Bills cruise over Patriots, Super Josh returns and Jay-Z is a fan

Summary

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

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign. Welcome back to the Buffalo plus podcast, presented by Buffalo plus and Connors and Ferris. Mike Catalana. I'm Jenna Cottrell. We are on our way from Foxborough after the Bills beat the Patriots in New England 24 to 10. Mike, a lot of things came together for this Bills team. Let's start with the offense. And just. It felt like Josh Allen. It seemed like. It felt like Josh Allen felt pretty healthy out there.

[B]

Yeah, he looked like Josh Allen. You know, when he got hurt, there was some thought he'd miss a game or two or three and maybe come back for this game. And Josh was like, screw it. I'm playing through it and I'm going to stay on the field. Not at 100%. Not an easy thing for a quarterback, not an easy thing for any NFL player. And he still played and he still won and he found a way to do it. But I thought in this game, in flashes, like the throw to Davis, the semi. The semi hurdle, what was that? That was like. That was like, I haven't hurdled in a while, so I'm going to just do this. And he got the first down and he ran it okay a couple times. Nothing really great that way, but he looked like it. And the throw for the touchdown, that was to Diggs, right? The one that got called back.

[A]

Yeah, that was an incredible, great throw.

[B]

They had a hold. So he looked like Josh to me. He looked like, all right, now I'm feeling good now. I can zip the ball now. I don't worry about anything. He looked like Josh Allen of old and my old. I mean, like a month ago. Yeah.

[A]

Like literally three weeks ago.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It seemed like he didn't have any limitations.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Like that. To me, the feel was. It felt like the playbook was completely open for this team. Whereas before we talked about it pregame, a little bit like I felt like the Bills had kind of gotten away from Allen running the ball because of being, you know, dealing with, nursing with that UCL injury. But some of those throws, man, I mean, that touchdown to Gabriel Davis and. And we're going to talk about the stuff. Digs, Touchdown, too, because it was literally right in my face. But that throw, it was the classic. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Oh, my. Josh Allen.

[B]

So he shouldn't have thrown it. No, I mean, when you look at the replay, he is not just that he's at the edge of out of bounds, but when he's letting the ball go as he's falling out of bounds from behind him, the shot they Had, I think it was the Amazon shot they had was pretty good. And you really could barely see Gabe because the defender's there. I think the defender for the Patriots was like, well, there's no way this guy's throwing. Throwing the ball here. And he throws it. And I read, son, you know, there's all these stats and next gen stats that said, like, that was the closest to the out of bounds line for a completion ever since they started keeping the stats, whatever. That was like six years ago. And it's typical that it was Josh. I asked him about it. I said, did you think about not throwing it? He's like, no. And he laughed like he does. And I asked McDermott about it and McDermott was like, I didn't see it. I closed my eyes. Funny guy. He is hilarious. He is a funny man. But he. Whoa. But he made the joke and I get it. But then he came around being Sean and he's right. He's like, josh knows he's got to protect the ball.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I look at it this way and maybe. Do you agree or disagree? I look at it this way and say, Josh needs to be smart, but at the same time, that's Josh Allen. You gotta live with some of the dumb ones.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because he's gonna make plays like that that no one else. Maybe Mahomes can make.

[A]

I just. When I saw that play and getting to see like some of the alternate angles of it. It's just his athleticism. I feel like we don't talk about it enough.

[B]

Maybe it's because we're used to it. He's done it so many times. I mean, that one. On the scale of Josh Allen.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Top 10.

[A]

Yeah. Oh, I agree. It wasn't.

[B]

But for every other quarterback that's played for the Bills ever, it's top one. Like, we just didn't see plays like that. So. I mean, Josh does things like you said. I mean, that you don't see other people make. We've gotten used to it. I. You've said it before. It's a privilege to cover that team with him playing.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because you are seeing greatness. Not great on every play. Not always the smartest plays. Like, he does some stuff.

[A]

Yeah. I mean, he's. He's not perfect, obviously. And I just think of, you know, we are. We are friends with a lot of people in other stations and other media markets who cover NFL teams. And I just think, like, the. Not to sound like I'm 100 years old, but like, what a treat it is to watch Josh Allen play every week? Well, because every game the Bills are in it now. If not favored. If not.

[B]

Settle down here a minute. You've covered the Bills for how many years now?

[A]

This is my seventh season.

[B]

Right. So before Josh Allen.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So you've had all of Josh Allen. Why don't you spend a little time with a little Trent Edwards, JP Lawsman, EJ Manuel. Okay. You have. It's been great for you because even though when Josh was a rookie, I mean, he still leaped over the Vikings, right?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And in 19, he got a team to the playoffs and had a spectacular first half and came back and all that stuff. And then 20, 21, he's an MVP candidate. Like, you've seen a growing quarterback who quickly ascended to being a great quarterback and now a chance to be a champion quarterback.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So you've had it pretty good that way.

[A]

I. Yeah. No, I mean, I. I will say.

[B]

And that. What I used to say.

[A]

Some are asking if I brought the luck to.

[B]

You might have. Maybe you did. Hey, you were there. The moment he was drafted, you and I were there.

[A]

Yeah. Remember he almost fell down a flight of stairs. Do you remember that?

[B]

Almost did.

[A]

Almost. He did not. He caught himself.

[B]

He did not. You had a great early tweet with him.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

When he. Somebody threw up a pen down to him and we were signing, and then he threw it back up and you said, accuracy. Accuracy. Because that was the big question about.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then we can let the secret out.

[A]

No. Are we.

[B]

We can let it out.

[A]

We. You might have mentioned you're forcing me into letting out a secret. I don't know how I feel.

[B]

You might have mentioned to somebody he didn't know anything.

[A]

Know.

[B]

He. He didn't say I don't know anything about chicken wings. He didn't say that. You just gave a little information, says, make sure it's blue cheese.

[A]

It's blue cheese.

[B]

But I think he probably would have known that, right?

[A]

Oh, no, I don't. I don't think you know that unless you live in western New York. I don't think you know that, but I actually think that he does. Like, it's not an act, but I can't believe you're outing these secrets. It's not a big deal. Exclusive content on the Buffalo plus podcast.

[B]

Here's what I might say the person might have said, hey, Josh, you know, and he's like, of course all wings have bones and you always have blue cheese. I'm going to believe that he knew it, but he's just making sure. Because maybe he wasn't prepared for that question.

[A]

Yeah. I mean, I can't imagine the amount of questions, like, draft night must be the absolute complete blur.

[B]

Because it was kind of cool, though. Like, we were right in the room with him right when he met Edmonds.

[A]

We were the first local interview.

[B]

Yeah. Right there with them. And that's only because I'm the oldest.

[A]

Like, not trying to make fun of you. It is literally that.

[B]

Well, yes.

[A]

They were like, mike, you've been around. Like, yeah, go.

[B]

Go there.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And so we got to talk to him. Was cool. And we were looking at these two Giants, six foot five are going to be the future of the team. And Tremaine was pretty good in this game. Too good to have him back.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

He might be playing himself. He might be playing himself into a deal. I don't know. I don't know what they were going to do. But back to Josh, I just thought that he looked like himself. And Diggs hinted at it. Then I asked him about it. I'm asking these. I remember my questions because I pontificate when I ask them.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But Diggs was like. Then he went into, like, yeah, he's having fun out there. When he's having fun, it permeates the whole team. And we're saying this, Jenna, on a night where they ran the ball more than they threw it. Do you know why that was? Because they could do whatever they want against the Patriots, because the gap between these two teams is substantial.

[A]

It is crazy to think about how it was so lopsided for so many years, so. So in favor of New England, but how quickly it's economy. It just has flipped. Yeah. And I mean, that's life in the NFL and, you know, things change and all that stuff, but it's like, wow. Like, Patriots fans, after. I was kind of looking at the crowd after the Gabe Davis touchdown, and people were just like, oh. Like, it's a.

[B]

It's a bit of resignation. Like, they know it. You know, it's. It's like with the Bills, like, in this game, they got that early touchdown, they took the lead, Fans were excited and all. And then. Then you said, then they come down the Bills, they get the touchdown, and they got the lead, and they're, you know, Diggs and they're moving on, and you just knew it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, it was that way with the Bills and the Patriots. Like, when they come in the locker room, I don't think they say, like, we knew we were going to win this game, but I think they Came into the game with a level of confidence even with banged up line, you know, they missed Deion out there. I'll give this to David Quesenberry. I was critical of him during the game. I. It looked like he banged up his ankle. He kept fighting to stay on the field, and they were much better in the second half.

[A]

I.

[B]

But, like, it was not great in the first.

[A]

It was not great. And I, you know, I. I obviously saw, like, I mean, it was hard to miss, but at the same point, I can't tell you, like, you know, I'm. I'm on the field, I'm using my camera, I'm using video, and like, Questenberry getting up physically made me wince. Yeah, because you could tell just how, like, I don't want to say how injured he was, but just he was very uncomfortable.

[B]

Well, he did come off the field. He got taped up with the ankle. He limped off a few. Not limped off, but you could tell he was strained a little bit. But he's out there.

[A]

He was in a lot of pain.

[B]

He's out there playing left tackle and.

[A]

Struggling for your, like, filling in for your franchise guy.

[B]

Yeah, for Deion. And look, they gave up a few ushe got in there, had that one sack for the strip. They had two sacks for zero yards, but that one was, you know, impactful because they got the ball out of his hands. Judon, well, Judon got free when Sweeney held him. That was when Allen threw the touchdown. Look, they put Sweeney out there, and he and Judon got right in between. You got to do a better job than that. He's got to at least slow him down. Then he grabs him, which, again, you don't want him to hit Josh. Yeah, but then Josh throws. A rocket would have been a touchdown.

[A]

But that catch by Stefan Diggs, that didn't count as a touchdown.

[B]

Right. So let's.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

You with Diggs.

[A]

Okay. Yeah. So again, on the field, recording the game, all this stuff, and, you know, the play this. The first quarter ends, and I'm like, you know, they were driving there on the doorstep, red zone. And. And I just. I said this on the Buffalo Plus YouTube channel, but I just get this.

[B]

This premonition.

[A]

Yeah. Like, before the Singletary touchdown, I was like, it's going to Singletary. I just. I don't know, maybe because I've just watched.

[B]

Maybe you should have been the Patriots defensive coordinator.

[A]

Honestly, I wish I could place a bet, like a millisecond before it happens, because I think I would win some Money. But no. So I was like, you know what? I think the ball is coming over here. And I will say I feel like I am a magnet for touchdowns that are right on the edge and, like, people are jumping out.

[B]

So tell everybody what it's like. So Jenna's got a camera. It's a substantial camera. Big Sony takes the heaviest camera.

[A]

It's literally the heaviest camera.

[B]

It's a TV camera. It is great quality. It takes a picture. It's a heavy camera. You got to shoulder. Yeah. So. So take everybody through. So when you shoot that, you take a little. Not wider, but a. More of a. Because you don't know where the ball's going.

[A]

Yeah. And I. I'm not as good of a shooter as Dan. He likes to remind me that. He likes to remind me.

[B]

So you. You.

[A]

I'm better at audio.

[B]

Whoever is shooting. Oh, Dan. She took a shot there. Anyhow, you're shooting, and then all of a sudden you're. You are right outside. Everybody saw. If you watch on the TV broadcast, you see Jenna with the camera right up there next to Diggs. So, yeah. What are you thinking? The ball's in the air, and here comes Diggs.

[A]

Well, I get nervous because I've been hit before. In 2017, Mike Evans, you know, ran into me and Trey White, and, like, that was embarrassing. So I. I'm a little skittish, if I'm being honest.

[B]

So it was spectacular.

[A]

I was like, hang in there. Hang in there. And I kind of bailed a little bit because spatially, here's the thing. We are photographers, right? There's like a little yellow line right outside of the end zone, and that's where. That's as close as we can get. But when I tell you that is close to the field.

[B]

Now, look. Yeah. Oh, God.

[A]

And these players are sick. They're. They're fast, they are tall, and they can leap, and it's unbelievable how quick plays develop. And you're like, oh, shit. I. I am going to get like. You have to be aware of that.

[B]

So in. Now Jen is on the field. Dan's on the field. They're right in the mix of it. I have spent a lot of time on the sidelines in my life. A lot of it earlier when we were allowed to be out there, a lot of it in the preseason when I was doing the games. And you quickly learn that, number one, you will get run over. You are on their turf. Yes, they're playing 100 miles an hour plus. And. But the speed. And you. You just. You Sometimes cannot believe how quickly they're on top of you. So that anytime I've been down there and other people, I'm like, don't just get out of the way.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, if it's even close to you, get out of the way. Yeah, but you have a camera. You're shooting it. So.

[A]

Yeah, so it's like my shots stay in it, but it's like, so now what happens?

[B]

So Diggs catches it.

[A]

So Diggs catches it, and he's right in front of me, and I kind of, like, walk up to him because he just scored a touchdown to get his celebration shot. And then it. Okay, this is so cliche, but it felt like I was the only camera there because no one obstructed my view.

[B]

You were right up to him normally.

[A]

I mean, it was like he was. He was talking to my camera, but.

[B]

He'S so shy and doesn't like the camera.

[A]

Oh, that's funny. But it was really cool. And then he said, I. I literally, in the moment, it's so loud. You were right in front of the Bill's fans, because it was the Bill's sideline. And he's like. All I hear is him mumble some stuff and then say, chiropractor. And I was like, what the hell did he just say?

[B]

You sent the video. We were in the press box listening to it, and I'm standing next to it was John Scott, and I'm trying to remember who was there. And Josh reed from Channel 4. And we're like, did he say chiropractor? He did after he said I broke his ass.

[A]

Broke his. Broke his shit. Yeah.

[B]

And they think I'm.

[A]

Okay. Wait. I want to actually find the exact quote because. Whoops. Because I feel like it's necessary to. To get it right.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Let's see.

[B]

So you got it right there.

[A]

I. People were commenting, it broke his. You would have thought I went to school for chiropracting.

[B]

Chiropracting is hilarious.

[A]

But when he's saying this to me, all I hear is ky. And I'm like, did he just say chiropractic? I was like, yeah, no. So it was. It was honestly really cool. Like, I know, like, this job I feel so fortunate to get to do. Do. And there's moments like that where I'm like, that is so cool.

[B]

Yeah, it's a touchdown. It's Diggs. Yeah, he's a great player. He's. He's fun to be around. Like, he's funny. Like, he says chiropracting. He talked in the other game, about. No disrespect to people in cubicles. I mean, to me, it's just hilarious the way he gets very genuine. He is pretty open when he talks.

[A]

He's open. I love it when he's like. He says he's grumpy, which I'm like, relatable, sir.

[B]

Yeah. But also because he says he's hungry.

[A]

Like, also relatable.

[B]

Yes. Right.

[A]

But no, I. I just. I always appreciate his perspective, and I feel like he is very genuine.

[B]

Like, he is such a good player.

[A]

Oh, my. I cannot understate how much he gets these physical catches. These. Again, we talk about how fast the game is. The. Also collisions and the sound of that. And just seeing people at full speed essentially running into each other. Like, his body has got to be hurting so bad after the game.

[B]

But you know, what about him, though? He gets the attention. He's the number one guy. He's not a huge guy. He's fast.

[A]

Yeah. He's not super.

[B]

He does avoid the huge hits. He really does. He's very good. Great body control, all those things. But he makes the tough catches. He. He makes. Josh threw him a slant on a third and one today, took a hit, but boom. Got like six yards. He makes those catches. Phenomenal on the sidelines. Like, he's just. He does that. He does all that stuff. I mean, look, Andre Reed's in the hall of Fame. Phenomenal player, tough as nails, went over the middle. All those things. I'm talking about total career.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

He's the most talented receiver I've ever seen on the Bills.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I don't think it's. I mean, his skill level at catching the ball, running routes. Now, if Andre was sitting here, he'd say, he doesn't have to do what I had to do. He's right.

[A]

The game was more physical.

[B]

They could take shots at you. I'm not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about all the other parts of the game. He's tough, too, but just his hands, his movement, getting open. When everybody knows it, everybody knows the ball's gone to him.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So he's going to end up. He's 91, 92 catches. Whatever he's at now, I'm going to say five more games, he's going to end up with 120, some catches.

[A]

I just think of how, like, he has been that safety blanket this year, and he has stepped up huge. I think of that. That.

[B]

I'm sorry, I want to interrupt, but he's the safety Blanket and he's the star.

[A]

Yes, he's correct. Yes.

[B]

He's the big play guy and the little play guy. Like I need to get the ball to somebody. It's going to Diggs, I need a big. It's going to Diggs, I need a touchdown. It's going to Digs and everybody knows it.

[A]

Yeah, I just think of how much like his game has helped elevate the team. I think of that catch in rainy Baltimore where Josh Allen didn't was like, oh crap, it's. That's not gonna work out. Digs catch, just things like that where you're like what he adds. And yes, he's the number one wide receiver. He gets paid accordingly. But I'm like, that man's underpaid. Like I. A part of me is just like what he does for the team and the assurance that he gives you and some of the plays that he makes, you're just like that. That shouldn't even be possible. Yeah, like when he, when he caught that second touchdown catch would have been second touchdown catch that called back. I was like, I just, I was like, wow, that, that he literally ran into. He's run into like 17 reporters this year, I swear.

[B]

You know, I was thinking is so who breaks it to him that it's not a touchdown?

[A]

I'm trying to think because, well, he turned around and like no one was really celebrating. Yeah, someone went over though and like, like, like not like rubbed his shoulder, but was just like. But I think it was Gabe Davis was like the play.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, it's a touchdown. He starts to celebrating.

[A]

I would be, I would be so upset now.

[B]

Look, you probably saw it, but the flag came down right away. Like anybody watching it? Like we're watching from behind the plate. We saw the flag, we're like holding.

[A]

Honestly, I did not so.

[B]

Right. Because you're on the field.

[A]

Yeah. I'm like, I'm looking for the right away.

[B]

So we're like, oh. And I saw Sweeney hold him. I mean it was a hold.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So it's like, oh, oh no, it was a touchdown too. And you're like, Diggs is running his butt off and he dives for the ball and it's a touchdown. He's like, I'm going to do this whatever celebration he was going to have. And then it's like, Steph, we got to go 60 yards back again, cuz your touchdown doesn't count.

[A]

So I'm not going to lie. When they're like holding on 89 in my head, I'm like, who? The. Who's like. I was like, oh, Tommy Sweet. Oh, okay.

[B]

They put him in there to help on the right side, and then Judon ran right in between the two of them.

[A]

Yeah, that was. That was not ideal.

[B]

Dion back. Let's get Dion back on the field. He'll be back soon.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. Hey. The Bills were able to run the ball, though.

[B]

Yeah. And Josh had a great game. Jay Z got to meet him after the game.

[A]

Dude, that is wild to me.

[B]

Yeah. So I'm standing in the tunnel afterward, and I don't think we're supposed to shoot that. They get all worked up for some reason. I never quite understand it. I think they don't want us.

[A]

I think if it's negative, they don't want you.

[B]

They don't want it because. And usually, honestly, Bills have very little. No negativity. Nobody's screaming at us. Nobody is doing anything or whatever. I mean, it could happen. I guess. So. I know there's excitement. We got to stand around the corner, and I hear Josh. I start just With a phone, just shooting, and I'm like, now, you know me. I know every artist in the world.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I look at Jay Z, he said, hey, Mike. He walked by, and I'm like, hey, how's it going?

[A]

Dinner on Friday.

[B]

Right. And then tell B. I said hello. And then I'm like. I thought in my head, I'm like, it looks like. And then I see him call over, and then he's shaking hands with Josh. So I get a little video. So it's on Twitter. Other people did, too, by the way. Chris Long retweeted me.

[A]

Oh, that's cool.

[B]

Big Chris Long fan. Helped win a Super bowl for the Eagles. Awesome player. Had to get that in there. Love his podcast. Love his show.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I retweeted it, but it was, like, it was kind of a cool moment. And, yeah, you know, it's Jay Z. I mean, you know, it's like the guys were. It was like, it's as big a star in music as there's been and in every other thing. Music and beyond. So it was kind of cool. And Josh. Josh played it cool.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I don't think he knows him. I didn't get the impression.

[A]

Personally know Jay Z.

[B]

Right. Jay Z knew who he was.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Is at the game.

[A]

That, to me, is just bananas that, like, Jay Z is like, oh, I want to go out of my way to meet the Bills quarterback.

[B]

Right. I mean, I remember in the day when he was tight with JP Lossman and yeah, exactly. You know, now he'd probably love Fitz.

[A]

Oh, I'm sure he. He would also Allen wearing the Fitz jersey.

[B]

And he got him to sign it, I guess, right?

[A]

No, I didn't see that.

[B]

Yeah, he got Fitz to sign it. That's funny.

[A]

Yeah, that's pretty good. I like that. All right, let's talk food a little bit. I gotta say, Big fan, this one right here. Nope. Big fan of.

[B]

Yeah, they. They treat you pretty well in Foxborough.

[A]

So normally, obviously, Mike's in the press box. I'm on the field, so. Great. But a lot of the photographers have a different press box than.

[B]

Now. You came up in the press box. But that was pre food.

[A]

Correct.

[B]

So am I going right here? Let's just.

[A]

Yes, yes.

[B]

As we're driving.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Yeah. You came upstairs just to get some stuff done. It was pretty early. And then we went downstairs and they had the food, which was similar to what we had.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And then upstairs. But had a little bit down there with you. Clam chowder pretty good.

[A]

I. Yeah, I'm into it. I will say the. The clam chowder was fantastic.

[B]

And what was the nice addition?

[A]

They had steak tips.

[B]

Look at them.

[A]

And they were cooked great. They were marinated.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

They like. I like my steak rare. Medium rare. And it was. There were some pieces that were obviously well done.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But other. I was like, wow. I was truly. And I was like, this is her. The woman's name was Vicki. I met her briefly. I told Vicki she does a phenomenal job. Because I've been to a lot of, you know, photographers workrooms, and they are so good there. There's pizza at halftime. I gotta say, Dallas, phenomenal Thanksgiving spread that they had when we were there in 2019. But I think Foxborough is up there. Like, this is. I mean, it's Thursday night football, but yeah, it's.

[B]

Look, I can't stand the cowboys. But you. Were you in the press box?

[A]

Yeah, I went up and ate. It was amazing. It was unreal.

[B]

It was absurd.

[A]

I wish I took photos of it, honestly. Yeah, because we also reference it, like, all the time. Yeah, but that's. That is the gold standard of.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, Jerry is a lot of things, but I'm gonna give the man credit for the spread he puts out. Now, I do say, I appreciate when you guys downstairs get treated with some respect. There's places, Detroit, the people were wonderful. They had nothing for you downstairs. We had to steal food off a cart for you.

[A]

It's so weird to me, like, the. It almost Feels like a hierarchy. Like. Oh. Like the press box is like. Yeah. I mean, honestly.

[B]

And the biggest thing is convenience. Like, it's a haul to get up to the press box in those places.

[A]

Yeah, that's fantastic. Fair. But I just think it's. I was very. I was very impressed. I was very impressed with Foxboro in terms of their food spread, because, you know, that is near and dear to my heart. And so. Yeah. And they had fountain ginger ale.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yeah. I'm like, that's. That, to me, is like a rarity. I don't know. Do people. Do people normally have that? I don't know. I. Like, I needed it.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. I need a little hydration.

[A]

I needed some hydration. All right, well, let's wrap up here. Anything else you want to add?

[B]

Well, I will say this. Like I said, Sean McDermott is crushing Bill Belichick. Since that moment when Belichick got the win and Sean snapped when he was asked about Belichick getting credit and all that stuff, McDermott has destroyed him in three straight games. Today or for this game. It was methodical in winning the game, but clearly, McDermott has the better team. Clearly, they were better coached. I mean, he's got the better court, all that stuff, but, you know, Belichick's had that forever when he had the better guy.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I think Sean is now showing that he's going to win those games. And so he's beaten him three straight times, so that's big for him. It's Bill Belichick. Okay. He goes back a long way with Bill Belichick. In his time with the Eagles, Belichick beat them in the Super Bowl. You know, in his time with the Bills, Belichick beat him up and down, and then, you know, early, and then he's starting to catch up again. So that and also kind of make me feel a little sorry for Mack Jones. I don't think he's a great quarterback. My friend Matt Smith was saying to us, great line, he works. He's like, I don't think he's the problem. I don't know if he's the solution.

[A]

Such a good line.

[B]

It really is the truth. Like, they don't know what they have in Mack, but he's only in his second year. Josh, in his second year, was figuring it out. Matt got him to the playoffs as a rookie. Was he great? No, but he was good. And then this second year, they got Matt, Patricia and Joe Judge coaching him. Mack is screaming on the sidelines, throw the ball. Stop with the Quick game or short game or whatever it is, basically the run game and all this stuff, because there's no chance to win. They punted the ball. Fourth and seven, down by 17 points.

[A]

I was like, what are you doing? When I saw that, I was like.

[B]

Oh, you know what that tells you? He knows he's beat.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Belichick knows he's beat against the Bills. He knows the Bills are much better than them. And it's. They. The Bills have to play poorly to lose to this team now.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

They. They have nothing on offense. The Bills handle their defense. Three long drives. Two massively long drives.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

For touchdowns. So, look, the Dolphins are the competition. The jets are building a defense. If they get any quarterback play, they're tough. The Patriots. Yeah. And any good quarterbacks they play, they lose. So.

[A]

Yeah, that's true.

[B]

Sorry. They know it. The reality is that's not a very good team, and the Bills are considerably ahead of them now.

[A]

So Bills pick up their first divisional. If someone were to tell you at the beginning of the SE season, the Bills first divisional win wouldn't be till December.

[B]

Yeah. The only reason I would say is because it was a weird schedule. Those two quick games, I would have thought, they beat the Jets. They should have beaten the Jets. Give the jets credit. They played hard. They didn't make mistakes. They won the game fair and square. Did it? Dolphins game was strange, but the Dolphins are good. But now it's. Now they're done.

[A]

The road game, they were.

[B]

I mean, you know, they were. They was a weird game. But on the other hand, the three road games are done. It's three home games now in the division.

[A]

That's pretty nice when you look at that.

[B]

And you know, as you're listening to this, maybe you're hearing this certainly before Sunday, but they could use a Dolphins loss and. Or a Chiefs loss would help the Bills immensely.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because you got to go for that one seed, get the buy. And that's big for them. It's very big for them. Oh, and by the way, you know, Von gets put on IR four weeks again, even that kind of thing. Who knows? Might be that Friday they're meeting with Odell. You know, Josh said we'll see if he has a role. Of course he's got a role. Can you imagine? Odell shows up and they're like, where's Josh? Oh, you know, Josh is playing tennis today. No, Josh is going to be there. He's going to have contact with him. So is Diggs, so's Trey. Those guys will be around, so we'll see what ends up happening with it, so.

[A]

Yeah, we'll see.

[B]

You sound like that's what Josh said. Yeah, he and I are very similar. What are you laughing at?

[A]

Oh, my.

[B]

Elite athletes, we stick together.

[A]

Oh, my goodness. Exactly that. It's all about how you view yourself.

[B]

That's it.

[A]

All right, thank you for joining us here on the Buffalo plus podcast. Please be sure to. You can't. Really? Yeah, you can.

[B]

Like, you can rate it, you can download it.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And as you always say, tell your friends.

[A]

Tell your friends.

[B]

Tell your friends.

[A]

Think I say that?

[B]

Yeah, you said that. Tell your friends.

[A]

Oh, yeah. Tell your friends.

[B]

Yeah. If you have friends, you have a lot of friends. Bill's fans have a lot of friends. Tell their friends.

[A]

Buffalo Plus.

[B]

Buffalo Plus. Oh, I like it.

[A]

Yeah, I like it. All right. Sticking.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Heard it here, folks. Okay, thank you for joining us. Subscribe, and if you haven't subscribed or you're like, I don't know, subscribe. Just subscribe. Yep, we're worth it. Thank you. We will see you next week as the Bills will take on the jets at home, like Mike mentioned, but for Mike, I'm Jenna. We will talk to you next time on the Buffalo plus podcast. Did not know how to add that.

[B]

Yeah. Woo. Woo.

[A]

It.