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.