BILLS vs LIONS: Game preview URGENCY check and DLINE deficiencies

Summary

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Buffalo Plus Podcast: Bills vs. Lions Game Preview

Episode Date: December 13, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes (on veteran day off)
Episode Focus:
A detailed preview of the upcoming Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions game, examining team urgency, defensive line deficiencies, injury updates, and coaching philosophies. The episode also features candid behind-the-scenes moments, balanced critique, and lively banter.

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Episode Overview

This episode delivers a comprehensive preview of the Bills–Lions matchup, highlighting the current state of both teams, ramifications of recent injuries, coaching strategies under pressure, and a focus on the Bills' defensive line struggles. The show unpacks team urgency after a poor defensive performance, evaluates key personnel changes, breaks down Detroit’s offensive threats, and debates aggressive coaching styles, all while weaving in the hosts' trademark wit.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Weather Impact & Practice Disruptions

• [00:21–02:26]

  • Unusually heavy snow in Buffalo forced the cancellation of Thursday’s practice.
  • Virtual meetings replaced on-field work; Wednesday had just a walkthrough.
  • Hosts discuss potential consequences for player readiness and concern over missed reps.

  “They need to be on the field and they may not have an opportunity to do this.” — Mike Catalana [02:26]

2. Injury Updates & Lineup Uncertainties

• [02:26–07:25]

  • Rasul Douglas, Demar Hamlin, and Taylor Rapp all listed as “would not have practiced”—significant for the secondary.
  • Discussion around whether Micah Hyde, who hasn’t played all year, could be called into emergency action.
  • The importance of player cohesion underlined, especially against Detroit’s explosive offense.

  “Cohesion ... we talk so much about how important that is ... and going up against a team as talented as the Lions, you're going to need all those things.” — Dan Fates [07:15]

3. Cornerback Depth & Player Development

• [07:34–10:06]

  • Highlights Sean McDermott’s candid comments on Kaiir Elam’s scratch from the active roster and Jamarcus Ingram earning more opportunities.
  • Signals a “meritocracy” approach—playing time earned, not given.
  • Speculation about Elam’s readiness if Rasul Douglas can’t play.

  “[McDermott] basically said it's about earning a spot...” — Mike Catalana [07:50]

4. State of the Bills: Confidence & Concerns

• [11:26–12:47]

  • Reflection on the previous loss to the Rams: defense was “embarrassed,” poor decision-making, but Josh Allen played “phenomenal.”
  • Biggest worry: the defensive line isn’t making enough impact plays, especially concerning against Detroit’s strong O-line.

  “It starts up front and they're not confident there because they've been saying it all year.” — Mike Catalana [11:44]

5. Detroit Lions: Strengths & Matchup Threats

• [13:35–16:14]

  • Detroit’s offense—powerful run game, dominating O-line, and top-tier scoring at home.
  • Noted 11-win streak, but recent games have been closer.
  • Aggressive coaching philosophy, especially regarding fourth downs and risk-taking.

  “There ain't nobody like the Lions. Like, [Campbell] will go for it anytime, any place, anywhere, and he doesn't care.” — Mike Catalana [15:04]

6. Dan Campbell's Coaching Style: Aggressive vs. Reckless

• [16:05–18:55]

  • Debate over Dan Campbell’s national reputation—loved for his aggression, but criticized as “reckless” by some.
  • The blend of aggression and calculated risk fits Detroit’s personnel.
  • Comparison with the Bills’ more measured but still aggressive approach.

  “The word a lot of people will use is reckless. They think he is reckless. ... I love the way he coaches. Especially with this team.” — Mike Catalana [16:32]

7. Urgency & Flatness: McDermott’s Message

• [18:55–25:22]

  • Bills appeared emotionally flat against the Rams; urgency a key theme in practice this week.
  • Sean McDermott showed unusual passion in his midweek presser, signaling the team’s need to “lay it on the line.”
  • Respect for McDermott’s leadership is reiterated, despite repeated scrutiny over late-game decisions.

  “You better bring your guts. You better bring your heart.” — Mike Catalana [23:11]

8. AFC Playoff Picture & Comparative Luck: The Chiefs

• [27:44–32:56]

  • Segment on the Chiefs’ close wins and “luck,” contrasting with Belichick’s Patriots, and how top teams keep themselves ‘in it’ to capitalize on opportunities.
  • Highlights randomness of NFL outcomes but underscores preparation.

  “The Chiefs are always there to take advantage of their luck. ... But it's still luck when it rolls in the hole.” — Mike Catalana [30:02]

9. What’s at Stake for Both Teams

• [33:04–34:16]
  • Detailing high stakes for the Lions (division still in play, Vikings close behind).
  • Bills have already clinched the AFC East but are still fighting for the #1 seed.

10. Lions’ Offensive Personnel Breakdown

• [34:21–38:16]
  • Spotlight on RBs Jameer Gibbs and David Montgomery (22 rushing TDs combined).
  • Praise for WR Amon-Ra St. Brown’s physicality and competitive nature; discussion of WR Jameson Williams and TE Sam LaPorta’s roles.
  • Noting Detroit’s diverse and potent offensive threats.

11. Bills’ Offensive Edge & Defensive Matchups

• [38:16–41:34]

  • Lions’ defense is “not great right now;” their secondary can be attacked deep.
  • Bills’ best road to a win is offensive firepower—question is if their defense can slow Detroit down.

  “This is not a great defense right now. Josh Allen can have a day against this defense. The problem is, can you keep up with their offense?” — Mike Catalana [38:29]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You gotta bring it every single week. ... I just feel like the Bills got punched in the mouth a little bit. Yeah, they only lost by two points, but that was an embarrassing effort from the defense.” — Dan Fates [19:18]
• “Anybody who doesn't think Sean McDermott has his players respect, just stop.” — Mike Catalana [23:14]
• “Two things can be true ... yes, this was another breakdown in a big moment ... and also McDermott says we needed the reminder that the NFL, you got to have it every single week.” — Dan Fates [24:45]
• “This is a more physical team than the Bills. On offense, they are really physical. ... That concerns me.” — Mike Catalana [41:15]

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Game Predictions & Score Picks

[39:37–43:45]

• Jenna Cottrell: Bills win 34–30
  Believes the team will bounce back after last week’s loss, citing a “Jordan” mentality and the team’s offensive resurgence.

• Mike Catalana: Lions win 34–28
  Concerns over Lions’ physicality and run game lead him to predict Buffalo’s first dome loss of the season.

• Dan Fetes (submitted): Lions win 34–31
  Echoes concerns about Detroit’s rest advantage (10 days off) and the Bills’ defensive matchup.

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Behind-the-Scenes Stories & Banter

• Candid recounting of Mike forgetting his laptop at the stadium and the resulting logistical chaos [44:26–48:36].
• Lighthearted riffs on mascot names, travel woes, GPS mishaps, and recording fumbles—offering a window into the hosts’ personalities and chemistry.
• Discussion of their prediction contest records, playoff scenarios, and store merch (mugs, hats).

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Episode Takeaways

• The Bills are under pressure to respond after a disappointing defensive performance—effort and urgency will be scrutinized on Sunday in Detroit.
• Injuries, especially on defense, could reshape the game’s outcome, while the offense is expected to shine versus a weakened Lions D.
• Detroit’s physicality and aggressive fourth-down approach will stress Buffalo’s vulnerabilities.
• Both teams enter the matchup with major playoff implications; a proving ground for the Bills’ resilience and McDermott’s leadership.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Weather & Practice Impact: [00:21–02:26]
• Injury Status & Depth Chart: [02:26–07:25]
• Kaiir Elam & Defensive Competition: [07:34–10:06]
• State of the Bills: [11:26–12:47]
• Detroit’s Offensive Strengths: [13:35–16:14]
• Dan Campbell’s Risk Philosophy: [16:32–18:55]
• Bills’ Urgency & McDermott’s Fire: [18:55–25:22]
• Chiefs’ Luck & Playoff Margins: [27:44–32:56]
• What’s at Stake in Standings: [33:04–34:16]
• Detroit’s Playmakers: [34:21–38:16]
• Bills’ Offensive Path: [38:16–41:34]
• Score Predictions: [39:37–43:45]
• Outtakes & Travel Stories: [44:26–48:36]

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If you missed the episode, this summary captures all major analysis, player insights, coaching takes, and even some behind-the-scenes flavor. The full episode is engaging, thoughtful, and loaded with personality—a must-listen for Bills fans gearing up for a crucial road game.

Transcript

[Mike Catalana]

He does take a lot of heat. And you see around the league, especially some old heads, these guys that have.

[Dan Fates]

Been around old heads.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Well done.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, you know, they sit there and they go, oh, he takes too many chances. You gotta punt the ball. Like, please.

[Dan Fates]

All right, welcome into Buffalo plus, presented by Connors and Ferris the podcast Mike Catalana, Dan Fates. With a veteran day off, I am Jenna Cotrell. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share, you know, how much we appreciate it. All right, Mike, let's break down this Bills Lions matchup. The injury report. But let's also start with the news of the day as the weather massively impactful and the Bills had to cancel practice because of all that snow.

[Mike Catalana]

Crazy, right? Everybody talks about Buffalo and building a dome, which, hey, we were in a semi dome last week. Jenna and I are going to be in a dome in Detroit this week. Domes are pretty nice, like when you're inside in the cold weather. This wasn't about. They have an indoor facility in Orchard Park. They couldn't get there. You're talking about two to three feet of snow.

[Dan Fates]

And I don't know how people do it.

[Mike Catalana]

The wild thing about theirs, now we're in Rochester, not that far away. Not a few inches of snow north of the city of Buffalo. Some places had no snow or a couple of inches. But around the stadium. It's wild there.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, it certainly is. So we want to remind everyone, drop any questions you have in the chat. Let us know where you're watching from. We always love to hear it. Right now, tell all your Bills friends if they want to listen in on the Bills against the Lions preview.

[Mike Catalana]

I was thinking about that. No practice on a Thursday.

[Dan Fates]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

Against a Lions team. That is difficult. So they. They did like a virtual meetings, right?

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, they said they did virtual meetings. And I think it's important to note that they had a walkthrough on Wednesday. So as the season progresses, they get a lot more. They lighten up their. The practices and what they do, of course. But Wednesdays are usually. In the last couple weeks, they've been a walkthrough. So that hasn't been anything different. Usually Fridays are a lighter practice as well, getting ready for the weekend ahead, the game ahead. So the fact that you had a walkthrough essentially on Wednesday, you had virtual meetings on Thursday and Friday, you most likely won't have a really challenging practice, Mike. I mean, that to me is. Is concerning.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, getting out on the field. They need to be on the field and they may not have an opportunity to do this. Something about going to Detroit because the other time they had the terrible weather. We went to Detroit because Detroit was nice enough to open up their stadium.

[Dan Fates]

And the Bills could use it against the Browns.

[Mike Catalana]

They played the Lions the other week, so it was two trips to Detroit. But I don't think it's as impactful in terms of on the field as it is earlier in the year when you haven't had so many reps as a team. But you're going to talk about the injury list. You know, there are players that when they mark it down on a. On even a walkthrough, it's what they would have done in a practice. And then on this, on Thursday, there is no practice. But the idea would be, if we did practice today, what would happen and who's out?

[Dan Fates]

Raul would not have practiced. Demar Hamlin did not practice. Taylor Rap did not practice. That is huge. Huge. So demar was a full participant. It would have been a full participant on Wednesday.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, I saw him at practice. I saw him in the locker room. I didn't think anything of it. I don't even know how Rasool Douglas is. Looked bad at the game then. He seemed to be moving around fine afterward. We saw him for moments on Wednesday.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And I wonder. They have to be very official with the league on what players do. So is. Is there a downside of saying, well, you know, let's put them out. They didn't practice. It really doesn't matter. Like if they just. If they say these players would not have participated on Thursday when there was no practice, get them out on a limited basis, Friday maybe, and then get ready to play on Sunday.

[Dan Fates]

No, I do think it's important to note that essentially with this list, like Keon Coleman would have been a full participant as well as Dalton Kincaid. So that's promising or encouraging, however you want to look at it. But the fact that Demar wasn't originally on there and then was added, and we've heard a lot of people say, or ask, like, Mike, do you think. And I know, I know what you're gonna say, but do you think we could see Micah Hyde?

[Mike Catalana]

Well, if for some reason took the wrong camera. Oh, that's right.

[Dan Fates]

Twice.

[Mike Catalana]

If for some reason both of those guys weren't playing, like, yeah, I guess you could. And Micah would do whatever the team needs. I don't think it's ideal for a guy who hasn't played all year. And you talk about the difference in practices at this time of the year to get Ramped up to play. It's a little different process. Oh, yeah. Go out there against the Lions.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

You haven't stepped foot on a field yet. Would he do it? Yeah. If they were. If they needed him, I think he would. I don't think that would be the plan. I think the plan is Rap's a tough dude and demar's tough. Like, they stay out on the field as best they can. So I think there's probably a thought that they would play. But like, you did just bring Micah Hyde in.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. I mean, I don't. When I look at Hyde, I'm not like, okay, he's. He's ready to get it back out there. But a lot of times in the NFL, as we all know, it's like sometimes the opportunity presents itself before maybe you think you are ready for it, but that doesn't mean you're not going to get the chance to go out there and get it. I also think it's important to note Ralph Wilson senior.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

Saying Lions get 10 days of prep too, because obviously the Lions are coming off Thursday Night Football against the packers, which. That was a tough game, but that added element of having a little bit of extra rest on the back end too.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, they're preparing for the Buffalo. They're preparing for the Buffalo Bills. Ten days ago.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

While the Bills were flying to la, playing a game, coming back and. And going the way they had to go, we did get a chance to talk to Micah a little informally on the field.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, that was cool.

[Mike Catalana]

On Sunday. He seems like a happy man to be back with the Bills.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, he definitely does.

[Mike Catalana]

There's no question. But he'll. He'll get himself ready. I just don't think you want to make it quick emergency situation and throw him out there. It's hard to tell what he's been doing because really we go to practice like the walkthrough day. Jenna and I were there Wednesday. We're not allowed to watch the walkthroughs even during the regular practices. During the season, it's pretty limited. At least you see them out on the field. We don't even get that. So it's a strange few days at this time of the year. But I would think that the hope is that Rappin and Demar are ready to go.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. And then some people are adding like Kareem Jackson. Can he getting elevated?

[Mike Catalana]

I mean, if need be, if he's been here all year, that he's a veteran.

[Dan Fates]

That is a point. But you hope that whatever the Demar situation is or Rap will be able to be out there, because also cohesion. We talk so much about how important that is and what that can do and the chemistry and going up against a team that is as talented as the Lions, you're going to need all those things.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. You know, one thing I wanted to mention, you know, talk about Rasul and we'll see if he's able to go. I was really fascinated listening to Sean McDermott on Wednesday about Kyrie Elam.

[Dan Fates]

I thought the same thing.

[Mike Catalana]

So Matt Perino, I think, asked about.

[Dan Fates]

Kyer Elam being a healthy scratch.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes. You know, it's the hockey term, but he's healthy, not on the active roster. Some games he's been on the roster, but no question, Jamarcus Ingram is the third corner. And when we watched in camp, like, Kair looked like he's that guy playing better, happy with the new coaching and all the things gone with him. Sean was asked about it and he basically said it's about earning a spot. And then Matt followed up and said, are you saying it's him not earning it? And he's like, well, some of that could be true, but it's also basically Jamarcus or other players earning that spot. And I found that to be really interesting because Ingram has certainly been their choice. And you wonder, you know, you're going to need a third corner, like, so if, if Rasool's not going, Ingram is starting and he was in at the end of the game and Kair's got to be ready because I think he would be the guy.

[Dan Fates]

I was taken aback because a lot of times what McDermott will do, and we've talked about it, is Josh, like many of our quarterbacks had a nice game, they prepared, right. But him kind of saying, like, essentially Kair, that opportunity to be on the active roster is earned. Maybe some guys earned it over Kair, but at the end of the day that would mean that Kyre did not do enough. Now also the numbers come into it if there's other players that you think, you know, might have issues, injury issues crop up or whatever. But at the same point, I, I was, I was very surprised to hear such strong words, but that to me was a message to Kair of saying you could have an opportunity coming down the line and you better be ready for it. And I think when we were in the Bill's field house, you know, I was kind of just watching what Kair was doing. He was talking a lot with Christian Benford and so that always sticks out in my mind of, okay, what are the, what are they talking about? What are they going over? What would that look like? And will this be the week that Kair might be back in the lineup because of Rasul? We don't know yet. But I, I, I feel like I try to see what guys are doing when and where and who they're talking to because it can sometimes be impactful for what they do later.

[Mike Catalana]

So what Sean McDermott was basically saying was, the NFL is a meritocracy.

[Dan Fates]

I love that word. I would love for Dan to try to spell that word.

[Mike Catalana]

We'd have another T shirt, him trying to spell it and pronounce it.

[Dan Fates]

I'm not gonna lie. I don't know if I could spell it. I know merit, obviously.

[Mike Catalana]

I believe it's M, E, R, I.

[Dan Fates]

T. Okay, wait, wait.

[Mike Catalana]

Ocracy, O, C, R, A, C, Y.

[Dan Fates]

You went too fast.

[Mike Catalana]

Meritocracy.

[Dan Fates]

Okay, cool. Showing off over there. Yeah, whatever.

[Mike Catalana]

That's St. Augustine Prep education.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. The homebodies, the Hermits, home bodies. Okay, that's kind of like a hermit. Yeah, yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

No, hermits just live in the woods away from people. My school in the middle of the woods. No, homebody has a home. I think a hermit lives in the woods, I guess it'd be his home. We are the Hermits, Proud and true or something like that. I don't know. Whatever.

[Dan Fates]

You know what my high school mascot was? The Blue Streaks. It's the worst.

[Mike Catalana]

So don't people say you cuss up a blue streak? Isn't that like a.

[Dan Fates]

Well, that would fit.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes, it fits with Jenna, by the way. Austin Johnson and I. Hermits. He's a St. Augustine Prep hermit.

[Dan Fates]

Yes. Jersey, that is very true.

[Mike Catalana]

That's it.

[Dan Fates]

Okay, before we talk more about this Lions team, where do you think this Bills team is at right now? Coming off a tough loss to the Rams on the road. Defense got embarrassed. Bad decision making. Josh, phenomenal game. Like, when you look at this season and what they're going into Sunday, what stands out in your mind?

[Mike Catalana]

I think they're confident in a lot of things. I think as a defense and as a coaching staff, it starts up front and they're not confident there because they've been saying it all year. They need more out of the defensive line. Sean even said that about Ed Oliver. You know, I mean, Ed is supposed to be the impactful player on the inside of that D line. He has not been doing as much. And that really plays itself out on a team like against a team like the Detroit Lions. So it's nice to say bounce back. Guys who've been there, done that. And I'm looking at the secondary and I'm seeing guys injured. I'm looking at Matt Milano, who is not back to being Matt Milano yet. I'm looking at a D line that is not making impactful plays. And you can usually in the past hang your hat on tough day, some scheme issues, change it up. Bills will be back. I'm concerned with that part of it because the things they held on to aren't as consistent as they've been in the past.

[Dan Fates]

I think that's really fair. I feel concerned because this is not just like this is a really good team. You could argue that this is one of the best teams in the NFL. And you're playing on the road. Like, it's like you had a really tough game against la. You came up short, your defense got torched. And then it's also, oh yeah, you're going to go up against a team that runs the ball very well, which has been your Achilles heel. You're also coming off a game where your past defense did not play well. And oh yeah, one of your corners could be out. And what about your safeties? Like that is. The concern for me is that this Lions game could get away from the Bills in kind of a way similar to the Ravens game of if they can just crush them on the ground. The Bills struggled to respond in that.

[Mike Catalana]

This offensive line is just outstanding.

[Dan Fates]

They really are cool.

[Mike Catalana]

Good is beast. He is just a beast.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And the Lions have put up at home 52 points twice this year. And then they played a CFL team and they put 47 on the board. It's the Dallas Cowboys. How about them Cowboys?

[Dan Fates]

You were waiting for that.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, they put 47 up on them, so. But they can score. You know, some other teams have given, I mean, just Thanksgiving. Chicago Bears were down big, came back on them, had a chance at the end of the game. They did lose early in the year to Tampa. I mean, they have won 11 in a row.

[Dan Fates]

11 in a row.

[Mike Catalana]

And most of them have been pretty comfortable wins. So it hasn't been the case.

[Dan Fates]

But the last couple have been close, though.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes. This has been, I mean, Green Bay one score.

[Dan Fates]

Game one score. Actually, I say that the last two have been close.

[Mike Catalana]

Green Bay moved the ball on that, no question.

[Dan Fates]

Absolutely. I mean, that game came down to.

[Mike Catalana]

Right at the end and that's when we can talk about that part of it too. So I tried to ask the players about the Dan Campbell we're going to go for it on fourth down. And it's funny, you know, sometimes players are aware, but they're not as aware maybe as we are because they're so focused on themselves. But the Bills are pretty aggressive. No matter what people think, they're pretty aggressive. I mean, the Eagles are very aggressive. There's a lot of teams that are very aggressive. There ain't nobody like the Lions. Like, he will go for it anytime, any place, anywhere, and he doesn't care. So what does that mean for your defense? Try to stop them on four downs. That's the way they look at it. It's very difficult to stop a quality offense on Ford. It's tough to stop anybody. Four downs.

[Dan Fates]

The expectation is it will be everything is four down territory.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. They will go for it deep in their own terror. He did in the Green Bay game. Packers, they lost the ball there. So that's the way I also look at it too. I think one of the players was it Duan Smooth. One of them said it's an opportunity because it is. If it's a fourth down and three. Okay, they're giving you a chance to take the ball away right here.

[Dan Fates]

Yes. Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

So go make a play. And so. But it's very real with that team. That team is confident in it. You don't see a lot of coach, what are we doing? They're. They're going like they know they're going.

[Dan Fates]

What do you think it would take for Dan Campbell to not be like a darling? I mean, I know last year the playoff lost literally move is House and his family. But I feel like nationally speaking, Dan Campbell is still looked at as, oh my God, Dan Campbell. And like the success is deserved. I mean, they've had a really phenomenal season. But sometimes I think there's a fine line between like being aggressive and being insane.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, the, the word a lot of people will use is reckless. They think he is reckless.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

But I gotta tell you, I love the way he coaches. Especially with this team. They can run it. Great offensive line, smart quarterback. Very, very accomplished offensive coordinator. Like, there's a lot going for them. And they put the ball in their best player's hand. Players.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, they have multiple.

[Mike Catalana]

It's different than the Bills because with the Bills, Josh Allen is the alpha. He's their maybe best runner. As good as James Cook has been, he is just a physical marvel. That's not golf. Golf's very good passer and a smart player. But in terms of being able, sometimes the whole play could break Down. And Josh can just do it.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, just.

[Mike Catalana]

And he just.

[Dan Fates]

Well, take over.

[Mike Catalana]

The Kansas City game is a good example. They had a very good defense called against it. And he takes it to the house. That's what he does. But sometimes it's like, the game is fun. Honestly, to me, if you're just watching a game, say tonight you were watching the Niners and the Rams, right? It's like, fourth down, they're going for it. Let's go. It's enjoyable to watch. If you don't get it, play defense. Go the other way. It's like, I think. I think that's the way the game has changed, but absolutely, Campbell is at the top of that. But you're right. Last year, he made those calls in the game against the Niners, and they should have worked. Guys drop passes. They had a fumble. And then. And listen, I think Detroit has great fans. They have put up with so much crap with this franchise through the years. But some knuckleheads are, like, coming out to his house and doing stuff. You know, there's too much of that stuff that goes on. That's not all on Lions fans. That's on some lunatics.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

But he does take a lot of heat. And you see around the league, especially some old heads, these guys that have.

[Dan Fates]

Been around old heads, well done.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, you know, they sit there and they go, oh, he takes too many chances. You got to punt the ball. Like, please. I will say there's a difference between punting and field goal or touch field goal or touchdown, because there are times, like, you can take the three and it's a smart play. But there's other times, it's like they're just. They cannot wait to see a kicker on the field. Dan Campbell, I think, likes his kickers. He just doesn't like to see them. Yeah, like, stay in the background.

[Dan Fates]

So, Jason Rizzo with a good comment. I feel like we got a little too loose after the Niners game. Long road trip. And not taking the Ram seriously was obvious. It took until the third before things really kicked into full gear. McDermott and the Bills this week talked a lot about urgency, and I think that it's very fitting because being out on the field. I think I texted you flat.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, you said that right away.

[Dan Fates]

Flat at moments. And, like, flat isn't always actually a bad thing. Sometimes if you get too hyped for a lot of players, like, you can make mistakes, you can play over your skis. You can be a little bit more than what you need to be. And I, I don't mean that actually in a positive way. Like you over commit, you overdo it and it can be a negative. So sometimes flat is just like, hey, I'm at peace, I know what I got to do, I know my assignment. And sometimes flat is just no energy. That can be a very dangerous spot for a team because obviously the NFL is. And Sean McDermott said this this week, you know, it's, it's another reminder how you have to bring it every single week. And that is why actually in this game, I just feel like the Bills got punched in the mouth a little bit. Yeah, they only lost by two points, but that was an embarrassing effort from the defense. And I think this, Bill's defense is like, we cannot wait to get back on the field because of how we played and how poorly it went against la. So that's just my thought process. Obviously there's a lot that goes into it. Schematically what you need to do, you can have good intentions and it cannot come together because of the talent on the other side of the field. But for this Bill's team, I really like kind of the mindset of where they're at, of like they're pissed off. And I, I don't blame them.

[Mike Catalana]

We have been in so many Sean McDermott news conferences through the years, and one thing you have to understand about the NFL is you'll see interviews, but sometimes there's a little context when you're seeing the interview. Immediate post game is probably the toughest for a coach because they, everybody gets frustrated saying they haven't seen the film, but the reality is they haven't. You're on the sidelines, they don't see everything.

[Dan Fates]

Timeout real quick. Sometimes I like when you are watching a broadcast shout out the TV stations because they do a phenomenal job of getting all the, all these different angles and what you see. And it's incredible. Sometimes when you're on the sidelines, it is so hard to see what is happening, especially on the other side of the field, especially if it's a bang bang play. And especially because a lot of times if you're, if it's advantageous to the opposing team or the Bills, if they're on the road, they won't show the replays in the stadium. So you're like, I don't know, I'll have to go on Twitter and look. And there's obviously a delay. So sometimes when you hear that cop out, you're like, oh my God, I can't believe they say that. Sometimes It's a crotch.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Sometimes it is actually true because sometimes.

[Mike Catalana]

They'Ll say it when there's been good plays, too. Like, I. I haven't seen it, but it was great result. So the reason I bring that up is. So that's, you know, after a game, and in many cases, they haven't talked to the players either. So. And then there's. Then we always have, like, a zoom call with Sean on Monday, sitting back in his office. He's very patient on those Monday zooms, and if you ever watch him, he needs to have patience. Wednesday is normally a. We get Sean buttoned up, ready to go. We'll give you a little bit. But he's just the facts, ma', am. Staying with what he wants, that type of thing. Right. He was fired up Wednesday.

[Dan Fates]

I was pretty surprised because normally by Wednesday, he's kind of more. I don't want to say toned down, but, like, yeah, like, we got a job ahead. And it wasn't that he was overtly emotional, but he was passionate in a way that he's not normally speaking those terms on a Wednesday.

[Mike Catalana]

He was asked, really, about process and moving on, those type of things, and as opposed to basically the team being fired up and not playing with the emotion. And he pushed back in this way of like, oh, yeah, I'm a process guy, but you better lay it on the line. You better be ready. And he was like, we. We were in a locker room speech there. Like, he was like, let's go. I want to see this.

[Dan Fates]

You better. Better bring your guts. You better bring your heart.

[Mike Catalana]

I was like, dang, that was on Wednesday. So he knew his team got pushed around in that game, scored a bunch of points and lost, doesn't like it. So I think it'll be something to see. You know, people respond to me. It's coach talking. Anybody who doesn't think Sean McDermott has his players respect, just. Just stop. You may not like his decisions and things he does, and there are things he does, I'm sure, at times piss off his own players. But if you talk about respect and them listening to him, they absolutely listen to Sean McDermott, top to bottom, starting with number 17. So this idea that he's losing this and losing that at 10 and 3 in the season, again, this. We had a big problem with his decision, the timeout decision and the run play, bad execution at the end of the game, whether that was him, Joe Brady, Josh, in any form, whatever it was bad decision. That's on the head coach. He's made too many of those. But in terms of them wanting to follow him and listen to him. They listen to him.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. A thousand percent. And it was kind of nice to see that fire because I think a lot of people were like, oh, just another McDermott mistake he has. And what do we love to say on this channel? Two things can be true of, like, yes, it was.

[Mike Catalana]

And that is your. It's a very.

[Dan Fates]

Well, first of all, it's not my. My state.

[Mike Catalana]

Come up with it on this channel. It is.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. Can you tell? I've been to a lot of therapy. But truly, it's like that two things can be true. You can say, hey, this was another breakdown in a big moment where the Bills were in a position to win this game and some decision making held them back. And. And also McDermott says we needed the reminder that the NFL, you got to have it every single week. You got to prepare in a certain way and you got to bring the fire because other teams will do that regardless. And the Rams were hungry team. They're trying to make the playoffs, they're trying to put it together. They had more urgency. And you just did not see as much from Buffalo.

[Mike Catalana]

No question. And it doesn't take much in this league. The talent level is so high.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And if you're not ready, you will get beat. I mean, the Carolina Panthers were the joke of the league beginning of the year. All the stuff that went on. And you watch them now, like, they should have beaten Kansas City, they should have beaten the Eagles.

[Dan Fates]

They're playing pretty well.

[Mike Catalana]

So the reason I bring that up is sometimes people look at records or they look at teams. The LA Rams, when they have all their guys, are really, really good.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And you're right. And I do think it's not like they disrespected the other team. It takes about that much of maybe not working as hard that we not studying as much. Terrell Bernard said it to us. Maybe not. We got maybe more meetings going over everything, making sure everything is buttoned up. Maybe they. You lose just 10% of that.

[Dan Fates]

I think that's such human nature, though. I think it. And it. I don't think it's even conscious. I just think it's how we work as humans.

[Mike Catalana]

You are right. 1000%. You are right. But you know it, I know it, Jenna knows it. You can be a little bit off in my job. In your job. In your job. But if you're in the NFL and you're that little bit off and you haven't studied as much, Cooper cup or Puka Nakua will take your lunch money. Like these guys are exceptional. This is the league, so it doesn't take much. It's rare when it's like it looks like a mismatch all the time in the time it takes you to actually board that flight. From Group 8.

[Dan Fates]

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[Mike Catalana]

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[Dan Fates]

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[Mike Catalana]

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[Dan Fates]

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[Mike Catalana]

So close. Visit HyundaiUSA.com or call 562-314-4603 for more details. Limited availability pickup through participating Hyundai dealer in select markets. Right. I mean the Chiefs have won every game by one point. It feels like this year I don't.

[Dan Fates]

Should we say what we were talking about?

[Mike Catalana]

Go ahead.

[Dan Fates]

Are the Chiefs the luckiest team? Like when the Patriots had their dynasty, they played very well. I feel like they lived in that gray area. Bill Belichick used a little bit of gamesmanship, trying to push the rules. Whereas this Chiefs team, I just feel like they find, not even find they're just lucky. Sometimes we like when does that look wear out?

[Mike Catalana]

So Jenna asked me this question and I went on for about 45 minutes. Probably what it felt like to her. Got to the point where I said the Patriots weren't as lucky. Belichick had a lot to do with it. Criticize him all you want for what you don't like. The guy was great in the margins. He knew whether he was pushing the rules or not, he knew how to make things happen. This Chiefs team is outstanding. Maybe they're not as good as they were, but the reason the luck works for them and it will run out at some point is that they're always there. They the Bills blew them out, beat them by nine points. Like it wasn't a one score game. They're always there. But things have worked out very well for them. And we're not talking about oh, Mahomes threw a touchdown to Kelsey and they won the game. We're talking about. There was two field goals this week that doinked off the up upright. The one for the Arizona Cardinals was the loudest noise you'll ever hear and it went about 70 yards left and the one for the Chiefs just glanced off and just floated through into the where it was good and they won the game.

[Dan Fates]

I think if you were to ask the Chiefs have you been lucky this year? They'd be like, yeah, definitely.

[Mike Catalana]

I don't think they admit it.

[Dan Fates]

You, you okay, fine. In the locker room, you don't think they go over like, holy, that was some lucky stuff.

[Mike Catalana]

They might admit it Amongst each other. Like, look at each other.

[Dan Fates]

Lucky.

[Mike Catalana]

They, they do put themselves in a spot.

[Dan Fates]

But I agree, like, they're obviously in very close games and they have great, you know, fourth quarter drives to get them into. Into the lead and all those things. But I also think sometimes it's like, are you kidding me?

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. And. And if people talk about the odds of all these close games, they've won them, basically the one score games, they keep winning them. Because the Bills was a two score game.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

I'm gonna. I use this analogy. Part of me, I talk a lot. I may have said it on this channel before, but I made the analogy of a pro golfer getting a hole in one. Like, I could get a hole in one. You could get a hole in one. It would be a lot of luck.

[Dan Fates]

Like, okay, definitely a lot of luck on my end.

[Mike Catalana]

A pro golfer has a much better chance of a hole in one because they are always close. They're on the green the majority of the time close to the pin. But it's still luck when it rolls in the hole. Right. Because it could be close, it could be whatever. The Chiefs are always there to take advantage of their luck. Like, some of those things can happen in a game and you're down by 12 and it really doesn't matter. Unfortunately, the Chiefs are either in the lead at the end of the game or within a score. And they take advantage of it. Yeah, but I'm promising you Bills fans it's gonna run out.

[Dan Fates]

Josh Clark said it's not luck when it's planned with black magic. Sometimes it feels like that, right?

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And then another person saying, blocking a field goal. Todd H. Saying, blocking a field goal is in luck. That is preparation.

[Mike Catalana]

He's right.

[Dan Fates]

That's. Yeah, I. I think that's very fair.

[Mike Catalana]

Here's where the luck part of it came in.

[Dan Fates]

The doink.

[Mike Catalana]

Andy Reid kicked a field goal at the two yard line. I keep making this up. They were playing Denver at the Denver 2 with three minutes and change to go. And Andy goes for a field goal. It's the wrong move. I know it gave you the lead, but it gave the Broncos the ball. Oh, kickoff. Get the ball. Broncos move down the field. That was the wrong play and it ended up being the block field goal. Now it was good execution. They found the place to attack and they got there. But they were fortunate that they made that play. That is not the way you would normally plan out to win a game. But what I'm saying is I think they made the wrong call offensively and they survived it because they made a big play. I will give you this. That was planning, seeing a weakness, attacking it in the right time. But planning winning games by blocking a field goal in the last play is really a tough way to live. But they did it because they're the Chiefs. That's why I say they. They are fortunate because they stayed that way and they were close enough. But I think they were pretty lucky. First of all, I guess the Broncos were driving. They could have gone right on down, scored a touchdown. Then it wouldn't have mattered.

[Dan Fates]

So the Broncos are frisky.

[Mike Catalana]

How about Baltimore being a toe over the line?

[Dan Fates]

Oh my gosh. Ridiculous.

[Mike Catalana]

To tie the game. How about Kansas City not thinking. Or Tampa against Kansas City? Go for two.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

They didn't. They didn't take that chance. So they have gotten fortunate breaks. But come on, we're talking about two time super bowl champs who've lost one game and it was to the Bills. So they are very good.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. And they also have some luck.

[Mike Catalana]

They do. They have been fortunate.

[Dan Fates]

Let's go back to this Bills game.

[Mike Catalana]

Yep. Because we talked. Oh, look at what it means. You're still alive for the wild card or for the number one seed.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Because the Chiefs have some tough ones. But look at what this game means to the Lions.

[Dan Fates]

It is. You think about the Bills and where they're at. Already locked up the AFC East. Obviously they're trying to get to that one seed. And for this Lions team, the NFC north is just a gauntlet between the packers and then the Vikings. I mean, right now the Lions are only a game ahead of Minnesota.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, it is.

[Dan Fates]

And. And they're 12 and 1.

[Mike Catalana]

They play each other again, Right. The.

[Dan Fates]

I believe so.

[Mike Catalana]

Obviously the Lions won the first matchup.

[Dan Fates]

But they play each other last game of this regular season.

[Mike Catalana]

Imagine that. Potentially. And I don't know how the tiebreaker works beyond those two teams. Like if. If say Minnesota were to win that game. So I may be wrong, but let's just pretend for a second the Lions went out and lose to the Vikings. The Vikings win out and the Vikings win the division at 15 and two. And the Lions are the four fourth, the five seed at 15 and two. I don't know if that can happen. I think for some reason they would still win the Tiebreaker. If it was 1 1, why do I think they need to lose another game? But it's kind of wild that they are still fighting. If the Bills knock them off where the Vikings are going to be sitting there going, we still got a shot.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. Sam Darnold's going to be like, shout out my dude.

[Mike Catalana]

Josh Allen, go get him.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. All right. Let's talk a little bit more just about this Lions team. And like we talked about a little like the run game. Jameer Gibbs, David Montgomery combined for 22 touchdowns this season. Bills have obviously struggled that run defense but there's so many playmakers on this team in terms of passing the ball. Jared Goff is having another great season and Amara St. Brown, he. If you are not a Bills fan, just watching him play, he is so fun to see out there.

[Mike Catalana]

He's physical. His dad is the power lifter, right?

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. Because on Hard Knocks that was really cool.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. On this dude and you know we talked to Dan Miller from Fox 2 and, and he's the play by play guy in the Lions. You can watch that. It's on the Buffalo Plus YouTube channel. And he talked about this kid being like not only a worker but he will look to get offended. So he's looking for something. Yes. He's like, get me a chip.

[Dan Fates]

And I took that personally.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes. So whether he's looking there, it's probably. Who knows what it would be. He's going to find something that. Well, Rasool might. If we were interviewing Rasul, maybe he would have said something. I don't think Christian Bedford speaks so softly. He wouldn't have heard what he said anyhow. But he'll find something about this, something that disrespects him and go try to get after the Bills. This is the way the guy operates. He is a physical player. He's a number one fourth round draft pick that became a number one and he's every bit that. And they, you know, they have Jameson Williams who is really fast. I talked to him at the draft in Vegas and Dan and I were out there for the draft and he's. He is a thin guy. Like he is not built like what you would say. He's not built like a Monroe St. Brown and he's just a different body type. He's had a lot of issues and a gun thing going on. He had injuries. It's just been a lot. But he can move and he can get behind the defense. And then you got Patrick who had a couple of touchdowns. He's dealt with all these Injuries. The one that gets me a little bit is LaPorta.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Tight end.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. I feel like you've been. You expect going into the season he would have a great year and I feel like he's someone that hasn't really looked the way you would expect heading in.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, his numbers are really mediocre to this point. He's dealt with a little bit of injury, but I'm surprised. A little bit. But this Jenna starts with them running the football.

[Dan Fates]

That O line too. Did we talk about the old lines?

[Mike Catalana]

Pen se caught a pass last week, right. Didn't they do that?

[Dan Fates]

I think so.

[Mike Catalana]

I think they did. I don't think it went anywhere.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, you wanted Alec Anderson to catch a pass.

[Mike Catalana]

So I'm going to be Dan and I'm gonna say at some point I'm gonna get Alec Anderson to catch a. Any pass in the game.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

So I. I'm gonna be like Dan and I'm gonna say if at any point in the rest of his career Alec Anderson catches a pass, I'm gonna take credit for career. Well, I'm gonna take credit for it because that's what Dan would do, so.

[Dan Fates]

Okay. That's bold. All right. Do we want to do our predictions or do you want to talk a little more?

[Mike Catalana]

I just want to talk about the Bill's advantage in this game is their offense against. Look, their defensive numbers are pretty good, but they. They were so beaten up on the D line when they played and I think they're getting some of their guys back. When they played the packers, the ones and the twos from the beginning of the season. D line, none of them were on the field. That's how beaten up with there. And the Anzalone. The linebackers still hurt, obviously. No. Aiden Hutchinson, who is a game wrecker. So they've been missing those guys. Their linebackers are, I believe, as the kids would say, mid. How set?

[Dan Fates]

You used old heads. You use mid.

[Mike Catalana]

I know.

[Dan Fates]

I got them all mediocre.

[Mike Catalana]

Mediocre. They're secondary, Joseph. They are aggressive.

[Dan Fates]

Would you say 11.

[Mike Catalana]

I think it's 11 interceptions total between the two. The two safeties.

[Dan Fates]

But good.

[Mike Catalana]

They. They can be tested deep. You can throw the ball deep on this team. So let's see if the Bills take some shots in that way. This is not a great defense right now. Josh Allen can have a day against this defense. The problem is, can you keep up with their offense? Can the Bills be able to slow them down?

[Dan Fates]

Well, that's one of the ways to keep them slowed down is to have him not on the field. So. Yeah, and I think too sometimes I go back to just the fact that the Bills played. I mean, obviously Josh Allen had a phenomenal game against the Rams, but like the Bills lost that game by two points. I know the, the Rams played essentially a perfect game and I know it's not the same team, but the weapons that the Rams have are really good and this Detroit team is feeling good. I just feel like sometimes in this league the losses get your attention in a way that we talked about. It's just not the same on the other side. So the lines have won 11 in a row. They're still playing for, you know, the division and all these things, but I just, I do have the Bills winning this game. Yeah, let's go into our picks then.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, well, go ahead. You're first.

[Dan Fates]

So I have the Bills winning this game 34 to 30. I just think it's a tough place to play. I think the Lions are going to absolutely bring. I think it's going to be a high scoring affair. I just think that the way the Bills played last week left a terrible taste in their mouth. And I think for this team, it's the Jordan mindset of I played bad. I took that personally. You guys are all hating on us. We can show up and I, I do expect to see a bounce back effort from the Bills defense and maybe that's oversimplifying it, but I, I just think that sometimes it just takes that. The intention that make you play better, that, that being really upset, being pissed off about it. And I think Josh Allen is having a phenomenal season. I think that this getting the balls, running the ball more and just having that ground game get going, what that can do for the entire offense and playing a physical style that we've seen them lean on in the past, having that be a part of this piece going forward in this game, I have the Bills winning.

[Mike Catalana]

So I agree with you. I think the defense is going to come with a better effort, better mindset coming into it.

[Dan Fates]

There's no hard to be worse question.

[Mike Catalana]

They will be aware of what they're playing because this team is really good. My concern for this game is unlike the line of the Rams who were precise and, and while, while I do think Jared Goff throws the ball very well, Matthew Stafford is a wizard throwing the ball. And Nakua, those guys were incredible in the game.

[Dan Fates]

Surgeon.

[Mike Catalana]

What concerns me in this game is the Bills have been successful when they've been physical. This is a more physical team than the Bills. On offense, they are. They are really physical. On offense, they love running the football. And we know that is the weakness of the Bills. It just absolutely is.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

So that concerns me that this team is just going to be hitting them with the run game. Hitting and again stopping them in many cases on four downs when he will just go for it. And you can't get the defense off the field. Josh is Josh. He's going to make plays. You know, they didn't turn it over offensively. You know, lost in those stats and everything is the fact that they had a block punt for a touchdown, which was brutal to hurt them. I just don't know if the physical nature of the Lions and the way they can play and then still beat you with the passing game is a good matchup in the dome for a team that is still fighting. That hasn't clinched anything yet. So. Other than they'll be in the playoffs. But. Yeah. And I have this first time this year, I'm picking the Bills to lose. And I regretted it in the Baltimore game because Dan was. Can I say that Dan was right about Baltimore. They're. They're really tough on those night games at home.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And I didn't take enough of that into consideration. Detroit's tough place to play. I love the stadium. It is loud. And these fans, Bill's fans show up. It's tough to get a ticket in this place.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Because they ain't giving them up. They've had too many crappy years in Detroit. So that makes it tough. I've got it. 34, 28 Lions to win this.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. A nice comment from LFG Concern. The Bills will be tired. The Lions had 10 days off that talked about earlier. But that certainly does help. So Dan also going with the Lions in this game. He has the score being 34 to 31. That's not. Is that.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, you're right. But I'm thinking. Yeah. So. Yes. So right now, Jenna and Dan combined are. Let's see. I am 10 and. No. What am I?

[Dan Fates]

10 and 3.

[Mike Catalana]

10 and 3. You are 11 and 2. Both of you guys.

[Dan Fates]

Correct.

[Mike Catalana]

So at the end of this game, either Dan is in first place. First place. And you and I are tied for second. Or last, depending how you look at it.

[Dan Fates]

Or.

[Mike Catalana]

Or you're in first place.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And Dan and I are.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. Scared. Money don't make money. So I'm going. I get. I get why you pick the Lions.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

But I'm picking the Bills and that could be silly.

[Mike Catalana]

And believe me, I hope you're right. Because I think for all the things that are out there for the Bills, this is. This is big. It's Patriots twice and the jets at home.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

The guy with the Netflix comedy special is coming in in a few weeks. So funny. So it's gonna be hilarious. I think it's next week.

[Dan Fates]

I'm actually surprised he's still playing. I'm surprised he hasn't said he's injured.

[Mike Catalana]

So tough. He's such a team guy. Hey, Rod, time for a credit to me.

[Dan Fates]

You Starks. I don't really know.

[Mike Catalana]

Okay. So I'm gonna say credit to me.

[Dan Fates]

Okay.

[Mike Catalana]

You know, there are times, especially, like, in this job in travel and. And running around, that things go the way you don't want them. And credit to me, I always stay calm, collected, and never really lose it. Even if things go the wrong way, I'm always like, take a breath. Don't worry. No issues. Even driving or at the stadium, it is always just. I just stay. I'm Khalil Shakir. I'm just nice and cool, calm, collected, no issue. Would you agree.

[Dan Fates]

Mike lost his mind in a way, to the point where I was like, are you okay? Like, I wasn't making fun of you. I was genuinely concerned about you. We. And we travel a lot together, so I. I've seen Mike a lot, so I'm, you know, it's not. But normally we all have our moments. It wasn't like that.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, it's like a brief. So very quickly, what happened was we're downstairs, the stadium. Everything is awesome, but it is massive. So game's over. We're doing all of our stuff, and I'm leaving. I said, I'll go get the car. Jenna, with Matt bovet from Channel 7 in Buffalo going to bring all the stuff up. He's getting a ride with us back to the hotel. And I get out to the car, and I'm, like, looking at my bag. I'm like, where's my laptop? And I always have that. This laptop with me. And I call Janet. She's like, they're coming out. And they're. They're coming out. And I go, do you have my laptop now? It was all the way out of the stadium. It's all security and everything.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. Do you have my laptop?

[Mike Catalana]

Why would I. I thought maybe I left it in the cart that we use. Whatever. No. So I very calmly went through my bag.

[Dan Fates]

Just throwing stuff, swearing, because I.

[Mike Catalana]

Was like, I knew I had to go back in there.

[Dan Fates]

I knew where the bleeps were. On this.

[Mike Catalana]

So I go back in the stadium, and very nice, polite, professional security guy that I was trying to like, hey, I need to get my laptop. And he was like, well, let me see your id. So eventually, I get him the ID which is the pass. He's like, I scan it. He goes, yeah, that doesn't work after this part. So he scans the thing. I mean, takes the thing. He says, I got to take a picture and send this to my boss. I said, can't you just walk me down there? It's like, I can't leave my post. The guy was doing everything right now. I didn't get really mad. I was more semi begging. I was like, hey, can you just take me down there? Eventually, he stayed nice and calm. He walked me down there, which was a hall, because how that place is.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, it's a big stadium, and it's.

[Mike Catalana]

Down the elevator six floors, and then all the way or halfway around the stadium. So we were on the field shooting the podcast, and I was packing some stuff up. Jenna was going in to do something quick, and she said. She says. She said, don't forget your laptop.

[Dan Fates]

No, that. I said, make sure you don't forget your laptop.

[Mike Catalana]

And I probably said, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Dan Fates]

That essentially was exactly. Yeah, I wouldn't forget it. So, okay, fine, I'll go f myself.

[Mike Catalana]

I get down on the field at that point, and I'm like. As we're walking down with the guy, and he was like. I said, oh, it's on the field. And so I go sprinting out towards the field. And who did I say was down there?

[Dan Fates]

Perino.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, Matt Perino. And he's doing hisracus.com. yeah, he's doing his own video. Live video. And. And I see my computer just sitting there right where I left it, and I go. And I'm, like, grabbing it, and I'm talking to the person working there, and she's looking at me like, I don't care what you have. And it was so funny because I got my stuff, and then I left. And Matt must have said to Matt Bovet, like, was Catalana okay? I was a little rattled.

[Dan Fates]

That was the most rattled I've ever seen you.

[Mike Catalana]

I hate having to. You go back in, and it's just. It was a pain. So.

[Dan Fates]

So my credit to me is dealing with that.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. Because I was a lot.

[Dan Fates]

We. Well, on the way to the stadium, you might have bumped into a curb.

[Mike Catalana]

So Jenna is terrible at reading the directions to me.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, my. I have Google Maps that has the Directions pulled up and be like, where do I go? I'm like, look at the map.

[Mike Catalana]

I don't want to look at the map. I want her to say to me, turn left at this light.

[Dan Fates]

That's what it. Literally what I say. And you're like, well, the street name isn't the same, so.

[Mike Catalana]

It wasn't.

[Dan Fates]

It wasn't. But I was like, it says to go left, so just go left. He's like, no, I'm not going to.

[Mike Catalana]

And then he's like, well, it told.

[Dan Fates]

Me to go left.

[Mike Catalana]

So then I went very slightly back. And then I tried to make a turn.

[Dan Fates]

Yes. Instead of just making. Going down a little bit further, finding a spot, doing a U turn, or if you can't do a U turn, you make a left and then you can take a right. He just cuts in front of traffic.

[Mike Catalana]

They waited for me.

[Dan Fates]

And then we were legitimately perpendicular to the lane. Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

But it was stopped. Nobody was going to do anything.

[Dan Fates]

We were perpendicular.

[Mike Catalana]

Did I get my spot? Did we go in?

[Dan Fates]

Then you bumped into the curb. You're like, where do I go from here?

[Mike Catalana]

Hey, Enterprise Rental. That car was. Already had a small little scratch on it.

[Dan Fates]

So what Josh Martin said, unlike Mike, this podcast took a turn.

[Mike Catalana]

So we pull in, and then the parking was supposed to be, like, in San Francisco. And I dropped Jenna off to make sure it was a nice shorter walk, which was nice.

[Dan Fates]

That was appreciated.

[Mike Catalana]

And then I pulled in, and the guy was like, oh. He's like, go pull in here. And then the lot was way down. He goes, go over that way and then go right. I'm like, okay. Just went left. Pulled into a great spot. Had a great spot to then forget my laptop, and it wouldn't even matter at the end, so.

[Dan Fates]

And then in the locker room, you had the camera on slow mo.

[Mike Catalana]

It was a bad day. I record the interviews. Got great interviews. You didn't see any of them because it was on the wrong setting. And I'm like, why are these files? Like, you know what you do? Eight gigs.

[Dan Fates]

You know what you do, Jenna? I'm like, I can't do anything. What am I supposed to do?

[Mike Catalana]

And then Matt Bove says, hey, Mike, can I get. And I go, nope.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, yes.

[Mike Catalana]

I had a bit. I had a bad of a day. As Sean McDermott did on Sunday. I had a bad day.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, you.

[Mike Catalana]

I was great up until the end of the game.

[Dan Fates]

You get to bounce back.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes, I need to bounce back. I'm going to be more focused this week in Detroit. My favorite Stadium.

[Dan Fates]

Are you hungry?

[Mike Catalana]

Yes. Hungry for a win.

[Dan Fates]

And are you humble?

[Mike Catalana]

I definitely was humbled, so. Oh, I meant to say at the beginning, I am normally pretty good in these circumstances. I went off the rails. You were.

[Dan Fates]

You were a wild man. That is for sure. But good thing we have.

[Mike Catalana]

But then we got back to the hotel. Jenna got to get herself ready.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Had a nice meal.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And we went to the crazy LA airport at 9:30 at night.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, that place sucks.

[Mike Catalana]

Lunacy at LAX.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, totally off topic, but I just want to remind everyone I'm doing a lot of like holiday shopping, so. And the Buffalo plus store. We've actually gotten a lot of orders. I don't think I've told you that, but mugs are really popular right now. The hats as well. Just go to buffaloplusstore.com. we have a ton of merch on there. You can get your favorite Buffalo plus gear. Also, the Dan is wrong. Dan is right. Mug is pretty popular. So that's always a hit. If you have a friend or a family member that loves the Buffalo plus channel.

[Mike Catalana]

Dan has been right these two weeks because he's been doing the right thing. He's been home with the babies.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, absolutely. He is itching to get back. He can't wait. Honestly, I can't wait.

[Mike Catalana]

Loves his girls, loves being the dad. But like, come on, we're. We're closing in on the playoffs. He is ready.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Wait till he gets back. He's gonna have some hot takes.

[Dan Fates]

Oh my gosh. He probably doesn't know what to do. He hasn't been able to get.

[Mike Catalana]

He's talking to the. To Taylor, the little one. He's like, they need to run the ball only on third day. Like he's telling her all this stuff.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. She's eight days old.

[Mike Catalana]

Right.

[Dan Fates]

Precisely. Also, we want to thank you all. We hit over 35, 000 subscribers, so that was really, really cool. Thank you so much. A reminder too. Be sure to check out the Buffalo plus podcast available wherever you find your podcast, whether that's Apple or Spotify, whatever.

[Mike Catalana]

Big numbers on the audio podcast over the last week. We didn't make the top 10 this time, so we got to pick it up just a little. But we, we had the, you know, the last time. It's a few weeks ago, we made top 10 for Apple Sports.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. Which was really cool. You know what I saw the number for the total number of downloads for us was really good.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

I was like, wow.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Why do people. Just kidding. We love you guys. All right. We'll be in Detroit. Mike and I, we getting ready. Dan will be back sooner rather than later. We'll of course, have more post game coverage on the Buffalo plus channel. We'll also have the five players to watch on Saturday to look out for as we get ready for this matchup against the Lions in Detroit. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share. We know how much we appreciate it. It really does mean a lot. Buffalo Bills Fan number 17. Love your podcast. Well, thank you.

[Mike Catalana]

Thank you.

[Dan Fates]

Thank you, Josh Allen. We really appreciate that.

[Mike Catalana]

And if you're in Detroit and you see us stop by, say hello, say hi. We met.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, I met a lovely woman. Her name was Cindy. Very sweet. She says her and her husband watch the channel, so really appreciate that.

[Mike Catalana]

Nice to hear. Thank you, Cindy. Thank you to your husband and.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, and thank you to you all.

[Mike Catalana]

And tell your friends.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, if you don't mind, that would be greatly appreciated.

[Mike Catalana]

Yep.

[Dan Fates]

All right. For Mike Catalana and Dan Fates, who's still on Veterans Day off. Veteran Day. A veteran day.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, my God. You should have just gone to the.

[Dan Fates]

End with a veteran day off. Thank you for watching the Buffalo. I'm Jenna Cottrell.

[Mike Catalana]

We.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, my God. Oh, God. We gotta go. I gotta go.

[Mike Catalana]

Bye. Bye.

[Dan Fates]

Okay, wait, I still can't get the.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, you can't.

[Dan Fates]

Thank you for watching the Buffalo Plus Channel, presented by Connors and Fairs. Thank you. And pretend that this last part didn't happen. Thanks, guys.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, it happened.

[Dan Fates]

Bye. Oh, my God. Ra.