Buffalo Plus Podcast Episode Summary

Episode: Bills Come Back to Beat Ravens: Why They NEEDED a Win Like This
Date: October 3, 2022
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell (Dan Fetes not present)
Context: Postgame, live from BWI Airport after Bills’ 23–20 win over the Ravens

Overview

This episode breaks down the Buffalo Bills’ comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens, focusing on the narrative that the Bills have historically struggled to win close games. The hosts—on location in an airport—dig into why this hard-fought victory was critical for the team’s psyche, the season trajectory, and establishing the Bills’ toughness and poise. Key moments, player performances, and locker-room insights are discussed with agitated energy and the candid tone fans expect from Buffalo Plus.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Overcoming the “Can’t Win Close Games” Narrative

• Early Struggles: Bills trailed 20–3 and looked “terrible” with mistakes, fumbles, drops, and poor play calling.
  • “They looked terrible. They were making mistakes, fumbles, bad play calls. Josh was not sharp and when he was, guys dropping the ball.” (Mike, 01:47)
• Turning Point Before Halftime: A key score before halftime gave hope, despite the Ravens getting the ball in the second half.
  • “You got a feeling that was huge. It’s not ideal, it’s 20–10 and Ravens get the ball to start the third quarter. But then they got the ball right back and started to work and got it tied and then made all the plays down the stretch.” (Mike, 02:01)

2. The Team’s Poise and Locker Room Atmosphere

• No Panic: Despite frustrations, the hosts observed the Bills were calm and confident—even down big.
  • “There wasn’t any panic. ... You get to know these players and you can tell when it’s like, oh my gosh, everything’s going wrong—panic, all these things. And you could just tell this team was like, hey guys, we got this.” (Jenna, 02:18)
• Halftime Mindset: The rally cry of “don’t blink” (a Von Miller mantra) echoed through the locker room, focusing on fixing self-inflicted wounds rather than schematic overhaul.
  • “They were saying don’t blink because. And that’s something Von Miller has said and he repeated to us in post game… But also the self inflicted wounds that this team had.” (Jenna, 03:12)

3. The Game’s Decisive Defensive Moment

• Pivotal Stop: After pinning the Ravens at their own 5, the Ravens marched to a goal-to-go. Matt Milano made a “massive play” that pushed Baltimore into a fourth-and-two.
  • “I’m going to say this without overstating it… It’s one of those, you look back on it and you go, that was a massive play.” (Mike, 05:16)
• Poyer’s Interception: On fourth down, heavy Bills pressure led Lamar Jackson to lob the ball into the end zone—intercepted by Jordan Poyer.
  • “Jordan Poyer comes down with it. Awesome play. He takes a big shot there, but he catches it. Said he lost his breath.”— (Mike, 06:29)
• Coaching Respect: John Harbaugh’s aggressive fourth-down choice was read by the hosts as a huge sign of respect for the Bills’ offense.
  • “That is a huge sign of respect to Josh Allen and that Bills offense…” (Mike, 06:50)

4. Clock Management and Closing Out the Win

• Improved Situational Play: The Bills’ late-game clock management and smart offensive choices showed growth.
  • “It was the example of, of using that and understanding how to manage the clock in those late game situations.” (Jenna, 07:39)
• Bass’s Winning Field Goal: The drive culminated in a Tyler Bass game-winner with the clock expiring.

5. Standout Performers and Team Depth

• Jordan Poyer: Praised for his toughness, professionalism amid contract discussions, and making “every play you could ask him to.”
  • “He’s a guy that puts his body on the line. Smart, tough, dependable. I mean, he wants more money. I understand why.” (Jenna, 08:19)
• Secondary Standouts: Dane Jackson—returning from injury—and rookie Kaiir Elam got shout-outs for their poise.
  • “Dane Jackson credit, man. That dude’s a… Out there playing this week.” (Mike, 09:09)
  • “Kair, I was very impressed by his poise.” (Jenna, 09:38)
• Matt Milano & Tremaine Edmunds: Vital in clutch moments.
• Dawson Knox: Not just as a pass catcher but as a “devastating downfield blocker.”
  • “Dawson Knox was a devastating downfield blocker once to spring Singletary, another time to spring Shakir who had his first NFL catch.” (Mike, 10:20)

6. Offensive Challenges and Allen’s Growth

• Allen’s Up-and-Down Night: Josh Allen’s game was “not sharp” at times (missed throws, mistakes), but he was “great when it counted the most.”
  • “He did not play the way he can play for stretches of that game, but when it counted the most, he was great.” (Mike, 11:34)
• Shakir’s First NFL Catch: A key moment late in the game, made more impressive due to the rainy conditions.
  • “That was not an easy catch. Slippery in terms of the rain.” (Jenna, 10:57)

7. Physicality and Earning NFL Respect

• “Finesse vs. Steak” Theme: Discussion of whether the Bills have toughness as well as flash.
  • “We always know, like, the Bills have finesse, they have the sizzle, but could they be the steak?” (Jenna, 12:12)
• Shutting Down Stars: Bills neutralized key Ravens weapons, notably Mark Andrews, echoing what they did the week prior vs. Tyreek Hill.

8. Weather and Real-Time Atmosphere

• Rain’s Impact: Jenna spent four hours in the rain (“the weather was the weather”); both noted the challenges but said it “affected the game.” (14:54)
• Live from BWI: The unique recording location added a candid, playful feel.

9. The Big Picture: Season Trajectory

• 3–1 Start Reflection: Hosts celebrated a strong first quarter of the season, acknowledging some adversity but seeing it as valuable experience.
  • “I like that they’ve had to deal with some adversity. They fought back. I don’t like some of the injuries. They’re beaten up a little. But you know what? They’re coming back from that pretty quickly.” (Mike, 18:02)
• AFC Landscape: With most teams at 2–2 or worse, the hosts noted how wide open the conference was (11:41).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On the “don’t blink” mantra:
  “That’s something Von Miller has said and he repeated to us in post game: ‘Don’t blink.’” (Jenna, 03:12)

• On Matt Milano’s play:
  “It’s not quite like the play Zimmer made a couple years ago against Cam, but it’s close. It’s one of those, you look back on it and you go, that was a massive play.” (Mike, 05:16)

• Jordan Poyer’s toughness:
  “He’s a guy that puts his body on the line. Smart, tough, dependable. I mean, he wants more money. I understand why.” (Jenna, 08:19)

• On Bills’ identity and respect:
  “They can blow people out, but this was a game... where you earn respect around. Like I guarantee you there are coaches that it would say, like, you know, you don’t think they would be. To be like, get these guys in a tight game.” (Mike, 12:27)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:24 — Podcast begins from BWI Airport
• 01:46 — Early game struggles, the 20–3 deficit
• 02:45 — Locker room demeanor, halftime “don’t blink” mantra
• 05:16 — Matt Milano’s pivotal play
• 06:29 — Jordan Poyer’s game-changing INT
• 07:39 — Discussion of clock management growth
• 08:19 — Poyer’s professionalism and contract situation
• 09:09 — Dane Jackson & secondary praise
• 10:20 — Dawson Knox’s blocking & Shakir’s first catch
• 11:34 — Josh Allen’s performance
• 12:12 — “Finesse vs. steak” question
• 13:29 — Field-level weather report
• 18:02 — First quarter season reflection

Final Thoughts

• Bills proved mental and physical toughness: They came back from a deep deficit, won a tight, ugly game, and “earned respect.”
• Key leaders delivered: In adversity, veterans like Milano, Poyer, and Allen carried the team.
• Winning these games matters: The hosts stress this win could set a different tone for the rest of the season.

Episode delivers the high-energy, insider-driven Buffalo Plus perspective—mixing sharp football analysis with the real-time quirks of postgame travel, and plenty of the camaraderie Bills fans expect.