Buffalo Plus Podcast Episode Summary

Episode: Bills OFFENSIVE Plan, DEFENSIVE Leader & NFL Top5 and Bottom 5 Teams
Date: December 2, 2025
Host: Mike Catalana (solo, with Jenna Cottrell and Dan Fetes off)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Mike Catalana breaks down the Buffalo Bills’ recent performance in their win against the Steelers, reflecting on the offensive game plan led by Joe Brady and highlighting key contributors on both sides of the ball. He also looks ahead to the significant matchup against the Bengals and runs through his NFL Top 5 and Bottom 5 teams as of Week 13. The tone is insightful, candid, and peppered with humor and classic beat reporter perspective.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bills’ Offensive Game Plan vs. Steelers

• Simplicity and Success in the Run Game (02:00–07:30)

  • Joe Brady, amidst a challenging season and lacking a solid wide receiver corps, kept the game plan simple and effective.

    “The game plan was very simple. How simple was the game plan? They ran the same play 29 times… Because it worked. And it worked again. And it worked again.” (03:10)

  • Utilized a dominant run game, with James Cook and new offensive line contributors (Alec Anderson at right tackle, Jackson Hawes).
  • Steelers could not stop the outside runs—Bills stuck with it, reminiscent of “1960s Packers Football.”
  • Joe Brady commended for handling personal/family stress with professionalism (his wife gave birth that day), showing leadership through adversity.

• Wide Receiver Play & Key Positional Notes

  • Bills' receiving group was seen as "not great"—Keon Coleman had limited but critical impact (1 target, 1 touchdown).

    “The bar’s low on Keon…his one target was a touchdown. Kept himself available. Josh made the play.” (18:15)

  • Tyrell Shavers praised as an unheralded but hardworking player, excelling as a run blocker and special teamer.

    “Shout out to Tyrell Shavers. That dude, he is a very good fifth wide receiver on a team. Plays special teams, run blocks... The guy buys in.” (14:40)

  • Hope for more involvement from tight end Dalton Kincaid and potential returns from Josh Palmer.

2. Josh Allen’s Toughness & Leadership (12:00–14:30)

• Allen demonstrated resilience and leadership, both physically and emotionally.
• A notable scuffle with Steelers' Cam Heyward resulted in Allen drawing a penalty for talking trash:

  “Josh is the best trash talker in the league... he talks some shit and he’s doing it to D-linemen and he got him to take a penalty, seriously.” (13:30)

• The team rallied around Allen after he drew a cheap shot, showing emotion and unity in the postgame celebration.

3. Defensive Leadership and Shaq Thompson’s Role (21:00–24:00)

• Defense dominated a weak Pittsburgh offense but was nonetheless lauded for improved run defense.
• Shaq Thompson highlighted as a pivotal leader and the Bills’ best linebacker at present:

  “Shaq’s their best linebacker. Has been their best linebacker. Brings an attitude to this defense, no doubt about it. So Shaq’s going to play. Shaq talked to the team too…” (22:40)

• Thompson’s style is direct, physical, and inspiring to teammates.

  “…you look and it’s 45 hitting them. He just plays that way. And I don’t think he seems like a guy’s been in the league, what, 12 years, doesn’t look like it.” (23:25)

4. Usage of Rookies and Defensive Adjustments (25:30–28:30)

• Jackson Hawes, Alec Anderson, and other rookies are seeing emerging roles.
• Trey White played extensive snaps, making key defensive plays. Max (likely Max Melton) saw reduced snaps but remains promising, especially with Bengals’ WR threats (notably Jamar Chase).

5. Playoff Formula & Forward Outlook (19:00–22:30; 28:30–30:30)

• Catalana emphasizes the run-first offensive approach as the most reliable formula with the current roster—dominate up front, set up the pass via play action.

  "I think the way this team wins games...is a version of what we saw against the Steelers where you just impose your will with your offensive line." (20:50)

• Acknowledges the passing game will need to improve for a deep playoff run—Josh Allen must step up and receivers need to deliver.

6. AFC & Bengals Preview (29:30–31:00)

• Sunday’s matchup is pivotal: “The Bills can basically eliminate the Bengals… if the Bills beat the Bengals, I think their path to the playoffs is very, very difficult just because they have so many losses.” (29:45)
• Notes the AFC North “is just falling apart,” presents opportunity for Buffalo.

NFL Top 5 and Bottom 5 Teams (31:00–43:00)

Bottom 5 Teams (Worst to 5th-worst)

1. Giants
   • “That might have been one of the most embarrassing things you’ll ever see. Their defense was awful.” (36:40)
2. Raiders
   • “Awful. I mean, they thought it was going to be something…has not worked out. They need a quarterback.” (34:35)
3. Titans
   • “Just because they’re losing…they deserve to be there.” (33:15)
4. Cardinals
   • “They’re just an irrelevant franchise to me.” (32:20)
5. Falcons
   • “That team stinks. They stink. So, yeah, that loss looks bad on the Bill’s resume.” (32:10)

Jets notably elevated out of the bottom five for getting a win.

Top 5 Teams (Best to 5th-best)

1. Patriots
   • “I just think it’s going to be very difficult for the Bills. They’d have to lose…But they’re going to win the division. I just think they’re good. I don’t know if they’re great.”(42:00)
2. Rams
   • “Rams made the mistakes, a lot of mistakes…Their defense got lit up and Bryce Young was good.” (40:00)
3. Bears
   • “They just slapped around my Eagles…Impressive run game, pass game was okay. It was smart football for them.” (38:00)
4. Broncos
   • “They keep finding ways to win. I don’t think they’re great, but what makes them difficult in the playoffs is going out to Denver is not easy.” (37:00)
5. Cowboys
   • “Their defense has got some juice now. They got Quinn and Williams. He’s helping them a ton. That passing game right now is lethal.” (35:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the NFL’s bad teams:

  “Just some bad teams...I pay no attention to the Cardinals. We’ll put them at four.” (32:15)

• On Bills’ offensive identity:

  “You’re not going to win three playoff games without throwing the football better. They need to throw the football. Josh needs to be a little better." (21:20)

• On Cam Heyward incident:

  "Stop your whining. … He's the quarterback laying on his back—stop. Nonsensical." (13:40)

• On Shaq Thompson’s value:

  “He’s one of those guys with the edge...you have to be able to say [what needs to be said] because you gotta back it up by going out and playing, and he does.” (22:50)

• On playoff hopes:

  “Maybe it’s building and Sunday will be a big day.” (42:55)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Bills run game, Joe Brady’s plan: 02:00–07:30
• Josh Allen’s leadership, Cam Heyward incident: 12:00–14:30
• Tyrell Shavers & WR depth issues: 14:40–18:30
• Shaq Thompson, defensive leadership: 21:00–24:00
• Rookies & secondary notes: 25:30–28:30
• AFC/Bengals playoff preview: 29:30–31:00
• Bottom 5 Teams rundown: 31:00–36:50
• Top 5 Teams rundown: 36:50–43:00

Conclusion

Mike Catalana delivers an experienced, candid assessment as a solo host this week, focusing on how the Bills used a power run game to dominate a beatable Steelers team and the leadership qualities emerging on defense. He underscores the need for a more dynamic passing game before the playoffs, signals major tests ahead against the Bengals and AFC rivals, and wraps things up with his tongue-in-cheek but knowledgeable NFL rankings. Approachable, detailed, and packed with classic beat reporter takes—this episode is valuable for any Bills fan wanting context, depth, and a peek behind the scenes.