Buffalo Plus Podcast: Bills vs Patriots Preview

Recorded Live at Hooligans in Webster, NY – December 12, 2025
Hosts: Mike Catalana (A), Jenna Cottrell (C), Dan Fetes (B)

Episode Overview

This episode brings the Buffalo Plus team to Hooligans in Webster, NY, for a live audience show focusing on the high-stakes upcoming matchup between the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots. The trio—Mike, Jenna, and Dan—leverages their deep knowledge and access to Bills insider information to break down the rivalry, discuss playoff race implications, examine player and coaching narratives, and make game predictions. Notably, the episode is rich with analysis, honest takes, and playful banter, benefiting from the live, engaged audience atmosphere.

Main Themes

• Magnitude of Bills vs Patriots Game: It’s "hat and T-shirt" time (division clinching scenarios) for both teams; both aware of the stakes despite locker room claims of "just another game."
• Team Evolution & Narrative: How the Bills and Patriots have changed since their last meeting, and the importance of team culture, coaching, and the "rivalry" dynamics.
• Key Players and Matchups: Deep-dive into player performances—Josh Allen vs. Drake May, concerns and growth in the Bills receiver room, the impact of Stefon Diggs, and defense adjustments.
• Coaching Decisions and Philosophy: Credit and criticism for Sean McDermott and Patriots’ Mike Vrabel, as well as offensive coordinator Joe Brady's evolution.
• Injury Updates & X-Factors: Status of key Bills defenders (Benford, Bernard, Bosa), and how that may shape the matchup.
• Predictions & Motivations: On-field outcomes, off-field bulletin board material ("underdog" narratives), and how both teams are mentally preparing.
• Fan Engagement and Community: Warm crowd interaction and personal family/community shoutouts, strengthening the local connection.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. High Stakes: Not "Just Another Game"

• Despite repeated public claims from Bills players about treating this as any other matchup, the hosts are unanimous—everyone knows the division is on the line.
  • Mike Catalana: “I don’t know if you guys know this, but the players lie sometimes when they say it’s just the next game on the schedule. […] They are fully aware that New England can clinch the division.” [02:09]
  • Dan Fetes: “It’s like they all got together in the locker room: ‘Hey, this game doesn’t mean anything.’ Instead of it being Drake May, the Patriots, the division, all of that.” [02:50]

2. Evolution Since the Last Matchup

• Recap: Bills were 4-0, fell to the Pats in a sloppy, mistake-riddled home loss (3 turnovers, 11 penalties). Patriots, young and revitalized, used that win as a springboard and are now on a 10-game win streak.
  • Dan Fetes: “At the time, the Bills were 4-0. […] They didn’t play well. They committed 11 penalties, turned the ball over three times and were still right there.” [03:58]
  • Mike Catalana: “That win against the Bills catapulted them. And for their sake… now they’ve won 10 in a row. But if you’re the Bills, you’re sitting back thinking, that’s not us.” [05:44]

3. Is It Really a Rivalry?

• Historical lack of mutual competitiveness, but this era feels different. Both organizations now have stability, culture, and tangible mutual stakes.
  • Mike Catalana: “There was not a time when they were both really good… here they are flipping back and forth now.” [06:55]
  • Jenna Cottrell: “10 wins in a row is not an accident… This is a talented New England team. […] I think that was a wake up call for Buffalo.” [07:11]

4. Patriots’ Culture and Coaching

• Praising Mike Vrabel’s impact, but acknowledging the Patriots’ success is as much about team buy-in as talent.
  • Dan Fetes: “Vrabel came in there and instantly brought credibility… He has put that organization back on track.” [08:45]
  • “They are a well-coached team… very similar to the 2019 Bills, ahead of schedule, playing well.” [08:25]

5. The Josh Allen Factor

• Evolution as a competitor—no longer rattled by QB matchups, more focused, mature leadership. Still, Allen uses outside “noise” as motivation.
  • Dan Fetes: “Josh is like, I’m still Josh Allen and I’m still going to put the team on my back. Third-and-15, it’s fine.” [11:16]
  • Mike Catalana: “He’s become that guy other players try to be. This one’s a little different. It’s in the division.” [15:53]

6. Drake May vs Josh Allen—Mentorship Myths

• Despite off-season narratives, Allen and May aren’t close mentors; both are competitors above all.
  • Jenna Cottrell: “When we had the interview this week with Josh… it’s about life, not football. No trade secrets.” [13:46]
  • Dan Fetes: "I still think he's the competitor that's not giving away any trade secrets..." [14:10]

7. Stefon Diggs: The Emotional X-Factor

• His best performance of the season came vs. Buffalo. Hosts debate if Diggs really still matters to the Bills emotionally, but agree strictly as a matchup, he is crucial.
  • Jenna Cottrell: “His best game with 146 receiving yards. Like, he was that guy that whenever Drake May needed something, it was Diggs showing up.” [18:00]
  • Dan Fetes: “This thought that Stefan Diggs is going to wreck the Bills… I think is a little overblown. Yes, it is Stefan Diggs, and you know how personal he takes these things. But over his last nine games, [stat rundown]… he isn’t an all pro wide receiver anymore at this point in his career.” [29:44]

8. Bills Offensive Adjustments & Joe Brady’s Growth

• Give credit to OC Joe Brady for more creativity and adaptation, especially responding to recent defensive looks and maximizing available talent.
  • Dan Fetes: “…the first time in months that I’ve been encouraged by Joe Brady’s ability to adapt.” [22:32]
  • Mike Catalana: “He’s gotten away from those [‘too cute’] things.” [23:02]

9. Defense, Injuries & Matchups

• Concerns around Taron Johnson, Christian Benford’s toe injury, and keeping veterans healthy for the stretch run. Also, praise for recent defensive playmakers.
  • Mike Catalana: “Taron Johnson has sacrificed his body… At some point, it just takes a toll. […] They need to do something against Diggs this week.” [24:54]
  • Jenna Cottrell: “I am a little concerned about Benford. Having anything pop up on the injury report, to me, it’s like, ‘oh, that’s not great.’” [27:15]

10. Patriots Winning Formula: Running, Defense, and Culture

• Emphasis on the run game and defending the run, but key absences (Milton Williams) could give the Bills an edge. The Bills’ own run game (James Cook) and defensive evolution since October could be difference-makers.
  • Dan Fetes: “This is going to be so much of Drake and Josh… I just think this is another one of those James Cook games.” [39:47]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mike Catalana (on press conference clichés):
  "I don't know if you guys know this, but the players lie sometimes when they say it's just the next game on the schedule." [02:09]

• Dan Fetes (on Josh Allen’s mindset):
  "Josh is like, I'm still Josh Allen and I'm still going to put the team on my back. Third-and-15, it's fine." [11:16]

• Jenna Cottrell (on Diggs’ presence):
  "His best game with 146 receiving yards...whenever Drake May needed something, it was Diggs showing up." [18:00]

• Dan Fetes (on the passing game):
  “We got a chance at the practice squad for the Bills wide receivers at this point.” [18:44]

• Mike Catalana (on evaluating the rivalry):
  “There was not a time when they were both really good… here they are flipping back and forth now. That being said, Jenna, I think they’re going to be rivals now.” [06:55]

• Dan Fetes (on being tough on rookies):
  “If there’s evidence that tells me otherwise that I see with my two eyes, I will change my thoughts.” [42:26]

Important Timestamps

• [02:09] – Players downplaying the game; hosts call out locker room “lies” about treating it as just another game.
• [03:32] – Reflecting on the earlier season loss to New England; how both teams have changed.
• [08:25] – Patriots’ growth and the Vrabel effect.
• [11:16] – Josh Allen’s leadership, motivation, and mindset breakdown.
• [13:46] – Allen-May non-mentorship myth discussion.
• [18:00] – Focus on Stefon Diggs’ impact and potential vulnerabilities for Bills defense.
• [22:32] – Joe Brady's offensive evolution and play-calling improvements.
• [27:15] – Injury round-up: Christian Benford, Terrell Bernard, Joey Bosa.
• [39:47] – Patriots’ defensive schemes and Bills’ run attack as a game-decider.
• [44:20] – “Player of the Week” picks (Taron Johnson, James Cook, Shaq Thompson, Jordan Poyer).
• [47:23] – Game predictions.
• [53:35] – “Credit to Me” segment—personal/family/community appreciation.

Key Takeaways & Analysis

Game Outlook & X-Factors

• Bills’ Poise and Experience seen as a key asset; Patriots’ youthful momentum legitimate but vulnerable, especially with recent injuries.
• Josh Allen expected to take the game personally; the offense is slowly adjusting and improving under Joe Brady’s play calling.
• Stefon Diggs will get extra attention after his big game in October; concern about matchups in the slot, particularly for Taron Johnson.
• Turnovers and Run Game will be pivotal—both as recurring Bills weaknesses (fumble concerns) and opportunities versus a depleted Patriots run defense.
• Injuries could tip the scales—Benford’s health is a worry, but overall the Bills are healthier than earlier in the season.

Predictions

• Dan: Bills win 28-25 (“Josh Allen taking this very personal… I think it’s high scoring.”) [49:09]
• Jenna: Bills take it 27-21 (“Their X-factor is experience and I expect that to show up on Sunday.”) [51:28]
• Mike: Bills prevail 31-23 (“I think this game is personal for a couple people—Josh Allen… Sean McDermott… He doesn’t lose twice in a year.”) [52:17]

Final Reflections

The episode highlights the depth of the Bills’ 2025 storylines—maturation, adversity, changing offensive identity, and a shifting division landscape. By blending sharp football talk, inside anecdotes, and community warmth, the Buffalo Plus crew captures the anticipation and emotion of “hat and T-shirt season.” The Patriots have grown, but the Bills’ belief is palpable, and their hosts’ confidence in Buffalo is as strong as ever.

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