Detailed Summary of "Hour 3: Turning Tide" from Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron

Released on July 13, 2025

Introduction

In the "Hour 3: Turning Tide" episode of ESPN Radio’s Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron, hosts Myron Medcalf and guest host Andrew Salchunas engage in a lively discourse on the current state of the NFL's quarterback rankings, the evolving dynamics in other major sports leagues, and interactive segments featuring listener-submitted hot takes. This episode delves deep into the merits of emerging quarterbacks, challenges established perceptions, and fosters engaging conversations with the audience.

1. Debating the Best Quarterback in the NFC

Timestamp: 02:05 - 09:13

The episode kicks off with an intense debate surrounding the top quarterbacks in the NFC, centering primarily on Jaden Daniels.

• Myron Medcalf asserts, “[...] Jaden Daniels is already the best quarterback in the NFC” (02:05). He highlights Daniels' impressive stats, including over 850 rushing yards, six touchdowns, and a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio of 23-9. Additionally, he points out Daniels' remarkable performance on fourth downs, converting 87% of them (02:30), and emphasizes his pivotal role in revitalizing the Washington Commanders, giving fans renewed hope (02:34).

• Andrew Salchunas challenges this view by comparing Daniels to other notable quarterbacks like Jared Goff and Matt Stafford. He questions whether turning around a struggling team should elevate a quarterback’s status, drawing parallels to Matt Stafford's trade to the Rams, which led to a Super Bowl win (02:48).

• Myron counters, maintaining that the Commanders were "broken from top to bottom" and praises Daniels for carrying the team to the playoffs, a feat no one anticipated (03:45).

The conversation then broadens to include other star quarterbacks:

• Myron discusses Joe Burrow’s statistical excellence but contrasts it with Jalen Hurts’ tangible achievements, such as leading his team to two Super Bowls and securing a championship ring—something Burrow has yet to accomplish (05:43).

• The debate continues, with Andrew advocating for Burrow’s recognition based on his value to the Bengals, despite Myron’s emphasis on postseason success as a key metric (06:23; 08:04).

2. Evaluating Top NFL Quarterbacks

Timestamp: 09:13 - 35:57

The hosts delve deeper into the standings of top NFL quarterbacks, assessing both statistical performance and leadership qualities.

• Jalen Hurts emerges as a focal point. Myron underscores his dual-threat capabilities and leadership, deeming him one of the most difficult quarterbacks to rank due to his consistent performances (07:21; 35:40).

• Andrew supports Hurts, noting his Super Bowl appearances and victories against elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, arguing that Hurts' achievements should solidify his position in the top five (34:39).

• The discussion touches upon other quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and CJ Stroud, with Myron expressing reservations about certain players despite their talent, emphasizing that postseason success ("achievement") should weigh heavily in rankings (07:21; 35:23).

3. Listener Engagement – "King of the Mountain"

Timestamp: 12:15 - 36:36

The interactive segment "King of the Mountain" invites listeners to submit their hottest sports takes, sparking diverse and passionate responses:

• Glenn from Atlantic City (13:03) criticizes Major League Baseball’s handling of the strike zone, drawing comparisons to tennis’s technological advancements for line calls.

• Jared in St. Louis (20:50) makes a bold statement against Mike Tomlin being a first-ballot Hall of Famer, citing Tomlin's playoff record and questioning the Steelers' managerial standards.

• Chucky from North Carolina (27:15) offers a hypothetical scenario involving Phil Jackson coaching the Lakers, critiquing his adaptability to the modern NBA.

• Corey from New Jersey (32:07) advocates for Jalen Hurts as "the most underrated quarterback in the league," highlighting his impressive completion percentage (80%) and dual-threat abilities.

Ultimately, Jared’s provocative take on Mike Tomlin clinches the "King of the Mountain" title (22:53), showcasing the show's dynamic engagement with its audience.

4. Broader Sports Perspectives

Timestamp: 17:39 - 35:57

Beyond quarterback debates, the hosts explore various sports topics:

• LeBron James' Legacy: A caller challenges the notion of retiring LeBron's jersey, arguing that his playoff performances and contributions to the Lakers don't warrant such an honor. Myron counters, acknowledging LeBron's undeniable impact and championship achievements (30:05).

• Houston Sports Teams: Gator from Texas (17:39) posits that all three Houston professional teams—Rockets, Astros, and Texans—are poised to reach their respective championships, highlighting key players and team dynamics.

• Aaron Rodgers’ Legacy: Myron discusses how off-field actions and public perceptions have impacted Aaron Rodgers' legacy, despite his on-field prowess (30:05).

5. Fun and Games – Making Predictions and Bets

Timestamp: 36:36 - 45:18

The episode transitions into a more lighthearted mode, with the hosts and callers making predictions on ongoing games and events:

• Major League Baseball Predictions:

  • Cubs vs. Yankees: Myron favors the Yankees, noting their recent improvements, while Andrew opts for the Cubs based on their current performance (40:16).

  • Mariners vs. Tigers: Both hosts back the Mariners, albeit for different reasons—Myron for Cal Raleigh's potential home run record (41:14) and Andrew for the Dodgers’ strong pitching lineup (42:53).

• Home Run Derby Bets:

  • Cal Raleigh is a preferred pick by Myron, who guarantees his performance, while Andrew chooses Matt Olson for his consistent swing (43:32).

6. Concluding Remarks

Timestamp: 45:38 - End

As the episode winds down, hosts reflect on the day's discussions, congratulate Jared on his winning hot take, and tease future segments. They also share a humorous moment about the guest host Andrew dealing with production issues and the noisy air conditioning during Myron's remote hosting setup.

Key Quotes with Timestamps:

• Myron Medcalf: "I think he's the best quarterback in the NFC, period." (02:05)

• Andrew Salchunas: "Let's talk about Matt Stafford because Matt Stafford... should Matt Stafford be considered the best in the NFC because he took that team to the Super Bowl?" (02:48)

• Myron Medcalf: "Jaden Daniels deserves praise for essentially turning water to wine in Washington, getting that team into the playoffs." (04:51)

• Glenn from Atlantic City: "For baseball to allow to put up the strike zone, the K zone, and still allow umpires to call ball to strikes any way they want is egregious." (13:03)

• Jared in St. Louis: "Why is Pittsburgh held a standard now that somehow ESPN... thinks like Pittsburgh's the standard of football and they've been mediocre for 10 years?" (20:50)

Conclusion

"Hour 3: Turning Tide" serves as a comprehensive exploration of the current sports landscape, offering insightful analysis, passionate debates, and engaging interactive segments. Myron Medcalf and Andrew Salchunas, alongside their audience, navigate the complexities of quarterback rankings, evaluate the legacies of sports icons, and inject spirited predictions into the mix. This episode exemplifies the dynamic and multifaceted nature of sports discussions, ensuring listeners are both informed and entertained.