Buffalo Plus Podcast - Episode Summary

Episode: Bills vs Jets Preview, Beane on OBJ and Dealmaking in NFL

Date: November 3, 2022
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This episode offers an in-depth preview of the Buffalo Bills’ upcoming matchup against the New York Jets, explores the state of the AFC East, and delivers insider insight into the Bills’ roster moves and trade deadline approach. The team also discusses GM Brandon Beane's comments on trade rumors and Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ), giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at NFL dealmaking and rumor dynamics.

1. Bills vs Jets: State of the AFC East

Timestamps: 00:30 – 13:27

Key Points

• Jets’ Progress and Quarterback Woes

  • The Jets’ roster has clearly improved, particularly on defense, but Zach Wilson’s performance remains a major limitation.
  • Mike Catalana (01:06):

    “Their roster is better… The biggest thing, they’re scared to death that they got it wrong on the quarterback at the moment.”

  • Wilson holds the ball longer than any NFL QB, leading to stalled drives and “throwaways.”
    Dan Fates (02:19):

    “They were winning with Zach Wilson, not because of Zach Wilson.”

• Impact of Breece Hall Injury

  • With Hall out, offensive pressure shifts to Wilson, who’s struggled to rise to the occasion.
    Jenna Cottrell (03:13):

    “Now it’s on Zach Wilson to be able to create the offense… there are big question marks.”

• Defensive Strength and Stadium Atmosphere

  • Jets’ defense, anchored by new talent like Sauce Gardner and C.J. Mosley, is gaining confidence.
  • MetLife Stadium remains “boring” and lacks personality, but the Jets crowd will be energized (04:15–04:38).

• Division Games Matter

  • The Bills aim to clean up their record against AFC East teams after an earlier loss to the Dolphins.
  • Mike Catalana (04:47):

    “You gotta win division games... Their goal now is to be 5-1 in the division.”

Notable Quotes

• Mike Catalana on defense (05:17):

  “It’s funny how that works... Their defense is getting better players. Sauce Gardner can play.”

• Dan Fates (06:12):

  “C.J. Mosley is the most important player on that defense, at least in years past. Maybe now it’s Sauce Gardner.”

2. Jets Defense and AFC East Comparisons

Timestamps: 06:55 – 13:27

Key Points

• Why Sauce Gardner is Special

  • Gardner brings playmaking ability and brings “edge” to the defense (07:16)
  • Jets corners are breaking up more passes than the entire last season.

• Limitations on Offense

  • Zach Wilson’s completion percentage is emblematic of poor decision-making (08:06).
  • Defensive unit believes they can keep the Bills contained—but it’s a tough ask with the offensive struggles.

• Comparison with Patriots

  • Jets and Patriots seen as “mirror images”: strong defenses, offenses lag behind the standard.
  • Jenna Cottrell (12:27):

    “Jets and Patriots are like that Spider-Man meme where they’re both pointing at each other.”

  • Bills must take advantage; both teams have “no margin for error.”

3. Bills Roster Moves: Nyheim Hines Addition

Timestamps: 13:29 – 18:49

Key Points

• Initial Thoughts on Hines

  • Hines brings needed speed, versatility (RB, pass-catcher, return specialist).
  • Josh Allen and teammates immediately noticed Hines’ speed in practice. Jenna Cottrell (13:51):

    “Josh went to Stefon Diggs, like: ‘Holy crap, he’s fast.’”

• Hines’s Mindset and Fit

  • Hines isn’t coming in with a “chip on his shoulder,” but rather confidence and professionalism. Hines via Dan Fates (15:13):

    “The Bills wanted me here and that’s all that matters. … I’m going to be me. These last five years I’ve been me and that’s been good enough.”

  • Hines improves depth at RB and instantly upgrades the Bills’ punt return situation, freeing up rookie Khalil Shakir to focus on offense (18:12).

4. Brandon Beane on OBJ and Trade Rumors

Timestamps: 19:15 – 24:52

Key Points

• Bills’ Interest in Odell Beckham Jr.

  • Von Miller and Tre’Davious White are recruiting OBJ; conversation and interest are “very real.” Jenna Cottrell (24:52):

    “Bean is a very smart guy and uses the media as a tool. … That, to me, says there are conversations happening.”

• OBJ’s Options and Fit

  • Will OBJ want to be a #1 WR for a mid-tier team (e.g., Packers)—or chase another Super Bowl?
  • Dan Fates (19:34):

    “It’s going to come down to: What does Beckham want? … Does he want to be the guy and get the money or does he want another ring?”

• Bills’ Need for Reliable #3 WR

  • Behind Diggs and Davis, there’s a drop-off. OBJ could fill a key need as the third option.

5. Inside NFL Deal-Making: Beane and Rumor Control

Timestamps: 29:03 – 37:44

Key Points

• Bean Explains NFL Trade Dynamics

  • Inquiries and “due diligence” during trade season are widespread—“checking in” is not the same as making an offer. Brandon Beane, per Dan Fates (29:42):

    “Sometimes I’m not even aware... a scout may call his contact at that team... sometimes you never even hear back... and then you read two days later that we went after him.”

• Media, Rumors, and Team Secrecy

  • Teams manipulate certain leaks to drive narratives or competitive advantage (32:29).
  • The Bills prefer to keep all negotiations confidential; leaks often come from other organizations or agents, not the Bills’ side.

• Example: Christian McCaffrey Rumor

  • Dan Fates broke the news that the Bills had checked in on McCaffrey; at the time, the Bills denied it, but Beane later confirmed the outreach. Mike Catalana (31:54):

    “Dan’s report was accurate, and it struck a nerve with the team… In this world, any contact can get reported. It doesn’t mean it’s not true, but it’s not always as cut and dried.”

• Impact of Social Media and Reporting

  • Reporting on contact vs. offers: not all “interest” is as serious as the media makes it appear.
  • Bills’ organization is lauded for being “airtight”—very few leaks escape One Bills Drive.

6. Final Thoughts & Viewer Engagement

Timestamps: 37:46 – End

Key Points

• Dan Fates Recognized for Correct Reporting (37:51):
  • Mike Catalana:

    “Dan was right.”

• Listener Call to Action
  • Hosts invite listener feedback on OBJ—do Bills fans want Beckham, or are they more worried about him landing elsewhere?
  • Merch updates: hats and feedback on potential future Buffalo Plus gear.
• AFC Foes
  • Concern if OBJ signs with an AFC rival (e.g., Chiefs) vs. going to the NFC.

Most Memorable Quotes

• On Zach Wilson’s Development:
  Mike Catalana (01:06):

  “If you’re a Jets fan… the biggest thing is they’re scared to death they got it wrong on the quarterback.”

• On OBJ Sweepstakes:
  Dan Fates (19:34):

  “It’s going to come down to: What does Beckham want? … Does he want to be the guy and get the money, or does he want another ring?”

• On Trade Deadline Rumor Mill:
  Brandon Beane via Dan Fates (29:42):

  “Sometimes I’m not even aware… a scout may have called his contact… sometimes you never even hear back… and then you read two days later that we went after him.”

• On Bills’ Leak-Proof Culture:
  Jenna Cottrell (37:26):

  “There are very few leaks that come out of One Bills Drive… They don’t like other outside factors being involved.”

Episode Flow Recap

• Preview of Jets game: defense-focused, but offense limited by Wilson (00:30–13:27)
• AFC East roundup, comparing Jets/Patriots/Division landscape (11:02–13:27)
• Roster moves: Nyheim Hines acquisition, impact on Bills ST/offense (13:29–18:49)
• Trade deadline talk: OBJ interest, needs at WR, implications of AFC/NFC landing spots (19:15–24:52)
• Brandon Beane’s insight into NFL trade-market, rumor control, and media dynamics (29:03–37:44)
• Final reflections; listener invites on OBJ, merch updates, AFC playoff implications (37:46–end)

This episode is essential for Bills fans seeking context on the upcoming game, understanding the team’s trade deadline thinking, and the delicate art of NFL rumor reporting. With locker room insight and candid analysis, the Buffalo Plus team delivers both hard news and engaging, behind-the-scenes stories.