Buffalo Plus Podcast — Detailed Episode Summary
Episode Title: Bills cruise over Patriots, Super Josh returns and Jay-Z is a fan
Date: December 2, 2022
Hosts: Mike Catalana & Jenna Cottrell
Episode Overview
The Buffalo Plus team (Mike Catalana and Jenna Cottrell) react to the Buffalo Bills' 24–10 victory over the New England Patriots in Foxborough. The episode focuses on Josh Allen’s impressive performance post-injury, Bills’ offensive flexibility, a significant shift in the AFC East power dynamic, Stefan Diggs’ continued brilliance, and a few memorable moments from behind the scenes — including a high-profile Jay-Z sighting.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Josh Allen’s Return to Form
- Mike and Jenna immediately highlight that Josh Allen looked healthy again, playing with little sign of the UCL injury that had previously limited him.
- Touches on specific plays: the semi-hurdle for a first down, "zip" on his throws, and a highlight-reel touchdown pass to Gabriel Davis.
- Discussion of how Allen's athleticism and improvisational risk-taking are a double-edged sword for the Bills but critical to his greatness.
- Quote: "Josh needs to be smart, but at the same time, that’s Josh Allen. You gotta live with some of the dumb ones because he’s gonna make plays like that that no one else... maybe Mahomes can make." — Mike (03:32)
- Mike notes asking Allen and McDermott about the Davis touchdown: Allen laughed it off, McDermott joked about closing his eyes.
2. The Gabriel Davis Touchdown (01:46–04:15)
- Mike elaborates on the “crazy throw” to Davis, noting that next-gen stats marked it as the closest to out-of-bounds on a completion ever since such metrics have been tracked.
- Quote: “That was like... the closest to the out-of-bounds line for a completion ever since they started keeping the stats... But it’s typical that it was Josh.”—Mike (02:21)
- Jenna: "It’s just his athleticism. I feel like we don’t talk about it enough…he does things you don’t see other people make." (03:53–04:04)
3. Watching a Franchise Quarterback Era
- Jenna reflects on having covered the pre-Allen Bills and feels it’s a “privilege” to cover the team now.
- Quote: “Every game, the Bills are in it now...it is a treat to watch Josh Allen play every week.” — Jenna (04:45–05:13)
- Discussion of Allen’s meteoric progression and impact on the franchise, referencing past QBs (Trent Edwards, JP Losman, EJ Manuel).
4. Locker Room Insider & Fun Moments
- Discussion drifts into a behind-the-scenes draft night story involving Josh Allen and “blue cheese vs. ranch” chicken wing advice, revealing that Allen quickly picked up Buffalo culinary tradition.
- “It’s blue cheese." — Jenna, on what to serve with wings for Allen (06:59)
5. Stefon Diggs’ Dominance and Sideline Banter (10:48–20:11)
- Jenna describes being on the field, capturing the would-be Diggs touchdown, and Diggs’ hilarious post-catch quote:
- Quote: “You would have thought I went to school for chiropracting.” — Stefon Diggs to Jenna (15:32–16:20)
- Mike and Jenna discuss Diggs’ skill set, tough catches, and body control, calling him “the most talented receiver I’ve ever seen on the Bills.” (18:21)
- Comparison to Andre Reed, acknowledging Diggs’ game-changing impact and how he’s both “the safety blanket and the star.”
6. Bills Running Game, O-Line Injuries & Patriots Resignation
- Commentary on the offensive line challenges, especially David Quessenberry gutting it out with an ankle injury (09:20–10:44).
- Mike observes the lopsided nature of the matchup now, noting a significant reversal from the Patriots' two-decade domination and that the confidence shift is palpable.
- Quote: “The gap between these two teams is substantial.” — Mike (08:52)
- Jenna notes fan resignation in Gillette Stadium and Patriots’ lack of answers.
7. Stellar Drive Execution
- Bills executed multiple long, grinding TD drives, wearing down the Patriots’ defense and controlling the game flow (29:28–29:43).
8. Jay-Z Meeting Josh Allen (21:42–23:24)
- Mike recounts witnessing Jay-Z meeting Josh Allen in the tunnel post-game, capturing video that generated buzz online.
- Quote: “It was kind of a cool moment...it’s as big a star in music as there’s been and in every other thing. And Josh played it cool.” — Mike (22:54)
- The encounter underscores Allen’s ascension as a national sports celebrity.
9. Sean McDermott’s Coaching Edge over Belichick
- Mike praises Sean McDermott, noting he’s now defeated Bill Belichick three straight times, flipping a long-time coaching narrative.
- Quote: "It was methodical in winning the game, but clearly, McDermott has the better team. Clearly, they were better coached." — Mike (27:44)
- Notes McDermott’s team is playing with clear confidence and execution.
10. State of the AFC East and Patriots’ Struggles
- Mike feels sympathy for Mac Jones, clarifying: "I don’t think he’s the problem. I don’t know if he’s the solution."
- Observes Patriots’ coaching disarray (Patricia/Judge) and a “beaten” Belichick, especially evident when they punted down 17 points late in the game. (28:29–29:21)
- Bills are now clearly ahead of the Patriots; Dolphins are primary competition, Jets building a good defense.
11. Bills Playoff Scenario and Personnel News
- Discussion about the importance of divisional wins, upcoming schedule (all divisional home games left), implications for playoff seeding.
- Touches on Von Miller’s IR status and anticipation of Odell Beckham Jr.’s visit to Buffalo (30:39–31:15).
12. Fun Side: Press Box Food Lore (23:53–26:50)
- Amusing detour about the quality of press box food in Foxborough (notably fantastic clam chowder and steak tips) and other NFL stadiums.
- Jenna: “I was very impressed with Foxboro in terms of their food spread, because, you know, that is near and dear to my heart.” (26:34)
- Shared stories about media logistics and amenities.
Memorable Quotes & Moments by Timestamp
- 03:32 — Mike: “Josh needs to be smart, but at the same time, that’s Josh Allen. You gotta live with some of the dumb ones because he’s gonna make plays like that that no one else...maybe Mahomes can make.”
- 04:45 — Jenna: "[Allen's presence means] every game, the Bills are in it now...it is a treat to watch Josh Allen play every week."
- 08:52 — Mike: “The gap between these two teams is substantial.”
- 15:32–16:20 — Stefon Diggs to Jenna (on the sideline): “You would have thought I went to school for chiropracting.”
- 18:21 — Mike: "He’s the most talented receiver I’ve ever seen on the Bills."
- 22:54 — Mike: “It was kind of a cool moment...it’s as big a star in music as there’s been and in every other thing. And Josh played it cool.”
- 27:44 — Mike: “It was methodical in winning the game, but clearly, McDermott has the better team. Clearly, they were better coached.”
- 28:30 — Mike quoting Matt Smith on Mac Jones: “I don’t think he’s the problem. I don’t know if he’s the solution.”
Timestamps of Important Segments
- 00:00–06:00: Discussion of Allen’s health, confidence, highlight throws, and the “Josh Allen Experience”
- 08:00–12:00: Sideline stories, Diggs’ would-be TD and his on-field quotes
- 15:00–20:00: Diggs’ importance to the offense; comparison to Bills receivers past
- 21:42–23:24: Jay-Z meets Josh Allen in tunnel postgame
- 27:08–29:50: McDermott’s record vs Belichick, AFC East power shift, Patriots’ woes
- 30:39–31:15: Playoff scenarios, Odell Beckham Jr. visit, Von Miller news
- 23:53–26:50: Lighthearted press box food chat
Tone & Style
Conversational, inside access, a blend of playful banter and analytical insight, with recurring humor and candid storytelling; candid admiration for Allen and Diggs, with the hosts sharing both journalistic and personal fan perspectives.
In Summary:
This episode immerses listeners in the euphoria of a dominant Bills win, the privilege of witnessing a franchise quarterback coming into his prime, and the subtle excitement that the world — from Patriots fans to Jay-Z — is noticing Buffalo’s rise. Jenna and Mike combine insider anecdotes, football breakdowns, and lighthearted sideline stories to create a must-listen recap for any Bills fan.