Bills BEAT UP Broncos: JOSH ALLEN, defense and O line SHINE. NEXT UP LAMAR and the RAVENS

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Buffalo Plus – Bills BEAT UP Broncos: JOSH ALLEN, defense and O line SHINE. NEXT UP LAMAR and the RAVENS (Jan 13, 2025)

Main Theme:

A comprehensive breakdown of the Buffalo Bills’ convincing 31-7 playoff victory over the Denver Broncos. Hosts Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, and Dan Fates analyze defensive and offensive performances, focus on the resurgence of key players, and preview the highly anticipated matchup against the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

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1. Early Jitters and Not Overreacting to Opening Drives

[00:00–01:39]

• Dan Fates opens with the lesson: “Do not overreact to opening drives. Look, they are scripted, and Sean Payton can certainly script up a nice offensive series, but just relax.” [01:39]
• Nervous energy was palpable in the stadium and among fans after Denver’s quick opening touchdown.
• Mike Catalana shares Terrell Bernard’s reaction postgame, noting, “There’s no good time to give up a touchdown like that... But it really is, because... They dominated the rest of the game. The defense was outstanding as well as they've played in a long time.” [01:09]

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2. Defensive Dominance & Third Downs Turnaround

[01:39–04:40]

• The Bills adjusted impressively after allowing the opening score, with particular focus on their third-down defense – a previous Achilles' heel.
• Postgame player interviews revealed a team motivated by outside doubt. Deion Sanders (via Mike’s story about Rasul Douglas): “Wasn’t y’all just talking... that we can't stop nobody and we can't get off the grass on third down? Wasn't y'all all saying that? ...I told y'all it wasn't about that. Didn't I tell y'all that?” [03:51, 04:13]
• Despite their struggles generating pressure up front (a recurring postseason issue), holding a playoff-caliber Broncos offense to just 7 points was no small feat.
• “They played good defense today. It was average. They allowed seven points… they're not peaking yet. ...their average performance held a playoff caliber offense to seven points is pretty damn good.” – Dan Fates [04:40]

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3. Matt Milano’s Impact and Defensive Line Worries

[06:42–10:26]

• Return of Matt Milano is a positive: “Matt Milano showed flashes of being Matt Milano again. ...He is playing with one arm… but he had a couple plays… and you went, that's the Milano that we used to see. That's the Milano they will need next week.” – Dan Fates [06:52]
• Defensive line’s lack of pressure is a recurring theme: “He got so antsy that he's like, well, somebody's about to hit me. No pressure, massive concern. ...This has been the Achilles heel for this team in playoffs for the last four years.” – Dan Fates [09:10]
• Jenna Cottrell references Bill Cowher: “It's your strengths that get you to the playoffs and your weaknesses that get you eliminated from the playoffs.” [09:56]

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4. Offensive Line and the Ground Game

[11:34–14:40]

• High praise for OC Joe Brady sticking with the running game, with the offensive line playing “bully ball” and showcasing a physical, dominant attitude, especially seen as they pushed James Cook downfield for extra yards. [11:43]
• James Cook’s development and new edge: “For as poor as I thought the Bills defensive line played, the Bills offensive line... they were the best unit on the field.” – Mike Catalana [12:54]
• “He’s got some edge on the field. ...James Cook running now in between the tackles. A couple times it looked like he wanted to bounce it out and he's like, screw it, I'll get the three ugly yards. ...That's big.” – Dan Fates [14:05]
• Cook has matured and embraced a primary role in the offense: “I think the step we thought Dalton Kincaid would take this year, James Cook took.” – Jenna Cottrell [14:49]

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5. Josh Allen’s Composure & Ty Johnson’s Emergence

[15:08–16:44]

• Ty Johnson’s spectacular sideline, toe-tap TD catch drew rave reviews and highlighted the offense’s playmaking depth.
  • “That’s an incredible catch. That’s a great catch for a wide receiver, let alone a running back.” – Mike Catalana [15:29]
• Josh Allen’s measured approach was spotlighted:
  • “I don't think he forced anything... He was still that composed quarterback. ...Everything was precise, on the money. ...Some of his throws to Ty Johnson and Knox and Kincaid early. Just very sharp for Josh." – Dan Fates [19:40-20:34]

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6. Tight End Contributions & Curtis Samuel’s Arrival

[20:34–21:11]

• Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox both made critical catches; the tight end group is coming alive in the postseason.
• “Curtis Samuel, 55 yard touchdown in the playoff. ...He made that play for a touchdown.” – Mike Catalana [20:59]
• The offense’s ability to spread the ball and activate unexpected contributors was an important theme.

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7. Special Teams Swagger & Game-Day Moments

[21:28–22:33]

• Mack Hollins made a huge impact on punt coverage and delivered highlight celebrations: “He did the Iverson step over and the Jordan shrug... Ty's pointing at the guy on the ground as Mack’s stepping over him like Chef's kiss.” – Dan Fates [21:59]
• Anecdotes about pre/post-game attitudes and fun moments like Fred Flintstone costumes illustrate the team’s loose but focused culture.

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8. Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Ravens – The Showdown

[17:30–19:24]

• Excitement is sky-high for a heavyweight battle against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.
  • Sean McDermott: “This is what everyone's been waiting for, right? ...They're a great football team... It'll be a big challenge for us.” [17:57]
  • Deion Sanders: “I love playing good on good football. ...When juggernauts come into town... the intensity is up and I love it.” [18:22]
• Hosts emphasize that past Ravens dominance against the Bills doesn’t guarantee anything, and this is as good as it gets, QB-vs-QB.

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9. Injury Updates & Next Steps

[23:15–23:50]

• Acknowledgment of injuries and player health: “We don't know the health of Ray Davis... I'm glad that Taron Johnson's okay... Cam Lewis also came back. Josh (Allen) seemed to lose a tip of his thumb... something to monitor.” – Dan Fates [23:18–23:49]
• All eyes are on practice reports ahead of the Ravens matchup.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

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• Dan Fates [00:00]: “The moral of the story that I took out of this game was do not overreact to opening drives.”
• Mike Catalana [01:09]: “The defense was outstanding as well as they've played in a long time. And then the offense, 500 yards, 200 on the ground, total domination.”
• Jenna Cottrell [03:13]: “I think the biggest thing from this game that they can take, this Bills defense, is the confidence that comes with shutting down their playoff offense and also just having those third downs, which has been their Achilles heel.”
• Rasul Douglas/Deion Sanders [03:51]: “Wasn’t y’all just talking... that we can't stop nobody and we can't get off the grass on third down? ...I told y'all it wasn't about that. Didn't I tell y'all that?”
• Dan Fates [09:10]: “No pressure, massive concern. ...This has been the Achilles heel for this team in playoffs for the last four years.”
• Jenna Cottrell quoting Bill Cowher [09:56]: “It's your strengths that get you to the playoffs and your weaknesses that get you eliminated from the playoffs. Power.”
• Mike Catalana [12:54]: “They were the best unit on the field. I mean, they were really, really good, consistent the entire game.”
• Dan Fates [14:05]: “He’s got some edge on the field. ...When you see those seven, eight yard runs, he's kind of looking over the sidelines like, again, like, hey, give it to me again.”
• Mike Catalana [15:29]: “That's an incredible catch. ...What a massive play that was in the game.”
• Sean McDermott [17:57]: “This is what everyone's been waiting for, right?... They're certainly playing well, well coached. ...It'll be a big challenge for us.”
• Deion Sanders [18:22]: “I love playing good on good football. ...The intensity is up and I love it.”
• Mike Catalana [22:33]: “That's the guy who leads this team in touchdown catches and he ran down there and lit him up on the punt.”

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Important Timestamps

• Opening Drive/Defensive Response: [00:00–01:39]
• Postgame Player Sound (Rasul Douglas/Deion Sanders): [03:51, 04:13]
• Matt Milano’s Key Plays: [06:42–08:31]
• Defensive Line Issues: [08:31–10:26]
• O-Line and Run Game Praise: [11:34–14:40]
• Ty Johnson TD / Offensive Depth: [15:08–16:44]
• Bills–Ravens Preview: [17:30–19:24]
• Special Teams/Mack Hollins: [21:28–22:33]
• Injury Updates: [23:15–23:50]

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Tone & Style

The podcast is conversational, enthusiastic, and rooted in deep Bills knowledge. The hosts blend analysis with locker-room insight and behind-the-scenes color, keeping things lively, sometimes ribbing each other, and always grounded in the perspectives of longtime Bills followers.

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Conclusion

A thorough, upbeat recap of the Bills’ dominant playoff win, key performances on both sides of the ball, justified concerns heading into the next round, and the anticipation of a heavyweight quarterback duel against Lamar Jackson. Listeners are left both reassured by Buffalo’s form and eager for more “good on good” football next week against Baltimore.

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Transcript

[Dan Fates]

The moral of the story that I took out of this game was do not overreact to opening drives.

[Deion Sanders]

Oh, yeah, yeah. Wasn't they talking about some rushing yards and da da, da, da, da. And woo the woo the woo. And I told y' all it wasn't about that. Didn't I tell y' all that?

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. I mean, look, if this team's going to make it to the super bowl, it's going to be Lamar and Mahomes. I think everybody believes that. Right. That's how you're going to get to the Super Bowl. Bo Nix is a nice, talented player. He is not Lamar and Mahomes. There's the big understatement of the day. Yeah.

[Sean McDermott]

I mean, this is what. This is what everyone's been waiting for, right?

[Dan Fates]

This is the Buffalo plus podcast, brought to you by Connors and Farris.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right. Welcome back to the Buffalo plus channel, presented by Connors and Ferris, Mike Catalana, Dan Fates. I am Jenna Cottrell. Please be sure to, like, comment. Subscribe. Gentlemen, the Bills beating the Broncos 31 7. Advancing on Buffalo scoring 31 unanswered points. That's good, Mike. A little shaky start, but the Bills dominated after that.

[Mike Catalana]

You know, we were talking to Terrell Bernard afterward, and Sal Mayorana says to him, I guess if you're going to give up a touchdown, it's good to do it a few minutes in. And he was like, yeah, there's no good time to give up a touchdown like that. But it really is because it was a bad play. They got beat. They're down seven nothing. Everybody's anxious because who knows what's going to happen? They dominated the rest of the game. The defense was outstanding as well as they've played in a long time. And then the offense, 500 yards, 200 on the ground, total domination.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. I think we want to talk about this overall game, then the individual players and plays, and we will get to the Ravens. But the moral of the story that I took out of this game was do not overreact to opening drives. Look, they are scripted, and Sean Payton can certainly script up a nice offensive series, but just relax.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I think. Did it feel like there was some nervous energy?

[Dan Fates]

I think there was. Exactly. We talked about all week long with pressure, right? We talked about the pressure. I think the Bills felt a little pressure early, and the Broncos were like, who cares? Like, let's take shots.

[Mike Catalana]

You know, it was funny. I had a few people send messages, whether it was on Twitter or on our YouTube channel, and they were like, bills need to take the ball on the kickoff, go down, get points, put the pressure on, pedal to the.

[Dan Fates]

Balled it.

[Mike Catalana]

So they kick off, they give up a touchdown. They won 31 7.

[Dan Fates]

I know. And they gave up the whole thing. All week long, I was thinking, get off the field on third down, they give up a third and eight, and I'm going really like, this team hates getting off the field on third down. That was my initial reaction. But again, so much of coaching is adjustments. Sean McDermott credits again, the coaching staff for the adjustments that they made. And after that opening drive settled in, I thought even after the fake punt, they were able to dial it, dial it back in and get focused. Impressive stuff in the defense. The Broncos defense or offense isn't great. Like, I'm not going to sit here and talk about that. But they're a playoff caliber offense and all week long we heard about Bo Nix and we heard about you guys. So you can't totally discredit the offense. Now after the Bills beat them and say, well, they weren't really that good. They're an average offense, they're a playoff offense, and the Bills dominate them.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And I think the biggest thing from this game that they can take this Bills defense is the confidence that comes with shutting down another their playoff offense and also just having those third downs, which, you know, has been there. Achilles heel, getting some pressure, getting the Bills off the. Or getting the offense onto the field after that for the Bills, like, I, I feel like there's confidence that they can take moving forward.

[Mike Catalana]

So we got a chance to talk to Rasul Douglas after the game, and he's always pretty good, pretty honest with what he says. So I started asking him about, hey, it was a big deal about third downs in the run game. And he's like, hold on, hold on. He starts saying something to me about what was being said. So just listen to him. And the guy he brought in to help him.

[Deion Sanders]

I mean, didn't y' all just. Wasn't y' all just talking to Ed the other day about that we can't stop nobody and we can't get off the grass on third down. Wasn't y' all all saying that it wasn't me, but yeah, nah, that was that. That was, hey, Ed. Hey, Ed, pull up on me. Ed, pull up on me real quick. Nah, nah, nah, that was all y'.

[Dan Fates]

All.

[Mike Catalana]

Let's see. Let's see what Ed has to say, man.

[Deion Sanders]

Let's see what he got to say. And when they were saying they was interviewing you, they said that you. We couldn't stop nobody on third down. Oh, yeah, yeah. Wasn't they talking about some Russian yards and da da, da, da, da. And woo, woo, woo. And I told y' all it wasn't about that. Didn't I tell y' all that?

[Mike Catalana]

Ed making a guest appearance. How about that?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Look at that.

[Mike Catalana]

I think that was good natured. But you know what, Dan? I. I think they actually listen to what's being said about.

[Dan Fates]

I think they, like, comment and subscribe to Buffalo. Plus, they've heard some of. Yeah, they heard some of the. Hey, is this defense good enough to make a deep playoff run? And the one thing I took away, they played good defense today. It was average. They allowed seven points. That wasn't their best defensive game. Like, I still think they talked about it last week, Rasool Douglas, specifically saying they're not peaking yet, that they felt like they haven't peaked defensively. I think you're seeing that again today. Like, that their average performance held a playoff caliber offense to seven points is pretty damn good.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, I agree. And I think, like you said, there's still more to be done. And I think for a lot of fans, I know you say don't overreact to the opening drive, and I understand that. And I think it's a long game. You got to remember 60 minutes, all that stuff. But I think a lot of fans were just nervous about what has. What things have looked like going into this game. So for them to give up the touchdown early on.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, no.

[Mike Catalana]

I was gonna let you finish.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay. Yeah, so I was like, the hand.

[Mike Catalana]

Motion was just to alert you that I'm not going to interrupt you, but I'm gonna wait till you finish.

[Dan Fates]

Physical interruption. I'm like, I'm.

[Mike Catalana]

Now I'm getting.

[Dan Fates]

Hey, I'm gonna interrupt you.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You're right. You're right. And that's the motion we do. So. I'm sorry, I just. I. What I was saying was I understand why fans get anxious and with the playoffs, the pressure, the expectation, the fact that it could all be over after this game. But what do we say at the live podcast? What do we want the Bills to feel as they're walking off the field, relief that they won this game, Mike, and they're moving on.

[Mike Catalana]

So what I was going to say was about Bo Nix, because here's this young player converts the third down and throws a dart. He had the guy open, put, perfect throw. And all of a sudden he's running off the field. They're excited. It's Seven nothing. And they've got a feeling of like okay, we can play with these guys. They can't play with these guys. And I did not think Bo Nix was bad in the game.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I feel like his supporting cast let him down.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, he's got talent. That kid has talent. He can run, he can make some plays. They got to get him a little more help.

[Dan Fates]

I got two points that I want to talk about in defense and then we can kind of transition to the offense. Perfect one. A positive. Matt Milano showed flashes of being Matt Milano again.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And listen, the other thing, he's playing with one arm. He, he is playing with one arm. He's making tackles and he's getting up like he can't even high five the other guy with his arm. Like he is playing, I was gonna say shorthanded. It's short armed. Like he's only got one arm to play with as a tackle. But he had a couple plays where Bonix rolled out and you saw Milano chase him out of bounds on a third down and you went, that's the Milano that we used to see. That's the Milano they will need next week because in years past he was really good.

[Mike Catalana]

Trying to keep my hands down so I don't interrupt with my hands.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Well also, oh no go your guys.

[Dan Fates]

Thoughts on Milano's performance.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So Sean McDermott was asked after the game what he's seen and I think it is an important reminder of Milano had not played football in a long time. And I think we're continuing to see that ramping up. I think ramping up at this point is over but we're continuing to see him get that feel, feel like himself, be able to have the situational awareness because he's been in situational football and he just hadn't had that going in.

[Mike Catalana]

A couple weeks ago one of the many times I commented in the press box next to Jenna was about that play that Dan is talking about. Because sometimes you see the play and I know you even on the field and then you look to see the number and it was that speed. And I said, man, Milano was fast. Like he flew in and tracked him down on the sidelines and they forced a punt I think at that point. And when you see that speed you realize that's why he has been the playmaker that he is. He has that, he has that both when he rushes the quarterback and when he chases sideline to sideline. Yes, he is hampered physically but he still has the legs. The legs seem to have recovered from his injury before this he will be.

[Dan Fates]

The biggest key for me next week. We can get into that a little bit. My one concern and tell me if you've heard this before. The Bills defensive line with zero pressure on the quarterback. There was a third down play in the second half. It was the second possession for the Broncos. They got the stop on third down. Bo Nix had so much time in the pocket that he got antsy, assuming that his clock was going up, saying, I'm about to get hit. And then dirted one to sudden he what? Threw in the dirt. Dirt it.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, oh, okay.

[Dan Fates]

What'd you think I said?

[Mike Catalana]

Well, I didn't know that was a word that you dirted the ball.

[Dan Fates]

Grounded. Dirted.

[Mike Catalana]

Okay, it's fine.

[Dan Fates]

Turfed it now.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, I get it.

[Dan Fates]

But I sat there and I go, he got so antsy that he's like, well, somebody's about to hit me. No pressure, massive concern. It's what we have seen. It's what I'm sure people and you guys watching at home screaming at the TV like, where is this? This has been the Achilles heel for this team in playoffs for the last four years. And it was early on before the defense are getting stops and look, the coverage hasn't been great in the secondary. Do you know what would really help the secondary? Some pressure on the damn quarterback so that he has to get the ball out early. It's very frustrating to me the lack of. Was Vaughn too emotional to sack a Broncos quarterback? Like, it was no pressure at all. Greg Russo got one at the end on a coverage sack. But frustrating to no end to me to see the lack of pressure against this offensive line.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And this has. That has been the Achilles heel of this team. And I thought it was a really good point from Bill Cower on the broadcast for the Texans on Saturday. He said, it's your strengths that get you to the playoffs and your weaknesses that get you eliminated from the playoffs. Power. And I think it, it, it per.

[Dan Fates]

Could have just. You could have just stolen that. And I would have been.

[Mike Catalana]

He's never going to know. He does you steal stuff from us.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, that would have been so great. I'm going to cut that part where you said Bill Cower said and just be like, hey, I heard this thing, Bill. No, Jetta Cottrell said this.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, but. But I think to your point, it is the fact of you want to see that pressure, especially with what's coming into Orchard park next week. Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

I mean, look, if this team's going to make it to the super bowl, it's going to be Lamar and Mahomes. I think everybody believes that. Right. That's how you're going to get to the Super Bowl. Bo Nix is a nice, talented player. He is not Lamar and Mahomes. There's the big understatement of the day. So to Dan's point, you can get by in a game like this. You're not getting by the next two weeks.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right, let's talk about the offense a little bit open. There's the open in the time it.

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[Deion Sanders]

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[Jenna Cottrell]

This is the most disjointed podcast.

[Dan Fates]

Nah, it's good.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Let's talk about the offense. Mike.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

The run game, actually, Dan.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, go ahead. Dan has a good point to make and that is Joe Brady.

[Dan Fates]

Credit to Joe Brady. This is already my new credit to me. I'll give credit to Joe Brady for sticking with the run game because of, hey, you heard about this Broncos offensive or defensive line and how they can shut him down. The Bill's offensive line for as poor as I thought the Bills defensive line played the Bills offensive line and it was that play early on in the second quarter when they just carried James Cook for 15 yards. That it was.

[Jenna Cottrell]

They actually dragged him.

[Dan Fates]

It was like, this is pretty cool. Like that is the attitude that Mike Giardi talked about a few weeks ago. That they have this we can punk you that you guys don't want to hang with us and that we're going to push you and we're going to push you and then you're going to break. I loved that intensity against a good defensive line. A couple all pros on that defense they played bully ball and James Cook for a skinny guy. I keep being surprised by how skinny he is. Tough runs.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Inside the tackles. And every time I thought, ah, that's going to go for only one yard, he would make it into four, he'd make it into five. Instead of negative two, it went for positive two. That was huge. The Bills weren't in too many first and Second long situations. And that's all credit to James Cook.

[Mike Catalana]

Just think how good this team could be when they get all pro players on the roster.

[Dan Fates]

How about that?

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. I mean, seriously, none. And Pro bowl is limited. And you talk about that in the O line. They. They were the best. I think they were the best unit on the field. I mean, they were really, really good, consistent the entire game. I mean, they didn't score a touchdown on that first drive, but the O line was good. Took them down the field. Red zone wasn't great. Didn't love the play calling down there. I know they tried to run it a little bit because they wanted to, and then, you know, there was some miscommunication. But once they got going with the passing game, then it was just total domination. 500 yards, 200 on the ground. I mean, it was just an. It was an awesome effort.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. And I think you see what we've talked about all year long of just what James Cook can do and what this season has meant to him and just his maturation process and what it means for him to kind of step into this role of being such a great runner and what that just does for the entire Bills offense. And then also having Josh Allen.

[Dan Fates]

How about the emotion from Cook? I've noticed that a lot more this year. He's a quiet guy. There are times we joke around. I think we're talking to some people at the. The live podcast at Thirsty Turtle, and we're sitting there going like, there are times when it's like, James Cook's coming to the podium. It's like, all right, it's a two minute podium session. Like it. He's a man of wider man.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

He's got some edge on the field. And when I thought back to, you know, Sean McDermott saying, sometimes he slaps my hand pretty hard when he's coming out. Like, you see that anger, a little bit of run. When you see those seven, eight yard runs, he's kind of looking over the sidelines like, again, like, hey, give it to me again. I got this. I love seeing that energy that I didn't see the previous two years. Whether it's the confidence, whether it's the maturation. James Cook running now in between the tackles. A couple times it looked like he wanted to bounce it out and he's like, screw it, I'll get the three ugly yards. Instead of trying to get the 20 yard gain, which could go for negative two, I'll get the ugly three yards. That's big.

[Mike Catalana]

He's a smart Football player.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

He's a patient runner. He knows what they want out of the offense and he's tough. He's got a lot of that combination. But go ahead.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, I think I did the exact same thing to you and I'm sorry. I think the step we thought Dalton Kincaid would take this year, James Cook.

[Mike Catalana]

Took, that is 100% correct.

[Dan Fates]

That is an astute point.

[Mike Catalana]

You are on it today.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay, now, see, now, yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Can we talk about Ty Johnson in the play dog, the whole time on that play, I'm thinking, why didn't Josh just run it? And he's standing there patting the ball. It felt like he was back. They said it was the longest amount of time for a fourth down pass for a quarterback to throw since they started doing those numbers. The dots. Like eight seconds.

[Jenna Cottrell]

The dots is so good.

[Mike Catalana]

So he was back there and those dots were chasing him and he got hit as he threw it. When he threw it, I swear for a second I thought he was throwing it away. It's like fourth down and then Ty Johnson makes that play. And credit to Gene Steretor on the broadcast who was saying, I think it's going to count. I think it's going to stay. It was close to his foot tapping. That's an incredible catch. That's a great catch for a wide receiver, let alone a running back to stay in bounds. What a massive play that was in the game. Otherwise you're turning it over to them at 13 7. Instead it ends up being 21.7. Yep. Because you score and then get the two. Incredible play by Josh. But Ty Johnson has been a revelation for this team coming out of the backfield and making plays.

[Dan Fates]

I asked him a few weeks ago because people are, you know, Josh was saying he's the best third down back in the league. And I kind of asked him, like, is that an insult? It's like, you know, you're the best, you're the best pinch hitter in baseball. It's like, well, you just want to be the best hitter. Like, why do you have to put. He deserves. If there's another team to want him to be their feature back or a 1A, 1B. Like he's earned it. What he's done, the passing game, his past blocking, it's just been incredible. And I remember when he, he's. They started using him more last year once Brady took over. Love it.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. What he has added is just, I mean, they just, they, they have found what works for them. Oh, are we in the way?

[Dan Fates]

No, we're not.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, they are really. They're putting out the tar because there's more football here now next week.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, let's talk a little bit about that then. Because the Bills win this game, they advance on to the divisional round. They're going to be hosting the Ravens here. And.

[Dan Fates]

I wish you could see what's.

[Mike Catalana]

Going on because we're not the only ones out here broadcasting. And it's. It's just kind of funny because the. They have to operate a forklift like that in the dairy.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, 1912.

[Dan Fates]

There's a forklift right over there.

[Mike Catalana]

So I just won on the record, the two points have been done by these two today, hand in pocket, hand here, and I have not moved an inch.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I think it was a water bottle. Okay. Okay. Let's talk bills, ravens. Sean McDermott said, well, this is.

[Dan Fates]

Let's let Sean McDermott say, when he was asked about if you weren't a coach in this game, there was the forklift right over there.

[Mike Catalana]

Now it's moved three points.

[Dan Fates]

Sean was asked after the game that if you weren't playing and coaching in this game, would you buy a ticket to watch Lamar Jackson versus Josh Allen next weekend?

[Sean McDermott]

Yeah, I mean, this is what. This is what everyone's been waiting for. Right. So it'll be a nice week and everyone will be looking forward to it. And, you know, they're a great football team. Right. I mean, they handled us pretty good the first go around and, you know, they're. They're certainly playing well, well coached. John's won a Super bowl and comes from great pedigree, so it'll be a big challenge for us.

[Deion Sanders]

I'm enjoy the win first, but I love playing good on good football. We have a lot of competitors on our team and, you know, when juggernauts come into town or when we go to their spot, you know, it's. The intensity is up and I love it. I love when the intensity is high. But we'll see them in a week. You know, they're a good team and we look forward to it.

[Mike Catalana]

And Deion was right. I mean, look, it is two tremendous quarterbacks, two outstanding teams. I know the Ravens would, should. If you're a Ravens fan, you're thinking we handled them in Baltimore. It was a different game at a different time. They were at home, night game, the whole thing. Bills were a little beaten up. No excuses. They got pounded in that game. Absolutely. And right away with Derrick Henry. But that being said, it's now the playoffs and it's here, and I think the Way Lamar is playing, you guys all saw him play the way Josh Allen is playing. This is as good as it gets in the NFL.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I want Michael. The Michael Jordan meme of. I took that personally. I want to see Josh Allen do that. Not named all pro. Like all those things. I want the, the MVP discourse. You know that Josh Allen is fantastic when the lights get brighter.

[Dan Fates]

But I love that I didn't feel like there was any forcing tonight of Josh. I don't think he forced anything, especially the script. The script didn't come out of, hey, the Ravens dismantled the Steelers who stink. The Steelers stink. So I'm not sure what the line is yet. I would imagine the Bills are going to be two point favor.

[Mike Catalana]

I heard one and a half was an early number.

[Dan Fates]

That's what I would imagine. But don't, don't watch that Steelers game too closely. That team has quit and all those things. But I like the fact that it wasn't like, hey, we're going to show them. Josh is going to. Josh is going to ball out this postseason. He was still that composed quarterback. That still was. Was smart. Again, I don't remember a negative play. He got sacked once. That's the only thing I could think about with Josh that it was. Everything was precise, on the money. Some of his throws to Ty Johnson and Knox and Kincaid early. Just very sharp for Josh.

[Mike Catalana]

I thought Dawson. Knox made two big catches, the 25 yarder and the 20 yarder. Kincaid did come up with the one whether it hit the ground or not. And by the way, Sean Payton, I know the game was probably over, but how do you not challenge that play? I mean your team was done. But regardless of that, the tight ends came through and we have to see. Say, I'm going to finally get to say this credit to me. Curtis Samuel, 55 yard touchdown in the playoff.

[Jenna Cottrell]

He was just waiting.

[Dan Fates]

They were just waiting for him and Knox and Kincaid to for the postseason.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Well, look, where's mbs?

[Dan Fates]

He's catching touchdowns with the Saints. Not anymore. No.

[Mike Catalana]

It was nice to see Curtis Samuel who does have ability. This guy has played well in the league and he made a play and it was great. He made an early play for a first down and then he made that play for a touchdown. Hey, you never know when Josh Allen's your quarterback. What does Max say all the time, Ball's coming play like the ball's coming to you.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, play don't care who makes it. Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

But he's also said you got to be ready. And in that case, I know and in that case, come on. I was so conscious of not moving my feet. In that case.

[Dan Fates]

Such a headache editing.

[Mike Catalana]

In that case. Curtis Samuel was ready 55 yards for the touchdown and the Bills were up 31 to 7. It was just. It was impressive that way. By the way, speaking of Matt Collins tremendous on the punt. And then the other play when he did the Iverson step over and the.

[Dan Fates]

Jordan shrug, he hit him with both of them. That was the. And then Ty Johnson, the shot of me. Ty's pointing at the guy on the ground as Max stepping over him like Chef's kiss. Level of disrespect that you can do up 21. You can do up 21. Do not do that in a one score game. But man, also him showing up in the Fred Flintstone costume.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Didn't you say yabba dabba do?

[Dan Fates]

He said yabba dabba doo. Have a great day, everybody.

[Mike Catalana]

They hit on the punt.

[Jenna Cottrell]

He loves a spirit Halloween. A spirit Halloween. Hates to see him coming.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes, the hit on the punt was as good as it gets for a coverage guy.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

Think about. That's the guy who leads this team in touchdown catches and he ran down there and lit him up on the punt. Now you are right about the other. You're at the three yard line. You get a 15 yard penalty. Mack knows he can't do that. But they got away with it in this game. Just. Just don't do it in a closer game. But yeah, they all made plays today.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Anything else before we wrap up?

[Mike Catalana]

No, I think Dan was right. Offensive line great. I think defensive line needs to be better. I can't wait for the Ravens. It is going to be an incredible game here. I think it's this year the two best quarterbacks playing and I know Burrow put up numbers. The two best quarterbacks from this season are playing in this game here between the Bills and the Ravens. They have been the two best and.

[Jenna Cottrell]

We'Ll have plenty more coverage leading into this weekend.

[Dan Fates]

Obviously we don't know the health of Ray Davis. We hope he's okay. That was very scary. And I'm glad that Taron Johnson's okay because lowering your helmet to that level was not how they teach it. And that was scary for a minute too when the guy's laying face down. Luckily both those guys are okay. Cam Lewis also came back. Josh seemed to lose a tip of his thumb. He got nicked up a little bit on his throwing thumb.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, he got nicked.

[Dan Fates]

So I'm not sure exactly to what extent. Didn't seem to bother him. They still got, you know, he got to rest a little bit, but on.

[Jenna Cottrell]

The broadcast it looked like it was bleeding a little bit.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. So that's something to monitor. Of course. We'll be in Buffalo Orchard park this week as we lead into the Bills Ravens game here at Highmark Stadium this weekend. Plenty more coverage on the Buffalo plus channel. Please be sure to like, comment, subscribe and share. We'll catch you next time here for Mike Catalana and Dan Fates, I am Jenna Cottrell. Thank you so much. Also, playoffs continue. Playoffs continue. And thank you to everyone who came to our live event.

[Mike Catalana]

More to talk about. We'll talk a little about a little bit more on Thursday night. We'll have a chance to talk more about it. But it was awesome. You guys were awesome.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Incredible.

[Dan Fates]

And questions for the you ask we answer segment. You can maybe have a couple on here. We'll put up a post. But again, I know some people ask when do you post those questions? Yeah, feel free to drop questions in there.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right.

[Dan Fates]

Content all week.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All week. Thank you so much for watching. Please be sure to like, comment, subscribe and share again. We'll catch you next time here on the Buffalo plus channel. Presented by Connors and Fair.

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[Deion Sanders]

Thanks.

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