Buffalo Plus Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: Bills at Bye: Josh Allen's MVP Resume, Strength, Weakness & Tre White's Return
Release Date: October 19, 2022
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Overview

This episode dives deep into the Buffalo Bills’ season as they hit their bye week. The panel analyzes Josh Allen's frontrunner status for MVP, discusses the team’s main strengths and lingering weaknesses, and explores the significance and logistics of cornerback Tre’Davious White’s anticipated return. Throughout, the hosts blend their trademark humor with insightful commentary, setting the tone for a thoughtful yet fan-centric breakdown of the state of the Bills.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Josh Allen’s MVP Resume and Status

• Recognition and Context ([01:32]):
  • Josh Allen named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive week.
  • The franchise has never had a quarterback win MVP in the Super Bowl era.
  • “It would be a massive deal for the franchise for Josh Allen to win MVP.” – Mike Catalana ([01:32])
• Narrative Building ([02:44]):
  • Voter narratives and head-to-head performances carry weight; Allen’s recent win against Mahomes highlighted.
  • “Whichever quarterback won that [Chiefs] game… That’s the difference.” – Dan Fetes ([02:44])
• National Spotlight & Ascendancy ([03:33]):
  • Offseason media, Twitter virality, and Allen’s ascension to superstardom have amplified his MVP case.
  • “He’s been the cover of the NFL Twitter page… and to win in the way that he has and in some moments, put the team on his back.” – Jenna Cottrell ([03:33])
• Competition and the Evolving MVP Race ([04:42], [05:05]):
  • The MVP has become a "Quarterback Award".
  • Mahomes remains Allen’s closest competition.
  • Jalen Hurts mentioned, but hosts consider Allen and Mahomes a tier above the rest.

2. The “Josh Allen Experience”

• Growth from Unpredictability to Controlled Chaos ([08:37]):
  • The reckless, unpredictable early career has evolved into high-stakes, controlled play.
  • “It’s not the red face, Josh Allen. Maybe I just feel biased because I’m confident now that he’ll figure it out.” – Jenna Cottrell ([10:52])
• Unique Athleticism ([09:10]–[10:43]):
  • Allen’s hurdles are discussed—are they instinctual or planned?
  • “You gotta be tall, don’t you? How do you get down Josh Allen? You have to cut down his knees. So Josh goes, well, I’m going to go above you. That’s part of what has made him.” – Dan Fetes ([10:29])

3. Narrative of Winning Close Games

• Breaking the Myth ([11:12]):
  • Bills win close, one-score games, addressing a previous inability and changing the "narrative".
  • “It’s a narrative until you disprove it… until you are able to win in close games.” – Jenna Cottrell ([13:30])
• Team Approach ([13:30]–[16:05]):
  • Defense and coaching are now also closing games, not just Allen.
  • “It’s tough to stop Josh Allen in those moments.” – Mike Catalana ([15:27])

4. Team Strengths and Exceeding Expectations

• Continuity and Key Additions ([16:45]):
  • The Bills have successfully mixed continuity and “fresh faces” (e.g., Jordan Phillips, DaQuan Jones).
• Von Miller’s Impact ([17:49]):
  • Miller’s clutch sacks have made him invaluable.
  • “Josh Allen and Von Miller are both underpaid. They should renegotiate new contracts right now.” – Dan Fetes ([16:45])

5. Tre’Davious White’s Return and Defensive Depth

• Return Strategy ([19:44]):
  • Trey is being slowly integrated post-IR; coaches are patient, will prioritize his mental and physical readiness.
  • “An ACL tear is not like an oil change. It could be two years for him to really recover from that, mentally and physically.” – Dan Fetes ([21:15])
• Depth & Coaching Acumen ([23:13]):
  • Many injuries across defense (Hyde, Jackson, Benford, etc.); depth players and coaching (Leslie Frazier) are praised.
  • “It’s almost like now you just take it for granted that these guys with limited experience are going to play well.” – Mike Catalana ([23:13])
  • “Leslie Frazier deserves to be a head coach… what he has done with all the pieces missing is just phenomenal.” – Dan Fetes ([24:26])

6. Player “Standouts” Beyond the Stars

• Hosts’ Picks for Under-the-Radar Impact ([26:03]):
  • Gabe Davis: Called possibly “number one A” receiver, provides a new dimension to the offense.
  • Tremaine Edmunds: Recognized for his defensive improvement.
  • Matt Milano, Jordan Poyer, and Mitch Morse (for calm leadership & line calls).
  • “He is now one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.” – Mike Catalana on Gabe Davis ([26:06])
  • “Mitch Morse is… the unsung hero of the offense.” – Jenna Cottrell ([28:54])
  • “I’ve never seen this before… what Poyer has given to his teammates and this franchise.” – Mike Catalana ([30:48])

7. Memorable Moments & Lighter Banter

• Travel Tales ([32:26]):
  • Jordan Poyer’s drive to KC (couldn’t fly due to rib injury) sparks a run of road trip hypotheticals and favorite/least favorite Bills for a 30-hour car ride.
• Von Miller’s “Celebrate” References & Personality ([18:22], [18:53]):
  • “He said four times in the postgame, ‘We’re gonna celebrate.’” – Mike Catalana ([18:27])
• Fun Quips
  • “He isn’t coming around the corner thinking, the next time that guy goes low, I’m going over him. He just does it.” – Mike Catalana ([09:42])
  • “I don’t want to be in a car with Little Dirty for 30 hours.” – Dan Fetes on Isaiah McKenzie ([34:38])

8. Primary Concerns for the Remainder of the Season

• Offensive Line & Run Blocking ([35:04]):
  • Roger Saffold’s play, injuries, and overall OL consistency are highlighted as weak points.
  • “They’re kind of piecing it together. It’s the least dependable unit.” – Mike Catalana ([35:58])
• Health/Lingering Injuries ([38:36]):
  • Continued health is a concern, but adversity has forced quality depth.
  • “All those guys got to play… going forward, that is a big benefit.” – Mike Catalana ([39:10])

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “It would be a massive deal for the franchise for Josh Allen to win MVP.” – Mike Catalana ([01:32])
• “It’s a narrative until you disprove it… until you are able to win in close games.” – Jenna Cottrell ([13:30])
• “Josh Allen and Von Miller are both underpaid. They should renegotiate new contracts right now.” – Dan Fetes ([16:45])
• “An ACL tear is not like an oil change. It could be two years for him to really recover.” – Dan Fetes ([21:15])
• “He is now one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.” – Mike Catalana on Gabe Davis ([26:06])
• “I’ve never seen this before… what Poyer has given to his teammates and this franchise.” – Mike Catalana ([30:48])
• “It’s the least dependable unit.” – Mike Catalana on the offensive line ([35:58])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:32] – Josh Allen’s MVP context and franchise history
• [04:42] – MVP field narrowing to Allen/Mahomes, change in QB hierarchy
• [08:37] – Discussion of how the “Josh Allen Experience” has evolved
• [11:12] – Bills winning close, one-score games: narrative flip
• [16:45] – Team strengths, impact of new/returning players, Von Miller’s influence
• [19:44] – Tre’Davious White’s return plan and approach
• [23:13] – Defensive depth, emergence of backups, coaching praise
• [26:03] – Non-star standouts: Gabe Davis, Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, Mitch Morse, Jordan Poyer
• [35:04] – Main concern: Offensive line performance and depth
• [38:36] – Injury/health as a looming late-season issue

Conclusion

This episode captures the sense of optimism and focus among the Buffalo Plus team—and the Bills themselves—heading into the bye. With Josh Allen positioned at the forefront of the NFL, a battle-tested defense, and legitimate expectations for a Super Bowl run, only health and offensive line depth seem like possible stumbling blocks. The team’s nuanced blend of humor, insight, and insider perspective provides an accessible yet richly detailed snapshot of where the Bills stand in 2022.