Podcast Summary: Buffalo Plus – "Allen's Issues. Where is Tre White? And it could be a weather game"

Date: November 17, 2022
Hosts: Mike Catalana & Jenna Cottrell (Dan Fetes off this episode)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the Buffalo Bills' midseason struggles, particularly focusing on Josh Allen's recent mistakes, the underutilization of new and existing offensive weapons, the mysterious absence of Tre'Davious White, and the looming threat of an epic snowstorm that could impact the upcoming Browns game. The hosts bring extensive insider insight and locker room perspective to each issue.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Josh Allen’s Turnover Troubles & Offensive "Funk"

[01:30 – 06:50]

• Patience vs. Panic:
  • Mike emphasizes that patience is needed with Allen:
    • "Maybe this is just what life with Josh is going to be like—he has these moments where he looks like he doesn’t have a clue in some moments. … I think he can snap out of it as we saw a year ago." (Mike, 02:18)
  • Jenna notes: "I have full confidence in Josh Allen figuring it out… The red zone issues have been huge…But I did not think that this was a crisis." (Jenna, 03:05)
• Coaching Dynamics:
  • The shift from Brian Daboll to Ken Dorsey as playcaller is discussed as a subtle but significant change.
• Decision Making under Pressure:
  • Defenses are "baiting" Allen to force risky throws (citing Dan Orlovsky’s film analysis):
    • "Teams are now using Allen’s competitiveness against him. They are baiting him into trying to take those explosive plays." (Jenna, 06:55)
  • Red zone errors and an urge to do "too much" highlighted as points of concern.

2. Supporting Cast: Receivers and Running Backs

[09:00 – 18:45]

• Gabe Davis’s Inconsistency:
  • "It’s adjusting to a different role…More tape on Gabe. …It’s different now." (Mike, 09:00)
  • Patrick Peterson (Vikings CB) specifically prepared for Gabe, indicating defenses now plan for him.
• Diggs’s Consistency:
  • "Everybody is looking at Diggs every moment of every game…yet he still finds a way." (Mike, 10:10)
• Naheem Hines’s Minimal Usage:
  • Only 9 snaps in two games since trade.
    • "That’s crazy." (Jenna, 11:59)
    • "If a guy is struggling with the playbook…give him a package of plays…He’s a mismatch." (Mike, 13:00)
• Khalil Shakir and Isaiah McKenzie:
  • Calls for more touches and creative incorporation, such as jet sweeps and gadget plays for McKenzie (21:13).
• Comparative Offenses:
  • Not spreading the ball as much as teams like the Dolphins (TUA’s 8 pass-catchers mentioned).
• Offensive Rhythm and Play Calling:
  • Lack of fluidity, too many heroic 3rd downs, and a call for more pace and easier throws:
    • "I love the pace. I like when they go with pace." (Mike, 18:45)

3. Tre’Davious White’s Absence

[22:56 – 30:50]

• Is it Team Caution or Player Hesitation?
  • Jenna concedes: "I am now coming more towards your side…maybe the team wants him to be ready…but it seems like more White not wanting to." (Jenna, 22:58)
  • Mike explains the toughness of coming back from a major injury for a first-time rehabbing player.
    • "I watched the guy…He looks like Trey…He seems engaged..." (Mike, 24:26)
• Player Mentality:
  • "There is so much mentally that goes into coming back from an injury…Is my body up to here? Fear of failing, fear of your body giving out again…" (Jenna, 27:47)
  • "There’s a point where the only way he’s going to know is to get out on the field and play." (Mike, 29:29)
• Locker Room Dynamics:
  • Questions of team unity—are teammates quietly wondering "when’s 27 back out there?" (Mike, 25:16)
• Physical Readiness vs. Psychological Readiness:
  • Observed at practice often in sneakers and resistance bands rather than cleats—possibly managing comfort, not readiness.

4. Snowmageddon: The Weather Factor for Bills-Browns

[30:58 – 37:38]

• Forecast:
  • "Absurd amounts" of lake effect snow forecasted for the weekend (Mike, 31:15).
• Game Location Logistics:
  • If the field/roads are impassable (as in 2014), game could move to Detroit.
  • "If they went to Detroit to play the game, I don’t think they’re hanging in Detroit for four more days. Unless Buffalo was totally shut down." (Mike, 33:21)
• Snow Game Memories:
  • Jenna recounts unforgettable moments from the 2017 "Snow Bowl" against the Colts.
  • Bills staff handing out ice scrapers to snow-inexperienced players (34:00).
• Impact on Play:
  • "It’s either you’re playing on carpet or…a sheet of ice." (Jenna, 33:51)
• Funny Moments:
  • Dan’s (off-mic) snow camera woes in 2017: "Oh, we can’t work!" (Jenna, 36:21)
  • Jenna’s viral end zone angle on LeSean McCoy’s game-winning TD [37:27].

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Maybe this is just what life with Josh is going to be like—he has these moments where he looks like he doesn’t have a clue in some moments… I think he can snap out of it as we saw a year ago." – Mike (02:18)
• "I have full confidence in Josh Allen figuring it out… but the red zone issues have been huge." – Jenna (03:05)
• "Teams are now using Allen’s competitiveness against him. They are baiting him into trying to take those explosive plays." – Jenna (06:55)
• "That’s crazy." (on Hines’s snaps) – Jenna (11:59)
• "If a guy is struggling with the playbook…give him a package of plays…He’s a mismatch." – Mike (13:00)
• "I am now coming more towards your side…maybe the team wants him to be ready…but it seems like more White not wanting to." – Jenna (22:58)
• "There is so much mentally that goes into coming back from an injury…fear of your body giving out again." – Jenna (27:47)
• "There’s a point where the only way he’s going to know is to get out on the field and play." – Mike (29:29)
• "Absurd amounts" (of snow). – Mike (31:15)
• "Bills gave everyone, like, little, like, ice scrapers." – Jenna (34:00)
• "Either you’re playing on carpet or…a sheet of ice." – Jenna (33:51)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Josh Allen’s Issues: 01:30–06:50
• Supporting Cast/Offense: 09:00–18:45
• Naheem Hines Usage: 11:53–14:00
• McKenzie/Shakir/Pass Distribution: 15:07–21:41
• Tre’Davious White’s Status: 22:56–30:50
• Impending Snow & Game Logistics: 30:58–37:38
• 2017 Snow Game Anecdotes: 35:49–37:27

Tone & Style

Conversational, direct, and occasionally irreverent, with a focus on practical football insight, locker room perspective, and memorable sideline anecdotes. The hosts don’t shy away from speculation but make clear when they are doing so.

For Listeners Who Missed It

This episode is a must-listen for fans concerned about Buffalo’s midseason stumbles—Allen’s funk, shifting receiver roles, questions around health and playcalling, the puzzling Tre White absence, and whether a snowstorm will rewrite the game plan. The discussants balance behind-the-scenes tidbits and honest, critical analysis, all with an eye toward what’s coming next for the Bills.