 17 or fewer points. And that led Adam Schefter, ESPN senior NFL insider to have a nice little nugget today. On Sunday, NFL Countdown wanted teams to wonder if they could stir Pittsburgh. Mike Tomlin was one of my favorites for coach of the year four weeks ago and now they're apparently teams that think they can trade for him. What do you make of all that?

I mean, I guess it's somewhat surprising, but I think if you're Mike Tomlin, what is the path to the super bowl, especially in the afc? I think the challenge that they clearly have is that Russell Wilson isn't good enough. Right. To lead them there. They got to go out and get a quarterback. But Matt, who is that? Like, what is the quarter quarterback market this offseason? Post Achilles post, terrible season, Kirk Cousins might be at the top of it. You know, for a lot of people. Maybe Sam Darnold is available, right. Cam Ward, who I don't think a lot of people believe in Shadur Sanders, who apparently doesn't even have a first round grade from some scouts. So it's just going to be hard to get your guy. I feel like this off season at quarterback and if that's the case, I don't know how Pittsburgh puts themselves in the position to be more competitive when you got to go through Lamar and Josh Allen and Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes.

But it is interesting how good they were for so long. I mean, they really were. I mean, they're still in the playoffs, but like they were. They played well all year and they were, you know, there was a few weeks ago there were people still picking them to the Super Bowl.

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[Myron]

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[Myron]

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[Matt]

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[Myron]

Ready? Here we go.

[Matt]

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[Myron]

It has kind of collapsed. Do you put all of that on Russell Wilson?

No. I mean, he's had his moments. Certainly they have, they've had injuries. But here's what I think it is though. At this stage, if you don't have an elite quarterback or a quarterback who is playing like an elite quarterback, right. Maybe people will put Sam Donald in that category. You don't really have a chance in the postseason and I think that's what gets exposed more than anything. Sort of the inconsistency on offense. Russell Wilson has had highs and lows, but certainly hasn't looked like that. Russell Wilson from Seattle. And I think that's what you need to be competitive in the afc. So if, if I'm Mike Tomplin and everybody in the NFL and this NFL gets fired, like Pete Carroll got fired, Bill Belichick got fired. Everybody gets fired in this NFL. Do you think about, okay, do I move to a team, preferably in the nfc, where the expectations might be a little bit different, where I have a Better chance to win consistently. And I don't have to go through those four monster quarterbacks every year. I think that's something to consider if there's the right opening.

Yeah, I mean, I guess that's plausible. I think. I just think they win that game yet last night, which was possible. And we're not having this conversation. I mean, there is a world in which we do this, like, so quickly. Mike Tomlin, if Pittsburgh would be insane to let him go, you know, insane even in a trade. Because if there's one thing we've seen, you always are in the mix with Mike Tomlin. And how many coaches in the NFL can you say that about? Really? How many? Five, Four? I mean, there's not many. You have one, you have to make sure you keep them.

He'll go down a Hall of Fame coach. I mean, he'll be in Ken. He'll be a Hall of Fame coach, and he deserves that. It's okay to have that conversation and to also say he won a Super bowl in 2011. Right. And that's a long time ago. It is in coaching years.

But can you find. If you're Pittsburgh, would you. I mean, is there someone better?

I think Mike Tomlin has been a great coach, but again, what's the path to a Super Bowl? And I don't even think it's not just Mike Tomlin. It's the personnel challenges. I don't think there's an elite quarterback out there. There's not one coming in the draft. There's not one on the free agent market. There's no one willing to trade someone to put you in that position where you can consistently compete with Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen and Mahomes, and you got to do that in the AFC to get to a Super Bowl. So if that's the real.

I mean, there's not. It's. It's not obvious that there's someone there. But then we also have seen in the last couple years, a couple of guys, Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who no one would have picked as the answer to that question. Who became that answer now. I mean, you would have won in the nfc. In the nfc. So part of it for you is just being in the afc.

I just. I just think you're going up against MJ Kobe, Tim Duncan, Shaq in his prime. How do you get to the championship?

No, well, that's a fair point. I mean, you do have, without question, the three best quarterbacks, you know, in the NFL are in the AFC and are on. On. On the best teams in the afc. Do you think when you look at the AFC playoffs, I mean they're, they may drop to the sixth seed today actually. Because if the Chargers win, they will go from the five to the six. You look at that and you say, okay, well if they're the 6 seed then they're probably playing the Ravens. Would you give them any chance in that game?

Always a chance. I don't think Pittsburgh goes into any game in the playoffs without a chance. I mean they will always have a chance. But what, and you said this earlier, I think you said the Kansas City game against Denver will come down to the last five minutes. It's a one score game in the last five minutes. Pittsburgh is that team. They're going to be in the game. Yeah, right. Most of the game. But this is where that elite quarterback play comes in. I don't care what anybody says. Modern NFL history, you need a dude at that position who, who can will you to a win in those moments. That's just the reality of what happens.

If you're the Baltimore Ravens and you're sitting there as a three seed and have played so well the last couple weeks. I don't really think, Myron, you want to see Pittsburgh right there. Not because you necessarily think they're great. It's just they know you. Right. If there was ever a team that like knows you and that, it's always a battle. I know they kind of took care of them a couple weeks ago, but normally that is a knockdown, drag out battle. And I would much if I were them, prefer to play the Chargers who sit there at the 6 right now than to play a Pittsburgh team that I've already played twice this year.

But either one of those aren't easy. I think Justin Herbert quietly playing top five football at that position right now. But yeah, Mike Tomlin is always going to be a tough out with the Steelers.

Always.

I mean that's, that's just the pedigree of that entire organization. But, but being tough isn't how we talk about teams in the NFL. We talk about who wins.

Yeah.

And to me you got to have a superstar to win in the afc.

The loss last night really hurt Pittsburgh because they would have played if they had won. They would have ended up playing Houston in a game that was certainly winnable for them. Right. I mean that is a very winnable first round game against Houston on the road to now having to play if San Diego wins, to now having to play the Ravens, which to me that's a massive step up in quality. And they, they did it to themselves, Myron, last night by losing at home to the Bengals in a game that was there for the taking.

Well, and when's the last time you thought the Steelers were really good? I mean, lost four in a row? I think it's five of the last seven. I don't care where they're seated. It feels like there are seven seed no matter where you put them, based on how they've played recently.

By the way, I did think I heard Herb street last night. He was a little harsh on Najee Harris. They were talking about how he's had a thousand yards every year. And Herb street was like, well, you know, everybody has or no, excuse me, Troy Eggman was like, everybody has a thousand yards. Like, who cares? I want to be like, man, that's a little harsh, isn't it? Everybody had to have a thousand yards. Matter of fact, we didn't even think anybody was going to have a thousand yards a few years ago. And now it's a little bit harsh on Najee Harris, who I think, you know, gets, gets kind of looked down upon a little much. Now, running back that nobody's harsh on is Saquon Barkley. He's sitting out. We'll finally tell you whether he should next on Caleb Kickoff, Matt and Myron.

[Matt]

The podcast.

[Myron]

We go. Great setup there on our intro as to what's at stake today when the Giants play the Eagles 1 Eastern Eagles are locked in as a 2 seed. They clinched the NFC ease last week. They'll either play the Commanders or the packers in the wild card round. Meanwhile, saquon Barkley has 2,005 yards rushing on the year. Really an unbelievable accomplishment, 2,000 yards. A lot of people thought the running back position was, was dead. The all time record is Eric Dickerson, who has 2105. So he's 100 yards. He could go out and play today. If he just hits his average, he'll break the record. And Eric Dickerson's record is one of those records that has, has, you know, it stood for a long time. I mean, since 1984. It's one of the few NFL records that I know. I mean, if you had asked me who ran for the most yards, I know Eric Dickerson well, Saquon Barkley could have gotten that. He could have basically been that name for the future. And with the way the running back position has evolved, maybe held it for eternity.

Yeah.

Are you surprised at the decision to sit him out? And if you were Saquon, would you have said To Nick Sirianni. I want to play.

Yeah. I'm not surprised because I think part of it is, you know, his injury history. Right. He hasn't been the most durable guy, knock on wood. You've gotten it to this point, and he stayed healthy. But if I'm Saquon, I'd want to, you know, I mean, people can talk about the 17 games. He would do it in about as many attempts as Eric Dickerson did. I think it's harder.

Cares about the 17. Like, no one's going to remember that. I mean, when they used to play 14 games, people.

For true, but, I mean, some people made it a thing. I think overall it's how you'd be remembered. 2000 is cool, but I don't know how many people go over the list of people who've hit 2,000 yards. They know Eric Dickerson as the guy who's done it at the top. And if you got a chance to do something like that, man, because you might get it in a half for all you know. So if I'm Saquon, I would selfishly say, you know what? Let me try. Let me see what happens in this game.

So I get why they're not having him do it. I get it. It's probably the smart decision. But what are the chances the Eagles win the Super Bowl? Like, give them a percentage chance right now to win the super bowl? Is it 5 nothing?

20 to 30 to 30?

They have a 30% chance of winning the Super Bowl.

Oh, winning the Super Bowl. I thought they'll get into the Super Bowl. Yeah, probably under 2015.

I'm gonna say it's like 5 to 8% just because, you know, I think the AFC, all those teams are probably going to add up to like 60 or 65 for me. And then Detroit and Minnesota are ahead of them. I might put them similar to Green Bay. But regardless, my point is it's a small percentage. All right? So if it is a small percentage, like I'm giving up my chance to have my name in the history books forever for a 10% at best chance to win the Super Bowl. But, Myron, I don't want to do that. I want to be in history. I want to be, you know, I know who Roger Maris is because he had that record for a long time. I don't know if they won the title that year or won the World Series. I don't care. But I know who Roger Maris is. Wouldn't you want that for Saquon?

No, I would want that for him, certainly and again, if I'm Saquon, selfishly, it's like, man, what do you get to tell your grandkids? They'll know him as an incredible player in this league, but to be the all time rushing leader, well, who are.

The others that have had 2,000?

Adrian Peterson has done it. OJ has done it. Jamal Lewis, I think did it.

Okay, I knew Peterson and I might have guessed OJ let's take Jamal Lewis. Assuming he has it, what good does that do? Jamal Lewis has it. I mean, how many people know that Jamal Lewis has 2,000 yards?

I think football people know. I mean, you know, it was a big, it was a big moment. We did it in the early 2000s. Barry Sanders has done it. Obviously a few other big time names like that, but Derek Henry, but. But I think in this era it'll mean more. No one will remember, you know, the Derrick Lewis, even Terrell, Terrell Davis and all those guys. But I think for Saquon to do it in this climate, it's harder than it was for any of those guys when the NFL was a running backs league. And now it's not. Man, I would just go get it. And then here's my other thing, Matt. People go, he could get hurt. That's true.

But. That's always true.

But I hate how we pretend like for some reason in week 18, you're more likely to get hurt than you are on week four or week one or week ten. Like, that's the NFL, you know, you wouldn't want to be hurt going into the playoffs. At the same time, the risk is ever present, right?

It is ever present. I mean, you know, the way you look at it is, okay, what is your risk of getting hurt if you don't play this week? Yeah, zero. What is your risk if you play well, it's some number higher than zero. So I think that's the way these coaches look at it. Now, whether they should or not is a different question, but that is the way they look at it. And if he gets hurt, if you're. Sirianni not playing him is the one way to make sure you don't get criticism, Right?

Yeah.

Because if he breaks the record, it's. Saquon is the best thing ever. The only way Sirianni gets criticism is if he gets hurt.

Yeah, no, it's the safest choice, which I completely understand why people, why coaches make it. And again, I think Saquon's injury history is probably a factor in that. This is almost felt like an anomaly of a season because he hasn't been hurt. I get. I just the idea of being that close to history and knowing he probably won't do this again for a lot of reasons. I'd say, give me a half, let me. Let me see what I can do by halftime. Like that would be the fair compromise, I think, of your sake.

So now I said that I thought the chance to win the super bowl for the Eagles was somewhere between 5, 6, 8%. Yeah, you looked it up. According to ESPN, Nick, what is the actual percent chance according to ESPN of the Eagles to win the Super. Super Bowl?

[Nick]

Was that to me?

[Myron]

Yes.

No. No, it was to another Nick, who's not sorry.

[Nick]

According to ESPN, they have a 16% chance to make the Super Bowl. 8% chance to win the Super Bowl. So Iron said 30.

[Myron]

Yeah, you said 30.

And I was off on the question. The question? Yeah, the question. I messed up.

What did you think the question was?

Make the Super Bowl. So that's on.

That was 16 according to. Yes.

[Nick]

33% chance to make the con.

[Myron]

Oh, well, you know what it is? According to Myron, it's 20%. Like I said.

[Nick]

What does that count for?

[Myron]

No, you said 30. First of all.

No, no, I changed it. When I knew the name of the question, though. When I knew the question, I changed it from 30 to 20 was when.

You said 15 to 20.

I thought winning the Super Bowl 15 to 20 was what I thought to win.

That's crazy high. You think they have. You think Philadelphia has a 1 in 5 Super Bowls? They'd win if they get there.

I don't. The AFC isn't as imposing as maybe other people think.

You don't think Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore.

Go through the Kansas City thing? I think they're an 11 win team. I don't want to go through this whole thing with Kansas City. They're not the juggernaut that they were in past years.

The Eagles have a better chance to win the super bowl than Kansas City.

No, I'm not. I'm not saying that necessarily. I'm just telling you. So here's the. Here's the thing about questions. I'm going to help educate you. When you ask me a question.

Yeah.

What you're saying is, Myron, what do you think? Right. That's the nature of a question. I don't know if you all are aware of that. I tell you what I think and that becomes my response to your question, also known as an answer.

But then I have what is called a retort, which if you've watched successful Shows like First Take on ESPN are very successful because they end up going back and forth. And I want, I know you want to be Stephen A. Smith. I'd like to be Chris Russo. So in order for that to happen, we have to have such substantive and informative debate.

Keep your retort is what I'm saying. At the end of the day, that's basically what I'm trying to tell all.

You're basically telling me where to stick my retort.

Yeah, I don't care about your retort.

All right, well, there you go. All right, well, there you go, Myron.

Basically how I feel, man.

No retorts. Coming up. The Eagles have locked up the two seed but we still got a lot of games to pick up. Myron will make his picks and I won't disagree because you know what? No retorts. Here on Countdown to Kickoff on ESPN.

[Matt]

Radio, Matt and Myron the podcast.

[Myron]

It is caldada Kickoff presented by Progressive Insurance Progressives helping to drive veterans lives forward through their Keys to Progress program. Every week we pick games and every year Myron and I have done this, we've picked games. This, this is year seven. I'm six years in a row with the win and it looks like that's going to happen again. Right now I am up seven on Myron. 146 to six gambled last week versus 139 and 76. Last week it was down to three Myron and made a run but he picked four games different than me and.

He lost all four to gamble.

[Nick]

He still can make up technically, but he can.

[Myron]

So here's what I'm going to do. Here's what I'm going to do. Normally I go last just for the flow of the show to give Myron a chance here in this last week.

Because what I could pick what he.

Picks every week don't change it.

[Nick]

He just called it cheating in the last break that you get to pick second every time.

[Myron]

I'm going to pick first this week. So Myron, you will to have a chance need to pick at least seven games different than me. But if I went last you wouldn't be able to do that.

So I'll winner of the people.

I'll go first. You can pick second. You're going to have to make up seven games. So you need to pick seven games different than me. So as you go.

Yeah, I'm not count seven.

You're going to. What do you mean?

But I mean I've already gambled and it didn't work in my favor.

I'm just. I'm just going to give up. You're going to be like Saquon. You're.

No, I'll take. I'll take the results. I'd rather pick who I think is actually going to win than doing it your way. I'm not going to pick a bunch of. Because then there's a chance I lose by even more. I got it. Do it the way we normally do it.

You're one of these coaches not even trying to win a title. You just don't. You just.

I'm trying to win a title. I am trying.

Final score.

I am trying to win a title. But I also. It could be worse if I just pick all the other games today.

You know what he is? You know what he is, Nick? He's the shooter who won't shoot three quarters of the court because he doesn't want his percentage to go down at the bus.

They didn't pay me for that. Yeah. I won't do it.

Wow. All right. Well, I congratulate myself on my seventh straight victory in the pickup challenge.

You didn't know. You lost one year. You keep saying that, but you lost the pandemic year. But go ahead.

I did not lose the pandemic. I win every year. This is just how it is. All right, let's go with the games. What's up first? Since you want to go first, go for it.

Texans already in the playoffs, locking up the AFC South. You know, this might be Will Levis's last shot. That said, he can play in this league, so it's a. It's a big moment and big game for him, but the Titans still probably move on. Either way, give me the Titans to win.

Okay, I like that. I'm going to take the Texans now. You got a chance. There's one. You got a chance to get different. I'm going to take the Texans to win, even though they really don't have anything to play for. What's next?

You know, Falcons, Michael Pinnix Jr. He has been sort of a breath of fresh air for that team. But again, you got Bryce Young trying to say, listen, I know everyone gave up on me earlier, but I can still play in this league. It's a big moment for him. The Falcons have to win to even have a chance, and they need Tampa Bay to lose and some other things to happen. But I picked the Panthers to win.

All right, I'm going to take the Falcons. Now you have two. You continue. You listen, maybe you'll get a chance to actually win.

This thing.

I'm not sure. What's next?

We'll see.

All right, here's another one.

Bucks got to win, right? They got to win to hold on to that fourth seed to guarantee it. I'll pick the Bucks to win. I mean, I think the Bucks are a very dangerous team in the NFC that no one wants to face. Considering how they played in recent weeks.

I like the Bucks as well. I think they win this game rather easily. What's next? All right, Drake May in, out. Do we know? What is he playing?

What's Drake May status?

What's he doing? Do we know?

[Nick]

One second.

[Myron]

All right, we'll find out.

Pick it either way, whether it's Drake May or Jacoby.

[Nick]

He's active.

[Myron]

Yeah, Drake May is active. Then Drake May. The Bills are sitting everybody as they should. I think the Patriots win, and then it gets interesting about Giraffe Mayo's future.

All right, now you got three. I'm taking the Bills. All right, so now that's three. Maybe they'll be up to seven. This might still be a contest. Who's next?

I want. I want to make clear that I didn't pick all of these picks this year. I was out multiple weeks. They usually did better than the sideline reporter.

General.

They did better than for ESPN radio. So NFL games had some other obligations. You said the Colts are playing. Who? Who? The Jags are a mess. The Colts are a mess. Especially these recent reports of Shane Stackett. I'll pick the home team, though. I'll get. I'll pick the Colts here.

I got the Colts as well. What's next?

Cowboys. Nothing to play for. Eliminated from the playoffs in Washington. Is locked in. Is Washington locked into the six?

They're still going against Green Bay.

Okay, so that's still something to play for. So I'll take Washington to win here.

Yeah, I'm going to take Washington as well. They do have something to play for. Cowboys looked really bad last couple weeks. I'll take the Commanders. What's next.

Man? What do you do if you're Brian Day Ball? You know, do you. Do you go for it? I mean, the Eagles again locked into the two seeds. Sitting everybody. But I still think the Giants could find a way to lose this game. I'll pick the Eagles.

I got the Eagles as well. Giants atrocious in last week. So I'm going to take.

[Nick]

Scored 45 points.

[Myron]

Oh, no, wait. That was two weeks ago. Sorry. So still taking the Eagles. Who's next?

Packers still have something to play for. They're playing Without JR Alexander looks like he'll be out the rest of the way. That's a big loss in the secondary. Caleb Blue was trying to say he's still the guy that he can be a guy going forward that they can build around. I'll pick the packers to win.

Yeah. I mean, it's definitely the Packers. The Bears have not won. I'm trying to think when. The last 12 straight years.

[Nick]

This year.

[Myron]

Yeah. 12 straight losses over six years. I mean, they've been. I think they've only won against the packers maybe like three times in 15 or 16 years. So I'm going to take Green Bay to win. What's next?

Oh, this is a big game. Right. This is a big game.

The Rams is still fighting with the three seed with. With the. With the. With Tampa Bay.

Yeah. Which matters.

[Nick]

Aren't playing anyone.

[Myron]

They're sitting everybody, though.

Yeah.

Matthew Stafford's out. Right.

Which is kind of weird because you'll still have something to play for. But nevertheless, they are player incentives to go for. Yeah.

Gino does. Yeah. I'll pick Gino on the incentives. Give me the Seahawks.

That'd be a good name for a band.

Right. That's a 1950s doo wop group.

His Ladies Night and Chino and the incentives. I'll take Gino in the incentives as well. It sounds like the kind of group I want to watch.

What's next?

Farewell.

Yeah. No, to Aaron Rodgers in his final game. I feel like he'll win. I don't know if he'll cry at the end. I don't. I don't think he's that tight, but maybe. Maybe it's an emotional moment for. For him. But I think those guys will rally around him and try to get the victory. And what could be probably is his last game in the NFL.

Yeah. I'm gonna take. I'm take Aaron Rodgers. I think he's got one more out there victory to get the victories. Big game for the other side, too, as well. They're still. Still going for it. But I'm gonna take Aaron Rodgers one last swan song before he goes and joins the Joe Rogan network. What's next? Big game. Carson went bingo. Playoff. Carson Wentz, what do you got?

It was a game of Minnesota play Kansas City and I think Matt Castle was their quarterback. Matt something was. It was a backup quarterback and Kansas City one. I mean, Carson Wentz wants to prove he can still play at a high level in his league. Here's his chance. You're playing against a rookie. Give me Denver, though. Still to win.

Oh, all right. Well, this is your fourth one. I'm taking Kansas City. Every year, a team with nothing to play for beats a team that does and knocks him out of the playoffs. That will be the Chiefs winning culture here. They get this one and we have four differences. What's next?

Antonio Pierce trying to hold on to his job. I don't think the Chargers are playing everybody. I mean, they're locked into play for.

The five seed, though.

They're still playing for the five.

Yeah, that's which is a big difference in the afc. They actually have a lot of it.

Give me the. Give me the Chargers. And Antonio Pierce also could be coaching his last game in Vegas.

Yeah, the Chargers need to win this one. And it's the difference between playing the Texans or the Ravens in the first round. So they're definitely going to be playing. And I'll take the Chargers. What's next.

Man? Brock Purdy still trying to prove He's a $60 million man. I think that still matters. I think every game will factor into that conversation as off season when they can begin those negotiations. Give me the Niners to win Kyler.

And Kyler in incentives if you want them. Yeah, that's a different.

That's not the same.

I'm going to go with Kyler. I think the 49ers have been kind of falling off the tracks. If I'm Brock, I don't want to get hurt. Right. With the big contract potentially sitting there. So I'm going to take the Cardinals to get this victory. That's five. What's next? Oh, you're going to come up one short regardless of amount of games that you could get. Listen, Chance for the record, Vikings or Lions, who you got?

America wins. I think with this one, man, this is where you go and get your favorite dish. You're sitting in front of the TV and you're watching this high stakes matchup. Not only does Minnesota win, Minnesota wins by seven or more.

Wow.

I think Minnesota by halftime will have a 10 point lead.

This is a toss up for me. But the confidence by which you picked Minnesota makes me pick Detroit. So I will take a Dan Campbell.

Dude, you always have been. You're a bite.

The kneecaps, the abyss.

You like that kind of dude. You like those guys.

I'm gonna take the line. So we, we differed in six. Even if you win them all, I will still be the champion. Myron, you're a worthy adversary yet again this year. It one of these years, it's going to happen for you. And when it does, I'll be as happy as you are.

I won. I won one year. You just ignore it. You just like you treated like you didn't.

But if you would lost Johnny Unitis.

Yeah. Or whatever. You just ignore it.

Yeah. Well, I mean your picks are Johnny unit is with the Chargers esque. But. But that's okay. Well, listen, it was another great regular season. I'll be with you all playoffs as well though. Myron and you can listen to the podcast Sunday mornings with Matt Myron, you can subscribe to it on, you know, all the Googles and the Spotify's and the Apples and all of that. Game day is coming up next. Who's on it? Who's on game?

[Nick]

Kevin Clark, Mike Tanenbaum and Justin Pugh.

[Myron]

Oh, what a group. That's next on the SBN Radio.

[Matt]

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 SiriusXM channel 80. Matt and Myron, the podcast, no matter.

[Myron]

What you're a fan of Texas, has the trip for you. There's the trip to Texas and the trip. Or maybe you're the kind of fan who'd prefer a trip to Texas or a trip. Either way, go to traveltexas.com getyourown for the only trip to Texas that matters. Yours.