Bills MINDSET heading into week 18, JOSH ALLEN foot UPDATE & REMEMBER [The Ralph] Highmark Stadium

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Bills MINDSET Heading into Week 18, Josh Allen Foot Update & Remembering Highmark Stadium

Podcast: Buffalo Plus: A Buffalo Bills Podcast
Hosts: Jenna Cottrell & Dan Fetes (with Mike Catalana off)
Episode Date: January 1, 2026

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Episode Overview

The episode covers the Buffalo Bills' mindset approaching Week 18, updates on key injuries (notably Josh Allen’s foot), and reflections as the team prepares for its final regular season game at Highmark Stadium ("The Ralph"). Jenna and Dan discuss coaching decisions, playoff seeding implications, and favorite stadium memories, blending insider information with personal, fan-driven emotion.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Josh Allen’s Foot Injury & Playing Status

• Foot Update:

  • "Josh Allen’s foot is in a better place early this week than it was last week." (Dan, 01:14)
  • Allen did not practice Wednesday but this was a walkthrough day; similar situation last week, yet he played.
  • Head Trainer Nate Resky communicated to Head Coach Sean McDermott that Allen is progressing well.

• Playing Debate – Rest vs. Rust:

  • Jenna and Dan discussed whether, even if Allen is healthy enough, he should play at all considering the minimal stakes:
    • “If Josh is fully ready to go, would he still even play then? … This Week 17, Week 18 game just really means so little.” (Jenna, 02:03)
  • The desire to maintain Allen’s starting streak is acknowledged, referencing last year's scenario when he played one snap to keep the streak.
  • The consensus: If Allen is healthy, he might take a ceremonial snap or series for continuity and the record (40th total TD), but not more.

• Quote:

  • “Looking down the road at the playoff picture, you need Josh Allen to be at his close to 100. We know it’s not going to be 100, but the fact that he’s already feeling a little bit better than last week and then to have that extra bit of rest… would be so beneficial to him and to this team.” (Jenna, 03:34)

2. Other Injury Updates

• Several players did not practice:
  • Jordan Poyer (hamstring), Terrell Bernard (calf), Daquan Jones (calf), and notably Ed Oliver (knee).
• Ed Oliver:
  • Recently underwent a knee clean-up (meniscus) after suffering a setback during bicep rehab. Status for return unclear.
  • "Adds cloudiness to his return, but there is still a chance," said Sean McDermott. (Dan, 11:10)
• Dalton Kincaid:
  • Limited in practice, which is progress compared to last week.
• Kicker Situation:
  • Matt Prater’s limited stint noted; Michael Badgley was released.
    • “I was spot on with that take, too. I was like, his name doesn’t really matter because they’re gonna cut him tomorrow.” (Jenna, 13:01)

3. Bills’ Week 18 Approach & Playoff Mindset

• Opponent:
  • Buffalo faces the injury-ravaged New York Jets.
    • “The Jets don’t have an interception this season… their entire secondary is on IR. They are getting guys off the streets to play.” (Dan, 13:25)
• Rest or Play Key Players?
  • The core debate is maximizing rest for starters but acknowledging it’s not feasible to rest everyone due to roster constraints.
    • "You can’t rest everyone. Again, very similar to a preseason game…" (Dan, 15:40)
  • Desired approach: Allen and starters play a drive for continuity/confidence, then exit unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
    • “I just would like to see a competent drive put together early in the first quarter.” (Jenna, 14:37)
• Playoff Seeding:
  • Hosts suggest preference to clinch the 5th seed (chance for a home playoff) but reiterate the big picture: health over seed number.
• Coaching logistics:
  • Sean McDermott has advanced scouts simultaneously prepping for several possible playoff opponents (Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, Baltimore).

4. Emotions and Memories as Highmark Stadium Era Ends

• Fan and Franchise Nostalgia:
  • Hosts reflect on the emotional impact for fans and players, acknowledging that for many it’s been a “home for so many people for so many decades.” (Jenna, 07:02)
• Players’ Perspective:
  • Not all players have deep ties to the stadium; balancing the sentimentality for long-time Bills (Poyer, Allen) with new/younger players is a coaching challenge.
  • “For some of these guys, like Sam Franklin just wants to go out there and tackle people. He’s not interested in—yeah, like, you know what I’m saying…” (Dan, 10:04)

5. Favorite Highmark Stadium Moments

Jenna and Dan share and reminisce about some of their most memorable moments at “The Ralph”:

| Timestamp | Moment | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18:43 | The 2017 Snow Game vs. Colts – “Just comical…went from nothing to whiteout conditions. Kept the playoff hopes alive.” (Jenna & Dan) | 19:47 | Ravens Comeback Opener – “People were leaving the stadium…it felt like absolutely no hope…what a game.” (Dan, 20:10) | 21:22 | Last year’s Niners game in the snow – “San Fran didn’t want to be there. The Bills made that very clear.” (Dan) | 21:31 | Nahim Hines’ kickoff return after Damar Hamlin’s cardiac event – “First play was that…it was unreal…People were crying.” (Jenna, 23:07) | 23:39 | Taron Johnson’s playoff pick-six (COVID season), “The perfect game” vs. Patriots, and long Shakir TD vs. Jets—each delivering stadium-shaking fan moments. | 24:46 | “That Taron Johnson interception—you weren’t there, but your living room was the stadium.” (Jenna) | 25:20 | Fourth-down Josh Allen TD vs. Chiefs—“How loud the stadium got…That’s another one where—How can you not love sports, man?” (Dan)

• Legacy Realization:
  • “That new stadium is built because of Josh Allen. …That’s so cool to think. …Like, hey, this wasn’t my stadium…that one over there, that one’s gonna be mine.” (Jenna, 26:09)
  • Dan reflects, “It's exciting to think of all the new memories that are going to happen across the street, but yes, to pay respects to the old memories that have happened in a place that's very special in Western New York.” (Dan, 26:51)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Rest vs. Rust for Josh Allen:

  • “You need Josh Allen to be at his close to 100. We know it’s not going to be 100, but the fact that he’s already feeling a little bit better than last week…would be so beneficial to him and to this team.” (Jenna, 03:34)

• On Sending Off Highmark Stadium:

  • “You’re not leaving…they’re not leaving forever…they’re going across the street. So you’re definitely a little bit more emotional.” (Jenna, 06:57)
  • “That stadium has felt like home for so many people for so many decades.” (Jenna, 07:02)

• Ed Oliver Recovery:

  • “It’s just unfortunate…what he has done this season when on the field. But this has truly been a really rough season in terms of injuries for him.” (Dan, 12:17)

• Favorite Moments Recap:

  • “There are so many other games, too…I think of the Taron Johnson interception when there was only 7,000 fans during the COVID season. The perfect game is up there for me…” (Jenna, 23:30)

• Josh Allen and the New Stadium:

  • “That new stadium is built because of Josh Allen…that one over there, that one’s gonna be mine.” (Jenna, 26:09)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:40: Hosts intro and episode outline.
• 01:14: Josh Allen foot update & practice status.
• 02:03: Rest vs. rust for Allen in Week 18.
• 05:39: Reflections on stadium emotions, fans, and players.
• 10:56: Ed Oliver knee surgery update.
• 13:25: Week 18 preview against the Jets.
• 18:43+: Stadium memories segment—Snow Game, comebacks, iconic plays.
• 24:46: Taron Johnson interception and fan connections.
• 26:09: Closing thoughts on new stadium legacy and respecting the past.

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Tone & Language

The hosts maintain a mix of professional insight and candid, fan-based emotion—balancing beat reporter knowledge with personal connections to Buffalo sports culture. There’s banter, nostalgia, and a palpable sense of transition as the Bills prepare to close one historic chapter and open another.

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Summary Takeaway

This episode epitomizes the crossroads the Buffalo Bills face—balancing immediate playoff preparation and the health of their franchise quarterback with the bittersweet farewell to the only stadium many fans have ever known. Injury updates, roster strategy, and honest reflection mix with storytelling, making it a must-listen for Bills Mafia heading into a pivotal January.

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Transcript

[A]

And I'm sure a lot of you getting ready for this week are emotional because of that. Has felt like home for so many people for so many decades.

[B]

I, I, you're right. And it's so funny because I, I just think of all like seeing the magic in that stadium and seeing the fans reaction to it. Welcome back to the Buffalo Plus Channel. Mike Catalana with a veteran day off. Also, you might recognize we're in different, different spots.

[A]

You're not Mike.

[B]

I am not Mike.

[A]

I'm not Jenna.

[B]

Here Mike is enjoying time with the grandbabies. You are not Jenna.

[A]

I'm not Jenna.

[B]

So you're Dan Fates.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

I'm Jenna Cottrell again. My Catalana is off. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share. Coming to you on this weird week in between Christmas and the New Year. I know there's a lot going on. We were not in Orchard park today, not in the building weather, a lot of winter storm warnings in western New York. So we decided not to make the trek. But couple things. We're going to talk about injuries, Josh Allen, Ed Oliver, stuff the mindset ahead. And this being the final home game at Highmark Stadium, expected to be this upcoming weekend. So let's get into it. We'll start with the most important foot in western New York. That is Josh Allen.

[A]

It is in a better place early this week than it was last week. So that's the encouraging news. Still trying to figure it out. He did not practice today. On Wednesday, hearing from Sean McDermott, a lot of guys also did not practice as well.

[B]

You, I have the list if you want.

[A]

Okay. Jordan Poyer is the other one.

[B]

Yeah. So did, did not practice. Jordan Poyer with a hamstring injury. Terrell Bernard with a calf injury. Bosa. Joey Bosa with a hamstring injury. Daquan Jones with a calf injury. And then again, Josh Allen did not practice as well today. Was a walkthrough on Wednesday. So I think that is important to note. We know last week also Josh Allen did not practice, ended up playing. And like you said, Sean McDermott said today that the trainers were saying, head trainer Nate Resky was saying that Josh is in a better spot. So that to me is good news.

[A]

Yeah. I think that in terms of Josh. Right. And I, and I still wonder how much as we're listening to the press conferences today and kind of getting our sense of it, like, how much does that play into? If Josh is fully ready to go, would he still even play then? Yeah, I guess. Because this week 17 week 18 game just really means so little.

[B]

A whole lot of. Yeah.

[A]

So, like, that's where you're trying to balance it out because, you know, he says that Josh is moving the right direction. That Sean McDermott, that's great. Even if he is moving fully in. In the right direction, does that change the way that the Bills approach this? We're already hearing about a lot of other teams that have clinched spots. You know, the Eagles, like, they're. They're valuing this week almost as a bye week, getting ready to go in the playoffs. So, yeah, there is that sense of the rest versus rust, you know, trying to find some continuity. So. But injury wise, Josh even said, you know, he feels. He feels fine. He's just trying to be smart, you know, with the injury management kind of thing. So, yeah, I. It's a. I don't think the foot is a huge deal this week. I think it's all the other circumstances that go into. Should he play even if he is healthy enough?

[B]

Yeah, I think if you're zooming out, I think that Josh wants to maintain his starting streak.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And we saw that last year in week 18 when he went out in New England, took a snap and then ran off the field. And even that, I kind of wasn't expecting that because I'm like, oh, he'll play a little bit. And then, no, it was one snap and he was done. Which is fair.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

For Allen this week, I just feel like. I know it's the finale at High Mark Stadium, but looking down the road at the playoff picture, you need Josh Allen to be at his close to 100. We know it's not going to be 100, but the fact that he's already feeling a little bit better than last week and then to have that extra bit of rest, I do really think would be so beneficial to him and to this team. And I think you have to keep, like, the short term.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

In perspective because it is such a big day at the stadium and. And respect that. And also look at the long term and. And what Josh Allen's health means to this team.

[A]

Purely speculation. We're listening to Josh, and he was kind of mellow, and it was almost like he was like, yeah, it'll be cool to wear the red helmets. You know, I didn't know how much that was meant to fans until I came out to the one red and blue scrimmage and fans went nuts. And it is an ode to the past, and they love wearing these new jerseys. Although Josh said, we have been pretty bad in different jerseys this year. But he's trying not to be superstitious. It just felt like he was very mellow, almost knowing, like, although he says, yeah, I'll be ready to roll, you know, whatever coach wants to do. But it just kind of gets the sense that I don't know how much he's going to play, if any. And again, I have no problem with Josh taking one series, one snap to extend his streak because if this game did mean something, Josh is healthy enough to play in the game.

[B]

So I agree. I felt like, you know, we looked.

[A]

At each other as.

[B]

As reporters. You're like, you want the great sound bite. Of course you do. You want Josh to be like, it's going to be so emotional. I've had so many incredible memories here. Like, when I think about this place, it wasn't that. And that to me is. Josh has said before he's not a very sentimental person in the moment, which I think that's one of the reasons why he is so great, is you can compartmentalize things. Yes, but spell it. No. Yeah. No. But that being said, I do think that he was downplaying it a little bit because I think he doesn't. I think the expectation is in my head that he very much has limited snaps and doesn't want to, like, build it up to be this moment and then knowing that he's only going to be out there for a little bit.

[A]

Yeah. I took a bunch of notes from McDermott's press conference that we'll kind of get into as well. We also want to talk about stadium moments like at the Ralph and things like that. We've been putting out some stuff on.

[B]

Social media before we kind of dive in. More about that. I do think we should mention Ed Oliver.

[A]

Right. So. Exactly. There are a couple other notes that I have written because the other thing is Josh has 39 total touchdowns this year.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So he is one touchdown shy of extending his streak of 40 plus touchdowns in a season. And Sean said he was aware that James Cook is obviously the current rushing leader. It's something he's aware of. And again, every question is like, yeah, I'm aware. I. That that's a great. Where they're at. I don't know how it's all going to shake out. We're kind of still trying to go through all the different. A lot of different paths you can take, but the goal is what's best for the team. So that is trying to weave through the answer and the truth and also trying to thread what is most important. And that is, like, it. Yes. They're not leaving Buffalo, like, with the stadium. So, like, Jenna, admittedly is emotional. She looks at me today, we're watching the press conference, and she goes, are you getting emotional? I was like, it's not like they're leaving forever. It's not even like they're moving down the street. They're going across the street. So you're definitely a little bit more emotional. And I'm sure a lot of you getting ready for this week are emotional because of.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

That has felt like home for so many people for so many decades.

[B]

I, I, you're right. And it's so funny because I, I just think of all, like, seeing the magic in that stadium and seeing the fans reaction to it. And I put out a thing on Twitter about from Josh Allen's rook season. At the red and blue scrimmage, the first time he played in the stadium with fans, and he talked about just, like, how cool it was and, like, how could you not love it? It's awesome. And I, I was thinking back, like, how much this, this franchise has accomplished since then. Now people in my mentions were saying, what if the Bills accomplished? They haven't done anything. Which, you know, love.

[A]

The people are great.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Comment section is great at a party. Yeah.

[B]

But that being said, I just feel like I'm, I can imagine I'm not from Western New York, but I can only imagine if you're from western New York or if you've been a Bills fan your entire life. Like that stadium. You're right. They're not leaving. They're not just so much wrapped up in one building. And, and so it's, it's understandable, the emotion. But you're right. It's also the other fact of, like I said earlier, the zooming out approach of, hey, this is a special day, but this team wants to accomplish something special. Yeah. And what goes into that? So with Allen and that, those 39 touchdowns, I could see in some eyes where it's like, hey, let him go for 40. But there's also that I always think about the hindsight, like, if Josh Allen, you know, goes out there and is trying to score his 40th touchdown of the season and something bad happens, you're like, really? You're doing it for that? And I know you can't live in that hindsight mentality, but sometimes there's times where I'm doing something and I'm like, this is stupid. And if it doesn't work out how I thought it Would. I would be mad at myself for this decision making.

[A]

Is this a baking reference?

[B]

No, just in general. Like. Like little things like getting. Yesterday I had to go get gas because I didn't want to go get gas. But I've been so many times before where I'm like, no, it's fine. I'll just wait till tomorrow, always tomorrow, because I'll book myself and I'll have plenty of time to go get gas. And then I'm like white knuckling it, hoping I get to the gas station, because I should have. In hindsight, I knew the right decision to make, but I wanted to get a little bit greedy about it.

[A]

I'm undefeated at filling up my gas tank on the coldest days of the year. Like, that's. That's what bothers me the most.

[B]

So I've never run out of gas. For the record, that has not happened.

[A]

But that would be bad.

[B]

That would be really bad.

[A]

Zach did fill up your car the one time that you had no gas.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

At the airport.

[B]

That's because I have the best husband in the world.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So, yeah. And Sean, I also thought had it. You know, he was very sentimental on Monday on the Zoom, and he. He really talked about how it's going to be emotional for him and how there's so many times that he's the last person to leave the stadium and thinking about how much it's meant to his family over the last nine years and. And all that stuff. And then he talks about, like, this game, which probably means a lot for a Jordan Poyer, Josh Allen, those guys that have been here for a long time, even James Cook, some of those guys. He goes. Then there are other guys that are just like, yeah, dude. Like, I just want to play. Like guys that may be getting an opportunity.

[B]

Like, yes.

[A]

I don't. I can't imagine High Mark means a ton to Mitch Trubisky, but, like, he just wants to go out there and play and, like, hopefully earn another contract. Like, that's what it is for him. So Sean said that it is trying to find that middle ground between the vets and the new players that may not have that sentimental connection, which I thought was good self awareness for the coach of him being like, this is so important for a game for a lot of these, you know, hundreds of thousands of people in western New York. And then for some of these guys, like Sam Franklin just wants to go out there and tackle people. Like, he's not. He's not interested in. Yeah, like, you know what I'M saying he's like, yeah, I'll do this wherever you want. So I think that's part of it. We'll get some more at the end. Like Comment subscribe because we want to hear what your most sentimental, most favorite moments are from the Ralph High Mark Stadium and all that stuff. I also know that we haven't been doing a great job of replying to comments. We will try and do better in the future.

[B]

Yeah, the week, the week, this week has been weird. Mike is not here. You know, he's the, I mean he's the leader of Buffalo plus, so he.

[A]

Yeah, I'm the leader of the comment section. Like I've had family stuff going on as well with just the holidays.

[B]

So no, that's totally fair.

[A]

Other notes from today Ed Oliver, we had heard after the game Sunday had suffered some type of setback in his recovery. We had now you know Sean kind of explaining that he had his knee cleaned up on the meniscus on Monday. Yeah, he injured it during the rehab for his bicep. So he says it's still kind of cloudy where now that puts Ed for returning but he said that there's still a chance. Adds cloudiness to his return, but there is still a chance.

[B]

Yeah, I think you look at this and you say a that's stinks because it seemed like Ed was really improving and the bicep has been doing well and then to have the knee set back, that's just, it's really unfortunate. I think for this team you couldn't bank on him coming back. But now it seems like that is very much in doubt. And I know Sean McDermott says there is still a chance but just doing a quick Google search. I'm not a doctor but it looks like you know office jobs you can come back in one to two weeks. Like Ed Oliver doesn't have an office job. So the extent of how much that injury will keep him off the field, I think it will be impactful because it's, it's just unfortunate because what he has done this season went on the field. But this has truly been a really rough season in terms of injuries for him.

[A]

Yeah, absolutely. It's been a rough season. It seems like injury wise for 90% of the defense how they've held it together. Obviously trail Bernard at the calf positive would be Dalton Kincaid. Oh was limited. That's better than where he was at the start of last week as well.

[B]

And Matt Prater. And Matt Prater, your Praders have been answered.

[A]

Look at you. So yeah. So That's. That's an encouraging sign to. You know, obviously, they let. What's his name?

[B]

Michael Badgley.

[A]

There it is. They let him go.

[B]

I was spot on with that take, too. I was like, his name doesn't really matter because they're gonna cut him tomorrow.

[A]

Just. Just mercy. Just dunking all over a guy. Yeah. So that's. Those are the encouraging signs. It is funny. You think about all of this stuff. You've thought, we've been talking playoff scenarios, final home game at High Mark Stadium, all of this stuff. And then you're like, who they play this week? Oh, it's the Jets. Yes. You're like, oh, it's the Jets. Like, so you're trying to balance it out. The jets don't have an interception this.

[B]

Season, which is nuts. The entire season.

[A]

Like, their entire secondary is on the ir. Like, they are getting guys off the streets to play. Like, that's where some of this. When you think of, like, what's best for the team, like, is to rest them. It's kind of like a preseason game. Like, can. Can you put together a cohesive drive and then pull everybody. And where is that? And that's where I think they're still trying to figure out. What do you watching? Like, what would you like them to do? Like, I do think Josh should play a drive. I think it'd be nice to try and get some continuity, some, you know, build something. Like we talk about in playoff games. I don't care about the end result. Five through seven doesn't mean a whole lot. Josh said that as well. Like, yeah, you'd like to be the five, because then maybe you'd get a home playoff game, but seven, you have no chance at it. So in terms of seating, I would like to see some continuity because for, you know, 55 minutes against the Eagles, I know it's a good defense. He couldn't find anything against a Jets defense that has nobody. I'd like to see them put up some type of points.

[B]

But would that, to be devil's advocate, even matter if it's the jets defense is cobbled together by.

[A]

I think it would matter something for confidence.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Like, I just would like to see a competent drive put together early in the first quarter.

[B]

You want to see Josh Allen do one drive, score touchdown, and then be walking off the field. Yeah. Putting the. The red helmet.

[A]

Yeah. Like, I think. And again, that's probably a little bit of what you wish for in that moment. Like, you kind of also wish that this last game at High Marks, the Last regular season game wasn't going to be the last game, like, you thought in the beginning of the year, like, sick. Although it was like, they're going to wear these jerseys, they're going to wear these helmets. And you're like, well, Josh may not even play because it won't matter. But you thought that was because you were going to be there winning the division and having a home playoff game, like, that's where it is. So I do think there is, like, Sean talks about setting the standard, like, playing up to what they're supposed to be and putting the stadium out how it should in some type of, you know, fond farewell.

[B]

Yeah, it's so funny. I do forget. I'm like, oh, yeah, it is.

[A]

It's the Jazz.

[B]

We've just talked so much about the Bill side and Brady Cook. Yeah.

[A]

Like, it's. It's a weird. This. This has got preseason vibes.

[B]

It does.

[A]

All over.

[B]

I do think it's important to know because when, like, just like, talking to some people in Wegmans, they're like, oh, they're gonna rest everybody. And just way, like, the roster breaks down, you really can't rest everyone. That's just not really possible. So it's really about maximizing the players that you think could use the rest. What that looks like at the position, if you're particularly thinner at. If you want to make sure that you don't mess up the numbers there. So I just think that that's something that we kind of sometimes forget about. But you can't rest everyone. Again, very similar to a preseason game, that type of game.

[A]

It's got that vibe. Yep.

[B]

Yeah, it certainly does.

[A]

But you don't have 90 guys like, like, so that's. That's where it is.

[B]

Like.

[A]

Like, I imagine, like, Torrance is gonna. Is gonna get a lot of snaps. Like, yeah, you're gonna. You're gonna see Alec Anderson, you're gonna see Ryan Vandemark. Like, those guys are going to play, but you're still going to have Tyrell Shavers playing in the fourth quarter because it's still, like, you only have so many guys.

[B]

Yeah, no, it's.

[A]

It'd be cool to see White.

[B]

Steve, do you think Josh Allen first drop back, takes a. Takes a shot downfield? It's like, that's. I don't know.

[A]

Jim.

[B]

Tyrell Shavers, go catch it. Davis, go catch it. Who needs an incentive? Who else?

[A]

Shakir needs a touchdown for half a mil. Yeah, I think there were seven Bills players that. That were up. Knox, I think Needs something too. So, yeah, like, I won. All that stuff gets factored in. And like I said, that's not an easy task this week for Sean to balance all of that and not knowing where you're going, not knowing who you're playing, not knowing. Sean said on Monday that they have their advanced scout coaches. They're looking at Jacksonville, they're looking at Pittsburgh, they're looking at Balt. Like they're looking at all of these teams that either they have played or haven't played. And while Sean's focused on the day to day, he does have people that are looking. It's kind of like the NCAA tournament. It's like you win a game. Okay, if we win this game, who could we play? And you have those coaches that are breaking down the future teams that you could possibly play.

[B]

This we. This year is wild. It really does feel like wide open in terms of what the seating will be, what it will look like, who's really good, who's not good, like how it'll all shake out. Okay, Anything else?

[A]

Our favorite memories of High Mark City.

[B]

Oh, favorite memories. Okay. Are we. Do you want to save something for the pod tomorrow?

[A]

Are we potting tomorrow?

[B]

I thought we were potting tomorrow.

[A]

I don't know if we're potting tomorrow.

[B]

Are you sure?

[A]

That's what I thought would. Mr. Catalana. Well, okay, so we don't know or not. But we'll do this here.

[B]

We'll do it here.

[A]

Yeah. We can always repeat and it would be nice to have the elder statesman who could, who could give more context on some of these. Yeah, because like I said, Jen and I, we were talking and it's like the fact of you don't want to have like so much recency bias, but we've only been covering this team like the end of the drought.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

To. To hear like we both started covering the team in 2016, so Rex's last year, which is wild, you know, and all of that. But you do think of one of the games that we were both on the field together is the Snow game in 2017, which was just comical. It's.

[B]

It was unbelievable just the amount of snow and how fast it was falling. It went from nothing to just white out conditions.

[A]

Betting the under there was easy. But like you post the video, it's some. And some people were like, I'll take Andre Holmes on this wide receiving core now. And the fact that, you know, Deontay Thompson is catching passes from Joe Webb in that game and like the. That game was crucial for Them kept.

[B]

Their playoff hopes alive.

[A]

Kept the playoff hopes alive and ended up snapping the drought.

[B]

Shawn McCoy walk off Tutty like, but just the.

[A]

The insanity that is. And you, the video, I don't know if it was yours or mine, but you have Sha McDermot walking off the field into the fans, and he's like, good job. Good job, guys.

[B]

I posted on my Twitter that was.

[A]

I just thought that was so funny. It was like classic Shaw. Like, early Sean. Hey, fans. Great job.

[B]

Good job.

[A]

Great job at that one.

[B]

You did your 111.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

No, it's so true. All right. That is also one of my favorite moments from the stadium. It's hard to. To distill down, like, what are some of the favorite moments? Because I just feel like there are. You know, there's been a lot. There's been a lot of games in.

[A]

That stadium and a lot of like, big wins.

[B]

Yeah, you're gonna laugh at me because we're talking about recency bias, but we kind of discussed this before that Ravens game start off the season. Ravens game was just, again, I know recency bias, but the Bills were down. It felt like absolutely no hope. People were leaving the stadium. I don't blame you. I know Josh kind of dogged fans for leaving. I would have done the same thing.

[A]

I love that.

[B]

The traffic.

[A]

We were talking about that going. We're like, we're like, these games are rough. Like Sunday nights, like you're gonna have school tomorrow. Like, these are games that you could leave early and if you left, I don't blame you.

[B]

I don't blame one bit.

[A]

What a game.

[B]

What a.

[A]

And then, you know, the Matt Prater and like, I think about that moment and it kind of coinc. How I feel like Mr. Brightside has become this anthem for this team recently. And you know, as the game's ending and they're still celebrating, they have a concert on the field. Pretty much like Knox and. And Kincaid are running around the field and you know, you didn't really even know Matt Prater and no, they thought.

[B]

He was a coach.

[A]

Right. But like, you also, like, it was, oh, Tyler Bass may be ready for this game. I'm not really sure. And then you have this 40 plus year old guy, second oldest player in the league, hits that incredible field goal and you've got Josh coming up to him and all that stuff and just nuts. Like, that's definitely one of my. And again, it's most recent, but it.

[B]

Was a surreal comeback game that was unbelievable. All right, what else? What else from You.

[A]

I wasn't there. But the Niners game last year, in.

[B]

The snow, that was awesome.

[A]

When Josh.

[B]

Why were you there?

[A]

I was in the hospital.

[B]

You and your wife had a baby.

[A]

I was in the hospital watching with Taylor in my arms as Josh is getting the lateral back. Like, that was just another one of those surreal games when. When people say, like, oh, like, there's no big deal, you know, they should have a dome. All this stuff. I would love a dome. Like, that would be incredible. But that's a game where San Fran didn't want to be there.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And the Bills made that very clear and evident.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And that was just one of those moments. And that was. Was that the snow angels?

[B]

Yes, that was.

[A]

I think I remember tweeting you or texting the group, being like, jenna, get that snow angel video up asap, because that was going to be great. Like that. Yeah, that was another one of those. Encompassing those moments of, like, what that stadium can be.

[B]

That was winning the division for fifth straight year. Sean McDermott, Josh Allen, post game, doing snow angels. The lateral. Yeah. That was just another unbelievable MVP kind of ceiling moment. Yes. Yes. Yeah.

[A]

I remember tweeting after that, like, the MVP conversation is over. Like, you talk about big moments in that spot.

[B]

I loved. Now, the context of this kind, like, now it's a little bit different, but in the moment the Nahim Hines returned for a touchdown, it was right after demar Hamlin. Everything had happened in Cincinnati. The first game the Bills had played, played, absolutely. Then the emotions in the stadium, like, the nervousness, just the. The anxiety, truly, about, like, what was going to happen with demar. What was just happening about playing another football game, like, it was just that nervousness, energy. And then to have the first play be that and then to have him do it again, it was unreal. But listening to the call, like, Jim Nance is like, this is a storybook.

[A]

Yeah. Great call by Nance.

[B]

How unbelievable. But it truly felt like that. Like Josh Allen grabbing his helmet after, like, the stadium just erupting. People were crying. Like, it was such a memorable moment. Because in the grand scheme of things, was it massively impactful? No, but in the. The context of where the team was at and what they were coming off of, it was unbelievable.

[A]

And there are so many other games, too. I think of the Taron Johnson interception when There was only 7,000 fans during the COVID season.

[B]

The perfect game.

[A]

The perfect game. One is. Is up there for me, just because of. That was the season where they ran. They threw three passes with M. Jones and beat them and all this stuff. It's that this Bills team can't get it done.

[B]

Art of War.

[A]

Yes. Sun Zoo.

[B]

Sun Zoo.

[A]

Yes. The Art of War. And all of this stuff. And then for. And I just remember knock or Knox caught a touchdown from Josh and Josh ran one in and just kind of was running off the field, just so fired up. Those moments stand out to me. Whether it's because we're looking at it through the lens of the camera or things like that. There was the long touchdown. I think it was also. That's maybe the next season to Khil Shakir against the jets and Josh came running by the sideline. That was his low positive. And that was like totally out the window after that.

[B]

It was like, he's back. I remember tweeting that. Yeah.

[A]

So that was one of those cool moments. Like, those ones stand out to me. But the perfect game was just. Was comical because zero degrees interception, insane.

[B]

Truly.

[A]

And like I said, and I'm sure many of you, that Taryn Johnson interception, you weren't there, but like your living room was the stadium.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like that, that excitement, that eruption of that call. Like all of that stuff was, you know, you may not have been there, but you felt like you were I.

[B]

Think of too, like last season, fourth down, the touchdown run Josh Allen had against the Chiefs MVP moment. How loud the stadium got. You know, Josh Allen like this after it was. That's another one where. How can he not love sports, man? I just. It's just. I know there's times where sports will rip out your heart, but man, yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's just some incredible moments.

[A]

Yeah. Like my dad told me stories about, you know, him going to some of the AFC championship games. And Mike would know more about that. And I know, I think we've talked about these throughout the podcast. Maybe they're more during the off season, but you know the Raiders 51 3, when I remember asking my dad and he was like, it was a party the entire second half. It's like we're going to the Super Bowl. Like, this is just nuts.

[B]

Unbelievable.

[A]

So, yeah. And just some of the moments, like we've posted a couple on. On Tik Tok on Instagram, our YouTube shorts. So check those out of just some of the old video, which is very funny to see. Just that again. Like, you think about this stadium, and especially us and the channel is when it's taken off, it's so much more of these. These Josh moments.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

But it's Marv Levy, it's Jim Kelly, it's Thurman Thomas, like, all of that stuff. But that new stadium is built because of Josh Allen.

[B]

Yes, we know. The house that Josh built.

[A]

Like, it. Like, that's so cool to think. And that's kind of what Josh was maybe downplaying it a little bit or maybe just, you know, being an ode to, like, hey, this wasn't my stadium. Like, this is the stadium of the guys before me. Like, yeah, that one over there, that one's gonna be mine. Like, so I. I think that's part of this cool element of it.

[B]

I don't think Josh would think about it like that. Like, that one's gonna be mine.

[A]

That's his. No, it's his stadium.

[B]

It is his state.

[A]

Right. He may not think that, but.

[B]

Okay. Okay. I thought you were saying, like, if I'm Josh. If you're Josh, you might think like that, but if I'm Josh, I'm not thinking like that.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah, that's fair.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah, that's fair.

[B]

Yeah. No, I. I get it. It is exciting to think of all the new memories that are going to happen across the street, but yes, to pay respects to the old memories that have happened in a place that's very special in. In western New York.

[A]

And one more thing. Shout out to one of our sponsors, Bud Light. They sent us some of the Blizzard Brew beers that's brewed from snow from Orchard park from one last time for this Bill's Mafia tradition. Very cool.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I. I can't remember what game exactly it was, but shout out Bud Light, proud sponsor with Buffalo plus and the Buffalo plus tour that we did. It says together the Buffalo Bills and Bud Light are celebrating the final season at the original High Mark Stadium and honoring Bill's Mafia shoveling tradition with a limited Buffalo Blizzard brew made from purified snow from Highmark Stadium itself. It's available at Highmark Stadium and select retailers around the Bill's final regular season home game on January 4th.

[B]

It's so cool.

[A]

Yeah. So I want to make sure and your followers can cheers Bill's history with some Blizzard brew. So appreciate Bud Light sending those.

[B]

Yeah, very cool. I know a lot of people are going to want to get their hands on that.

[A]

Yeah, very cool.

[B]

I like the can, too. Can is clean, limited edition farewell season.

[A]

Yeah. So we got two of them in the stadium or in the studio in the Connors and Ferris studio. And maybe we'll. Maybe we'll give one away to one of these one of these days.

[B]

Yeah, that's very fair. All right. Thank you so much for joining us here on the Buffalo Plus Channel. For Mike Catalana, who's visiting with his grandbabies, that's Dan Fates. I am Johnny Cottrell. We will catch you next time here on the Buffalo Plus Channel. Please be sure to like, comment, subscribe and share. We also want to wish everyone a very happy and safe Happy New year. We hope 2026 is the best year yet for all of you. Thank you so much for watching.