Buffalo Plus Podcast: Bills SIDELINE DRAFT for Jenna & Dan, Boss Dorsey and Who Needs to Step Up in '22

Date: June 1, 2022
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This episode revolves around three main topics:

1. In-depth discussion of Ken Dorsey taking over as Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator
2. Players on offense and defense who need to “take the next step” in the 2022 season
3. A fun, behind-the-scenes “sideline draft” where Jenna and Dan select which Bills games they'll get to cover on the field

Throughout, the hosts bring a candid, humorous, and insider’s perspective, giving listeners a feel for both the football and the human side of NFL journalism.

1. The Ken Dorsey Era Begins (00:57–14:56)

Key Points & Insights

• Dorsey’s Background and Approach:

  • Promoted from QB coach to OC; with the Bills since 2019
  • Has a “quirky, funny” vibe similar to Josh Allen, contrasting with Brian Daboll’s more reserved style.
    • “His personality is way more of Josh’s than I thought it would be…they're both that quirky, funny…vibe.” – Dan (02:11)
  • Acknowledges Dorsey’s humility and willingness to build on Daboll's playbook, not just make it “the Dorsey Show.”

• Press Conference Impressions:

  • First time media has really heard from Dorsey—seems light, approachable, with a Talladega Nights-style joke about moving from a QB-centric role to leading the whole offense.
    • “I don’t know what to do with my hands”—He joked about taking over and not knowing exactly where to stand on the field. – Jenna (03:42)
  • Anticipation that Dorsey's tone will get more serious as the season intensifies.

• Potential Strengths & Concerns:

  • Strong prior experience with QBs, including Cam Newton in Carolina.
    • “He helped Cam Newton [in] one of his best seasons. He’s been around MVP caliber quarterbacks.” – Dan (06:42)
  • Main questions:
    • Can he “put his own spin” on successful Daboll elements?
    • Will his competitive personality translate to the required “hard-ass” style to command the offense when needed?
    • “I'm not as concerned about him calling plays. I'm concerned about Ken Dorsey being enough of a hard ass to be this coordinator.” – Mike (08:53)

• Leadership and Trust:

  • Dorsey leans on the experience of veteran players and assistant coaches rather than bulldozing in with new ideas.
  • Existing trust with Josh Allen—a huge foundation.
    • “Allen trusts Dorsey…but it’s from the outside to make those decisions.” – Jenna (11:16)

• Memorable Quotes:

  • “If it doesn’t work, it’s a terrible call”—On life as an NFL play-caller. – Mike (01:32)
  • “He needs to be up in the box because of who he is and how fiery he gets.” – from conversations with Gabe Davis (09:09)
  • On physical presence: “Ken Dorsey, 9 feet tall and weighs like 84 pounds.” (12:36), joking about his lanky frame compared to Brian Daboll.

Timestamps

• 00:57 – Introduction to Dorsey's new role and expectations
• 02:11 – Personality contrasts with previous OC, and Josh Allen
• 03:42 – “Talladega Nights” joke and learning to coach the whole offense
• 08:53 – Real concerns: play-calling vs. leadership toughness
• 11:16 – Trust dynamic with Josh Allen

2. Players Who Need to Step Up in 2022 (15:23–24:19)

Offense

• Gabe Davis—Most Mentioned

  • After a historic playoff performance, the team now expects week-in, week-out production as a starter.
    • “He’s done what he’s been asked, but now he’s going to be asked to do more.” – Jenna (18:37)
    • “He can be a prominent weekly player on the Bills offense, and that would be huge.” – Mike (18:28)
  • Both Mike and Dan agree: This isn’t a criticism, but the leap to “the guy” means he’ll be expected to perform more consistently.

• Devin Singletary

  • Still a “show me” year: Bills have drafted his replacement twice, seem unconvinced he’s the long-term answer at RB.
    • “It's maybe not a step up year, it's a show me year.” – Jenna (23:10)
  • Discussion about the running back position's replaceability and team building philosophy.

Defense

• Greg Rousseau

  • Entering year two, expected to flourish alongside Von Miller and Ed Oliver.
    • “He’s going to have every opportunity to be that impactful guy.” – Mike (24:19)

• Other names: AJ Epenesa, Dane Jackson

  • Dane just needs to be “good, not great”—fill in when needed, especially with injuries or depth issues.

Timestamps

• 15:23 – Segment introduction (“players that need to step up”)
• 15:37 – Gabe Davis’s role change and expectations
• 20:03 – Singletary and the Bills’ approach to RBs
• 24:19 – Rousseau and defensive step-up candidates

3. The Sideline Draft: Who Gets Which Games? (26:23–49:11)

An insider look at the broadcast business, with levity and friendly competition.

How the Draft Works

• Only two field credentials per game; one person stays in-studio
• Jenna and Dan take turns picking which road and home games they’ll get to shoot from the sidelines (order alternates)
• Practical/fun factors involved: weather, travel plans, food (“crab cakes” and “orange crushes” in Baltimore), family connections, and even probability for interesting games

Notable Draft Moments

• First Picks:

  • Jenna takes opening night in LA vs. Rams: “There are already restaurants I want to try. I’m also a big fan of weather. Nice weather.” (31:47)
  • Dan picks the Chiefs game in KC: “I think that is the best game on the schedule. You're getting the rematch of that epic playoff game.” (32:45)

• Unique Strategies and Running Jokes:

  • Weather and food are key draft assets for Jenna.
  • Dan: “People are going—you get that look in the airport, what do you do? …Our camera is like, this big.” (47:32)
  • Banter about who gets stuck shooting in Buffalo winters, vs. Tampa or Miami.

• Personal Touches:

  • Assignments sometimes coordinated around family (e.g., Dan gets Thanksgiving in Detroit to be home for Christmas as a new dad.)
    • “Jenna’s coming up clutch, Dan the new papa, home on Christmas Eve.” – Mike (29:58)
  • “Insider” strategies and fake Mel Kiper/McShay references for comedic effect.

• Memorable Quotes & Moments

  • “Jenna begins with 1 and 1A for every pick of hers: food and weather.” – Mike (34:21)
  • “The Baltimore pick, Jenna, really good pick. I think that's the steal of the draft!” – Dan (45:42)
  • “Can I choose to not shoot the game?” (43:11), and “Jenna folds!” — Joking about least desirable games

Draft Outcome Highlights (abbreviated):

• Jenna: LA opener, Baltimore, Chicago (Christmas Eve), NY, Foxborough (family), Green Bay, Cleveland, Miami (late)
• Dan: KC road, Miami road (early), Cincinnati (Jan. 2 MNF), Detroit (Thanksgiving, pre-selected for family), Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Jets, Home Tennessee (Monday night)

Timestamps

• 26:23 – Broadcasting logistics, prankish banter about snack-sharing and weather survival
• 31:47 – Sideline draft begins: LA opener goes first
• 32:45 – Chiefs rematch second pick; weather/food/family drive other decisions
• 34:21 – “1A is weather for Jenna, 1B is food”
• 43:11 – “Can I fold this pick?”
• 45:42 – Baltimore is “steal of the draft”
• 47:32 – Travel war stories and fan recognition

4. Lighthearted Closer & Miscellaneous

• Lots of fun, personal stories about shooting games, travel hassles, and being recognized by fans (or not).
  • “Who's that other guy?” – Dan recounts being unrecognized by a fan on an airplane (48:07)
• Capping off with thanks and reminders to engage with their content.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (With Timestamps)

• “If it doesn’t work, it’s a terrible call.” – Mike (01:32)
• “He needs to be up in the box because of who he is and how fiery he gets.” – Jenna (09:09, quoting Gabe Davis)
• “He’s done what he’s been asked, but now he’s going to be asked to do more.” – Jenna (18:43)
• “You can make guys miss in a phone booth. Or is it phone book?” (Phone book/phone booth running joke) – Dan (22:49)
• “Jenna begins with 1 and 1A for every pick: food and weather.” – Mike (34:21)
• “The Baltimore pick, Jenna, really good pick. I think that’s the steal of the draft.” – Dan (45:42)
• “Can I choose to not shoot the game?” – Jenna (43:11)
• “Who's that other guy?” (airplane story) – Dan (48:07)

Reference Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:57–14:56 — Ken Dorsey segment
• 15:23–24:19 — Players who need to step up (Offense)
• 24:19–26:23 — Players who need to step up (Defense)
• 26:23–49:11 — Sideline draft with running commentary, jokes, strategies

Summary

This lively, insightful episode gives Bills fans a thorough take on the Ken Dorsey transition, sober analysis of key players' developmental pressure, and a glimpse into the sideline grind—wrapped in humor and the team’s natural camaraderie. It’s a must-listen for Buffalo fans who want expert context and a feel for the beat reporter’s life.