Buffalo Plus Podcast: "London in 2023 and Ross Tucker previews the Bengals game" Date: January 19, 2023

Episode Overview

This Buffalo Plus episode dives into two major topics: the 2023 announcement of the Buffalo Bills returning to London (at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) and in-depth analysis of the upcoming playoff clash against the Cincinnati Bengals. Host Mike Catalana is joined by special guest Ross Tucker (former Bills player and NFL analyst) for a detailed discussion of the Bills’ form, Josh Allen’s high-wire quarterback play, Buffalo’s offensive line, Cincinnati’s injury issues, and what to expect in a pivotal postseason matchup.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bills Returning to London in 2023 (00:00–09:30)

• Historic Context & Details

  • Mike confirms the Bills will play a home game in London in 2023—opponent and date TBD.
  • Game will be at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, modeled after the Bills’ planned new stadium, and built by the same company.
  • The Bills last played in London in 2015 (loss to Jaguars at Wembley); Mike recounts key moments (injuries, turnovers, strong Bills fan travel).

• Opponent Speculation & League Considerations

  • AFC East division games (Jets, Dolphins, Patriots) unlikely.
  • High-value home game opponents (Cowboys, Giants) probably not chosen for London due to financial and fan interest in Orchard Park.
  • Raiders, Broncos, or Jags possible; London sees frequent Jacksonville games.
  • Home advantage and stadium showcase for fans/media likely, potential for significant Bills-related events throughout the week.

• Fan Experience

  • Mike reflects on the passionate, global traveling Bills Mafia and expectations for an even larger turnout given the team’s current success.

2. Ross Tucker’s Preview: Bills vs. Bengals (09:30–29:58)

Josh Allen's Performance & High-Risk, High-Reward Play (09:30–13:26)

• Roller Coaster Quarterbacking

  • “It was the Josh Allen experience.” – Mike Catalana [09:30]
  • Ross praises Allen’s spectacular plays but points to troubling turnovers, especially fumbles, and believes the team needs to hammer home more ball security.
  • “I don’t think he’ll do that again against the Bengals.… The likelihood is he probably will have another multiple turnover game and it won’t be against Skylar Thompson and the Dolphins.” – Ross Tucker [10:38]
  • Other teams are now targeting Allen’s reputation for fumbles in their defensive planning.

• Coaching Balance

  • Discussion on living with Allen’s risk-taking: “That’s the ride you guys are on now.… If you’re looking to throw a lot of touchdown passes, you’re going to throw some interceptions as well. It’s just part of it.” – Ross Tucker [13:26]
  • Recognition for moments of maturity when Allen took a sack rather than risking a turnover.

Skill Players: Gabe Davis and Stefon Diggs (14:39–17:59)

• “Playoff Gabe”

  • Both note Gabe Davis’s playoff surge, contrasting with regular season inconsistency.
  • “What separates the average from the good, and the good from the great, is consistency.… Gabe Davis was not able to do that this year, not able to prove that.” – Ross Tucker [15:39]
  • But: “Bills fans don’t care—as long as he’s Playoff Gabe.” [16:43]

• Targeting Diggs

  • Ross suggests Dorsey (OC) needs to creatively “intentionally target” Stefon Diggs, even vs. strong coverage, as the league’s best coaches do with their own stars.

Offensive Line Play & Matchup with Bengals (17:59–19:54)

• Bills O-line: “Average”

  • Bills OL called “average,” not a playoff strength, especially compared to Chiefs, Cowboys, Eagles, Niners.
  • Sometimes struggles to close out games with the run, too reliant on Josh Allen’s legs.
  • “They don’t need to run the ball a lot, just well enough.” – Ross Tucker [19:41]

• Bengals O-line Crisis

  • Bengals missing three O-line starters. Ross notes backups (like Jackson Carman) were last year’s Super Bowl starters, yet expects protection issues.
  • “Nobody would argue it’s a good thing their backups are not as good as their starters.… It is a shame that the Bills don’t have Von Miller.” – Ross Tucker [20:22, 20:50]

Defensive Innovations & Pressure (21:46–23:18)

• Delayed Blitzes, Linebacker Play
  • Bills increasingly use delayed blitzes with Milano and Edmunds.
  • Ross (as ex-lineman) loves the tactic: “Delayed blitzes are really tough because you have a responsibility.… If you wait half a second, you can still get there in enough time and get pressure on the quarterback.” [22:10]

Joe Burrow’s Confidence & Intangible Factors (23:18–26:55)

• “Quiet Cockiness” of Burrow
  • Mike describes Burrow’s “quiet cockiness”; Ross says, “He subtly lets you know that he’s the man without having to tell you he’s the man.” [24:30]
  • They discuss the role of supreme confidence in player success, with Burrow’s calm persona a huge psychological asset for the Bengals.
  • Notable quote: “Micah Hyde says, confidence is a hell of a drug.” – Mike Catalana [25:25]

Game Outlook & Expectations (26:55–28:03)

• Prediction
  • Ross expects a close, relatively modest-scoring contest: “I’m feeling like a 23–20, 24–20 type of game.… I do think Buffalo’s the better team.… but it really will end up being the turnovers.” [27:13]

Light-hearted Finish: Press Box Food Ranking (28:03–29:58)

• Ross reviews Bills’ press box cuisine: “Better. They’re not elite.… I thought halftime made up for it… barbacoa beef… Well above average.” [28:23]
• Banter about survival tactics for the field-level crew.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Those are the type of things that are going to get you beat. I don’t think, Mike, he’ll do that again against the Bengals.”
  – Ross Tucker on Josh Allen's turnover risk [10:18]

• “You need to reserve the right to kick the field goal and get the three points in that situation and go up three scores.”
  – Ross Tucker on Allen’s decision-making in red zone [14:17]

• “What separates the average from the good, and the good from the great, is consistency.”
  – Ross Tucker (re: Gabe Davis) [15:39]

• “He subtly lets you know that he’s the man without having to tell you he’s the man, if that makes sense.”
  – Ross Tucker (re: Joe Burrow) [24:30]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• London Announcement & Discussion: 00:00–09:30
• Ross Tucker Interview Begins: 09:30
• Josh Allen Performance Analysis: 09:52–13:26
• Skill Position Players: 14:39–17:59
• Offensive Line Analysis: 17:59–19:54
• Bengals O-line Crisis: 19:54–21:46
• Bills Defensive Approach: 21:46–23:18
• Joe Burrow Persona: 23:18–26:55
• Game Expectations: 26:55–28:03
• Press Box Food Review: 28:03–29:58

Tone and Style

This episode blends seasoned, boots-on-the-ground reporting with former player insight and plenty of candid, football-nerd banter. The hosts are frank in their analysis—praising the team’s stars, but never shying away from identifying flaws or discussing strategy at a granular level.

Summary for Non-Listeners

If you missed this episode, here's what matters:

• The Bills are headed back to London in 2023 at the innovative Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The opponent isn’t set, but it’ll be a non-division “home” game. Expect a big event for fans and media alike.
• Ross Tucker gives an honest read: Josh Allen is brilliant but must control turnovers, and Allen’s fumble reputation is now on every defense’s radar. Buffalo’s O-line is just average but outclasses the shorthanded Bengals up front (but, alas, no Von Miller).
• Gabe Davis’s playoff magic is real, but his regular season inconsistency is a concern. The coaches should do more to keep Stefon Diggs highly involved.
• Joe Burrow’s unflappable confidence is a major edge for Cincinnati, but the Bills’ defense—especially their creative blitz packages—may prove decisive.
• Expect a relatively low-scoring, close contest where turnovers could be the game’s turning point.

For Further Engagement

• Visit Buffalo Plus on YouTube for merch, live shows, and more coverage.
• Follow Ross Tucker’s NFL work and podcast for ongoing league analysis.