Bills go to Hollywood: LETDOWN watch, preview of RAMS and VIBE check on Buffalo culture

Summary

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Buffalo Plus Podcast: "Bills go to Hollywood: LETDOWN watch, preview of RAMS and VIBE check on Buffalo culture"

Date: December 6, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana & Jenna Cottrell (with shout-outs to Dan Fetes)
Main Theme:
In this episode, the Buffalo Plus team delivers a deep-dive into the state of the Buffalo Bills as they prepare for a high-stakes trip to Los Angeles to face the Rams. The discussion touches on team culture, season surprises, injury news, a "trap game" warning, and the evolving Bills offense—plus a healthy dose of locker room insight and humorous banter.

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Episode Overview

The show opens with Mike and Jenna reflecting on the Bills' unexpectedly strong season, the resilience built after early off-field turmoil, and how offseason doubts have contrasted with the team's current success. They then examine injury updates, the culture inside the Bills locker room, the psychology of “letdown games,” and provide an in-depth Rams preview—capped off with score predictions and “credit to me” lighthearted personal brags.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Bills’ Season Trajectory and Surprises

• Surpassing Expectations: Both hosts agree Buffalo’s record (10-2, undefeated in division) outpaces even what management may have hoped.
  • Jenna: “If you gave them an honest serum...even we are impressed with where this team has gone.” (02:22)
  • Bills have clinched the division before playing the Patriots again.
• Balanced Offense Evolution: This is a more “mature” and well-rounded Bills offense.
  • Mike: “Josh was electric, but he wasn’t as mature as a player [before].”
  • Josh Allen is the MVP favorite, but the passing game is less about gaudy stats and more about timely, diverse contributions.

2. The “Everybody Eats” Mentality & Unexpected Contributors

• Spread the Wealth: The Bills aren’t reliant on one star to churn out hero moments.
  • Mack Hollins leads with only four receiving TDs; “the play doesn’t care who makes it.”
  • Mike: “I think this team can beat the opponent in multiple ways.” (05:19)
  • Jenna: “Shakir would lead the charge in that [explosive passing game], he's my dude..." (09:36)
• Success Beyond Fantasy Stats: Bills WRs may not win your fantasy league, but they’re delivering in critical moments on the field (16:13).

3. Injury Updates (11:11–15:08)

• Current Injuries:
  • Keon Coleman (wrist): Limited, questionable for the game (“we’ll see” if he plays, per Keon)
  • Dalton Kincaid (knee): Limited in practice, trending cautious
  • Others: Quentin Morris, Taylor Rapp, Curtis Samuel—all recent injuries, “being cautious”
• Impact Analysis:
  • Kincaid’s absence offset by improved play from Dawson Knox.
  • Mike: “I think they’ve missed Keon [Coleman] more than Kincaid, and I didn’t think...I’d have said that.” (12:53)
  • Schakir, Samuel, and Hollins helping “pick up the slack” in the passing game.

4. Locker Room Culture, Preparation, and Vibes (16:31–19:00)

• Work Ethic: Josh Allen notes more players putting in extra work than past years.
  • Team members are seen staying after practice, coming in on days off.
  • Jenna: “The vibe with the Bills since Sean McDermott has been there has always been good.”
• Culture vs. Raw Talent:
  • Jenna: "This year is such a good case study on culture over talent." (18:03)
  • The absence of ego, unity, and buy-in to process cited as vital to their sustained competitiveness.

5. Process Over Outcomes: McDermott’s Mindset Shift (19:14–21:04)

• Sean McDermott told players to stop being results-based: focus on prep and process over anxiety about wins/losses.
  • Von Miller: “Drive down anxiety...that allows for you to play freer.” (19:14)
  • This shift helps the team avoid panic and play loose, even in close games.

6. Rams Game Preview: Letdown Watch & Matchups (21:13–29:19)

a. Trap Game Potential

• Letdown Concerns: Bills are coming off big wins, traveling cross-country, and could “let down” against a desperate Rams team.
  • Jenna: “I do get nervous...it’s a letdown spot.” (22:43)
  • Avoiding emotional letdown is a main focus—especially with the crowd advantage anticipated in LA.

b. Rams Threats & Strategy

• Stars to Watch:
  • Matt Stafford: Still a dangerous passer, but less mobile than Allen.
  • Cooper Kupp & Puka Nakua: Formidable WR duo—big, physical, and dangerous for Benford/Douglas to cover.
  • Kyren Williams: The main engine of LA’s run game. Fumbling has been an issue; Bills defense will look to exploit this.
  • Defensive front: Rookie Jared Verse (DL) brings high pressure rate even if sack numbers are modest.
• Sean McVay's Conservatism:
  • Jenna: “Rams have scored 30+ points once this season...McVay can be conservative.” (24:21)
  • McVay is “one of the most conservative coaches in the league”—often opts for field goals over 4th-down aggression.
  • Mike: “You’re not going to beat this Bills team with field goals.” (25:12)

c. Bills Offensive Game Plan

• Expect Balanced Attack: Confident in the O-line, especially with Alec Anderson’s emergence at tight end/eligible OL.
• James Cook’s Impact: Expected to have a strong day against a mediocre Rams run D.
• Big Play Watch: Hints at possibility of a special play to Alec Anderson (“he’s a character”) or a deep shot to Amari Cooper (42:11).
  • Mike: “This team’s going to feel energized being on a fast turf...the passing game gets going in this one.” (42:21)

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7. Micah Hyde’s Return: Locker Room Impact (33:02–37:18)

• Practice Squad Insurance: Hyde re-signs to practice squad; more about providing reliability and leadership depth.
  • Jenna: “I want to do whatever role I can for this team. I want to be there as a mentor." (35:09)
  • He’s not expected to take over, but will be critical insurance in the event of injury or rookie struggles (especially for Cole Bishop).
• Locker Room Dynamics: Mike and Jenna joke about age, experience, and how someone like Micah “just fits”—preserving chemistry is crucial.

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8. Score Predictions (42:16–45:24)

• Mike: Bills win big. Calls for the offense to air it out: “31-17 Bills.”
• Jenna: “30-17 Bills.” Expects Cook to feast and the Bills’ completeness to show.
• Dan (in absentia): “30-27 Bills.” Anticipates a closer contest, recommends “taking the points” with the Rams’ line.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mike: “Josh Allen is the leader for MVP. Thought would be, has he run for 2,000 yards? Like, what has he done? It's just working.” (05:19)
• Jenna: “Your Bills wide receivers, if you have them in fantasy, they are not going to win you games, but for the Bills, they will win you games.” (16:13)
• Von Miller, via Jenna: “Drive down anxiety, that allows for you to play freer...” (19:14)
• Mike: “The play doesn’t care who makes it. And that's this team.” (07:13)
• Jenna: “I think this year is such a good case study on culture over talent.” (18:03)
• Mike, on McVay: “He coaches a bit like it was ten years ago...he is not big on the fourth down conversions.” (24:21)
• Jenna: “You’re not going to beat this Bills team with field goals.” (25:12)
• Mike, on run defense: “I never worry about wide receivers against the Bills. They are just really good. I worry about the run defense though.” (29:00)
• On Alec Anderson: “He is a fun loving guy, but he also will get after it...he has been a weapon in that spot.” (31:31)
• Jenna, about Micah Hyde: “You can’t bring in any guy...but you bring in Micah Hyde, that’s someone that has a bajillion snaps.” (34:17)
• Mike: “Bills by a bajillion.” (41:29)

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Segment Timestamps

• Team State & Season Overview: 01:43–07:13
• Passing Game Evolution & WR Discussion: 07:39–10:03
• Injury Updates & Impact: 11:11–15:08
• WR Corps & Locker Room Culture: 15:55–19:14
• McDermott’s Mindset & Vaughn’s Insight: 19:14–21:13
• Rams Preview: Trap Game & Matchups: 21:13–29:19
• Rams Stars & Bills Coverage Strengths: 28:28–31:41
• Alec Anderson Fun & O-Line Praise: 31:41–32:38
• Micah Hyde Returns & Leadership: 33:02–37:18
• Bills History & Culture vs. Past Teams: 25:44–27:42
• Predictions & Coach of the Year Talk: 42:16–45:27
• Lighthearted “Credit to Me” Finale: 45:27–53:45

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Tone & Style

Conversational, insider-y, candid, and often playful with a strong Western NY flavor, mixing football analysis with relatable anecdotes and plenty of in-jokes.

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Final Takeaways

Buffalo heads to LA as the more complete and stable team, riding confidence in their culture and adaptability, but are mindful to avoid an emotional letdown. Injury management, locker room chemistry, and continued focus on “the process” will be crucial as they look to keep pace atop the AFC. Expect Cook and the run game to star, but don't be surprised by a few fireworks through the air—or even a surprise eligible lineman moment. The hosts radiate confidence: “Bills by a bajillion.”

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Transcript

[Mike Catalana]

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[Jenna Cotrell]

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[Mike Catalana]

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[Jenna Cotrell]

Like it is a delicate balance in a locker room. Those you can bring in any guy that's a fringe player that's not going to worry about taking any playing time, but you bring in Micah Hyde, that's someone that has a bajillion snaps. I don't know.

[Mike Catalana]

That's not even.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I know I just, I started saying it and I did make a T.

[Mike Catalana]

Shirt but bills by a bajillion.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Welcome to the Buffalo plus podcast. Presented by Connors and Ferris. Mike Catalana. I am Jenna Cottrell. Dan Fates still with a veteran.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, fine. Mike for that had to sound up on his computer.

[Jenna Cotrell]

It's okay. So we know we're definitely live. Dan is still on dad duty, so please be sure to like comment. Subscribe to the podcast. We always appreciate it. Let us know where you are watching from today. We got a bunch of people in the comments already, so we really appreciate it. All right, we're going to talk injuries, this matchup, where this team is at. Micah Hyde, credit to me. A bunch of stuff coming up for you all. But first off, Mike, how do you think this team is feeling right now?

[Mike Catalana]

It's so strange. I remember sitting here going into that bye week when the Sean McDermott thing happened and the Von Miller thing happened and they were going to Kansas City, you think, a year ago. And now you look at where they are and they have earned the right to be in this spot.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Because this was a team with a big transition in the off season. And I think, and I don't know if you agree, I think while we're all surprised by it, I think a lot of you at home are surprised at the level that they've played. I think Brandon bean and Sean McDermott are a little surprised too.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I gotta agree with you. I think they thought that going into this season they, they didn't think they would be as bad as other people thought that. That they would be. They had a lot of belief in the guys that were in that room and what they thought and how they pieced together this roster. But I think it would be if you gave them an honest serum, honest potion, I think they'd be like, even we are impressed with where this team has gone, because you can say everybody eats and. And that's great and that's awesome, but sometimes that is not how it works. Sometimes you just need a guy that's an alpha that can take this team to the next level. And that is what we thought of as digs, is when you need a play, you have digs there. But this team has shown us throughout the season in tough moments that they can rely on other guys in maybe a way that you weren't expecting going in. So I think if you were to. To say, going into this year, did you think this team would be this good? I think even Brandon bean and Sean McDermott would be like, wow, this is better than what we thought.

[Mike Catalana]

They haven't played the Patriots yet and they've clinched the division. They still have another game with the Jets.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And isn't that going well in Jersey? Yeah. So do I. I can't wait for that Netflix show. It's going to win an Emmy for the best comedy of the year. Don't you think? So you see what's happened in the division now. Part of it is the division fell apart.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

But this team is 10 and 2. They are 10 and 2 and they are unbeaten in the division. So regardless of how far everybody else fell apart, if it was a little more normal, they'd still be in total control of the division. Yeah, they would be. So the defense has responded. You know, Josh Allen, it's. He is the favorite to win the mvp and his numbers are good, but we've seen more.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Isn't that something? I think if you were to ask me, like, what do you need to see from an MVP Josh season? It is. What we've seen in the past is him putting his team, the team on his back, having to do tremendous play after tremendous play. And let's not be like, let's be real. There have been some tremendous moments throughout the season. Last two weeks, the fourth and two, the latter, like all these things. But I think Josh is kind of in the best way, let the other guys around him also pick things up. And I. I think we haven't seen that before. And Josh was even asked this week point blank, like, do you think this is your best season? And he said, I think so. Like, I went in trying to clean up the turnovers, which We've seen that in the results of what the season has been so far. He's tried to be more effective, more thoughtful with what he did with the football. And it's. It's interesting because you're right, like, looking at his numbers, I'm like, yeah, those are good. But we've seen Josh Allen be even more. But the play that he has put together with the team around him that he has done, it's. It's been fun. It's been so fun to watch. And it's been different guys in different moments, stepping up in ways I would have never thought.

[Mike Catalana]

Imagine somebody saying to you, we are in December, and the leader in touchdown catches for this team is Mack Hollins with four. And then in the next breath you say, oh, and by the way, Josh Allen is the leader for MVP. Thought would be, has he run for 2,000 yards? Like, what has he done? It's just working. This is a well coached, disciplined, tough, physical team. I think this team can beat the opponent in multiple ways. I think some of those teams were really good in 2020 and 2021.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Very good.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, Josh was electric, but he wasn't as mature as a player. I think he's got all that going. And when you need him to put on the cape, our friend Sal Mayorana said he's been Clark Kent a lot this year. And when he needs to put on the cape to be Superman, he's Superman. He doesn't wear it all the time. I know, Sal.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Wow. Good for Sal.

[Mike Catalana]

I'm trusting that was your line, Sal, but it's a great line because I think that's been the case. He's been like, okay, like you said. All right, guys, James Cook's cooking. Here we go. We're getting it to Shakir. The defense is making plays, and then it's like, oh, you need a play on 4th and 2. I'm going to take it to the house. Yeah, you know, so that is what's been, I think, the most impressive.

[Jenna Cotrell]

It's just so, to me, like, I still think of where we were at going into the season, and the fear was always, they don't have enough. They don't have enough. How will it come together? And just the results of what we've seen in. In some big moments, some big plays. Like, yeah, Matt Collins. Are you kidding me? Another touchdown on Sunday against the Niners. Like the. That's a guy that's floated around the league. He's kind of been a journeyman because other teams look at him and said, you Know what? We don't think you could have a substantial enough role on our roster. And in Buffalo, he's putting together.

[Mike Catalana]

I like, you know, the whole everybody eats. I like Max line. He said he learned it when he was in Philly in 2017 as a rookie and they won the Super Bowl. And he said the line was the play. Doesn't care who makes it. And that's this team.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Put that on a shirt.

[Mike Catalana]

It really is.

[Jenna Cotrell]

We should find in the Buffalo plus store.

[Mike Catalana]

That's it. It'll be there. Jenna, our number one designer.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, sorry guys. You can tell I'm not. I'm not a designer, but I try.

[Mike Catalana]

But I do think there is something to that and the joy that other players have with him. Now, I want to. That's it going to be negative to say this because the quarterback is Josh Allen and he might very well win the mvp. But I want to ask you, do you think there needs to be another gear from this passing game? And I know we're in December and it's cold and they're going to play in all those conditions and all. Look, we saw them in a playoff game against the Patriots in the freezing cold. Light them up with seven touchdowns on seven drives. Like you can throw the ball. And in Orchard park in December, not every game is that way. I'm wondering if you think that at some point they're going to need more from this passing game and maybe it's Amari Cooper getting healthier and getting Keon back. They have had a lot of that, Dalton. But I wonder if there's some point when you say it's been working and it does work, but you need to light somebody up with 300 plus yards and, and scoring and moving the ball with the passing game and maybe it's still the combination, but I, I wonder if that gear is still there.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I'm going to ask or answer your question with a question. Do you think that that gear doesn't exist for this team?

[Mike Catalana]

Well, I think it exists with Josh Allen, yes. And I think it's potentially there with Amari Cooper because he's a heck of a player. It's just been a weird way. He's come to this team really big in that first game, then he gets hurt and it's been in and out and you know, he did have a great assist in the last game. But, you know, getting Keon back out there, Shakir has been good. Maybe this is just not a team that will. It's be more about quality over quantity. In the past game because they're pretty efficient in the past game. There's no question about that. But I wonder if they're in that spot. You know, you're down in a playoff game 20 to 10 in the third quarter and like, you know who you're going to. Well, knowing who you're going to. And can we just say let's go.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Passing game.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I do think that, that that level can exist. I think that Khalil Shakir would lead the charge in that because he's my dude and I just impressed by what you got to give him credit. You have to give Khalil Shakir credit.

[Mike Catalana]

No question.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Okay, good.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, no. Shakir gets the credit. It's just. It bothers Dan and I that you were so right and we were wrong.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, you were so, so. Well, I don't get to take victory laps often, so I'm going to strut.

[Mike Catalana]

I was wrong. Dan was really wrong.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Dan was.

[Mike Catalana]

And he thinks he can take MVS credit for what he's doing with the Saints.

[Jenna Cotrell]

No question.

[Mike Catalana]

No, it just highlights how wrong Dan was.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Okay, is an ACL tear is like an oil change or MVS leading the the Bills and receiving yards. Which take is worse?

[Mike Catalana]

Oil change. Because MVS has still shown the ability to make plays. It just did not work in Orchard Park.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes. Yeah, that's fair.

[Mike Catalana]

ACL is an oil change. Is an Alzheimer. That is as bad a take as you can have when it takes the most elite athletes more than a year to come back from. Yeah, this ain't Jiffy Lube. You pull in, they try to sell you nine filters and take you to the next spot. No, this is surgery, rehab, non stop. And then they get back and that. What do they say about these elite Maybe another year before they're really back to who they are.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That is true.

[Mike Catalana]

But Dan took it right.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Love Dan.

[Mike Catalana]

Oil change.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Love him.

[Mike Catalana]

Okay, to the next thing.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Let's go into some of the injuries. The Bills injury report for Thursday. So Keon Coleman, wrist injury once again, limited. He's been limited this week. Limited last week. Dalton Kincaid back to practicing, but has been in a limited capacity the last two days. And then Quentin Morris, Taylor Rapp and Curtis Samuel all like kind of new injuries this week that we've learned about at least. And then rap. They're all limited.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, it's late in the season sometimes. Sean McDermott did not seem on Wednesday to be concerned at all about Taylor Rap. Because, you know, were going to talk about Micah, but they bring Micah and they're like, oh, Taylor Raps popped up on the injury. Didn't think that was the case. Keon told Andy Young from Spectrum, I don't know if anybody else was there, but Andy had tweeted that he said, will you play? And he said, we'll see.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Okay.

[Mike Catalana]

I did not. We will see that. You know, and then you have Concade. It's a knee. Like, if I'm them, I think I'm being very cautious. And then maybe bringing them back for.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Detroit, I think that's fair. I think what you've seen from Knox over the last couple weeks in particular makes me feel a little bit more relaxed about not having to rush Kincaid back out onto the field.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

And that's something that I honestly didn't know if I would say that a couple weeks ago. But I've been. I've seen, like, Knox had a couple really nice catches against the 49ers. And so for me, my anxiety around we need. You need Dalton Kincaid back in the lineup feels a little bit different. So I think Knox has done a really good job. But look, you'd love to see Keon back out there as well.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. That is an element to this offense, I would say, honestly, I think they've missed Keon more than they've missed Kincaid, and I didn't think in a million years I would have said that.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, I think that's fair.

[Mike Catalana]

And I think it's because Keon brings something different to the passing game. And while Kincaid runs a little bit of different routes than Dawson, you know, they do have a show here in the middle of the field. Curtis Samuel, when he's been, has been a little more involved. Max made some plays. It's like you make up for it a little bit. You know, Kincaid was having an okay season.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

But it wasn't game changing. He wasn't that number one guy that we had talked about. Yeah. So let's see. And maybe he wasn't, you know, 100%. So let's see when he's back with.

[Jenna Cotrell]

King or not Kincaid with Coleman. Do you want to see him out there or do you feel like it's kind of the same strategy with Coleman as it is with Kincaid? Of. Okay, let's kind of slow play this a little bit more because what we've seen from Amari Cooper and Matt Collins and Khalil Shakir and even Curtis Samuel got a little bit involved yesterday.

[Mike Catalana]

I guess it depends on where he's going to be, like, if this is going to bother him the rest of the year.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And it's not going to be 100%, then you might as well let him go play. Unless it's going to get worse or he can't stay on the field. So, you know, we don't really know. It seems like he's ramped up. It's good to see him out there. There. You know, it's funny, you try to read the tea leaves of when did they go? Limited. How much did they practice, what are they coming back from? And you start to think, oh, he'll be ready. And then he's not. And then the other time, guy doesn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, limited Friday, you're like, he's not going to play. Boom. He's on the field on Sunday. So I think it depends. I do think when. When Josh talked about them being playing a little freer, I think it also comes into the mind. I don't think they ever say, like, you're hurt, but you're going to play because this is a big game. No, no. They. They trust the trainers and all that stuff. But there are times when somebody in the staff says he can go, and then the coach says, we'll wait another week.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Because I do believe that happens where they say, let's get him. Let's give him one more week, and then we'll go. And that's the whole. I mean, that's Brandon Bean. That's everybody making that decision.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

But I think that could happen with both those guys this week.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

I do want to see Keon back there.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. I think he adds some juice. Like, contested catches obviously was what he was brought in for, and I think we've seen that. And you're right. I think he just does add a different element. But it is so funny. I would be like, oh, my gosh, the Bills. If you were to ask me, going in, like, to the season, would you rather have Keon out there? Would you rather have Kincaid? It's like, oh, my God, will the Bill's offense look like without Kincaid? And just. It's really funny how a season takes on kind of its own path, its own DNA, because it just. It. It's never how you expect it. It's really not.

[Mike Catalana]

No. And the players have to go out and perform and. And, you know, sometimes these things are. You know, we've seen Curtis Samuel with some flashes and all, and sometimes you look at the overall thing and you're like, he's not doing it. But there could be moments. We saw that.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

In moments. So they're all contributing. But I do think There are certain players, like Khalil Shakir is, to me, the unquestioned number one on. On this team. He's an. Whatever your fantasy league says doesn't matter. Yes, he's the unquestioned, to me, number one guy. And then everybody else has picked their spots.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Dan put it in a tweet, and I think he said it, like, in a succinct way of just saying, like, your Bills wide receivers, if you have them in fantasy, they are not going to win you games, but for the Bills, they will win you games. I also. I think fans would like to know this. We talked to Josh this week. You know, we are. We're always in the. We're always at the facility.

[Mike Catalana]

Right.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Sometimes in the building. And Josh was saying how this team has been different than teams in the past because there are always guys getting in extra work before practice, after practice. Even when we were in the facility on Wednesday, there were players that were practicing. Well, after we were doing interviews and things were wrapping up. And, you know, Josh said even on Tuesdays, which is usually the Bills day off, players are coming in, whether that be for recovery or watching film. And I thought that that was something that, you know, the, the teams and the guys always talk about how, like, you got to put in the work and all this stuff, but the fact that this season they've been that much more. To me, I was kind of like, huh?

[Mike Catalana]

We always joke about we're not in the building. These guys like being in that building. They do, yeah. Now, let's be honest. We're in Western New York, it's winter time. It's, you know, like. Yeah, you might as well. Might as well come hang at the facility. First of all, they can work out there. They can get treatments there. They could do yoga, everything. Right.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Cryotherapy, cupping.

[Mike Catalana]

It's. It's. It's pretty nice. It's a pretty nice setup for them. But, you know, we've been around it. The vibe with the bills since Sean McDermott has been there has always been good. I think people who don't know they underplay culture, they think talent, talent's great. They need. You need the right culture and the right people. I think this is the best they've.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Had, and I feel like this year is such a good case study on culture.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Over talent.

[Mike Catalana]

It is something you need.

[Jenna Cotrell]

You need both. Like, I don't want to downplay talent, but. Yeah, but.

[Mike Catalana]

There'S a level of talent you have to have even be considered to play in this league. Yeah, they have Some exceptional athletes and great players. But when I say they want to be there, they want to be around each other, I. I don't. We don't really see negativity around this team. Like, it's hard to be negative, you know, even if you're not happy with the amount of snaps you're getting. Yeah, I'm not really sure who that would be. Maybe a guy like. And I shouldn't even. I won't even say a name, but there's players that maybe aren't playing as much as they would have thought, maybe if they're not feeling great. But, like, who are you going to say something to? Yeah, they're all rowing in the same direction right now.

[Jenna Cotrell]

And you see what that has. Has given you. And I thought Vaughn Miller, we talked to him this week, and he said something about this team's mindset that I was like, you know, I'm gonna be honest, sometimes you tune out a little.

[Mike Catalana]

Bit sometimes because Vaughn will be, you know, these guys who just talk and talk and talk. Can you imagine the amount of people.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That just talk at my face?

[Mike Catalana]

I mean, can you imagine just being that way and just kick your dog? You just go.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I snapped on Carl, who works at Channel four. Channel four. Because he was. He interrupted me, and I was like, stop interrupting me. And I was like, carl, I'm sorry. I'm acting out. I actually meant to say that to Mike, but Vaughn was talking about how Sean McDermott, about six weeks ago, instilled this mindset of, like, let's not be results based. Let's prepare. Let's put all our work into the preparation of the things, and let's not tie ourselves to the result, and we'll just see how that goes. And obviously it has been going well. But Vaughn talked about how, like, counterintuitive that is, especially for him. He's won two Super Bowls. He's like, I've been in this league a long time. It is. It is wins and losses. But he talked about when you. He said, drive down anxiety, that allows for you to play freer and for the team to kind of. I don't want to say, like, not worry about it, but you can play free in a way that I think if you're so tied to the results, you. You almost panic in some situations.

[Mike Catalana]

It's. It is interesting the way Von would look at it, because Von has always been a great player. He's going to be in the hall of Fame. The expectations were high. The pay is high. Like, he knows he's got to produce, and he usually has through his career. It's been down certainly since his injury and all, but it's. He has always had to be that guy. But I do believe that this is the way you win. And they, they just don't go into funks. Like, they lost twice this year. That was the downside of the season. So September, two straight losses. Now, granted, it's within the first month of the year, so you're like, okay. But they, they do focus on the process and the work and then the results come with. It doesn't mean, you know, they could have lost a couple of those games. They certainly could have lost that Dolphins game.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, that was a close.

[Mike Catalana]

They're right there. Then takes a 61 yard field goal. But the work hasn't changed. So for Von to recognize that from Sean McDermott I think is important.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Okay. Going into this game against the Rams, is this a trap game?

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, I would say potentially it is. And this team has guarded against that. But, you know, the Rams desperately need a win. Now, you could say that about the Niners. You can say that about. Basically, it feels like every team the Bills are playing, the Colts need it. They all need it. Need it, need it. But you are coming off two really emotional wins. Great wins at the buy in the middle. And then you've got the Lions. The next week it is, you know, Stafford and Cup.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And Nakua. Right. They have some quality players on this team and they are six and six and in it. But I think there's a potential to be a little looser. But honestly, not with this team. Like Josh talks about them playing freer. I think the focus is there. It doesn't mean they. They will win the game, but it just means I don't think they're going to go out there flat and not looking to play. First of all, they're going to have the crowd advantage in this game, which on the road really does fire up a team.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, I cut away.

[Mike Catalana]

So people didn't know I was talking a lot. No, I just yawn.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I just kind of sneak in. It's fine.

[Mike Catalana]

No, I do think there's a potential for it. This team, though, has dealt with all of, you know, with any moment, they just keep winning.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I do, I do get nervous that it's not. It's a letdown spot.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Just because you have the emotional high of winning fifth straight AFC east title. Snow angels. And then you have the Lions ahead. And this is a Rams team that they dealt with a lot of injuries earlier on the Season. They went one and four to start off the year very injured. Now they're back to 500. They are in it in the NFC West. They're trying to duke it out. So I just, it's a long trip. Like I do get concerned about what that can mean and so. But also, you know, the Rams have to account for Josh Allen.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

And Sean McVeigh knows the challenge.

[Mike Catalana]

That that is no question. I mean look, Stafford's great quarterback, great thrower of the football at this point of his career. He's not Josh Allen. Like he could light you up throwing it and Nakua can catch it and cup can catch it and all those things. But Josh beats you in so many ways and you can tell what it does to an opponent when they're going. And then he's like, look at the guy, look at his size. Look at the way he plays. Like he said, we'll talk to the other guys who've played against him. Let him, let it know. It's like it's the story of the Josh Allen that's coming to la. This week is the way it is.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I love Sean McVeigh saying too in his press conference this week, he's stronger than you think. He's faster than you think. But something that I think is kind of counterintuitive is just we think of Sean McVeigh as this master play caller. All these things. The rams have scored 30 plus points once this season. And McVeigh can be conservative.

[Mike Catalana]

He's one of the most conservative coaches in the league.

[Jenna Cotrell]

It's honestly very shocking to me.

[Mike Catalana]

He, he is not big on the fourth down conversions or going for it in fourth down. He kicks field goals. He's not, he coaches a bit like it was 10 years ago.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

He, he just does now. He's had a lot of success. He's been to two Super Bowls. He is a brilliant play caller.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Sorry.

[Mike Catalana]

But he, he does coach conservatively and I wonder Sunday, does he open it up a little bit because he's like fourth and three. Let's just pick mid first quarter. It's a three nothing bills lead. Rams have fourth and three from the 19 yard line.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

His normal a kick that field goal.

[Jenna Cotrell]

And you're not, you're just not going to beat this Bill's team with field goals.

[Mike Catalana]

They would be thrilled to see the, you know, go ahead.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, that is true. I just think that that's something that I feel like most fans because I feel like a lot of people east coast don't always watch Rams games. I think of Sean McVeigh as so forward thinking. The fact that he is more conservative about not going for it and for settling for field goals, I think is just something that is. Is surprising to me. So that is something that. Yeah, and you're right. I think if Sean McDermott sees the field goal unit trot out onto the field, that's always what you say when it's something negative.

[Mike Catalana]

But, yeah, I want to mention a comment here. Rich Lopez says, I agree. It's the best I've seen a Bills fan since 1986. I went through the bickering Bills. Oh, yeah. I feel this is one of the best I've seen. I'm with you on that. I mean, look, we can give those old Bills teams all. They did bicker. They were feisty as a group. Like, there was a lot of stuff that went on, but, man, they were tough. I mean, you talk about coming back. Like, we just watched that Niners team try to come back from a Super Bowl. Pills did it three times. They came back after losing a Super Bowl.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I can't imagine, like, emotionally, physically, that is so impressive.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, they did it in different ways, too. They had great seasons. They had the bad one where they fell apart at the end and ended up playing in the game with Houston and had to come back and then went on the road and beat Pittsburgh. And went on the road.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Even then they would beat up on the Dolphins. Went down in Miami and took care of it. They won on a Carlton Bailey interception in a playoff game against the Broncos with John Elway. I mean, they beat Moreno, they beat. They beat Elway, they beat Montana. That's who they beat.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Wow.

[Mike Catalana]

Those three to go to the Super Bowl.

[Jenna Cotrell]

So it is so impressive.

[Mike Catalana]

So. But that team did bicker a lot. They had some egos they dealt with. Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I wonder what it would be like if that team. We had the same access to that team as we do now. And like, with the media coverage and like, it's just so different now.

[Mike Catalana]

They expressed everything in newspapers and television, so they didn't have social media. I wonder if it would have. I used to think it would have helped them, but, man, and Thurman. Thurman would have been on Twitter. Yeah, Jim would have been. I mean, they. They got after each other on tv, on each of their own shows, saying stuff and then had to apologize. But those guys, they're all wearing gold jackets. Oh, man. Yeah, they were awesome.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Want to give thanks to Deanna Franco as well as Chris Beckham music for their super tips.

[Mike Catalana]

Thank you.

[Jenna Cotrell]

We appreciate that. Chris Beckham. I enjoy enjoy tuning into your podcast. Go Bills. Deanna, I've been a fan since the 70s. That's pretty cool. We always appreciate that. But yeah, I, I just think that for this, for this game going into to Sunday, it's just this team is very talented. I just guard against yeah. The trap game a little bit. And then also let's just talk about some of the. The stars on the Rams because I think Cooper cup you think of immediately and Puka Nakua and kind of the tandem that they can be on offense. And that will be a challenge for Christian Benford and Rasul Douglas are really good, but that's something where you can see how effective they can be.

[Mike Catalana]

They are excellent receivers, great route runners, physical players. Puka's big. Yeah, like he's.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, he is. I feel like you don't.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, Puka Nakua sounds like a little guy.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Does it sound like a Pokemon? I don't think so, but he is like. So I thought it was very interesting. You did a great interview with Kurt Sandoval who works at the LA station ABC covers the team and he was talking about the dynamic between Cooper and Puka Nakua and that was something that I thought was really cool.

[Mike Catalana]

Big brother, little brother workout the way it is. I mean the Cooper cup has been an incredible player in this league. But I will say this coming into the game, you mentioned, you know, Raul and Benford. I never worry about wide receivers against the Bills. Yeah, they are just really good.

[Jenna Cotrell]

They really are.

[Mike Catalana]

They really are excellent corners.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I worry about the run defense though.

[Mike Catalana]

Of course. And Kyron Williams is a very good player. He has put the ball on the turf. He had a stretch, a bad stretch. And that is something. You know, I always reference this Fred Jackson. You know, I used to a show with Fred. Great former Bill. I see that 22 on the field now. I think of Fred and he said when you put the ball on the field in the pregame meetings and everything, they're saying this guy will give it up and they'll go for the football. So. But he is their run game. Like look at, take a second and look at the numbers and you're like, where. Where are the rest of the guys? Yeah, like they really. It is one back that gets 90% of the carries when they run it. He is an effective player and on defense, you know, they've got. Verse is a rookie. He is.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Oh, I liked him.

[Mike Catalana]

He only has four and a half sacks, but he is among the leaders in pressure Rate he will, you will find him like he's the guy. The Bills offensive line has done a great job protecting Josh.

[Jenna Cotrell]

They have.

[Mike Catalana]

But Verse is a, is an outstanding player and they've got young and oh my God, my mind is slipping. Sec a second round pick, Fisk this year who they also got out of Florida State. So they've got a really good young defensive line, but they are young and their secondary has been okay. So I think the Bills can get after this defense.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I think the Bills offensive line, the use of Alec Anderson, what that has done for just the run game. I think sometimes we forget how good of a season James Cook is also having.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, it's maybe not total numbers, but at times he's been really, really good. And by the way, I always think of for Alec Anderson, if sometimes goes by, you would say number 70 is eligible on this play. Yeah, that's him running down the field and he's a character. Sean's funny. Sean was laughing about him.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. Because I can't remember who was asking. How would you describe Alec Anderson? Yeah, and Sean just started laughing and then Josh Allen was asked the same question and he said, I don't even think Alec could describe Alec.

[Mike Catalana]

He is a fun loving guy, but he also will get after it gets feisty in the games. But he, he has been a weapon in that spot. That extra offensive lineman.

[Jenna Cotrell]

He plays with a nastiness. Yeah, he's a very passionate guy. He almost kind of reminds me of Spencer Brown in terms of like I think he in the words of Duke Williams, wants contact.

[Mike Catalana]

Um, they're going to throw one to him, aren't they?

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, at some point. That's.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, it's happening this week. Really happening this week.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Okay. We're going to clip it, Hollywood.

[Mike Catalana]

Alec Anderson's going to catch one in la.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I believe he did just get engaged.

[Mike Catalana]

Look at that.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I'm. I believe so.

[Mike Catalana]

Engaged quarterback to engaged offensive lineman. Completion here.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. All right, we'll see. Did Deon have no. Where was the Dion touchdown? The last one.

[Mike Catalana]

One was.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I think it was the Jets.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, but was that from Barkley? Why do I think it was from Matt Barkley when Josh was hurt as a rookie? Maybe it was Dion could use another one.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Love Dion. He was named the Bill's nominee for Walter Payton man of the Year award. His third straight time being nominated for the award. That's for the work done in the community. You'll see like the guys wearing the patch. I'm sure you all know about that. If they win the award but really cool. An incredible honor. And he talked about how important that is to him. All right. Speaking of some bills that have been.

[Mike Catalana]

Around for a while, Micah Hyde.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Micah Hyde is back.

[Mike Catalana]

I'm Dan was. I think Dan had talked about this a lot before, so we'll give Dan some credit for it. I was on the case of thinking it would have been at this time of the year, it might have been roster related, like something were to have happened. Yeah, I would say the Mike Edwards thing not working out at all was big at all. I mean, he's gone, so they. They really don't have depth at safety. Where are you going to find somebody more attuned to what they do and available and not coming off an injury. Like, he's had the neck, but he's been. He was fine. He played last year. And just a guy you don't worry about. You know, some of the guys were saying is, you can't just bring anybody into this locker room. Well, you know, at times late in the season, you're bringing in players if. If you have an injury. Like, you gotta. You gotta bring in the right kind of guy. But we're not just talking about any guy. We're talking about Micah Hyde.

[Jenna Cotrell]

You can't bring a guy. Like, it is a delicate balance in a locker room. Those. You can bring in any guy that's a fringe player, that's not gonna worry about taking any playing time. But you bring in Micah Hyde, that's someone that has a bajillion snaps. I don't know.

[Mike Catalana]

That's not even.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I know. I just. I started saying it, and I did.

[Mike Catalana]

Make a T shirt, but a bill. Bill's by a bajillion.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I kind of love that. But no, I forgot. See, it happens.

[Mike Catalana]

Jacob, one of our interns, is here, and he asked what happens if you lose your train of thought? It's never happened to me. Oh, wait, it happened to Jenna.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes. I don't even remember what you're talking about.

[Mike Catalana]

You're talking about Micah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Oh, yes. He's taken a bajillion snaps. So I understand. We talked about it when we did our emergency pod on Wednesday. Just like, initially I was like, I don't know how I feel about this. But then talking to Micah, talking to McDermott and just seeing the. Where Micah was at, kind of at physically, and him being assigned to the practice squad and how he was essentially just saying, like, I want to do whatever role I can for this team. I want to be there as a mentor if older guys need my help. If younger guys need my help. And so to me, it felt a little bit different of, like, I don't expect him to just walk out on the field now. Great insurance policy if there were to be an injury. But I think that that's kind of the best of both worlds of having a guy that knows so much about this team, about defense, and also, if you need him, he is there.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. Sandra says she's right. Sandra King. They didn't clean out his locker or give his number away. I knew he'd be back.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

But it certainly left the door open. Ralph Wilson senior said, I think Micah is here to show Bishop what's up. Now, that's not a slight on Bishop. Cole Bishop. But he is a rookie.

[Jenna Cotrell]

He is a rookie. And I think that that's. That's just a fact. Yeah, he is a rookie. And if you're going to be playing some very meaningful playoff, I would rather take someone that knows the defense than someone who might have a tremendous upside, but is very, very green. And that can absolutely be exploited in a way that someone that's a little bit more steady doesn't have those as as much of those ups and downs.

[Mike Catalana]

So I've referenced this before that when you cover the NFL, players ages amongst their sport go pretty rapidly. You know, 30 is. Oh, boy. You're plus 30. Right. So a lot of times I joke that I relate to the older players on the team.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Like Lorenzo Alexander or Mitch Morris. I felt more peer like with them.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. Especially Lorenzo Alexander.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes.

[Jenna Cotrell]

He's like an old soul.

[Mike Catalana]

I feel like Micah. I feel like, oh, older player, blah, blah, blah. And then sometimes I have to take a moment and I go, he's Jenna's.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Age, but he talks like a guy that's.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, in football, he's old. My age.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, in football.

[Mike Catalana]

Because in football it's like. And he's done. He said, this is it, and I'm done. He's playing out this year.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Sucks. What that. Like, when I first joined this team, most of the players were my age. And now I'm like, oh, my God.

[Mike Catalana]

I always had it in my head, like, oh, there's players always older than me when I was covering the team. And then one year I was like, Doug Flutie. And I looked at the numbers, and Doug Flutie is like a week younger than me or something. And that was it. I was older than every player. And then I was older than coaches. And then I've been older than all the coaches.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That must hit different.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, thank the Lord, Marv. Was there so long. God bless Marv. We quote him all the time. That is 99 year old Marv Levy. But then the other guys come in and you know, Sean is only 50.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. I think he's in his early 50s. Look that up. Also we have a super tip from Carl Thman, Micah and Maddie back with the Eminem show, Talk and Drip. That was a really fun show. I do not know if they're going to be doing that and doing a new edition of that. And Micah, that was a very fun show. So not sure on that.

[Mike Catalana]

Micah at some point should be doing some TV or whatever media.

[Jenna Cotrell]

We got a, we got a tip from Matt Tupper. This is the year.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, Matt, I'm with you, Matt. I think I, I will say this. New Orleans has a lot of craziness. So Bill's fans, it doesn't really matter where you go.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Sean is 50.

[Mike Catalana]

He is 50. But I don't love New Orleans that much. I mean, there's a lot of fun. You guys will have a blast. If we're in New Orleans for the.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Game, I don't care where it is.

[Mike Catalana]

Right. That's what I'm saying is I want, I want them to go. It wouldn't have been my first choice.

[Jenna Cotrell]

What's your first choice?

[Mike Catalana]

Honestly, I think I probably like. I think Miami is great for a Super Bowl. I think Miami is great. I think actually in a way, it depends, you know, it's just.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

You know, there are places that it's kind of wild. Like San Francisco. You did a Super bowl in San Francisco?

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, it was, it was tough because all the media events were out of San Jose, which was cool. But like.

[Mike Catalana]

And then. Yeah. And then you have like in Phoenix. When it's in Phoenix, like everything is spread out there. So it's very different. I think Vegas, you know what we didn't go. Everybody I know who covered or went to that super bowl loved it.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That's cool. Yeah, I could see that. I don't love Vegas, but like it's, it's fun to go to.

[Mike Catalana]

But for the Super Bowl. Yeah, it seemed like it worked really well. Oh, and everything is there.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Chansey snack. Is Dan's 21 day window open yet?

[Mike Catalana]

That's funny.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That is a good comment.

[Mike Catalana]

Dan is doing great.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes. Baby's great. Renee is doing great. Yeah. So thank you all for.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes, for asking.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Is Jenna gonna put Mike. Old Mike on the practice squad? Ralph Wilson.

[Mike Catalana]

At some point. You know, I'll come back, you know, when I'm done.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Can we tell Them that.

[Mike Catalana]

Go ahead.

[Jenna Cotrell]

We were in the car ride back and Mike was equating himself to what Micah High did. Like, if years from now, if the Bills went back to the super bowl, like, would he just. Would I be okay if he just.

[Mike Catalana]

Came right back in and said, but wait a minute. If I came in now, Micah didn't do any of this. But if I came in and said, oh, this is. You guys have been doing all the work this year. I'm going to host everything. I got the super bowl, blah, blah, blah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

What did I say?

[Mike Catalana]

You said you would love it. You said it would be great. Yeah, yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Well, hey, everybody eats.

[Mike Catalana]

That's right. Well, it's usually Jenna leading the way.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I usually.

[Mike Catalana]

Hey, by the way, I'm going to be on Good Morning Football overtime. So that's not the NFL Network version of it. It's like a syndicated version. So it's on in Buffalo? It's on. It's on everywhere. Yeah, pretty much. It's on the CW in Rochester, I think in Buffalo. The same might be on Fox in Buffalo. I'm not sure. 10:30 is when I'm on tomorrow talking about the bill. So that's kind of cool. They. Yeah, they want us on there. Be talking a little Buffalo plus.

[Jenna Cotrell]

And also we love that Bills by a bajillion.

[Mike Catalana]

See?

[Jenna Cotrell]

Sorry, someone. Someone who put that. I can't find it. Sorry. It's flying by. But. Oh, someone said Jenna is funny tonight. Wow.

[Mike Catalana]

She's funny. She. Jenna is funny.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Oh, my God.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, you are. You are funny. And sometimes, you know what you're. You are funny in some ways. It's like I react the same way I do when my wife says something funny. Jenny. It's like I go, oh, my. And she looks at me like, why are you saying it like that? I'm like.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I feel like I'm very subtle when I'm funny. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, there's that. All right. Someone. Hiram Moore said, you guys must be high. We're not high. Yeah. Okay. Anything else?

[Mike Catalana]

Well, we should do predictions and then credit to me.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Okay, let's start your prediction.

[Mike Catalana]

I love them in this game. I. I know there's always the possibility. I don't. I think they get out to la. Listen. Playing in the snow. Fun, fun, fun. Man, this team's going to feel energized being on a fast turf. Nice weather. Actually, I think the weather's, you know, it's going to be like 70 something. It's open air on the sides there. I think they are going to trees. They are going to, they're going to get out there and go to work. I think the passing game gets going in this one. Not only is there an Alec Anderson catch, there's a deep ball to Amari Cooper. Okay, I'm going to deep to Amari.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I think James Cook is going to eat early and often, in my opinion. I have the Bills winning this game 30 to 17. The Bills have done an excellent job of putting up points this season, and 30 is seems like just another game. So for me, I think that the Bills are the better team. I think that they'll have the opportunity to show that without having to deal with some of the elements that they've had.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

In past games, AKA last week. And I think James Cook is going to have a big game. And the Rams defense is not great against the run. They really struggle with that. So it seems like the perfect opportunity for Cook. And then also, I just think where this team is at. I know that the Rams are still fighting for the NFC west, but the Bills are just the better team. More complete team, in my opinion. So I have the Bills winning 30 to 17. We do want to mention Dan Fates score. He has this as a very close game, 30 to 27, but still having the Bills pull out the win.

[Mike Catalana]

I think that's because Dan's probably gonna say, take the points because they're getting four and a half. Yeah, it's an interesting line.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I was surprised by that.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, I have it 31, 17. So I went way farther than you did at 30 to 17.

[Jenna Cotrell]

So brave.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, no, I, I, I just, I like them. And I always say, better coach, better quarterback. He'll win. Yes, I think Josh Allen is better than Matthew Stafford, but he's a hell of a quarterback. I. The Sean McDermott, Sean McVay thing is really fascinating because McPhay's got the hardware, he's got all that. But, you know, right now, and maybe this will be for another day, I don't think he'll win it. Sean McDermott should absolutely be up for the coach of the year.

[Jenna Cotrell]

He's not. I feel like in the conversation at.

[Mike Catalana]

All, Mike Tomlin should be there. No question.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I agree with that team.

[Mike Catalana]

I mean, that team is winning big.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I think it's Dan Campbell.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, but why Dan Campbell more than Sean McDermott? Everybody buried this Bills team.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I'm just saying, like, narrative wise, I did it again.

[Mike Catalana]

You said it. And I argued with, with the point.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That, like, other people are making. Believe it or not, I do not set the odds For.

[Mike Catalana]

And I'm wondering who, you know, you could say, and, you know, Arizona's had a pretty good year. Minnesota. Everybody loves what Minnesota has done. I think Minnesota maybe because they weren't expecting it.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, I mean, a little bit. Sam Darnold, like, I think you need to give them some props.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, absolutely. But Sean McDermott Division took a team that all the experts were taken out of the division winner, and they basically destroyed the division this year. So.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

So I give him credit. I don't think he'll win, but I give him credit.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Carmen DeJesus. I love Bifilo plus a little bit of a typo, but I still love that. All right, let's do your credit to me. You want to start?

[Mike Catalana]

I'll start. I. I think this is what is today, December 5th. Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Which. Sorry to interrupt you, but I believe Your anniversary at Wham is on Saturday, December 7th.

[Mike Catalana]

A day that will live in infamy. How many years is it at W? Well, it was. How. It's been so long. It had different call letters back then was wokr.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Wham now.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, shut up. It is 1987. So that's 37 years.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I don't do math, but that sounds right.

[Mike Catalana]

37 years. It was the end of a strike season. And they told me, now I come from Binghamton, but they had told me then, if the Bills win, we're going to send you to Philadelphia to cover the next game because I grown up gone Eagles games. My family's at the games. And the Bills lost that week and they got eliminated from the playoffs. But then they came back the next year and made the AFC championship game and then went on. Then they had a year when they lost, and then they came back and went to four straight Super Bowls. So it was a lot of. A lot of fun. But, yeah, 37 years.

[Jenna Cotrell]

37. That's impressive. And a Hall of Famer.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Got the gold jacket to prove it.

[Mike Catalana]

I know I should have worn it.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I would wear that every day if I were you. Okay, let's go back to your credit to me. Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

So it's December 5th, and credit to me, I'm done with my Christmas shopping.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Wow.

[Mike Catalana]

I sat there and looked, and it was based on the bill schedule. I was like, listen, first of all, there's certain things I always get. My father in law, he's probably not watching. You're getting that bottle of B and B. He loves that bnb. He knows it's coming. He loves it. He'll knock that thing off in a short Period of time, but I know. So I'm like, why am I waiting till December 18 to buy this thing? Buy it? I got it put away. Jenny's taken care of. I got my wife. I planned that one out. My daughter's got it all taken care of. I got a couple little things.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

But December 5th, done. Credit to me.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That's smart.

[Mike Catalana]

And good gifts, too, because I wasn't, like, rushing.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Well, you're similar to me where your daughter's birthday is a couple weeks before Christmas, and Zach, my fiance's birthday, is two weeks before Christmas, so it's. That is the challenge.

[Mike Catalana]

He's December 15th.

[Jenna Cotrell]

16Th. 16th. His sisters is the 15th.

[Mike Catalana]

Okay. My daughters is December 14th.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Okay. Yeah, yeah. So that always makes it challenging.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, it is. It's far enough away that you. Listen, it's not like it's December 26th.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

I mean, that's. That's. You know, you won't. You get. You know, if you're on the 26th or 24th, you're getting those combo gifts.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Oh, yeah. I mean, I'm a January birthday, and it's always the combo.

[Mike Catalana]

Really?

[Jenna Cotrell]

Oh, my God. Yeah. You just do the sales after Christmas.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, yeah. But I mean, you've gotten a Christmas gift, and then you get a birthday gift.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Oh, yeah. Sometimes I just get Christmas gifts and, like, a small gift. It's not about. It's not about the gifts, Mike.

[Mike Catalana]

Okay.

[Jenna Cotrell]

But I expect a gift, just so we're abundantly clear.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Also, I've always wanted to be working on my birthday. January 29th is my birthday. I've always wanted to still be covering.

[Mike Catalana]

It hasn't happened yet, has it?

[Jenna Cotrell]

I've worked. My birthday's been on an AFC Championship game. I think it's been, but I have not. Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

The only AFC Championship game. Well, you were probably. You were working. Wait a minute. You're talking about when they played against the Chiefs.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I'd have to look that up, but I know I did work a game on my birthday day.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

But. Yes. I'm trying to think. Oh, you know what I. You're talking about Christmas gifts. I don't know if people do this, but this is what I do, is I always put in credit. To me, I have a. A. A process for getting my Christmas money together to buy gifts for my family, my friends, my loved ones is that I pay all my medical bills out of pocket, and then I put everything into my HSA at the end of the year to get all that money back. So it's Like, I have free money to use for the gifts.

[Mike Catalana]

That's. That's actually, you know, look, you could. Somebody could argue. You take the money. Listen, we all know you'd spend the money on something else.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

You. Anybody would.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. No. No.

[Mike Catalana]

But it's nice. It's like, almost like a tax return.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Like you're counting on it and, you.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Know, so I try to be an adult sometimes.

[Mike Catalana]

You. You've become more.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Prepared.

[Jenna Cotrell]

House. We have a house now. Getting married. It's honestly nuts crazy to me, but. Yeah. My actual credit to me that I was thinking of was as we get older, we don't like to try new things. But I am going to a hot yoga class with one of my girlfriends tomorrow, and I'm absolutely terrified. But I was like, I can't let that stop me from trying new things. So we'll see how that goes. But.

[Mike Catalana]

Wow. How long's the class?

[Jenna Cotrell]

An hour.

[Mike Catalana]

15.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I know that seems ridiculous to me, but that's so.

[Mike Catalana]

I have to admit something here. Not that I've taken hot yoga classes, but we had a bet here, and I'm still a game behind because the Bills won't lose and there's no reason to pick against them. So that's fine. They can go. I Hope they go 15 and 2 and everybody's happy.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

But we have a bet that would. Could include a Pilates class.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

And I've never taken a Pilates class. Now, there was nothing put into the. I go to the gym. I have my classes that I take. Is great.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

I have never done a Pilates class. Now, there was nothing about the bet that said whether it had to be, like, your first time doing it. So I am. I have inquired about Pilates to see if I could see how I do in case. In case I do lose the bet and I am in last place.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. You better get ready.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

It's hard.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, I know.

[Jenna Cotrell]

It is one of those things where, you know when you're working out and your legs, like, start shaking, and it's like you're embarrassed by your own body, where you're like, lock in. Like, this is a little bit much.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, all my friends and most of them, when I say friends, these are people younger. Because, you know, my age, there's some people like, yeah, I do a lot more than they do. And they act like they do a lot.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

But they'll be like, oh, my God, I felt it for, like, three days afterward.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. Definitely.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Also, someone j. Said, sartori, you will get your ass kicked.

[Mike Catalana]

I know I'm. I'm getting myself prepared for it, but at least I feel like if I can at least sort of get the.

[Jenna Cotrell]

You should take some classes.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, I think I'm going to, but I was talking about it with the people who sort of run the gym, and I was drinking a beer at the time.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. They're like, that's great. That'll do. That'll help me really well.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Also, someone said the TN Bills fan, you can't use an HSA for anything that is not health related. No, I. Like, I.

[Mike Catalana]

It's my medical bills and then the money.

[Jenna Cotrell]

And then I get reimbursed for the money that I paid. That's what you're supposed to use.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

HSA for. Yeah. Okay. I just wait till the end of the year to do that so I can use the money. I'm not, like, committing fraud, like.

[Mike Catalana]

Right. Because I think. Yeah. Are you supposed to put that back in your hsa?

[Jenna Cotrell]

What do you mean back? You can only carry over. So this is terrible podcasting, for the record.

[Mike Catalana]

I just. I just wanted to see if Jenna was committing a felony.

[Jenna Cotrell]

No.

[Mike Catalana]

Live on the podcast.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I don't think so.

[Mike Catalana]

No, no, no. You get reimbursed for it. Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes. Don't listen to that guy. He doesn't know how useful HSA is. Thank you, Matt. Appreciate that. Because now I'm panic sweating.

[Mike Catalana]

But I do put money aside for Christmas. Specifically for Christmas.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That's smart. I don't do that. Oh, yes. There's some really good.

[Mike Catalana]

Can we say it's now opportune?

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. It's a great app.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. And my daughters use it. We all use it. Jenny uses it. And it's like, boom, boom, boom. Because I don't touch it. And then I'm like, Christmas. Boom, boom, boom.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That's good. Buffalo plus finance. That's what bulls. I said, we got you.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

All right. Anything else?

[Mike Catalana]

No, no, I think we're good. And so we will be in L. A. Jenna going out there.

[Jenna Cotrell]

We will also be in Detroit.

[Mike Catalana]

And we will be in Detroit. Yes.

[Jenna Cotrell]

So we have a lot of mileage.

[Mike Catalana]

It means Jenna's got to put up with me a lot.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I texted Matt Beauvais from Channel 7 was like, so, please come to dinner. Just. Just please.

[Mike Catalana]

We'll see if he does.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

You know.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Because he can talk, too.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. But that's great. I can just not talk. I can just zone out. It's actually quite nice. Not high. Just can do that on my own. Okay. All right. Thank you so much for watching. This podcast was entirely too long, so thank you so much for watching. We always appreciate it. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share. It really does mean a lot to us as the Bill season continues on for Dan Fates, who is not here still on dad duty. We miss him. We're really excited for them and we're happy everyone's doing well. He will be back with us shortly. Mike Catalana, I am Jenna Cotrell. Thank you so much for watching. We will catch you next time here on the Buffalo plus channel, presented by Connors and Ferris.