Bills vs Patriots Preview: Recorded live at Hooligans in Webster, NY

Summary

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)

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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]

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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.

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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]

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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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For more Buffalo Bills analysis and behind-the-scenes content, subscribe to Buffalo Plus on YouTube and check out BuffaloPlus.com.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign.

[B]

This is the Buffalo plus podcast.

[C]

All right. Hello and welcome to Buffalo Plus Live.

[B]

That's pretty cool.

[C]

All right, we are here in Webster. Shout out, hooligans. Shout out. Webster Shout out. Bud Light. Mike Catalana. Dan Fates. I am Jenna Kosho. Please be sure to, like, comment and subscribe. We got that.

[A]

All right. That's it, right?

[C]

Yeah, that's it.

[A]

Oh, that's it. Okay. Making sure you were good.

[C]

All right, we're going to talk this Bills Patriots matchup coming up. The game, the injuries, the outlooks, the picks, predictions, credit to me. We're going to get into it, all of it. But first off, give yourselves another round of applause. Awesome crowd here tonight. A round of applause. Give it up. We love it. Awesome talking to so many of you before this we get started. It's been a lot of fun.

[A]

Yeah, absolutely. It is. And look, you're catching us at a good time, right? Because the Bills playing well, couple of wins, they got a big game coming up on Sunday.

[B]

And I also appreciate everybody that helped babysit and wrangle my three kids that were running around here. So it was, again, we always say these places, these events are surreal to think about. When we had, we had people here that were like, oh, we were subscribers. And you had 500 people back in 2021.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's really cool to see what this has grown into. And we really appreciate everybody that has supported us along the way.

[C]

We've had so much fun. All right, so let's get into this matchup because we were in. We were in Orchard park this week.

[B]

Big deal.

[C]

You know, this is a big, big game on Sunday, Mike. It's a hat and T shirt game. It's the Patriots win. New England would win the AFC east title, stealing it away from Buffalo. But we asked the Bills, hey, magnitude of this game. But Mike, don't worry. It's just another game.

[A]

So we've done this. Well, I've done this a long, long time. They've just done it a long time now, right? I might have like long, long, long, long time.

[C]

Compared to you guys. How many decades? Yeah.

[A]

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. It's this. It's that they are fully aware that New England can clinch the division. They are fully aware that they can stop them from doing it, at least on the field with them on Sunday. And they are also aware that if they win the game, there's a chance. And it Becomes obviously a much better chance to get the division themselves. So, yeah, it's just a game, but it's a big game.

[B]

We've been talking about it since Wednesday and I'm starting to come around and I actually respect how oblivious and how much they lied to us to be.

[C]

Like, I don't think it's obvious.

[B]

Yeah, it's just the most important game because it's the next game that doesn't matter about any of that stuff. I'm starting to come around. Like, it's like they all got together in the locker room. They're like, hey, guys, this is what we're gonna tell the media. This game doesn't mean anything. It's just another game. Instead of it being Drake May, the Patriots, the division, all of that.

[A]

I was imagining Jenna when we're all in California for the super bowl in February. Just another game asking the Bills.

[C]

I can see it.

[A]

It's just another game. The next game, next one on the schedule.

[C]

The biggest one. Yeah, it was Jordan Phillips. When we were talking to him, he's like, oh, it's a T shirt and hat kind of game.

[B]

Joshua Palmer's like, I didn't even know the Bills and Patriots really have that big of a rivalry. It's like, oh, you're. You're new here, bud.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Oh, my gosh. All right, so let's talk a little bit about this matchup, because earlier on in the season, this Bills game, this was a loss for Buffalo. 23, 23 turnovers in that game. The Patriots came in credit to them, Drake, May and the young roster, Stefan Diggs. And they beat up on the Bills in Highmark Stadium. Dan, what was that game like watching it? And then also, how much is this Bill's team grown since then?

[B]

Yeah, look at the time, the bills were 4, 0. And it felt a little bit like fool's gold. Like just. Jenny, you always say it felt like they were playing with their food because they had beaten up on the Dolphins. Yes, exactly. And you kind of sit back there and you're like, oh, like a loss was coming. They weren't. They weren't playing well. And then you think about that game and how I remember just being how upset it started to be. Like, you know, the wide receivers can't get open and Josh didn't have any help. And you would have thought they got blown out by 30. Yeah, it was a last second field goal on a last minute drive. The Bills did not play well. They didn't play well. They committed 11 penalties, turned the ball over three times and we're still right there. Now again, that was a different New England team at the time as well. But James Cook had a bad game, only 49 rushing yards. When you kind of sit back and try and look at it from that 10,000 foot view, the Bills didn't play well at the time. That was probably the best game New England's played, Mike. And they got the win.

[A]

I blame the Bills for this because they kick started everything for New England. And when New England looks at what they've done in quite honestly, yes, they had a win in Tampa which was a nice win.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

But they came in Orchard park and that unfortunately for the Bills, that was impressive to beat that team. Now like Dan said, they're a different Patriots team. I mean a year ago we're in Foxborough and they are should have been the number one pick in the draft.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And they fire the coach. Jenna and I were. There was literally five minutes after the game. They could not wait.

[C]

We were still in the tunnel.

[A]

Yeah. It was over. And here they are rebuilding. So give them that. But that win against the Bills catapulted them. And for, for their sake, I mean that was their second straight win and now they've won 10 in a row.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

But at the same time, if you're the Bills, you're sitting back thinking that's not us. Sean McDermott said it that day. We played the game they wanted us to play and they absolutely did. But that changed the trajectory of the season.

[B]

The Miami loss, I think for.

[C]

He's talking about for New England.

[A]

For New England because at that time The Bills were 4, 0. If they beat the Patriots and are 50 and have the win and New England's got three losses, it is a different, different season. But it didn't happen. And New England got the win. So that's what's made it a race. But you know, it's funny. Dan was just joking about a rivalry. The truth is. And as I mentioned, how many years they have not really had a rivalry with the Patriots.

[C]

You're going to say that, well, either.

[A]

The Patriots were great and the Bills were terrible or the Bills were going to the super bowl and the Patriots weren't good. You know, I've talked to people who think the only time this was a real rivalry was back in the American Football League when it was the Boston.

[B]

Patriots and you were covering those teams.

[A]

Oh my God.

[B]

Walked.

[A]

I walked into that.

[C]

As soon as you were saying that, I was like, well, that's a joke.

[A]

Wasn't that far off, I can tell you. But it really wasn't. There was not a time when they were both really good a little bit in the late 90s. So, you know, here they are flipping back and forth now. That being said, Jenna, I think they're going to be rivals now.

[C]

Oh yeah. I mean I've been impressed by what New England has been able to do. They have a last place schedule, but they've been able to beat teams. You talk about a 10 game win streak. I give them a lot of credit because that shows some poise and some maturity from a younger group. Like 10 wins in a row is not an accident. And there has been moments throughout the season where they could have multiple turnover games, but they've been able to kind of ride the weather, ride the storm and figure it out. So for me, I'm like, this is a talented New England team. But then also I just think the Bills have the poise, they have experience. And I think earlier on, and I'm curious your thoughts. I feel like when that earlier matchup in Orchard park, it was, oh, it's the New England Patriots. It's almost like the little brothers coming to town. Yeah, we're the Buffalo Bills. We're 40 and I think that was a wake up call for Buffalo.

[B]

Yeah. And there's some comments here. Where's the one comment? Bella Rose saying. So McDermott was saying that he was out coached. Yeah. You say they're a talented team, the roster is okay. They spent a ton of money this offseason. They're okay. They're a well coached team. Like we've joked around about it. Josh McDaniels is going to become a head coach again. Like, I know it's a funny bit but like he's flamed out tremendously as a head coach twice.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

But him and his mentorship of Drake may like I do think that that is playing into this. They're a well fundamentally sound team. I don't think they're. They are very similar to the 2019 bills. Ahead of schedule, playing well and they're.

[C]

Well coached, bought in. This is a very bought in. But they also get a culture.

[B]

This is, this is the epitome of why for everybody that is a Sean McDermott hater. Like and just no matter what the Bills do, it's. Everything is Sean McDermott's fault. Look at what a culture in a, in a locker room, in an organization and stability can do. My Mike Vravel came in there and instantly brought credibility to that organization that hadn't had it for five years and has put that organization back on track.

[A]

I mean, all you have to do is look at the Cincinnati Bengals. They have Joe Burrow, and he's been hurt a couple of times, but that organization's all over the map. They're going to miss the playoffs again. The Baltimore Ravens are falling finally. The Kansas City Chiefs are falling. Yeah, you can go ahead.

[B]

Erotic, tell.

[C]

People what that's about.

[B]

You tell people what it's about.

[C]

No, we were just joking that seeing like, Patrick Mahomes getting sacked and running for his life and the Chiefs failing in tremendous moments, that they usually would pull it off, was borderline awesome.

[A]

Yes, it is. And look, that's the way I think that. But the point was the Bills have maintained and Josh Allen's been on the field all the time, but they've had a lot of roster changes, a lot of injuries, everything that goes with it. Culture matters. And to your point, I think Mike Vrabel has absolutely created that culture in Foxborough, and they are buying in. Stefon Diggs is buying in. They're all buying in right now.

[C]

For now.

[A]

For now.

[C]

For now is the key word. Yes, but you talk about culture, and there is that culture, though, in Buffalo. Because this Bill season. We talked to Josh Allen this week, asking him how this team has evolved. That earlier matchup was October 5th. Think about where the Bills were at then and then what they. That stretch that they went through. Win, loss, win, loss, win, loss, win, win. They've been able to get some sustained success these last couple of weeks. And I think, Dan, because of that, we joke and it's so cliche at the end of the day. Should I say that end of the.

[A]

Day is a favorite. Cliche.

[C]

Cliche. But at the end of the day, this team has been through tough moments where this locker room had to figure it out, and they've been able to do that. And I think that can be a feather in this team's cap.

[B]

Well, I think we talked about that after. On the podcast after Pittsburgh, and we talked about it after the last game. The emotion that Josh has shown.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Where it's like we're critical of it as well, about where this offense is. And then I asked Josh this week. No big deal.

[A]

Talk to Josh. Talks to Josh. You talk to Joe Sham.

[B]

But the fact of where's this emotion seemingly coming from these last few weeks? And he's like, well, you know, cliche.

[A]

Josh of all.

[B]

You know, it's just. I don't think about it bs I think he's heard all of the stuff about this offense stinks. They can't get open. They're not what they used to be. And 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.

[A]

I'll do it.

[B]

Credit to Sean McDermott for calling, allowing a pass play to be called in that situation.

[A]

Situation.

[B]

He was aggressive in that game against Cincinnati. I think they'll be aggressive again. That's kind of becoming a little bit of that identity for this Bills team this last three or four weeks.

[A]

Yeah, there's no doubt. And it is funny to see Josh Allen and you know, we see him every week and we see him after the games talk about things and he doesn't point to individual matchups at all. You know, if you ask him about going against Patrick Mahomes, you know, you know, he plays against their defense and all those things, he says, josh Allen this year played Patrick Mahomes, played Lamar. When Lamar was coming into a season, everybody thought they're loaded this year. They put up a lot of points. And Josh had a historic fourth quarter played against Kansas City when the national perspective was the Chiefs are back. Watch out for the Chiefs. He beat them. Played Baker when he was an MVP candidate, beat them. And then Joe Burrow is back.

[B]

Dan, the Bengals don't let him get in the playoffs.

[A]

So Josh didn't let him get in the playoffs.

[B]

Never let him in.

[A]

And now he's got Drake May, who is getting all the flowers, as you kids say he is.

[B]

Wow, Michael, am I.

[A]

Look at that. When I get one right? They, they tapped me on the head. Good job. You did it.

[B]

It's like when Keon catches an eight yard pass.

[A]

That's another thing.

[B]

Good job.

[A]

But he knows what's being said about Drake May. This is not personally dislikes. I think he really likes Drake May. He's known him, but he's. He does not want to hear about Drake May being equal to Josh Allen.

[C]

I do think it's interesting because I guess myself included, I had the perception like Josh was like mentoring Drake May, like talking to him in the off season, really like preparing him. And when we had the interview this week with Josh, he was saying how like, yeah, we, we have the same agent and we don't talk about football at all. It's about life. But I feel like it's, it's, it was kind of the narrative that I thought of was like, oh, Josh is like really helping Drake May evolve. When it's like, no, I think they're just dudes.

[B]

Yeah. The question was phrased is you've had a lot of veteran quarterbacks take you under their wing. What's it like to take a young quarterback like Drake May under your wing? And he's like, I haven't taken anybody under my wing. And I think that's also, especially at this stage in Josh's career where we talk about whether you want to say it's the prime or a smidge on the other side of the prime.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I still think he's the competitor that is not giving away any trade secret secrets to his success. Yet he's not. Philip Rivers coming back. Coming back to mentor anything.

[C]

Grandfather, are you going to be out.

[A]

There, grandpa, next week? The Colts. I'm signing with the Colts next week. If Rivers doesn't make it.

[C]

You heard it here first.

[A]

They're hiring grandpas these days. So I'm going to be out there. By the way, you guys know, maybe you don't know. A lot of times you'll see a quarterback or a team's one loss record for the, for the player. Like they'll say, Josh Allen's record is this. So technically, obviously he lost to Drake May in October. Technically, he lost to Drake May.

[B]

Weeks 18.

[A]

Week 18 last year, Josh played one play and walked off the field. Drake May played three.

[B]

Four. Three what? Three kicked.

[A]

Drake May gets the win. The Bills didn't want to win.

[B]

So are you saying stats are stupid?

[A]

Well, I guarantee you at some point.

[B]

Some point, I got one guy.

[A]

There we go. Stats are some point Sunday they'll say Drake May's trying to beat Josh Allen for a third straight time.

[B]

You know you're drinking owns Josh Allen.

[C]

Put that on the bingo card. Yeah, that will absolutely third straight win. I do think what I found that was pretty cool to me was Sean McDermott was talked about how earlier on in Josh's career Josh would be like, it's Joe Burrow versus Josh Allen. And sometimes that would not rattle Josh but kind of get in Josh's head. And I think that was interesting what Sean was saying, hey, no, you're, you're going against the other team's defense because we talk about it's this quarterback matchup versus that quarterback matchup. And I know it kind of seems like surface level, but I do think he's evolved in that way.

[A]

No question. It used to be sugar high Josh, he'd start the game, he'd be all over the place. And look, if you're a guy like Josh Allen. You come into league, it was Tom Brady first. That was the guy. He never got a chance to beat Brady. It was a limited amount of time in New England and one time in overtime at Tampa. But since that point, he's become that guy that other players try to be. This one's a little different. It's in the division. Look, he's handled Tua. The jets have everybody and their brother play quarterback, but Drake May is going to be around for a while. So this is going to be something between the two of them.

[C]

So do you know who's favorited in this game?

[B]

I don't know. We could ask Stefan Diggs because he seems to really care. We talked to about eight people this week up in Orchard Park. There wasn't one question or comment about Stefan Diggs. Yes, it is like he's by far the ex girlfriend and that the Bills aren't even looking. They're not even liking the Instagram pictures anymore where they're like, oh, they went on. They went to Cabo. Oh, that's, that's cute. She went with her new boyfriend. That's. That's cool. Good for them.

[A]

They.

[B]

They don't even care. It is so far in the past.

[A]

But in October the ex girlfriend showed.

[B]

Up big but the rich new, rich new boyfriend.

[C]

But do you think that's authentic? Because to me, I, I do think that the Bills don't care about Diggs anymore. I feel like earlier on in that matchup in October that will was still.

[B]

Top of mind, third party post. It's the third matchup, so it's kind of old.

[A]

Here's what I would say to you guys. I think it's old in the part of him being the former Bill. I think it should be more about. He's had two, one good game and one really good game against the Bills. They need to do something against Diggs this week. Diggs really took over that game for Drake May and the Patriots the last time they played. Forget the fact that he played in Buffalo. You're right. That doesn't matter now. What matters is Stefon Diggs as a receiver in the slot that the Bills have to cover.

[C]

That was. That has been by far his best game with 146 receiving yards. Like he was, he was that guy that whenever Drake May needed something, it was Diggs showing up.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And there's some comments here saying about where Diggs is playing. Diggs is really only getting about 50% of the snaps. Like they are rotating it around that, that passing game. It's not just digs.

[A]

Right.

[B]

And Drake May is following the Josh Allen philosophy of, whoever's open, I'm going to throw the ball.

[A]

Well for Josh now there's nobody open, so.

[C]

But this, you know, you know, the commonality between the last two wins, defense forcing turnovers, and it being either the tight ends or the running backs leading.

[A]

Pass catchers that help out Josh. Yeah.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

We got a chance at the practice squad. Squad for the Bills for wide receivers at this point. Shocking that Gabe Davis didn't change their passing offense.

[A]

Taking credit.

[C]

Gabe Davis.

[A]

Gabe's out there playing hard.

[C]

Okay. I said this. I said this to someone earlier today, though, at least for Gabe. I don't care about the stats. I care about in the moment. Can you make a big catch in a big spot? That is what I care about. He's not going to have tremendous numbers. I'm fine with this. That. Look at him, he's like, oh, sh.

[A]

I. Dan.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Big catch, big spot. Yeah. Actually, in the first game, he had a couple of nice catches. Josh went to him on a fourth down in his first game. Yeah, yeah.

[C]

Again, I don't care if he put up crazy numbers in a big spot, can he make a big catch? And he has been able to do that. And I trust him a hell of a lot more than I do. Keon.

[B]

The only one I accept, expect in a big spot to come up, make a play as Shakir.

[A]

Shakir. Yep.

[C]

In terms of the receivers.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[C]

I mean, that's fair. And. And obviously it's understandable given the recipe for success for this team has obviously been getting the tight ends involved, getting other people involved.

[A]

So you mentioned a lot about this game and where the Patriots are. It's pretty simple math. If they win the game, they win the division. For those who are trying to think about it, you'll think about it more if they get the win on Sunday. If the Bills win, the one game you got to point to is, well, I'll say two. The Patriots would still need to lose to either the jets or the Dolphins. Correct. They need another division loss. The Bills have an opportunity. I guess if they lose, they'll be what, A game behind? A game behind. Patriots still have a game against Baltimore and they play the jets and the Dolphins. So they certainly say the Bills beam. They could certainly lose to Baltimore. And then. So then you would say, okay, they're tied, but they have a better division record than the Bills. So the Bills would need a loss to the Dolphins. Now, that being said, if they beat Baltimore and they lose to the Dolphins and the Bills win out. The Bills will win the division, so it's still there. It's much more likely that the Bills.

[C]

I do think the Dolphins have some fight, though.

[A]

They do. If the Bills can get it to that game, it'll be fun. That last week, I have a hot take. Oh, Dan's got a hot take.

[C]

We have an alarm.

[A]

This could be anything.

[B]

Oh, one of the comments is, hey, Jenna, where are the glasses at?

[A]

Everybody loves Jenna's glasses.

[B]

I have more confidence in Joe Brady than I have at, I think, any.

[C]

Point this year because they're 12 games.

[B]

Because I have seen. So against Pittsburgh, they ran the same play 75,000 times. Off of that, they found success against Cincinnati. So they're putting something on tape. And that's the thing where it's like, okay, Joe Brady's really good at doing the same thing over and over and over again. But then we saw against Mike Miami, when the team stops that, what do you have to go off? Yeah, that quick pass to Knox that started the game for 20 something yards. They showed the exact same formation, exact same everything, and then did something off of that. They sucked the linebackers in. They went to more play action because of how much they ran against Pittsburgh. So Cincinnati's going, we're going to sell out against this run. What they did so many times against Pittsburgh, and he was able to build something off of that. Yeah, that to me is the Joe Brady that I thought took over for Ken Dorsey, where I went, okay, now we're stacking things. Now we have concepts, now we have plays that we go. Because they did that play to Knox two or three times.

[C]

It was effective.

[B]

It was effective. So now that's in the minds of the Patriots. So then you can go back to the bread and butter. Like you have the predictability of that wide receiver screen. Those things that have driven all of you guys crazy this year, they've had stuff to now go off of it. And that to me, is the first time in a months that I've been encouraged by Joe Brady's ability to adapt and engineer something.

[C]

Is that adapter, is that evolving or what would you say that is?

[A]

I think it is. And I think it's also taking what's in front of you. Like Dan's point was they ran that same play against Pittsburgh because it was working. So run it again. And then against Cincinnati, they're lousy guarding tight ends. Throw it to your tight ends and it worked. But you are adapting a little bit to what you do go back to that New England game. They threw on to Keon, who had been benched for the first series. As soon as he caught the ball, put it on the ground. Next series, the Bills got it. They tried a jet sweep to Dawson Knox. And that's the first time Sean McDermott talked about being too cute. Too cute. That play doesn't work, should never be called. So they did things like that. I think he's gotten away from those things. We have seen. Have we seen a lot of jet sweeps in the last few weeks?

[C]

And we almost just was like, absolutely not just.

[A]

And we've only seen a couple of Shakir screens.

[C]

Less. Certainly less.

[A]

Less than was in the past.

[B]

So the chat is very concerned about Stefan Diggs. And people are arguing in the chat.

[A]

Well, they should be concerned about Diggs. Diggs burned them in the first game. And my concern with Diggs in the game is I think Taron Johnson's got to be the guy guarding him. And we all love Taron Johnson.

[B]

Rough year.

[A]

It's been a rough year. He's, you know, he's gotten a. He's been beaten up his career. He's taken a lot of shots.

[C]

I think of what you said when we were watching the Bengals game when Taran was getting up off the turf and you said, that looks like me getting up.

[A]

Yeah. I mean, it kind of is. Football players age on the field.

[B]

Like, that's not people age.

[C]

No.

[B]

You guys think I'm hard on Gabe and.

[A]

Hold on.

[B]

Mike's making comparisons about him and Taren.

[A]

Okay. My point is it's a tough team, tough game, and Taron Johnson is not the biggest guy in the world. And he has sacrificed his body on the field. At some point, it just takes a toll. And Stefon Diggs or everybody else thinks still has that quickness, still can get himself open, still can make plays. And he did it against the Bills. I know we've talked about Christian Benford and following top receivers. I don't think that that's a good move with digs. I think Diggs is going to be on the inside. That's not Benford's strength. I think Benford takes away what they do on the outside. But you need Taran or Cam Lewis or whoever in that spot to do a better job.

[C]

Well, you mentioned Christian Benford. Excuse me. He popped up today on the injury report. He was limited at practice with a toe injury. He was seen around Orchard park wearing a soft boot. And I mean, level of concern. It's understandable.

[B]

He was still limited. He still went through all the individual drills that the media was available to see today. It feels more precautionary now. Again, if he doesn't practice tomorrow, that's a terrible sign. Could have been stepped on. Could have been something like that. But he went through practice, and then he was in a. Like, a big, puffy boot.

[A]

Like it.

[C]

I have those. They're called Uggs.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Imagine a slight flipper. This wasn't the Big Ben walking booth that you saw him in. This was a soft. So I. I don't think there's too much concern as we're going live here on Thursday night.

[A]

Yeah, I just was wondering, if you had. If you were a football player and you had a toe injury, wouldn't you want them to just say foot?

[C]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah. Toe. Just like Joe Burrow.

[C]

They need to rebrand.

[B]

They need to rebrand.

[C]

He's like, oh, turf toe.

[A]

Like, Joe Burrow was out for two months.

[C]

Surgery.

[A]

You cannot.

[B]

It's pretty much a dislocated toe, which is very painful.

[A]

Throw in dislocated. That makes it sound.

[B]

But they call it turf toe.

[A]

Turf toe. It just looks like he's. He's got a toe.

[B]

Yeah, it's like. It's a really painful injury.

[A]

Yes, it's painful. And you can't run. That's kind of.

[C]

Is that important in football?

[A]

Is it. What.

[B]

How do you look running?

[C]

Is it.

[B]

Is it you and Taryn?

[C]

We know how he looks.

[A]

It's a pretty good race right now. We'll go head to head.

[C]

Okay. I am a little concerned about Benford just because I get it. The precautionary measure of being a boot, but just a guy that, you know, it needs to have a big game on Sunday. Having anything pop up on the injury report, to me, it's like, oh, that's not. That is not great. But in terms of the Bills injury report trail, Bernard limited at practice, other guys like that, it seems like they are trending in the right direction.

[A]

Yeah, we'll see about Joey Bosa. Obviously, he's been a very impactful player for them. When he's been healthy and on the field, he's been out. This is where teams just have to be smart. Like, the bills don't know 100% that they're in the playoffs, but they feel pretty good about it. You got to have Bosa ready. He may very well play Sunday, but we'll see.

[B]

Doesn't it feel like they've already gotten more games than you expected with Joey Bosa?

[C]

Yes.

[B]

And that's like you're getting bonus games from this point.

[C]

Good job.

[B]

But still on the field.

[A]

Not that it takes that much to figure out. The idea is the biggest games at the biggest time. And I give him credit for playing as well as he did. Certainly having impactful plays. I don't think sitting him out. Yes. If you just sat him on the sidelines. Because some people would say bubble wrap him the whole year. He's got to play. They're paying him to play and he's made plays. The hamstring stuff happens, especially with players that have had a history of that. That's why I'm saying is, yes, it's big game Sunday.

[C]

I get it though. You're like, it's a big game Sunday, but there's even bigger games coming down.

[A]

If he comes back a week early.

[C]

Soft tissue injury. There's always those concerns about re injuring it, making it worse. Especially on an older player. Especially with a player with an injury history.

[A]

Exactly.

[C]

I do understand. My expectation. I don't know if he will play Sunday just because of all the things that we said, but we should talk about the pass rush.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

One second.

[C]

What?

[B]

So the chat's making a very big deal. And we do want to acknowledge the chat. Thank you everybody for like, commenting subscribers subscribing on YouTube that like Stefan Diggs is this all Pro Justin Jefferson and that who's gonna cover him out of his last 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 games, he has two games, one game over 70 yards.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

His far and away best game was against Buffalo. What do you have? 30 yards last week, 25 yards?

[B]

26 and 20.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

This thought that Stefan Diggs is going to wreck the Bills and that he's the most important thing, I think is a little bit overblown. Yes, it is Stefan Diggs. And you know how personal he takes these things. But over his last nine games are 26, 20, 105, 46, 38, 14, 69 and 28 yards. Like he isn't an all pro wide receiver or even a pro bowl wide receiver anymore at this point in his career.

[C]

I hear that. And I also think he takes this game very personally.

[A]

I thought stat slide.

[C]

Yeah. Snip, snap. Hold on.

[A]

I think fans feel this way because it sticks, but more importantly, because he torched them in the first game.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And so if you would say, if you told the fans, let him have a hundred every week. Just don't do it against the Bills. Unfortunately for the Bills, he did it against them in that Game. And let's be honest, the entire game, when you're watching the game, you knew they were throwing the digs and the Bill still didn't stop it. Yeah, he was really good in that game.

[B]

He's gonna go off for like 12 and 120 now that I said that.

[C]

Yeah. I just. I think context matters.

[A]

Those other games he subscribes, right?

[C]

Yeah. No, no, he's not. He's not a subscriber.

[B]

He's gonna put on his Instagram story that comment. He's gonna clip Buffalo.

[C]

Plus, he's gonna.

[A]

I took.

[C]

And I took that personally. But for Diggs, I do genuinely think that he. This game, he looks at differently. I think when the schedule came out, he circled these two games against Buffalo and was like, he takes things.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And uses that as an edge, as a chip on his shoulder. And he was even asked that about, hey, you know, your team is underdogs, a point and a half underdogs with the line set by Vegas. But Diggs is taking that like a slap in the face.

[B]

The thing, the thought that they're using the. The fact that they're underdogs by a point and a half by Vegas as their bulletin board material, crown jewel for this game is preposterous to me. And, no, I can't spell it. But the fact is that Vegas doesn't give away free money. And this thought that the Patriots have won 10 games in a row and now you're going to give them. They're going to get points at home against the Bills. Oh, my gosh, of course I'm going to take it. Vegas doesn't give away free money, and they have their own numbers. And they look at this game differently than how Stefan Diggs looks at it because they don't build those casinos on.

[C]

Lost money, on your money, probably.

[B]

It's a lot on Uncle Dan's money.

[A]

Narratives. Coaches love narratives. They love to sell it. They are going to push it. And I'm sure. I don't think Mike Vrabel walks in and going, I can't. He just will say it. He will get the word out amongst the team. They do it. They do it forever. Bill Belichick, one year. One year, Bill Belichick showed his team before a Super bowl the parade route that was put out by the city of the team they were playing. Put out by, like the mayor, because if they won the game, they were going to have a parade. They put it out for the police, and he played it for his team the night before a game. And Said, look at these guys. They already think they're gonna win.

[B]

They're more worried about the Vegas line than they are against the chance of that they get to clinch this division.

[A]

Let him cook.

[B]

It's insane to me.

[C]

I get it. But I think their competitors that it's. It's funny that the good doesn't motivate them as much as being called an underdog.

[B]

Sean McDermott's not walking in the locker room is like, guys, we're favorites by Vegas.

[A]

We're all. No, he's walking in the locker room with saying, go ahead, you guys.

[C]

Saying, we cannot let them win an AFC title. Correct.

[B]

That's the bigger issue.

[A]

What Vegas says, that's the bigger result.

[C]

Exactly.

[A]

It's about disrespect.

[C]

It's still about. Exactly. It is about disrespect. And they use whatever edge they can. For the Bills, it's about being disrespected for another team taking your title and for the Patriots about the disrespect of being underdog. I, I understand what you're saying, but do you get how for a player, doesn't matter.

[B]

Agree. But I just think on the pecking order of motivation, it should be very low. What Vegas says about you, I completely agree. Now, when it's 16, when it's 13 points and above, that's just straight up disrespectful that this team thinks that you're going to get your doors blown off.

[A]

See, the disrespect is not in the total number. It is just in which team is considered the favorite. That's all it is. Could be a half a point.

[B]

No, I think. When I think. No, I'm saying 18 and a half point underdogs. That's like they think we're going to go out there and throw up on.

[A]

And you probably will if you're 16 and a half point underdogs. They have won 10 games in a row. They beat the Bills earlier this year and they're at home.

[B]

Denver's a home underdog. Against the packers this week.

[C]

It's.

[A]

Yeah, but they didn't play the packers before and the packers have almost an identical record. Close to record. So it's a. It's a point and a half. They're going to make more of it than it is.

[B]

Love the Bills this week.

[C]

Well, we joked about if you're Sean McDermott, you're printing out early hats and.

[A]

T shirts that say Patriots AFC east champs. And I'm putting them on the table when the team comes making sure.

[B]

It's saying we're one and a half point underdogs.

[C]

It doesn't matter the point spread. It just says we are underdogs.

[A]

We are underdogs.

[C]

But Stefan Diggs literally was asked about, hey, you're underdogs. Does that give you an extra chance on your shoulder? He gives. He said it gives you an edge.

[A]

We're. We're disrespected.

[B]

We're all discarded media. I don't listen to anything Stefan Dick.

[A]

Says in the media. I don't listen to the media.

[B]

They.

[A]

They're not telling me.

[C]

I don't listen to Diggs when he's saying something flowery. I listen to Diggs when he's saying something annoyed. And he was. He was frustrated. You could tell. He said they were a team of cast offs.

[A]

Yeah. When they got Drake May quarterbacking, he.

[C]

Was about the top pick in the draft.

[B]

And yeah, I've been a cast off and run myself three organizations. I can't believe it. Yeah, I've casted myself off.

[C]

Yeah. Well, that's accountability, which I don't think is the storm. Okay.

[B]

It's tough to take moral high ground from Stefan Diggs.

[C]

I hear. Yes.

[A]

Fired up tonight. Wait a minute. I feel like this is usually the kind of argument I make to you two, and now it's Dig Dan making it and I'm sitting back on. I didn't make the betting line dance. Yeah.

[B]

Coon dog says Dan, chill out. It's an abstract argument. Some of our meetups.

[C]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

Shout out. You're right.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

But I'm gonna make an abstract argument. Really passionate.

[C]

Yeah, you're really into it. Relaxer. Okay, let's talk about where this Bill's team is at coming into this game.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Because I mentioned it earlier, but there was the inconsistencies, the losing, the bad games. They've been able to string together a couple wins in this last stretch, one of which in Pittsburgh, obviously the huge one against the Bengals. Where is this team at coming into Sunday?

[A]

I do think it helps with confidence. I think because they won different ways. I know nobody wants to hear this because they just gave up, what, 34 points, but I do think the defense has been trending in the right direction, that if they could get a couple of guys back to help them. And I know people have been down on Terrell Bernard. I think he can get on the field. Shaq's not going anywhere, but I think Bernard can get on the field. Maybe he and Milano with snaps. I do think he can play on the outside. Christian Benford's playing great. Tray White is hung in there like he gave up a touchdown. But I want to see a little more out of Max. I know he's a rookie, but his speed can help them. Their biggest issue there, the one thing that concerns all of us, they just don't get to the quarterback. It's not enough. We talked about Bosa. I will admit Greg Russo has disappointed me.

[C]

You're not mad, you're disappointed?

[A]

Yes, I'm disappointed. I thought he would have 10 or more. What did I say? Eight or more? 10. Whatever. I said, he's not close.

[C]

He's going to have 15.

[A]

You know what? Greg's a very nice guy, and I don't think he wants to hurt the quarterback on the other team. So he's, you know, just stayed away from them a little bit.

[B]

The Bill's best pass rusher. The Bill's best pass rusher is Christian Benford.

[A]

He's got two sacks.

[B]

It's corner blitzes. Like, the pass rush is still a massive issue, but they have found ways to be creative.

[A]

They've needed to. It's taking chances. When you send a corner blitz, you better hope he gets there, because you are leaving. You're selling out marginal back seven, you know, with one less player. And in the game Sunday, when Joe Burrow might be the smartest quarterback in the league, they got him twice on that. They got him on the sack, and they got him on the interception when he did not see it coming. And that's what you have to do. The timing has to be right. The player has to execute it, too. But it's a little bit of desperate times that they need to do it.

[B]

And that's why it feels so different this game. You look at Taylor Rap was playing safety. Max Harrison wasn't involved. Shaq Thompson has added a.

[A]

What.

[B]

What have you said? A strengthen the spine of the Bills.

[C]

They just offered stability.

[A]

Stability in the middle of that defense, no doubt.

[B]

So, like, that's where this game, you know, kind of stacks up differently. We were talking to Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal and kind of how the Patriots answered that running attack the first time around. They went with pretty much four defensive tackles on their D line and three linebackers. They were like, you aren't going to run the ball on us. I think that's changed. I think that if that happens again, the Bills are more prepared, and there's no Milton Williams for the Patriots, which is big. That's. That's the biggest thing the Patriots are One of the best rushing defenses through 11 games of the season. They're not that over their last three.

[A]

They've been.

[B]

They've gone from top five to like 23rd against the run because Milton Williams has been out. He will not play on Sunday. That is again, for as bad as the Bills wide receivers are and they are bottom five in the NFL. It's just the facts of the matter. This is going to be so much of Drake and Josh. We look at it. I just think this is another one of those James Cook games where.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Kind of like. Kind of like Pittsburgh where you looked at this and said, we're going to run the ball down your throat and then we're going to have Josh Allen be Josh Allen when the moments are brightest.

[C]

Yeah. Well, I think you can exploit that matchup that you talked about. The inefficiencies on the Patriots defense, those key players that are out. And then when I look at. For the Bills defense, you mentioned it, but, like, the defense does look so much different now than it did in week five. We're now in week 15. Like Shaq Thompson, you talk about, I mean, Taylor Rapp. And we know how much he had been struggling early on in the season, him not being in the lineup. And I said this earlier on today off camera. I was talking with Dan, I said, we owe an apology to Cole Bishop because I think we all were like, cole Bishop does not deserve to be on the field. He has been tremendous this season.

[A]

I will apologize. I didn't think he could play. He just.

[C]

I didn't think he could.

[A]

You look lost. Dan's not going to apologize.

[B]

No, I'm not going to apologize for him getting driven, dribbled like a basketball. That wasn't me.

[C]

No one.

[A]

Okay. But it's taking what you see in a moment and saying he can't play. And I think we all took it too far.

[B]

I never took it too far. I never take anything too far.

[C]

Dan's like, I take everything so far that it's not far enough.

[B]

Arguments, I take too far. But besides that, like I. I was telling Janet, like we were talking about it, I. There is new evidence that has changed my theory.

[A]

Oh, my God. God.

[C]

I was like, take some accountability. We said he was trash.

[B]

I never said trash. Never.

[C]

You said he soft.

[B]

I said the S word.

[C]

Yeah, you said he was soft.

[B]

He has not been playing soft anymore.

[A]

No, he's played better. I think sometimes it happens with a player.

[B]

I would say Josh plays bad in the game. I can't say Josh is bad. I was evaluating what I saw on the field. Dribbled by Pean Robinson, Derek Hedge. Yes. No.

[A]

Terrible comparison. Nope. Cole Bishop had not done it before. He had not done it. Josh Allen has done it.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Well, we know he's been player of the week 18 times. He's won the MVP. He can have bad moments. Cole Bishop is now becoming the guy that can have a bad moment and doesn't get judged as a bad draft picker. A guy that can't play because in the beginning it kind of looked that way.

[B]

I agree.

[C]

He's saying he has more evidence now. And I was just saying, I think.

[A]

What this is, Dan. Yeah. It's so good.

[C]

It is. You can't write this.

[A]

Yes, I have more evidence. I said he was trash, and now he's not trash. So now I say he's good.

[B]

Keon starts stacking up 100 yard games.

[A]

I will change. I am gonna for Keon. I'm gonna go through our old Buffalo pluses. I'm gonna clip all the stuff.

[B]

I. I will. If there's evidence that tells me otherwise that I see with my two eyes, I will change my thoughts.

[A]

God.

[C]

And still not apologize.

[A]

Where's. Is Renee? Here? I don't know how you do it. I can see why.

[C]

Okay, let's get into some of. We'll do our picks and stuff in a moment, but we should do. Shout out Picasso's.

[A]

Picasso's pizza big. We're very, very happy to have them, aren't we, Janet?

[C]

We love Picasso.

[B]

We're happy they're still with us.

[C]

Yeah. Yeah, we are. All right. We're gonna do our Picasso. Well, you know what? Pairs well with Picasso.

[A]

Bud Light. Bud Light at a girl.

[C]

Get a little Bud Light action. Someone was asking if you wanted to.

[B]

Put on the hat. That's an end of the show thing.

[C]

Okay. I was just say. So our Picasso's player of the week. Dan. Mike, do you. Do you have one?

[A]

Go ahead, Dan.

[B]

No, you go first, Mike.

[A]

All right, I'm gonna say defensively and I'm gonna say Taryn Johnson. And I like Taran a lot. And maybe, you know, he knows Diggs well. It did not go well. One thing about that guy, he will study, he will learn. If he's feeling good physically, he knows a lot about Diggs. Maybe there's some help there, but I think that is a key player for this game. To Jenna's point. Diggs takes it personally. It worked with the. I mean, come on. Vrabel put him out as captain. They played up the Whole Diggs thing. He celebrated walking off the field. Feel that's got to burn their britches.

[C]

I was. Yeah.

[A]

Bridges. Yeah, I think it's bridges.

[C]

I thought it was britches as well.

[A]

It is britches.

[C]

Is it britches?

[A]

Let's go to. But you can burn a bridge. But this is. Burn their bridge.

[B]

Burning bridges.

[A]

I'm gonna go Taryn Johnson and I want to see him play well. And if he's going to play in that slot, let's see how he does against stakes.

[C]

I like that. No, no Greg Rousseau or just checking in.

[A]

Greg's gonna be big game. Big game for Greg. One or two good stops in the run game. It's happening.

[C]

All right, who's your player?

[B]

You go.

[C]

Okay. I mean, I think it's. For me it's James Cook. Like I feel like that's just very easy to take. I think James Cook has been really great this season. I have concerns with the fumbles. Can he make sure that he can protect the football? I think about the earlier game where the Bills lost. It was those three turnovers. Now for the James Cook back to back games with a fumble. I think for me it's James Cook just getting it going early and often and then you can let Josh Allen be fantastic off of that. But I do think there's an an opportunity to exploit the Patriots run defense and I think James Cook should take advantage.

[B]

Mine's Shaq Thompson. Oh, we've talked about it.

[C]

Spine of the defense.

[B]

Spine of the defense, as Jenna likes to say is provided stability and I think the physicality that of Rabel team is going to want to come out with for as good as Drake May has been, they still want to establish the run. And for what Shaq has brought to this lineup which he did not really have an impact in that Patriots game, I think we'll feel an impact there as well. My other one, Picasso, player of the game, Jordan Poyer. And there's another guy.

[A]

Yeah, here's a guy.

[B]

Here's a guy that I think has changed my opinion on how I view him this season.

[A]

You mean once you saw him actually play?

[B]

Once I saw more evidence because I saw the evidence in Miami.

[A]

He did his own good. He's so good.

[B]

This is how you pivot on a hot.

[C]

I say this is how you don't take any accountability.

[B]

You're like how you pivot this. And he's been really good. And I think that leadership in this spot along with how Cole Bishops played will be crucial.

[C]

I mean, I will say when Jordan Poyer came back, I was like, that's crazy. But he is. He's played well for them. Leader.

[A]

And, you know, we knew this is the guy that Poyer has been for this team. You know, the story of him couldn't fly to Kansas City, so he got in a van and they drove him 18 hours to go out there. I mean, that's the way this guy plays. But, you know, he's been around a long time. He has helped them immense. Immensely in that secondary. He's. He's brought them together. I think he's helped Bishop a lot. So, yeah, he's been a key player, and I'm glad Dan's come aboard. Yeah. For what we told him.

[C]

Look at that. Any predictions for the game? Yeah, no. Like. I mean, like, interception. Anything like that.

[B]

Cook goes for 150.

[C]

Really?

[A]

Rushing yards.

[B]

Rushing yards.

[A]

Wow. That's. That's. That would be considerable. James Cook goes. No fumbles.

[B]

That is a Hulk. Yeah.

[A]

Cannot turn the ball over.

[C]

Before you had your prediction.

[A]

Yeah, I had a couple weeks in a row. I'm not gonna be individual players. I think the Bills get May twice in this game. Two interceptions of Drake May in the game. He's throwing a few. I think they get him twice.

[C]

All right, I'm gonna say Cole Bishop interception last week. It was like, they need to turn over in this spot, and they were able to get it done, and I think that's obviously been really important to their success recently. All right, let's do our picks for the game.

[B]

Yeah. We've done these live shows, and it's been really hard at times to pick against the Bills. I was very excited all day.

[A]

Not just. And then once the game was played and you had more information.

[B]

Now you just. Now you're just changing my argument. I was. Jen and I were texting today. Like, this is just a really cool event. I grew up coming here with my parents and all that stuff, so to get to come here, and I was very excited because I'm really confident, actually, in the Bills this week.

[A]

I was thinking I ordered the hot chicken on the menu, which looked really good. It should be the Dan Fates hot takes chick chicken. That would be good.

[B]

I know the GM here.

[A]

Wouldn't that be good?

[B]

See everybody here? So much nicer than when I'm reading the chat. It's like, Dan should shut up. Tell Mike and Jenna. Tell Dan to shut up. Dan's ruining this podcast. It's like everybody here so much nicer to my face. Yeah, there it is.

[A]

There we go.

[B]

There we go.

[A]

Appreciate it.

[B]

Feel right at home. I appreciate it.

[C]

I do appreciate that.

[B]

But I was also very excited because I was excited to pick the Bills this week. Like Vegas doesn't hand out free money and I go back to that. Like the Patriots are on a 10 game winning streak and they're off a buy and Vegas still has Bills at as the favorite. That to me says something. Vegas isn't wrong very often. I like the Bills in this spot. No Milton Williams for the Patriots. Josh Allen taking this very personal and all the other games that he's played against top tier quarterbacks. It has been the M.O. for the longest time that Sean McDermott teams don't play down to their competition. It's kind of been like that at times this year. But they have risen up against the best. I expect them to do the same. I think it's high scoring. I like the bills 28, 25 to get the win and keep that slim door open for another division title.

[A]

All right, 28, 25 winning that one.

[C]

Some comments in the chat I think never let them take away your passion, Dan. So there's some nice chat comments.

[B]

Oh, pops Mafia great guy.

[C]

Dan is the man. We love that they're, they're trying to. They're like they're propping them up.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

They're like let's go see when I.

[B]

Humanize myself, I'm from here.

[C]

My family was.

[B]

My family, my kids were here earlier and they're reading the chat guys like it's ridiculous.

[C]

Trying to read say Taylor, your one year old is reading the chat. So disappointed.

[A]

Everybody hates my dad. Well, you're in the lead. Go ahead.

[C]

Yeah. So I am in the lead for the records this season. And just a reminder, if, if I win, we will have Mike and Dan here have to do the punishment second year in a row.

[A]

Well, think about it. What Dan's punishment is is what he's going through right now. Except he has to read them out loud what our punishment would be.

[C]

Yeah. So for my punishment if I win, when I win actually we're gonna do that. I will have these two eat progressively spicier hot wings like we've seen probably on the Buffalo Plus YouTube channel and read progressively funnier mean in good but good natured tweets about that could be.

[B]

The easiest job you've ever natured.

[C]

Good natured, funny, good natured mean tweets. We'll have some fun. I'll definitely read that one too, Dan. Sucks for my pick in this game. I have the Bills winning this one 27, 21, I think for the Bills, you are the more poised team. Look, I think the Patriots, they have a fantastic run, winning 10 games in a row. But I think for the Bills, you've gone through adversity this season. You are Buffalo, you have the NFL mvp. Josh Allen has been playing fantastic coming off that game. I think this is just a spot to show your poise. You're in a tough road environment. This is going to be a cold weather game, but it is December and you have the AFC east title on the line. For the Patriots, you cannot allow that to happen. And for that, I just think the Bills are going to take care of business, honestly. I think James Cook will have a big game. I think. Let's see if Dawson Knox has a touchdown. I'll predict that as well. But I just think the Bills, their X factor is their experience and I expect that to show up on Sunday.

[A]

Yeah, I think you. I think you made a good point. I think this game is personal for a couple of people. I think it's personal for Josh Allen.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

He finds these things and it's not specifically about Drake. Maybe it is about this young quarterback who everybody is saying it's the next Josh Allen. Patriots have their guy. All that's fine and dandy. Josh is still Josh Allen and he lost to him earlier in the year. And also for Sean McDermott. He hears what everybody says about Mike Vrabel, who's probably going to win coach of the year. Right. He has a great chance to win it. He's had a mixed response with Mike Vrabel. Lost to him this year. Lost to him a couple of times when he was with Tennessee, including, you know, one really ugly game. But that was during COVID Sean McDermott doesn't lose twice in a year. It just doesn't happen with the same.

[B]

To the same team.

[A]

To the same team. Yes. Same team twice in a year. I think it's personal for all of them and I think it's a tough game. I got the Bills winning at 31, 23.

[C]

All right, so we are all going Buffalo in our prediction.

[B]

There have been times when we have all been against the Bills, when we've done some of these live shows.

[A]

Like, we got booed.

[B]

Yeah, I'm not afraid to pander. But like, this is. I felt better about even last week before that kickoff, I said I felt better about the Bills going to New England and winning than I did them at home against the Bengals. Like, I just think it's a better matchup. And like you said, I think they learned a lot from that game. And I do trust Sean McDermott and that coaching staff to make adjustments needed.

[A]

And oddly, I think the Bills beating the Patriots could eventually be a good thing for the Patriots. Getting beat. Getting beaten by this team. Because I think the. Funny.

[B]

It says that it's giving them fuel and a chip on their shoulder. Mike, how. What would that deal for the fuel?

[A]

Well, they'd be underdogs in the last game, so they're going to play each.

[B]

Other in the playoffs.

[A]

They're going to play in the playoffs.

[C]

This does feel like a playoff game. Yeah, a playoff primer. And that's. That's what's so cool about this game is their actual implications. But for Buffalo, you know, they're going to be motivated, but for. For the Patriots, you know, it's the same way. All right, let's do Credit to Me before we wrap up.

[A]

Let everybody know what credit to Me is.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

Everybody doesn't know Credits.

[C]

What is Credit to Me?

[A]

Credit to Me is our chance to say something. Usually Jenna and I say something, and Dan. Well, actually, no. Dan's Credit to Me's are always very sweet.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

It's the rest of the time when he takes credit to me.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Right.

[C]

So the podcast for Dan is credit to me.

[A]

Right.

[C]

Then the last little segment is credited someone else. Do you want to start with Credit to Me?

[B]

No, you can start.

[C]

Okay. My Credit to Me. So my family is back there.

[A]

Cotrel family, right here in the middle.

[C]

Mom, my sister Molly. Mal, my friends, my in laws, my husband. Yeah, that's Molly. She. If you hear someone screeching, calm down, please. Don't worry about buying her another drink. Molly loves Mike.

[B]

Molly. Molly's had enough.

[C]

Molly loves Mike. I just want to give them a shout out. They're my credit to you guys because I always feel just so loved and appreciated. And I know you guys make the time to take time out of your day to support me, and I really love that. And then also, I want to say credit to Webster. I moved here a couple years ago.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And it's been really cool to just. Life is worth living where life is worth living. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, when I moved out to Webster, I didn't know what to expect, but we have a lovely home in our community. Like, it's been really fun to explore, so I just. I. Credit to. I got it. Okay. Light sentimental moment here. Coming up in February is my 10 years in Rochester.

[A]

10 years.

[C]

10 years.

[A]

10 years.

[C]

I know. Can you believe it? I was 8 when I started yeah, that was fun.

[A]

Who was the.

[B]

That was good.

[A]

Who was the brilliant guy that hired you?

[C]

I don't know. I think he quit.

[B]

Who's the idiot that hired me?

[C]

Twice.

[A]

Twice.

[C]

No, but it's been really fun to build community here, so thank you. All right, go ahead.

[B]

So my low. My. My simple credit to me. I've replaced 11 outlet poles, switches in my house and I didn't electrocute myself. So that.

[A]

Are you a certified electrician?

[B]

Nope. I had to ask our handyman Chuck to help me out. I texted him 17 times. But on a more serious note, like, talking to Jenna, like, credit to my family. Like, they're here now as well. They're again. I grew up in Webster. This is kind of a surreal moment for me, like playing hockey at Webster Thomas and all these kind of things. Like, my parents came to this place religiously. It's where we watch Sabers games. It's where we watch games. So it's pretty cool to be sitting here and they're here and other people are spending their time to come here. It's kind of crazy here to see Jen. Yeah, that's it too.

[C]

Like, who's that annoying guy?

[B]

But. But again, my wife was here. Our three kids were here. She's the rock of the family. I'm chasing around our two year old. People are kind of saying, you know, enjoy these moments and things like that. To have everybody here, you know, Mike, your, your wife's here, and Benny and everybody, like, it's really cool. This one strangely felt a lot like. Like, this one felt like the most excited I've been to do one of these live podcasts. To have this crowd here again, grew up in Webster. This was just a really cool thing to kind of come back here. I was telling Renee, I go, I think I had my first legal beer here.

[A]

Like, do you have your first illegal beer?

[C]

Nope.

[A]

Nope.

[B]

This is a great establishment here at TC Hooligans. But yeah, so it's just. It's just really cool. It takes a village to raise a family. And my. My babies were with my mom earlier today and all of that. So again, wouldn't be able to do what our job is. And for as much time and effort that we put into this, if it wasn't for my wife, my family, my in laws, all these things. So just really appreciate all the credit and the moment that. This is awesome.

[A]

Oh, that's great, Dan. Great.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

So I have family here too. My wife Jenny is out there. She's gonna be mad. Benny is here with her. Our friends at Patrons, Webster. That's our Webster connection here. They're out here. He's packers fan, but we'll let him slide with that. And it's great. And you guys talked about family. I've been checking my phone. I'm non stop checking my phone. Is nothing yet. My daughter is a week away from what will be our third granddaughter. So in an odd way, I'm keeping up with Dan. He keeps having girls, my kids keep having girls. But it's awesome. So I always am looking like I haven't heard anything tonight. So we're good. We're good for tonight, but it's just great to have family and friends and it's nice to have everybody out here tonight to be with us.

[B]

Credit to the TC Hooligan staff. Dan, the general manager, always been great. Treats my family like they're royalty. That's why my parents are always here twice a week. Renee will be like, do you think that your parents could watch the kids for us to go out for a date night? It's like, that's the Sabres games on. They're at Hooligans.

[A]

They're here.

[B]

That's how this works. But again, really cool. Like, the tables were reserved, like, sold out. Like, this is wild to have this kind of event here. And everybody that we got to meet, if we haven't, we'll stick around to say hi afterwards. But just really, really cool night. And shout out to TC Hooligans.

[C]

I say and. And credit to you all because thank you so much for coming out. This is always so much fun. We always so enjoy getting to meet everyone and so just thank you all. Credit to you all. Let's give a round of applause just for everyone here. Thank you, Hooligans. Bud Light. So much fun.

[A]

So Jenna and I will be. We're heading out to Foxboro. We'll be there for the game. You know, you can follow everything we do on the Buffalo plus YouTube channel.

[C]

And please be sure to, like, comment and subscribe. Don't do.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[C]

I can tell that looks bad. I don't even need the monitor to know whose head is this big massive helmet.

[A]

Surprisingly, it's not dance. There we go.

[C]

All right, thank you all so much for joining us here again. Shout out, Hooligans. Shout out, Bud Light. Shout out, you all. Thank you so much for the Buffalo plus channel. Thank you and have a great night. Thank you all.

[B]

This is the Buffalo plus podcast.