BILLS vs Patriots PRIMETIME PREVIEW: Stefon Diggs BACK in Buffalo, PREDICTIONS and game PICKS

Summary

Buffalo Plus Podcast

Episode: BILLS vs Patriots PRIMETIME PREVIEW: Stefon Diggs BACK in Buffalo, PREDICTIONS and game PICKS

Date: October 3, 2025
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

---

Episode Overview

This episode delivers an in-depth, lively preview of the Buffalo Bills’ Sunday night primetime matchup against the New England Patriots. The team unpacks the stakes of the divisional clash, Stefon Diggs’ much-anticipated return to Orchard Park, the current state of the Bills’ defense and offense, and key player matchups. They also share game predictions, discuss personnel challenges, answer fan questions from the live chat, and sprinkle in trademark banter and engaging moments from their podcast community.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Importance of the Bills-Patriots Matchup

(03:25 – 08:52)

• Divisional Implications: The Bills are entering the game undefeated. A win would give them a commanding lead in the AFC East.
  • Mike: “If they win on Sunday, they will be three-plus games ahead of the entire division. You cannot overstate how important this is for the Bills.” [04:13]
• Quality of Opponent: Hosts acknowledge skepticism over quality of Bills’ prior opponents. Patriots seen as a "measuring stick" challenge.
  • Dan: “This is a team. This is a legitimate football team...The Patriots could be a playoff team. So this is kind of a—not a quiz but a test.” [06:07]
  • Patriots bring more promise than Jets or Dolphins, both of whom the panel agree are underperforming.

2. Stefon Diggs’ Return to Buffalo

(25:48 – 34:41)

• Diggs, now a Patriot, is expected to play the “villain” and be the target of enthusiastic booing by fans at the stadium.
  • Jenna: “Would you boo Diggs? Are you booing the TV?” [26:54]
  • Dan: “They’re gonna boo the crap out of him, and they’re gonna throw the football back at him as hard as they can.” [26:41]
  • Mike: “He did the three things right: he’s on the Patriots, he said 'I want out of Buffalo', and he got into it—with Josh Allen.” [32:52]
• Hosts debate if Bills fans should boo Diggs and conclude he’ll relish the role of antagonist.
  • “If he wasn’t booed, it would drive him nuts. I think that would actually drive him nuts.” – Jenna [33:07]
  • Diggs likely to actively play up the 'villain' persona.

3. State of the Bills Defense

(17:25 – 24:12, 38:07)

• Concerns: Run Defense
  • Dan: “The Bills are number one pass defense... They are 31st against the run. In fact, the Bills have allowed more rushing yards than passing yards [this season].” [21:56 – 22:17]
• Personnel & Injuries: Question from “Coon Dogs Outdoor Adventures” prompts deep dive into whether issues are due to coaching, injuries, or personnel.
  • Mike: "All three, but in different levels. The injury thing has impacted them... But I just hold to the point of saying I don't think the roster is good enough on defense. They don't have enough blue chips." [17:50 – 19:05]
  • Calls out lack of defensive playmakers and recent draft picks who haven’t yet made a difference.
• What to Watch: Patriots may attempt to exploit the Bills' run defense, but are not themselves a dominant run team.

4. Patriots’ New Faces and Threats

(12:09 – 13:21, 25:48 – 27:55)

• Drake Maye: Rookie QB, compared to both Tom Brady (statistically) and Josh Allen (physically).
  • Dan: "He's the only one that has had three consecutive games of 75% completion, two touchdowns, and 200+ yards..." [12:30]
  • Hosts agree Maye’s skill set offers mobility and play-extension without Allen’s wildness as a rookie.
• Mike Vrabel: new head coach, respected for getting the most out of limited rosters in past tenures.
  • Dan: “He gives his team the...recipe of how we're going to beat this team. That's what worries me a little bit." [15:49]

5. What’s Wrong with the Bills Offense? Wide Receivers and Personnel Choices

(46:26 – 50:21)

• Discussion about the underwhelming output from new additions Josh Palmer and Curtis Samuel.
  • Mike: "There's a lot of time that goes by and you're like, I think [Palmer] only had 15 snaps on offense last week...you're paying a lot of money for Palmer and Samuel to not contribute that much." [46:55 – 48:16]
• Bills’ offensive personnel choices get questioned, especially in light of heavy three-tight-end usage and big contracts for WRs who aren’t on the field.
  • Dan: "You get the recipe to make chicken parm, then want to make shrimp scampi—what are you doing?" [49:13]
• Praise given to Shakir for outperforming expectations and earning his new contract.

6. James Cook’s Breakout and the State of the Offense

(40:14 – 44:35)

• James Cook named AFC Offensive Player of the Month.
  • Jenna: “He just feels freed up...and now he can just go relax and enjoy and be the football player he needs to be. It's been tremendous to watch.” [40:41]
• Buffalo’s running success despite front-heavy defensive lines.
  • Mike: “He's definitely a top five back in the league right now...He gets in the end zone, makes big plays. His patience and vision is all better.” [41:25]

7. Matchups to Watch & Keys to the Game

Receivers vs. Patriots Secondary (44:54 – 45:54)

• Patriots corners Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis will challenge Bills’ outside receivers.
  • Could spell a bigger night for TEs (Kincaid, Knox, Hawes) rather than WRs.

Patriots’ Identity Under Vrabel (24:35 – 25:56)

• Not yet a full-on “smashmouth” team despite Vrabel’s reputation; their run production is average, so it remains to be seen if they’ll try to exploit Buffalo’s run defense.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Diggs’ Reception in Buffalo:

  • “They’re gonna boo the crap out of him, and they’re gonna throw the football back at him as hard as they can.” – Dan [26:41]
  • “He did the three things right: he’s on the Patriots, he said 'I want out of Buffalo', and he got into it—in whatever form—with Josh Allen. That’s the triumvirate.” – Mike [32:52]
  • “If he wasn’t booed, it would drive him nuts. I think that would actually drive him nuts.” – Jenna [33:07]

• On the Defense:

  • “The Bills are number one pass defense...They are 31st against the run...Bills have allowed more rushing yards than passing yards in 2025.” – Dan [21:54–22:17]
  • “I don't think the roster is good enough on defense...Not enough blue chips.” – Mike/Charles (chat) [19:05]

• On the Bills' Style Points:

  • “I think you'll feel better about this win, honestly, in a way, I think you'll feel better about this win than any win all season...because the jets was a blowout... But let's be honest, you gave up 40 and looked like ass for three quarters.” – Mike [00:00, 57:44]
  • “No, it's, you look like ass.” – Jenna [00:22]
  • “Well, they did.” – Mike [00:27]

• On James Cook’s Transformation:

  • “He just feels freed up...now he can just go relax and enjoy and be the football player he should be.” – Jenna [40:41]
  • “He's definitely a top five back in the league right now.” – Mike [41:25]

• On Mac Jones' Past Performance vs. Bills:

  • “That was a brutal game…for Mac Jones to walk that team down the field and score was brutal.” – Mike [11:19]

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Divisional Stakes & Importance: 03:25 – 08:52
• Bills’ Soft Early Schedule, Quality of Wins: 05:11 – 07:44
• Drake Maye Discussion & Patriots Offense: 12:09 – 13:21, 25:48 – 27:55
• Bills Defensive Woes (Personnel, Scheme, Injuries): 17:25 – 24:12
• Stat Spotlight – Run/Pass Defense Imbalance: 21:54 – 22:17
• Stefon Diggs Returns – Fan Reaction & Atmosphere: 25:48 – 34:41
• Wide Receiver Role/Disappointment: 46:26 – 50:21
• James Cook Breakout/Feature on Offense: 40:14 – 44:35
• Player of the Week Picks (Picasso’s): 52:04 – 55:20
• Score Predictions: 55:47 – 59:45

---

Game Picks & Predictions

• Mike Catalana: Bills 34, Patriots 27
  “You’ll feel better about this win than any other so far. The Bills will put the Patriots in their place.”
• Dan Fetes: Bills 33, Patriots 27
  “I love this offense to score 30-plus. Home winning streak continues.”
• Jenna Cottrell: Bills 27, Patriots 21
  “Patriots will test the Bills, but Buffalo’s maturity and composure at home will make the difference.”

---

Memorable Community Interactions

• Fun debate about “whiteout” jerseys (09:09), with fans chiming in via live chat.
• “Credit to Me” segment (60:38): hosts and fans swap light-hearted personal anecdotes (dishwasher wars, wedding speeches, gifts for stressed partners).
• White Claw “Grab of the Week” and food tangents highlight the familiar, friendly podcast atmosphere.

---

Overall Tone and Takeaways

The episode masterfully weaves insider football analysis with fan—a mix of technical breakdowns, real locker room insight, playful ribbing, and organic community engagement. The trio’s chemistry makes complex issues (like run defense woes or wide receiver utilization) accessible and fun.

The hosts convey justified optimism about the Bills, but aren’t blind to flaws—especially on defense. They see this matchup as a true test and are eager to see star narratives unfold: can the Bills “punch the Patriots in the mouth”? Will Diggs revel in his heel turn? Will the defense finally take a step forward?

For anyone who missed the episode, this is your complete, conversational pregame briefing—full of stats, storylines, predictions, and laughs—straight from Buffalo’s best-informed football voices.

Transcript

[Mike Catalon]

I think you'll feel better about this win, honestly, in a way, I think you'll feel better about this win than any win all season. Because the jets was a blowout. The. The Ravens so far, credible comeback. But let's be honest. You gave up 40 and looked like ass for three quarters, right? I mean, you did. Is that not true?

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, it's. You look like ass.

[Mike Catalon]

Well, they did.

[Dan Fates]

It was one of the most incredible wins.

[Mike Catalon]

Comebacks, yes. But the game itself, you get. We got done that game.

[Dan Fates]

They had a concert.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah. Because they were stunned that they came.

[Dan Fates]

Back and won the game for the Patriots. Now, from the Connors and Ferris podcast studio, this is Buffalo plus, your interactive look at the week in football.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Hello and welcome to the Buffalo plus YouTube channel. Mike Catalon, Dan Fates, I am Jenna Cotrell. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share. We're going to talk all about this Bills, Patriots matchups. Stefan Diggs coming back to Orchard Park. We're going to talk about the defense. We're going to do credit to me. We're going to have our player of the week, all the fun stuff. But first, Mike, we are in the Connors and Fairs podcast studio. We are relaxing and we have something special coming up next week.

[Mike Catalon]

Oh, I thought you were gonna say we have something special. We have a director tonight.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, yeah, we do have a director.

[Mike Catalon]

Rusty's in charge.

[Dan Fates]

So there's a bun screen up there next to the. Yeah, yep. Up one left. Is that it?

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah, there it is. All right, so you're killing it, Rusty. It's our live podcast coming up a week from tonight. We're taking the show to Buffalo. We're going to be there. So if you guys are in Buffalo, the Buffalo area, heck, anywhere, right? You can come. It's going to be a lot of fun. We're at the riverworks. And what's cool for Dan, Jenna and myself is we've never been there.

[Dan Fates]

Never been.

[Mike Catalon]

And what does everybody say? That place is cool. Place is going to be great. So we're going to be there and there's going to be tickets available for the. You know, you can register for tickets, win tickets for the last game at the stadium. It's all we'll say. We didn't say which stadium, but saying at the stadium. And there's a limo. Limo, right. You can see the limo on the screen. And White Claw is White Claws coming through for us. So. So we're going to be there five to seven.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalon]

And then do the pod live from seven to Eight. And we. If you haven't been to one of these, we have a lot of fun.

[Jenna Cottrell]

They're really fun.

[Mike Catalon]

We get to meet people, I mean, that have been watching the pod.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Some are new to the pod. Some are OGs that have been around the whole time.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

And. And now we're going to Buffalo. We got two at Riverworks. We have another one coming up later in the year.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That'll be later. Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

But this will be fun.

[Dan Fates]

And Sabers are. Will be undefeated. It is their opening night as well as we hope people are there because like we always say, we hope there's not three people there, but we'll still do a. A live pod even if there is three.

[Mike Catalon]

And if you can't make it, we'll still be live on the Buffalo plus YouTube channel.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right. And also we love people in the chat liking commenting subscribing. I have to read this comment from Joshua B. Martin, six Rusty and staff and staff, we love it.

[Mike Catalon]

Thank you. Terry Lynn. Happy birthday.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

54Th birthday.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So happy birthday. We love it. All right, let's talk a little about this Bills Patriots matchup. A lot to talk about in this one, but I do think we have to start with the fact that the Bills are undefeated going into this game. Divisional game. We know how important that is. Deion Dawkins was asked this week at practice today just about the importance of the division game and how it does feel a little bit different in terms of to make it to the playoffs. The simplest way is to win the division. And Buffalo has their division rival coming up on Sunday.

[Mike Catalon]

And it's not just to make it. It is the simplest way. But they have won the division on the last day of the season in Miami. And then last year it was over. What I mean, it was over November. November, max. They hadn't even played the Patriots yet. They had already. Basically, they had.

[Dan Fates]

Correct.

[Mike Catalon]

Locked up the division. If they were to win on Sunday, they will be three plus games ahead of the entire division. Right. Because the. They would be five and oh, the Patriots would be two and three. Everybody else with three or more losses and they've beaten everybody in the division.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

So you cannot overstate how important this is for the Bills. And it puts the Patriots in a position where it would take a ton to come back to win the division.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

So it is a massive game in that way, in importance. And they say sometimes one game, it's worth two. It's kind of worth two.

[Dan Fates]

It also. I, I know we've talked in a lot of this week was about the style points that they haven't been overly impressive in their win against the Saints, which is fair. I think it's a fair point. Mike made a good point that style points really only matter in home games. Because you are expecting something.

[Mike Catalon]

I think you feel that a little bit, don't you? It's like they should or could show off a little bit more, dominate a little more.

[Dan Fates]

Right. Because you were, I think, on the radio and said that the fact of. If they would have won by 12 points in New Orleans, you would have been like, yeah, all right. Got the job done, you moved on and things like that. There is part of me that this is the first game that the Bills are playing. Another, like, real team, if that's fair. Yeah, no, no, because I saw somebody make the point. Like, I know we joked around at times during the league podcast that we also do on the channel, like, oh, who the Bills played? Who have the Eagles played? Like, kind of like ranking. Like you said, like, the Colts the one time when they were. When they were 3. 0. It was like, okay, what are you laughing at? But the point is, is that somebody made a point that the Bills, four opponents combined, have one win.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Don't love that.

[Dan Fates]

And I was like.

[Mike Catalon]

And I was like. And that was the Dolphins beating the Jets.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, sorry. Two. That was. I must see.

[Mike Catalon]

Right?

[Dan Fates]

That was before Monday night.

[Mike Catalon]

Oh, yeah, that's right. Because the Ravens have one.

[Dan Fates]

The Ravens have one.

[Mike Catalon]

Ravens only have one.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. So it was one of those things where it's like, I. You know, you can sit there and again, we joke around about, like, spoiled Bills fans and all this stuff, but it was like, yeah, this is like a. This is a team. This is a legitimate football team. Like the Dolphins, the Jets and the Saints are vying for more of the first overall pick than they are a playoff spot. The Patriots could be. Could be a playoff team. So this is kind of a. Not a. The Patriots called it a measuring stick. Actually, Stefan Diggs was the one that called it a measuring stick game.

[Mike Catalon]

Who said that?

[Dan Fates]

Some guy.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I thought it was Stefan.

[Dan Fates]

Stefan Diggs. I did tweet that.

[Mike Catalon]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

Spelling's hard, but, Yeah, I did 100. And then somebody was like, oh, I love Stefan Diggs. And I was like, ah, what's. I was like, why is this funny? Got it. But no, I do think, like, so, like, I think this is like a. You know, those were kind of quizzes against the Jets, Dolphins and Saints. This is more of a. Of a test.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, I. I agree. I think you look at what the Patriots have done. They're. They're 2 and 2, but they're coming off a big win. They have Drake May, who they think could be a guy that could play in Foxborough for.

[Dan Fates]

Here's a guy.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Here's a guy. But I think they think he could be the answer to the question of, like, he's not Mac Jones. I'm not saying he's Tom Brady or Josh Allen or anyone like that, but I'm just saying you. You see what they've done. They've got him, some pieces around him as well. And it feels like, like the jets and the Dolphins feel like they're going in the exact opposite direction of the Patriots. And that is why this game, I expected to be a little uncomfortable and close at times because I think this is a. A Patriots team that is. That's frisky, truly.

[Mike Catalon]

So Jenna and I have worked together so long, I think she thought right away, this is when Mike's going to interrupt me and say, what?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, that's why I had to be.

[Mike Catalon]

Like, obviously that's not what I was going to say. I was going to say it's also a time for the Bills to step up and punch the Patriots in the mouth and say, you're not ready to do this. And I would think coming off the two wins that they've had recently, where the Dolphins and the Saints for a majority of that game look to be their equals is not a great feeling for this team. And we can say all we want about the defense and the offense scoring 30 points, but, you know, they do want to establish something. And I do think this is a night, Sunday night is a night to do that, to say, everybody, okay, you may be on your way up, but you're not with us yet.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

And go out and prove that. So I would expect. I'm not. I always don't say effort. I just would expect a better, a more determined team, like to say more definitive. Yeah, like a definitive win. And it doesn't have to be by 10 points, 20 points. Whatever it is, it's sort of like you'll know it when you say it. They were the better team. They took care of business.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

There's a. There is still room, a substantial room between the two. And that may not happen. It may be tight as can be and you got to squeak it out or the other happens. But I think this is a time for the Bills to do that also.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. We want to thank Terry Lynn, who gave us a super tip. Great looking studio we always love to hear that. The Connors and Ferris podcast studio. We have a lot of fun in here, so we appreciate that. Also a lot of comments about the Whiteout jersey or what about the cold front jersey? I can't get that right because it's going to be 80.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah, 80 degrees. 70s by the kickoff. And it's funny now. Do you think they're just. The players seem to like these jerseys.

[Dan Fates]

I like them.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I just. It's so. For me, I just feel like it would be way cool. Look, you can't pick the weather, obviously, but later on in the season, I just wish it was. I wish it were colder when they're wearing these jerseys because I think it would be really cool.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah, I'm surprised they didn't decide to wear them. Right. This is the only time they're wearing them.

[Dan Fates]

Only time they're wearing them.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah, they're the rivalry ones. Got a little UB or Lions look to them.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, I thought Oregon. It's got a little bit of like those. When Organ wears their white and silver.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay. Like, I can see that.

[Dan Fates]

You know, almost like the. It almost looks like a little bit of a camo pattern, like underneath it. I don't know. I. I think they're clean when I.

[Mike Catalon]

Think they're really clean. Guys wearing the hats that are based on this. I always think Detroit Lions when I say it.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Because it has that, you know, it has the Buffalo, but it kind of looks, you know.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

I was just going back and looking at the last four games that the Patriots and Bills have played, you know, because you. Some of the stats, even Josh's stats against New England are a little skewed because that was the Brady era. So like kind of post. That is what I was looking at tonight. And two and two the last four games. Now, again, last year was Mitch Trubisky and the game didn't matter.

[Mike Catalon]

That should count as a Bill's win.

[Dan Fates]

Yes, because. Because it was also the cost. The Patriots, the number one pick.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, that's Gerard Mayo.

[Dan Fates]

But the last other time the Patriots had won was October of 2023, because a lot of these times they played at the end of the year when like, literally the Bills have had pretty much nothing to play for. But that was when Mac Jones drove them down the field with like two minutes to go and hit Mike Gasecki for a touchdown. And they beat New England. New England won 29. 5. The Bills fell to 4 and 3 on the season.

[Mike Catalon]

That was a brutal game. That isn't quite Losing in Jacksonville. But for Mac Jones to walk that team down the field and score was brutal.

[Dan Fates]

Then what, a few weeks later, Dorsey's fired.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, yeah, that was.

[Dan Fates]

And it was kind of the Joe.

[Mike Catalon]

Brady era after that started after that. So yeah, that was, that was bad. But yeah. And I understand their division games too, but they have established themselves. The Bills have as the clear cut team in the division. That's why I said it's kind of funny. Even when the Dolphins were right there, they got them in the last game of the season. Right. And last year they just dominated the whole way through and won it. So they could put themselves in a great, great spot by being 50 and 30 in the division. Obviously undefeated in the conference too when you're five zero. But it would be in a great spot. Or they can let New England think they can hang around. So that's what's at stake.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Well, this New England team I do feel like has some confidence. Like they have Mike Rabel. This is the first year he's their head coach. Drake May seems like we talked about earlier. Like he's looked really good in some moments. Has he had some turnovers? Yes. But there's been comparisons this week, Dan, like as we look at this Bills Patriots matchup that like Drake May has some Josh Allen in him.

[Dan Fates]

Well, some Tom Brady in him because he's the old. He's the only one that has had three consecutive games of 75 completion percentage, two touchdowns and 200 plus yards. So there's no Josh Allen comparisons. It's. It's Brady comparisons.

[Mike Catalon]

Can I say something about those stats now that's impressive but man, they can find a stack. It's like the only guy to have 200 yards passing more than 19 yards rushing, you know.

[Dan Fates]

And Carson Wentz has the highest completion percentage on games. When it's 73 degrees out at kickoff, you can find stats however you want.

[Jenna Cottrell]

How do you think Dan makes a living?

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah, but I will say he has been impressive with his decision making. The comparisons to Josh are physical. Year one, Josh was all over the map. But definitely Josh flashed more than Drake May did in year one.

[Dan Fates]

Absolutely.

[Mike Catalon]

Rookie to rookie. But year two, Josh was still sugar high. Josh up and down. But that team ended up making the playoffs 2019 and, and you know, game. My God, I want to. I'm gonna watch that Houston game again.

[Dan Fates]

Just still the loudest stadium I've ever been in.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Pat DeMarco deep ball to Pat DeMarco.

[Mike Catalon]

Double covered when he tr shovel to.

[Dan Fates]

Dawson Kns down the Field.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, my gosh.

[Dan Fates]

Had DeShawn Watson wrapped up on third and 26.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. I still remember that opening drive, though, when the Bills went down.

[Dan Fates]

I mean, Josh caught it. Caught a touchdown from John Brown.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah. So if you look back at that game, you're like. You're like, who is this guy playing quarterback for the Bills?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

So Drake May's not been that.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

I think Drake May has gotten the idea of playing a little more under control.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Down. Even though he's had moments and that's when he's turned the ball over.

[Dan Fates]

So I will say this. I. I'm going.

[Mike Catalon]

Hold on. Joshua says Patrick DeMarco was open in Josh's mind. That really is true. Yes. He did think he was open.

[Dan Fates]

I'm gonna give myself credit because I can't never do that. I did say the Patriots would be the second best team in this division.

[Mike Catalon]

When we did our hand up, I said, Jets, I am taking the L right now.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You're. Yes, you are right, Dan, because I.

[Dan Fates]

And. And my main reason was.

[Mike Catalon]

I did say Dolphins fourth, and that's got a very. They won that game.

[Dan Fates]

Yes.

[Mike Catalon]

I'm holding on to the fourth.

[Dan Fates]

But I. I said that mainly because we were looking at the talent in the rosters before the season. And my main purpose of why I thought they'd finished second was because of Mike Rabel. Like, this is a guy that has proven throughout his NFL coaching career he gets more with less, gets more out of less than most coaches do in the NFL. They were not a very good team in Tennessee, but they found ways to win games and they would. They always talked about. And some of his former players said that he would have formulas or recipes to go into a game saying, we're going to rush for 200. You know, we're going to rush for 150 yards, we're going to hold them to under 100. We're not going to turn the ball over, and we're going to win by four points. And more often than not, that exact thing happened. So he gives his team the. The recipe of how we're going to beat this team. And that is what worries me a little bit, because we have seen blueprints over the last few weeks of teams that are inferior to the Bills hang around and that. I think Mike Vrabel can sit there and say, guys, we're going to do this, this and this, and we're going to be in this game and we're going to make a play and win it. And that's. They Gotta break their will. Break their will early.

[Mike Catalon]

You're gone for that.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, I get what you're saying, though.

[Dan Fates]

What were we giggling about?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, it was. It was a comment.

[Mike Catalon]

I think I know which one. Go ahead.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Was it the Max hers or was it Max Herzog? Was it the Herzog one?

[Mike Catalon]

Oh, no.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Max Herzog. It's like picking the shiniest turd talking about the teams in the division.

[Dan Fates]

Which one were you chucking about over there?

[Mike Catalon]

It was just. They were talking about the white out game and Pop said, I want to see all of you wear white like the Backstreet Boys. I thought that was pretty funny. You could wear. You could wear.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. Rusty's even bringing up.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I know. Bringing up the comments.

[Dan Fates]

We feel like a real podcast.

[Mike Catalon]

I know.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Imagine that. What? What were you saying, Michael?

[Mike Catalon]

No, I was. I was just saying that Dan could wear his My Bud Light jacket. Yeah, that's true.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Very sharp. No, I do hear what you're saying, though, because bad teams have hung around with less talent than what the Patriots have.

[Dan Fates]

Yes.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And if you are Vrael, you're like, guys, we could have an opportunity. We just need to stay in this because Bills. The Bills haven't been able to put a team down other than the jets early in a game.

[Mike Catalon]

Can I say that that plan to do well against the Bills defense is a very easy plan to accomplish.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Because it's just run the football, get rid of the ball quickly, don't allow your quarterback to stand in the pocket. Move him around if he can move and may can move. So they have all those things.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

In order to say, okay, we're gonna keep moving the chains. We're gonna make plays, you know.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Well, this brings up we on our post talking about how we are doing the live podcast tonight. Mike, you asked for certain questions, and this brings up a question by Coon Dogs Outdoor Adventures. Lots of questions about the defense. Is this a coaching program, injury problem, personnel problem? Or like Jenna would say, in this case, can three things be true? So is it a coaching problem, an injury problem, or a personnel problem?

[Mike Catalon]

Okay, I'm gonna go with the Jenna comment amended to say all three, but in different levels. I think the injury thing has impacted them. There's no question. Right. I mean, you could say when they're playing games without Ed Oliver, for a team that is not great up front and has young players and we've seen how Ed can play, that hurts. Fine. Matt Milano not be in the game. That hurts. We don't know about Max Hairsty s never played in A game before. But you know, that part can hurt a little bit. Coaching. Yes. But I just hold to the point of saying I don't think the roster is good enough on defense. I don't think the. I don't say they don't have good players. I just think when I'm game planning, if I'm a team game planning and I'm sitting there going, who am I stopping? I think Ed is a guy you look at a little bit because Ed can be very disruptive. I don't think either guy on the edge. And I'm saying this Greg Russo, he's.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Gotta like have Joey Bosa in there too.

[Mike Catalon]

Well, yeah, no, but I'm saying is neither guy. Bosa. Bosa started out pretty well. Nothing much in the last two games. Again, they're game planning. The idea of if he's nothing much.

[Jenna Cottrell]

What's Greg.

[Mike Catalon]

I am saying as Rousseau hasn't done it. You two.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No. This is a good comment from Charles saying not enough blue chips.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

And okay, so the. I will say Dion Walker has gotten off to a good start.

[Dan Fates]

Yep.

[Mike Catalon]

And he has flashed TJ Sanders. Nothing really so far. Haven't seen anything. But they're rookies.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Landon Jackson can't even get it on the field.

[Mike Catalon]

Right.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You can't even get a jersey on game day.

[Mike Catalon]

Yes, yes. So when. That's why I've mentioned this before. When people talk about how good the roster is, like, if you could play, you'd be playing. So I don't want to hear that.

[Dan Fates]

It's what we've always said, that bean can build one through 53. Really well. That. That is. That is a strength that he has risen the floor of this roster.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You mean 10 through 53.

[Dan Fates]

No, I mean like all of it is pretty good.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, no.

[Dan Fates]

But the top tier is. There's not a Chris Jones, there's not a Trent McDuffie, there's not a Patrick certain. And I get it. Some of those guys you need to be, you know, drafting like top picks in the first round. But there's also signing. I don't know. I guess I just look at this still and I go, there still aren't those players that on defense that strike fear and offensive coordinators like, hey, identifying where this guy is on every snap and making sure the play goes away from him.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Him.

[Dan Fates]

That's where I agree. And to this point of, you know, I'm shooting the game on Sunday and already I'm getting DMs saying fire Sean McDermott when the Saints go down the field and score a touchdown. It's like he broke through six tackles. Like, what do you want Sean to do? Or Bobby Babbage to do about that? So we talked to Ed Oliver this week. He's been limited in practice. He said that he doesn't think that the run defense is that far off. He thinks it's just a few little things here and there. Okay. But this has been a problem that's been going on for a few seasons.

[Mike Catalon]

I almost was gonna say it's a Mrs. Lincoln line there about the defense. Like, they made a few plays and they got torched for 189 yards.

[Jenna Cottrell]

But I do think one of the biggest things, like against the Saints, it was the yards the Saints got after contact. And that is a huge piece of the missed tackling. And why the defense has looked as poor as it has is because also at some point, what do we talk about the X's and O's, but the Jimmies and Joe's as well.

[Mike Catalon]

And can we just use the Daquan line?

[Dan Fates]

It's about a man whooping another man.

[Mike Catalon]

You know, and you have to do that. And I have seen, I have to say, I've seen Dion Walker do that.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Throw guy to the side, make a play and do that. So I, I, I know there's help coming, you know, after the suspensions are over and maybe the injuries and maybe Max Hairston, though I'm not confident in his contribution to this team this year. Agreed. We'll see. But in that case.

[Jenna Cottrell]

But I think you would be asking a lot for a guy that has missed a lot of time.

[Mike Catalon]

This is interesting. Ryan says, isn't his defense top five against the pass? They invite the run. Oh, I don't.

[Dan Fates]

I got that for you.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah, go ahead.

[Dan Fates]

I got the stat for you.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Because this is what I've been trying to. I didn't want to interrupt. Oh, craziest stat. The Bills are number one pass defense. Fewest yards allowed per game. Okay. They are 31st against the run. In fact, the Bills have allowed more rushing yards than passing yards.

[Mike Catalon]

That's wild.

[Dan Fates]

In 20, 25.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Wow.

[Dan Fates]

And I wouldn't necessarily say the Bill's passing defense is elite. So teams are just taking the medicine and saying, you can't stop the run and we're going to stick to it. That's a wild set. They're the only team that is the margins past first run.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That is pretty wild to think about.

[Mike Catalon]

And you know, it's funny, the third down stats are better than they've actually played. I think we always say the jets one really was an outlier because the jets were over 11 and last week was better. But early in that game, we're in some key moments. The Saints were able to convert. It got better as the game went along. They stopped them a few times. You know, one of the third down stops was the catch in the end zone for a touchdown that. That Brandon Cooks didn't hold on to.

[Dan Fates]

Which would have given the Saints the lead.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Which would have been their first lead of the season.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You knew that it would have given them the lead. Remember how you thought that the. They never led?

[Mike Catalon]

Oh, no, that was in the.

[Dan Fates]

That was the Dolphins.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, no, I know.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay. No, I do think there's. There's plenty of room for improvement. We know that and we know that their reinforcements are coming. With the suspensions coming up soon for Michael Hoyt, Larry Ogan, Joby, Mike, realistically, what do you think they will be able to add to this defense?

[Mike Catalon]

I think in theory Michael Hoyt could be impactful because that's we can do. You can move him around. He's played linebacker before. You can rush him from the edge. I think he is a versatile player, but it's a lot to ask for a guy who's never played with this team to just jump in in the middle. I'm hopeful that that's the case. I'm hopeful that he gives a spark to the pass rush. You know, Russo has been, not just to me, been very disappointing in general.

[Dan Fates]

Mainly to you, though.

[Mike Catalon]

Bosa flashes of good, but not dominant.

[Jenna Cottrell]

But that's still definitely the most impactful.

[Mike Catalon]

No doubt he's the most.

[Jenna Cottrell]

But also there is more to be.

[Mike Catalon]

Desired, and I think that's nothing in pass rush. Coming off the bench. Javon Solomon.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Plays a lot of special teams. He's in the rotation, so they haven't gotten that. I do think Hoyt does. Not sure about Ogun Joby, but he's a veteran who has been around. He'll be in the mix.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. And we can have the same conversation in two or three weeks. We're going to be doing the same thing.

[Mike Catalon]

Of what.

[Dan Fates]

What you think they can improve. What's fascinating to me, Jenna, is that the Patriots aren't a very good. Like we talked to Mike Giardi on the Boston Sports Journal, Mount Rushmore go guest on Buffalo. Plus here there's this thought that like brable physical team and he's like, they're not. That's not really them yet. They may watch.

[Mike Catalon]

They want to be right.

[Dan Fates]

They want to be. That's the Mike Vrabel identity. But I'm looking at like the Patriots run for like a hundred yards a game, which is fine. Ramandre Stevenson is their leading carrier. He's got 125 yards on the season. He's never rushed for more than 55 yards in a game.

[Mike Catalon]

Game.

[Dan Fates]

This year like Drake May is their second leading rusher with 98 yards. Like they are not a team that has been running the ball down teams throats. So it'd be interesting to see if they try to put on their big boy pants and do that or if they just keep going with. With May, who's been kind of the dink and dunk his way down the field, which he's been very good at, completing 75% of his pass.

[Mike Catalon]

Putting on a big boy pants is a funny thing to say, isn't it?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, definitely.

[Dan Fates]

Just for me or just in general.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It's just like a.

[Dan Fates]

At the helm have.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Have to have other cliches. All right. We've made it 24 minutes without talking about Stefan Diggs. You want to talk about Drake May and the options that are there on the offense?

[Dan Fates]

Sure.

[Mike Catalon]

This is what I want to know. We've talked about it. Had. It's not even a disagreement, just I'm not really sure what we're going to see. I think he was popular amongst Bill's players. I think you'll see a lot of players.

[Dan Fates]

You think he was popular?

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah, I think he was popular amongst the Bills players.

[Dan Fates]

He was very popular.

[Mike Catalon]

Oh, okay. I'm saying is, here's what I'm gonna say. I'm not in the room.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That's crazy. You know he was very popular.

[Mike Catalon]

I know, but maybe not with everybody. Right? I mean, I don't know. And there's been some changes. It's two years since he's been there. I'm saying is the ones who were friendly with him are going to be good with him. Not everybody. I want to know what the fans are going to be like and I think he's going to come out. That's why I want to say it in the comments. He's going to come out, he's going to play catch with a nine year old boy on the sidelines.

[Dan Fates]

They're going to boo the crap out of him and they're going to throw the football back at him as hard as they can.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Well, no, I'm curious people in the chat what their opinion is. If you're going to the game on Sunday Even if you're not. What? Would you. Would you boo Digs? Would you.

[Mike Catalon]

Are you booing the tv?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Are you? Are you booing the tv? Yeah, genuinely. Because I know Matt Collins would probably get applause and cheers.

[Dan Fates]

Absolutely.

[Mike Catalon]

Of course he should.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'm so curious what he's gonna wear on Sunday.

[Mike Catalon]

Oh, yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'm so curious what.

[Mike Catalon]

I know what he's not gonna wear.

[Jenna Cottrell]

He definitely won't be wearing shoes. But what else he will be wearing. But yeah, I do think that Diggs. We're getting some comments. Diggs, Bill's own afc. It's funny. Diggs definitely gets booed without the drama.

[Mike Catalon]

I wanted him to stay.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, see, Deanna's saying, I cannot wait to see him.

[Mike Catalon]

I will boo Diggs when he shows up.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Max Herzog saying Diggs will play the villain with enthusiasm. I do agree with it. I think Stefan Diggs loves having that chip on his shoulder.

[Dan Fates]

How about when he scored the touchdown in New England and he went to each fan like he is going to relish being the villain coming back to Buffalo.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, I, I agree.

[Dan Fates]

And here's the other thing. I'll say if he goes for 7 for 110 in a touchdown and they lose by 40, Diggs gonna be happy.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I agree with that.

[Mike Catalon]

Well, will anybody be in the, in the box for him up there in the booth? Like Cardi B. Cardi B. I don't know.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Maybe.

[Mike Catalon]

I don't know. Did she go to games? I don't know.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, yeah, she's gone to games. Yeah, I think she's been to one. But still. Yeah, that'd be, I mean, I think that'd be cool.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

But I just think that he is going to, you know, it's the old they don't boo nobodies and he's going to love hearing that.

[Mike Catalon]

You know what's fascinating though? I've been to so many Bills games. Like guys are booed. Like Brady got booed when he came on the field. You know, he owned that place. Like I'm trying to think of how many times like, like they try to boo in the. You try to boo in a football game. Like when Stefan Gilmore first came back.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh.

[Mike Catalon]

Because he had said he wanted out.

[Dan Fates]

Like here's, here's. And I know it's a different sport, but it's the same fan base. Sabers fans still boo Jack Eichel whenever he touches the pot.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I think that's so like Eichel was the guy. Like Diggs was a piece of, of the team and like don't get me wrong. He was number two, but he wasn't number one. Do you know what I'm saying?

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

He'll come back. Vegas will come to Buffalo, and they will still boo.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That's.

[Mike Catalon]

It's a lot easier to boo at a hockey game. It's just easier. It's like, football is, like. Especially.

[Dan Fates]

I don't know. I can see him. I can see him getting booed, jogging into the huddle. Like, him coming off the sidelines and then booing.

[Mike Catalon]

I could also see him making a play, him pointing for a first down and the booze. You know, you need a moment, like, to really boo him.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Nurse giggle saying, I think Diggs created a tense atmosphere and should not be celebrated. Fans should just turn their backs on him.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I. I'm just. I. I will be fascinated because he's.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Saying, Diggs definitely scores a touchdown. It's a lock. I agree.

[Mike Catalon]

Kind of agree with that.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I agree with that.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Is that going to be on Dan's best bets?

[Dan Fates]

No. But maybe I should add that, because think about what the Bills did with Elijah Moore, where they were like, we're gonna get him a touchdown against the jets, like, Like Rabel. Yeah. Vrabel. If that'll be a telling thing. If Diggs is really embraced in that locker room, they will find him a way to get in the end zone.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I think he is, though, because he's on his best behavior.

[Dan Fates]

When he's not on a boat. When he's not doing other.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, I do. I think it's his. It's. I think he is. He's doing and saying all the right things.

[Mike Catalon]

He definitely is doing.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I think that he. Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

You know what I'm saying? Where it's like, they get. If they get in the red zone and they take out digs, that's a telling of, like, we don't. We don't want you to get that moment. It's the same way that, like, the Bills put out Elijah Moore to run that jet sweep.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

For that play.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

You know what I'm saying? It's like the reward of, like, being the good teammate, where it's like, hey, man, we're gonna let you get your moment.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

If they don't do that, I don't.

[Mike Catalon]

Know what the Patriots do for captains.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I was so Pops. Pops Mafia said, will Patriots send Diggs out as a captain? I could definitely see that. Maybe that's when he gets.

[Mike Catalon]

Some teams have their regular captains and go out there. Other teams, like the Bills will Have different guys go out there, but I could definitely see him going out there.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I could definitely.

[Dan Fates]

That'll be telling.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah, it'll be telling. You're right. They'd be telling. What Rabel is thinking, though.

[Dan Fates]

What?

[Jenna Cottrell]

I don't think they have to boo him. I know you say this, but I'm just.

[Dan Fates]

He. He wasn't. Here's a comparison. Jerry Hughes wouldn't get booed when he would come back. If. I don't.

[Jenna Cottrell]

First of all, I still think Jerry.

[Dan Fates]

Jerry, who can still play.

[Mike Catalon]

He might be. Get up. He might be getting to the quarterback.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. But, like, that's what I'm saying is that, like, this went south because of Diggs. It didn't go south because of production. It didn't go south because of Thurman Thomas going to Miami because it was just the end of his time in Buffalo. This went south because of Diggs's actions.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah. Yeah, it did. There's no doubt.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So he made his bet, and now he has to lie.

[Dan Fates]

Right. So to sit there and be like, it's okay. Don't bother. Don't bother booing him, I think is crazy.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

I think you should be booed very hard because that's what sports are. It's hate. Catalina.

[Mike Catalon]

Love the hate.

[Dan Fates]

This is what it is.

[Mike Catalon]

Seriously. Like, when the Eagles got to. It was incredible. And then when he left, he went to the Cowboys. The game was insane with the amount of booing and going after that kind of guy. And he played it up. Now he's not quite to.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Was a unique player in that way. But, no, I think. I think it happens, and I just think Diggs will. I think he will love it.

[Dan Fates]

He will love it.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Joshua Martin saying, can't wait to retweet the you sure digs tweet. I do like that. That's pretty good.

[Mike Catalon]

Well, I said before, he did the three things right. He. He's on the Patriots, which makes him a rival.

[Dan Fates]

Yep.

[Mike Catalon]

He said, I won out of Buffalo.

[Dan Fates]

Yep.

[Mike Catalon]

And he got into it in whatever form with Josh Allen. He's against the quarterback. So that's the triumvirate of things.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I agree with Max saying, though, if he wasn't booed, it would drive him nuts. I think that would actually drive him nuts. I do. I'm not saying.

[Mike Catalon]

Well, I will also say this. The man needs relevance.

[Jenna Cottrell]

He.

[Mike Catalon]

He is a. Clearly, he is like. Like, he's not that guy. He is now a. He might be the best. I still think Matt Collins. It's two touchdowns for Mack by The way I want Mac to come back, I want them to get him off the Patriots.

[Dan Fates]

Ryan Kennedy says Diggs will probably be cheered when he comes on the field initially, but booed every time he makes a big.

[Mike Catalon]

That's what I said. Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

A thousand percent.

[Dan Fates]

I don't know, man. We're on this, like, we're on the field quite a bit pregame, and there's not a whole lot of, like, hey, Diggs, sign like. Like, opposing players. It is. It is pretty harsh, which it should be.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah. It's the opponent, but you're just comparing other players in general.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

I would say. If you ever heard the Patriots, he's not just another player. If you ever heard the Patriots, they loved getting booed in Buffalo.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

They knew they were going to win. Edelman, Brady, they've talked about. It's like, it was the best. We got booed there, and we'd always win. I mean, so the best. Best thing is to. Is to win.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

And not always. No, I'm saying just the idea is, like, if they're winning.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

And he makes a play that's gonna hurt, that's gonna hit hard.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

If it's, you know, late in the game and it's a touchdown.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So I miss Mac Hollins.

[Dan Fates]

Same.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

This offense could certainly use Matt Collins.

[Mike Catalon]

Trade deadline. Curtis Samuel for Mac Collins. Yeah. I don't think the page.

[Dan Fates]

Let's go back talking about Greg Rousseau. So.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Talk about making your bed and lying in it.

[Mike Catalon]

I keep saying he's not been good enough. He needs to play better. He needs to be better.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay.

[Mike Catalon]

I mean, he's not mvs, but he needs to be better.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Well done, Michael. We love that. Okay. All right. We're talking about the defense a little bit earlier, so I think we should. Before we talk more about this game, we should talk about White Claw and the grab of the week. All right. Getting ready for Sunday. The White Claw grab of the week. Grab life by the claw. Look at that. You want to hang with the bros? Get a White Claw going.

[Dan Fates]

Jack, Sophie, Mark, they're all having claws.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'm gonna go peach for this game. I would go peach.

[Mike Catalon]

So here's what I'm gonna say. I think the grab of the week is. Is by Rusty, because the first thing he said was, get me some white cloth.

[Dan Fates]

I said, we don't have enough to pay you, Rusty. He said, we'll pay you in white. He goes, I'll take white claws. And we said, perfect. We got Kate. They're all around. They're All.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah, everywhere.

[Dan Fates]

The Connors in Ferris Studios.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes. So we do love that. All right. So the White Claw grab of the week.

[Mike Catalon]

Dan, you say it because you came up with. I thought it was great.

[Dan Fates]

You thought Kilosic here, which is.

[Mike Catalon]

I was thinking normally. Yes, so you were thinking very.

[Dan Fates]

I thought it was Cole Bishop.

[Mike Catalon]

I'm with you.

[Dan Fates]

That was. That interception was the White Claw catch grab of. Say it again. How do we. The White Claw grab of the week. I said white catch the White Claw.

[Mike Catalon]

It kind of was.

[Dan Fates]

It was a white catch by. By the safety, Cole Bishop. One handed grab by Cole Bishop really kind of swung the game.

[Mike Catalon]

You could do a story on White Cold out. It was a. Let's. It was an incredible athletic play.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It really was.

[Mike Catalon]

So that was. That was something. But. Yes.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Jenna did a great job on the White Claw.

[Dan Fates]

I know.

[Mike Catalon]

I just butchered it.

[Dan Fates]

Butchered it.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Max says the white guy catches.

[Dan Fates]

Can't even spell White Claw.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, he can't. Okay. But I do, I do think the White Claw grab of the week. Cole Bishop like that for him.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That was a huge play. We. We can't even act like it wasn't. I know it was right before the half, but that took points off the board. And for a guy that's, you know, had some struggles throughout his career, it's still only year two for him. There's been bumps and bruises along the way. But to make a play like that in a moment like that, what could that do for him?

[Mike Catalon]

So Janet just described it with the way we all ask Cole Bishop questions afterward because you don't want to say, hey, Cole, man, been a rough ride. A little bit. You've sucked, you've tried to, you know, it's been getting, you know, you try to set it up to say to make that play. I give him credit, man. He is name, rank and serial number. He's like. He knows he made a play. What I think was impressive on that play was he didn't think. And I mean that in a positive way. He is a good athlete.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

And he made an athletic. Reacted, went, got the ball. I think it's a tough. It is a tough position to play in this defense. You got to know so much. You got to be in the right spot. It's constantly thinking about those things. In that moment, he just took off.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Read the play and made the play. And it was a huge play for and taught me.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Comment. Excuse me, Tommy. Commenting. Bishop making that play must be a huge confidence boost.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. And you heard Sean McDermott kind of echo that, like, talking about where Cole is in this season. And. And I think Sean, that was proud. Not dad moment, but coach moment. Like, yeah. And he even was like, you guys have seen it. You guys have been talking about it, asking me about it.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And he goes, here's a guy that, you know, that's.

[Mike Catalon]

That's.

[Dan Fates]

But has gone through the ringer early on in his career, and to come up and make that play in that moment was huge. And it's probably what Sean and Brandon Bean and Bobby Babbage have been waiting for. Absolutely. This is why we keep putting you out there. This is why we have put up with the missed tackles and getting dribbled like a basketball by Derrick Henry. Like these. This is what we have you here for, is to make that type of athletic, instinctual play, which is what they had for a while with Micah Hyde.

[Mike Catalon]

Can I add something here? Since that play, that game, in that play, Cole Bishop's been better than Derrick Henry.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Wow.

[Dan Fates]

It's like Monstars from Space Jam is like, he dribbled and took all of his talent.

[Mike Catalon]

I'm Seriously. Since that game, Derek Henry's numbers are abysmal. I do, too. He's been. I'm getting killed. And Cole has made more plays, so. Especially that one. So.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, I do think that can be really big. I'm not saying that could be a turning point, but I do think that that could be. You know, what. What are we talking about? Confidence is so important for these guys, and he has had his confidence continually beaten down.

[Mike Catalon]

So from the man he's trying to emulate.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

It's a hell of a drug, right?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Confidence, and he needed it. So he seemed. I was glad to see him upbeat, and I was glad to see. See him measured in his responses, because he knows.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

He's made a couple of plays, and that was a great one. So.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, no, it's very true.

[Dan Fates]

Agreed.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay, cool.

[Mike Catalon]

Okay.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I don't know why you're being so weird.

[Dan Fates]

Well, you just were silent, then looked at me, and it was like, dance monkey. Like, you. Now you talk. It was like, I don't want to. No.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay.

[Dan Fates]

Like, when I try and get my daughters to be like, hey, Ryan, do this in front of Jenna now. Like, do it. And then she just goes like, no. Like, all right, I guess you won't perform on command.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay, so. All right, well, I think we should talk about this. Bill's offense. James Cook, for the first time in his career, being named AFC Offensive Player of the Month. I think That's. That's a big deal. I actually asked. Dang, I sound like Dan. But we talked to Josh Allen this week.

[Mike Catalon]

You talked to Josh Allen?

[Jenna Cottrell]

There were other people there. I ask Josh just about James Cook because for James Cook career in Buffalo so far up before the season, he was a very quiet, very much did not show emotion. There was kind of the joke about him being just having zero enthusiasm, just zero reaction to anything. But I think you see him getting paid. And I asked Josh just about how he's seen a change in him. And Josh talked about how he's just feels freed up like that off the field stuff took care of itself and now he can just go relax and enjoy and be the football player that he needs to be. And I think it's been so cool to watch what he has added to this Bill's offense because it's been. It's been tremendous to watch.

[Mike Catalon]

Nice to see him honored. I think he has taken a step up not just in this offense, but in the league. He's definitely a top five back in the league right now. Yeah, he's playing great. He gets in the end zone, makes big plays. I've talked before about his patience and his vision is all better. He's become the player that he thought he was when he was in negotiations with the Bills.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, that's good.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I do love this comment from answer. You could ask James, but James won't say anything. That is true. He will not really say a lot, but he just seems like he's smiling more. More engaged. Like you see it on the sidelines.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. And I also just think back to. I can't remember who I was talking to, but they were asking about. They. He doesn't talk much. And Mike, we were there in the Meadowlands when they brought him to the podium. It was just Josh, James and Sean they brought to the podium after the game. And I think James answered three questions and it took 90 seconds. The entire press conference where like even the. Everybody in the media room was like, yep, we're good. Yeah, like, like, yeah, we got it. James was like, I was running the ball hard. Guys are blocking. It was like two more questions and.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You'Re like, hey, like 90 seconds feels like a lot. I feel like it was like, but for three questions.

[Dan Fates]

Right? And like, but the fact that we were all like, we don't want to waste anybody else's time here. We're all good. But again, I think there's a more of a focus of getting him the ball more, keeping him on the Field more. His snap count, his percentages are up, all of those things. And yeah, I really think that you've seen this and, and maybe some of it is just coincidence or circumstance, but players that hold out and do these things during the off season or training camp, slow starts. I think of the wide receiver in Terry McLaren. Terry McLaurin. Yeah, like you're not there, you're out of shape. You pull something, you tweak something. You're not a part of the team. It feels like you really are kind of distant no matter how much you feel. It happened to Brandon Iuk. It happened to Debo Samuel out in San Francisco for all those years. Those contract issues he has. Again, I joked around, he's underpaid right now. Like he is a. He went From a top 10 running back who said he wanted to make whatever in social media posts or whatever, but now he's a top five through this month, the top three running back in the NFL.

[Mike Catalon]

And he's great for this offense. Yeah, he works well with this offensive line. And you know, we're talking about he got to a thousand yards last year in the last game of the season, that one we talked about in New England. Whereas this year, not to be on pace guy, but he's averaging 100 yards a game so far, so. Which is pretty incredible for 400 yards. And I keep repeating this because I want to see it happen. He's had the one against the Jets. He's so close to breaking long runs and maybe we'll see that on Sunday night. But he's been really good now. The Patriots right now are ranked as one of the best, I believe they said second. Second best.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. Against the Bills. Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

So numbers are numbers. I don't, you know, pretend to say, well, I, you know, know everything about their defense. But it's like you said, Dan, the Bills are giving up the least passing yards. Does that mean they're a great pass defense? Yeah, they just haven't been challenged as much that way.

[Jenna Cottrell]

What do you want to see from the receivers in this game? Like Dalton, Cade? I say like all pass characters in this, I should say.

[Dan Fates]

But yeah. So that's tricky because I think it's going to be a, a tough day for the wide receivers because Christian Gonzalez was back last week, looked really good. And then they have Carlton Davis, Mike.

[Mike Catalon]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

Who is also like they're two man coverage corners. And if there has been something that the Bills have struggled with at times, it's getting separation in man coverage. The Bills and Josh have gotten so Good at the zone coverage, which is what teams have played. Now, again, if that means they're playing and I'm getting a little bit of a tangent, but if they're playing man defenses, that means their backs are turned and Josh can take off and run a lot more. So that's why teams stopped playing a lot of man coverage against the Bills, because Josh was beating them with. With their legs. Now he's beating them with their arms and zone coverage. So Mike Giardi was talking about that. A lot of times they. They have what's cat called, cat coverage where it's like, you got that cat, you got that cat. And then everybody else, they try and play pretty much nine on nine because those corners are good enough to do it. So I think it could be a tough day for, you know, guys like Keon and Shakir and Josh Palmer and things of that. I know that was one of the questions, like, does this need to be a Josh Palmer break game? I think it could be tough there. I think there will be opportunities for the tight ends. They haven't been great guarding the tight ends so far this season, so that could be an opportunity for Kincaid and Knox and Hawes to kind of eat in the passing game.

[Mike Catalon]

And this team is strong in the interior defensive line.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Christian Barmore is back and healthy. He had the thing with the blood clots and Milton Williams is earning his money.

[Dan Fates]

Was not at practice today. Oh, Milton Williams was limited yesterday and was not seen at practice on Thursday.

[Mike Catalon]

That would be a big deal because he's been impactful. He had a sack at the end of that Dolphins game to help them win. He has been that guy for them so far. So, yeah, that would be big.

[Jenna Cottrell]

In terms of the injury report, just Jackson Hawes has been limited the last couple of days with an ankle injury, so that's something to monitor as we get closer to Sunday. Now, there's a comment in the chat earlier and I. I lost it, so I apologize, but it was. Oh, Tommy. Saying Josh Palmer has been disappointing so far. He was supposed to be a separator. Do you think it's too strong to say disappointing, but we are entering week five and I feel like he has not really had a tremendous impact in games like you would want to have seen by now.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah, I mean, I'm big catching ball this morning. He did have that. Yep, yep.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That's fair.

[Mike Catalon]

But there's a lot of time that goes by and you're like, I think he only had 15 snaps on offense last week. Week. So don't Go by what they say. Go by what they do. 15 snaps for him in the offense. They're playing a lot of three tight ends.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I know.

[Mike Catalon]

And you know, I could get off.

[Dan Fates]

On a tangent, but I won't.

[Mike Catalon]

Well, that's never happened before.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, well, then why are you paying wide receivers if you're just going to play so three tight ends.

[Mike Catalon]

That was my point.

[Dan Fates]

Like draft wide receivers cheap and then play all the tight ends.

[Mike Catalon]

That was the point.

[Dan Fates]

Curtis Samuel. You're paid all this money. He can't get a jersey and he's making me look bad.

[Mike Catalon]

Hold up. Your thing says Dan is right. I am agreeing with you. I am agreeing.

[Dan Fates]

Take Mike shot.

[Mike Catalon]

Rusty, here we go.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Please.

[Mike Catalon]

Yes.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Damn.

[Mike Catalon]

I was so proud of that.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalon]

This was the point. As I mentioned, we mentioned him in a pod last time Jeremy White was making about the wide receivers. It's not about always getting top picks and you have to do that, but you are paying a lot of money for Palmer and. And Samuel.

[Dan Fates]

It's the second most expensive position in the NFL.

[Mike Catalon]

But individually, you're right. And on this team, talking about for the team, for this team, it's, you know, now you've paid Shakira, but Shakira earned that second check. You got him cheap. Yeah, it was a great draft pick. Yeah, you got him cheap.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Keon, Is that you say draft pick?

[Mike Catalon]

Yes, I know Keon. You got to get more. He started out well, had the good fourth quarter against Baltimore. You want more, but Keon is cheap compared to what you're paying Palmer and what you're paying Curtis Samuel. To get veteran wide receivers that are good players is an expensive proposition. It's the opposite of what they did at corner corners. An expensive position.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Correct.

[Mike Catalon]

They went out and got a vet on the cheap in Trey White. They did for what you know, and. But then they drafted basically three, if you want to count Jordan Hancock. Jordan Hancock. But he's going to probably end up being maybe, I don't know, safety. Yeah, but you got a couple of guys, Dorian Strong, and you're hoping Max Hairston. It's an expensive position. Draft a bunch, bring those guys in. And they didn't do that. So you're paying a lot of money for guys who are not contributing that much.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, it's just like you get the recipes to make chicken parm and then you want to make shrimp scampi, and it's like, well, what? What are you doing?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Hungry.

[Mike Catalon]

I know. Where's he going with that?

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, but I get what he's saying.

[Mike Catalon]

You speak fluent fates.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, I really. It's. It's sad.

[Dan Fates]

You know what I'm saying? It's like you're going out there, it's like, well, we're gonna pay these guys and it's expensive. Like, I get the question, is it. Is he disappointing for the money you're paying him? Yeah, I guess so. That is like. And guess what? It's hard in the NFL when you go through free agency and then see the production to separate the production from the value.

[Mike Catalon]

Elijah Moore is not disappointing because you're not paying him a lot of money.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

I'm saying It's. What's it, 2.5 million for this year.

[Dan Fates]

So that's where I. Again, I know it's tangent. That's a big picture Bills thing, but it's sitting there. It's like they have run 12 and 13 personnel, like 14 of their snaps like no other team. The NFL has run it more than like four. Like they are. That is how the Bills are getting their mismatch. Like, by just having bigger human beings on the field than the defense. And it's working. And that's great. But then why are you paying Josh Palmer and Curtis Samuel all this money?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And they're 40 and everything's fine.

[Mike Catalon]

Big old matzo ball sitting out there, George.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Seinfeld. Such a great. Somebody will recognize that reference. Food.

[Dan Fates]

We got no jobs. Our pets. Heads are falling off.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay. As we look ahead to Sunday, let's do our Picasso player of the week. Picasso's. Oh, pizza sounds.

[Mike Catalon]

I know pizza.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. I could really.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Cup and char too.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, that. That.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. We. You. You gotta love that. Treat team to the most flavorful pizza on game day. Picasso's. We are Buffalo Pizza, shipping both local and nationwide. Order online. Today@picasso's pizza.net we were talking maybe grabbing.

[Dan Fates]

A slice of Picasso with Giardi before the Bills game. That would be a nice little touch to.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Give me some good Buffalo Z. Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Getting ready for the game.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I never had the cup and char until I moved to Western New York.

[Dan Fates]

So good.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It's. It's elite. Yeah, it really is.

[Dan Fates]

You never had that or pizza logs you never had.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, I never. Yeah. It's not. I don't know. I. I never heard.

[Dan Fates]

I didn't know that was like. Just growing up like, that was what. At every.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I mean, I never had beef on weck. I never had.

[Dan Fates]

That's.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

But I think pizza.

[Mike Catalon]

You grew up a long way from here.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Well, that's what I'm saying. It's not that far away.

[Dan Fates]

Like, pizza logs are like Wegmans.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. They didn't have Wegmans growing up. I didn't go to a Wegmans until I was in college.

[Mike Catalon]

There's no Wegmans in Saratoga.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, no. It's Price Chopper or Hannaford.

[Mike Catalon]

So.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Excuse me. Market 32.

[Dan Fates]

And you talk to Josh.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, for the record, Wegmans is obviously better. Okay, whatever. We're on a tangent here. Picasso, Player of the week. Michael, who do you have.

[Mike Catalon]

I can't keep saying Greg. I'm sorry, man. I'm rooting for you. I need you to do something. Drake, could you just, like, get nearby somehow? I need him to make a play. This is an easy one to say because. Not an easy one. A simple one to say. It's too obvious. I'm gonna say James Cook. There's. This is a defense that is supposed to be a. What's the matter?

[Dan Fates]

Is there a comment?

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, I'm just laughing. I'm gonna say Josh Allen.

[Mike Catalon]

Oh, no, no, no. I was gonna say James Cook because you look at the Patriots defense and, like, you talked about that, and at least their numbers show that. But I think the Bills, with their O line and James Cook believe they can run the ball on anybody. They've said that before. It's a good point, I think, James. I think James Cook. To your point, Dan, about the way they're going to play defense, maybe against Bills and maybe some issues of getting guys open on the outside. I think Cook will open things up for them. So I'm going to say James.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay, what do you got?

[Dan Fates]

You go.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'm still thinking.

[Dan Fates]

I want to put you on the spot. I'm actually gonna go. I. I have so much confident offensively. I think the Bills will be fine. You can throw a dart at anybody on the offense. I think they're going to have success. But what's it look?

[Mike Catalon]

Well, you just said their corners will keep them from.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, but I think they've found ways to score and move the ball multiple different ways. I think it's.

[Mike Catalon]

Do the patriots have a 0%?

[Dan Fates]

No, they have higher than a 0% chance. Mine's Christian Benford. Because I. I think that there will be a little bit of an emphasis to force Diggs, and I don't know if he'll shadow him or travel with him or anything like that, but I. I want to see a little bit more Odyssey. He's been okay, and I think that there was so much confidence through his training camp, getting paid all of these Things that, hey, this is going to be a true shutdown corner that could travel and be. He's more of a zone guy and kind of reading and using, you know, his techniques and studying of the game. But I want to see him kind of make some plays this week.

[Mike Catalon]

You make a good point about that. Because I think if there's the type of receiver he's going to try to shadow, I think it's Diggs.

[Dan Fates]

I think it could be Diggs.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Who's not burning down the field. No, that's not really him.

[Dan Fates]

And. And think about that. Like, there were some really fun battles at training camp when those two guys were going at it. So I. I think that that's where I'm looking forward to be. Like, hey, if Diggs. They all know, like, we talked to all the Bills players. They're like, Steph's gonna want to do stuff things and he's going to want to get the ball early and often. If the Patriots want to force him, I think it's going to be on CB to kind of put a stop to that.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That's fair. We have a super tip from Dan. Big fan from the beginning from Walworth. Thank you so much. We always appreciate it. Yeah. Right down the road. Walworth, right?

[Mike Catalon]

Yep.

[Dan Fates]

Greystone.

[Mike Catalon]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

Great golf course.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, we love that. This vibes. Vibes got here. I think Dawson Knox. I just feel like we've seen a lot of Dalton, and I think Josh likes to reward guys that have been there and gone through with them. And I feel like Dawson Knox has had some nice catches, but he needs to be more involved. And so I feel like this week you're gonna see that opportunity for Dawson Knox, and I think he's gonna answer the bell. So that's. I will be betting at any time. Touchdown on Dawson Knox.

[Mike Catalon]

That's, you know, and we'll see. Jack Jackson Hawes has been limited. Right. During the week, so let's see. Let's see how he is for the game. I think he'll be all right. But yeah, in terms of. Unless they can throw four tight ends out there, at some point, they get another one out there. You know, Reggie.

[Dan Fates]

Reggie and alec Anderson go 15 personnel.

[Mike Catalon]

The first ever five.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, my gosh.

[Dan Fates]

And Alex running the routes.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right. We want to do picks. We'll start with you, Dan.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. So part of this is I think there's going to be a ton of points in this game. I. I really don't like either defense all that much. I do think the Patriots secondary is Better, but they've still given up quite a few points and quite a few yards. But the interesting scenarios and I know we've talked about how dominant the Bills have been at home. They are on a 14 game regular season home winning streak. Over that span they have been averaging 33.4 points per game. A lot of that I believe all of it has actually been with Joe Brady. This is a wagon at home. On top of that, 12 out of those 14 games they've scored 30 plus points. The defense doesn't have to be great guys. They just got to hold teams under 30. Okay, that's not asking a whole lot. I think there's a ton of points.

[Mike Catalon]

They all get together in the huddle.

[Dan Fates]

Under 30, 29 break like I think that Josh and the offense are finding ways even with lulls during the games which I know I'm sure drive you nuts. I love this offense to score 30 plus points again. Team total is over 29 and a half on DraftKings sportsbook Uncle Dan's Best Bets. That's one. That's. That's on there. So I like the Bills. 33, 27. Bills get the win.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Don't cover Dan fades three and one on the season. Further your record.

[Dan Fates]

Okay, nobody asked.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'm just reading the comment in case you couldn't read it. I just made sure you could see it. Okay, Michael.

[Mike Catalon]

Well, I'm three and one too. I think this is setting something up. I'm with Dan on the fact that I don't like the defenses in this game. I think there's going to be points up and down the field. But I do believe this is going to be the kind of game when it's over, you're going to feel better about your Bills team. They're going to win the game. It's 34. I have a 34, 27 bills in the win. But I think it's going to look like they are the better team. They put the Patriots in their place. Like good start for you guys. Enjoy trying to fight for the wild card. It's still our division. I think you'll feel better about this win. Honestly, in a way, I think you'll feel better about this win than any win all season because the jets was a blowout. The. The Ravens so far, incredible comeback. But let's be honest, you gave up 40 and looked like ass for three quarters. Right? I mean, you did. Is that not true?

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, it's. You look like ass.

[Mike Catalon]

Well, they did.

[Dan Fates]

It was one of the most incredible wins.

[Mike Catalon]

Comebacks. Yes. But the game itself, you get. We got done that game.

[Dan Fates]

They had a concert.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah. Because they were stunned that they came back and won the game.

[Dan Fates]

The Patriots and their old front jerseys is gonna.

[Mike Catalon]

I'm saying is you're gonna feel better about the whole team in this case. The defense was pretty. Pretty rough in that one.

[Dan Fates]

And you haven't given up 27 points.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

But I think that last score might just be a little cosmetics on the case. Gonna feel better like ass.

[Dan Fates]

Your Philly came out.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Sean McCoy.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, yes.

[Mike Catalon]

Guys, I'm gonna just say so. 34.

[Dan Fates]

These guys.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I also have the Bills winning this game. I think it will be close. I have them winning 27, 21. I don't have them scoring 30 points.

[Dan Fates]

What?

[Jenna Cottrell]

I crazy. I know.

[Dan Fates]

04. That's weird. Oh, I guess that's my dyslexia.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, look, I think that the Patriots are. It's gonna be a test. It's gonna be tough. I think it's going to be a close game. But I do think that the Bills are just the more mature team. I think that they are the more composed team. They play very well at home, and I think the Patriots are going to give their best shot. But I just think this is a. A Bills team that finds ways to win because they are better. And I expect that to be the case on Sunday in prime time. Also. Before you jump in on me, Diane, with the super. Thanks. It was great meeting you last week, Diane. I remember you from. Our meet and greet was so much fun. And the maple candies are elite.

[Mike Catalon]

So thank you.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. Very tasty. So thank you.

[Dan Fates]

That was a top ten Buffalo plus moment.

[Jenna Cottrell]

What?

[Dan Fates]

Mike? Just being like, you'll feel better about this win than anything else. That game was unbelievable. And you were like. Well, they were asked for three quarters. Joshua for 251 yards.

[Mike Catalon]

Fourth quarter. Yes. It was an incredible Josh Allen display in the fourth quarter.

[Dan Fates]

Didn't you feel pretty good after that?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Well, you were very happy that they won, but you were like, what did you say? How in the world did they win?

[Jenna Cottrell]

I still can't believe they won that game.

[Mike Catalon]

Right?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Wild.

[Dan Fates]

That's the open.

[Mike Catalon]

By the way. Can I throw. Can I throw my. That was good. Can I throw my line in? You said it's 14 wins in a row since the Bills last lost at home. Russell Wilson has been benched by three different franchises.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

And he's still making a ton of money from the Broncos. Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That's pretty wild to think about. All right, Credit to me.

[Dan Fates]

Let me start.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I Can I can start?

[Dan Fates]

Go for it.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right. Credit to Zach.

[Mike Catalon]

So Zach getting a lot of play at the appearance. It was.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It was the in laws.

[Dan Fates]

We might as well have Zach on the show.

[Jenna Cottrell]

He would hate being on here.

[Dan Fates]

I'll just sit him right here.

[Jenna Cottrell]

He would not like that. But so you know me, guys. I'm a delight all the time. That's. That's a joke. Yeah. No. So this last week, I was really stressed out and, you know, the house needed to be clean. I had laundry. I want to go grocery shopping. And it was just like everything was a mess. I was stressed out and I was mad and I was angry, and I was just like, zach, can you help? And obviously he helped me, but credit to Zach because I came home and he gave me a gift card to go get a pedicure. Everything was better. So pull a Zach. If you're with a partner and they're having a bad day, just give them a gift card to go get a pedicure. If they would enjoy that, I'm sure they would love it. You can go with your friends if you want. You can go alone if you need.

[Mike Catalon]

So I buy a lot of gift cards.

[Dan Fates]

So Jed and I are very close. You could get Zach something too.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, okay. Wait, I. Yes, absolutely. I actually, I bought him something.

[Dan Fates]

It's okay.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It's coming tomorrow.

[Dan Fates]

But he doesn't listen to this, so it's good.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, it doesn't matter. But because you were a peach.

[Dan Fates]

You were. Yeah, you were the sweetest wife.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes. I was such a delight.

[Dan Fates]

Delight to be around, but no.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Have you seen those floating. They look like floating candles, like Halloween. Oh, they're really cool. I got those because he's like, always want. They're like 15. He's always wanted to buy them. I know, but I got two packs. Also not high.

[Dan Fates]

Credit. To me, playoff baseball is awesome. Credit to playoff baseball. I absolutely love it. I. I think this is one of those. Playoff baseball and playoff hockey are the two sports that they're reg that their postseason is substantially better than the regular season. You can have great NBA games during the regular season. You can have great NFL games like we saw in week one. Playoff games are great, but it is another level. And to see some of these teams that are involved. My Braves aren't, so I kind of have the. The fomo. But not only that, while we're at Bill's media day and waiting around, I watched highlights of the Brave 2021 World Series run and just be like, playoff baseball is so great. Living and Breathing and dying on every single pitch during the playoffs. It's awesome. So credit to playoff baseball being awesome.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, that's fair. Also, the Yankees game just starting.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah. In that case, Go Jays. I'm gonna make this one quick. I was just gonna say credit to me. I've had to make a couple of speeches at weddings and I think a couple have been in my daughter's weddings. One was at my, my brother's wedding. I think I know the time that it should go. I recently was at a wedding that was an awesome wedding. We need to put a clock on people. We need a clock on them. You want to make a point and I know it's heartfelt, but you see Mike starting this.

[Dan Fates]

Well, I mean, wrap it up.

[Mike Catalon]

Yes. And I think it needs to be communicated to people early. No one ever went to a wedding and said, man, I wish that speech was long.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, it's so true, man.

[Dan Fates]

This ordained minister, I wish he would just go another 30 minutes.

[Mike Catalon]

Yes.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So anyhow, that was, that was perfect. Yeah.

[Mike Catalon]

Awesome. Wedding speeches need a little tightening up. Like that's the TV person in me. Like, let's go. Move it along.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Let's go. You wish you could play the music.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah, play them all.

[Dan Fates]

This isn't a credit to me or anything like that, but sometimes we talk, joke around about like if we could do a, a segment where we like vent a little bit. I think there are two types of people in this world and we've talked about this a little bit before. People that know how to correctly load a dishwasher and criminals. Like I, I, I, I think that there, there should be a, a way that the dishwasher is loaded. So that is the most easy. I just say it's just something that grinds my gears. I'm in charge of the dishwasher quite a bit, but I've gone to my parents house and it's just chaos.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Thank you, Rusty.

[Mike Catalon]

Yes. I've already talked about how to unload the dish and I have, by the way, also unloading the dishwasher.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Thank you.

[Mike Catalon]

Is a good time to vent about probably something else. You open the dishwasher, everybody's in there. You start to empty it it and you vent about the dishwasher. But you're really mad about something else. Little passive aggressive like, like you might have done that.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That was probably me loading like loading the, the washing machine.

[Dan Fates]

Just.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah, yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All these clothes are his. They're not even mine.

[Mike Catalon]

Well, yes, I meant you can say it out loud if they're in the room. Too, you know?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes, it was under my breath. It was. It was very. Not obvious.

[Mike Catalon]

No.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay, so James saying, I do the dishes in my house because I can't stand the way anyone else loads the dishwasher.

[Mike Catalon]

Attaboy, James.

[Jenna Cottrell]

See, but then you see, but then you back yourself into the corner, though, where no one else can do it.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, I'm kind of like that. Hey, Cakehorn, nice vest. Am I right, folks? Is that a dig? Yes, that's a dig.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I like the vest.

[Mike Catalon]

I do, too, but that's a dig.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, I think it looks good. You unload from the bottom first. That is correct.

[Dan Fates]

100.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, well, of course.

[Dan Fates]

Because otherwise the water gets on all of it.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Also, too. Once I know it's done, I'll. I'll pop it open. Because otherwise, like, there are things that are, like, lava hot.

[Mike Catalon]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

So you give it the five minutes.

[Mike Catalon]

I saw this one thing. It was on one of those. Instagram. Yeah. You tip it?

[Dan Fates]

Do you tip it? I don't know. I don't buy it.

[Mike Catalon]

All I know is, what is this? Well, you tip.

[Dan Fates]

It's not like the racks can be adjustable. You adjust one side so that the water falls off.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah, it's a little much. No. Start with the bottom. Take everything out, set it on the table, move it. I was told in my own house that that's extra work. I find it to be cathartic. Out, then put away. Boom, boom, boom. I move fast.

[Dan Fates]

All right, so I got us off on a tangent there as we were wrapping up.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That's okay.

[Mike Catalon]

Really.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right, well, thank you so much for joining us. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share. You know how much we appreciate it. We'll be. We will be in Orchard park on Sunday at the whiteout for the Bills Patriots divisional game as the Bills look to go.

[Dan Fates]

Five zero pod will be out Monday morning.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalon]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

And as well as riverworks.

[Mike Catalon]

Riverworks a week from tonight in Buffalo.

[Dan Fates]

Rusty, full screen.

[Mike Catalon]

I've seen a few.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Please. Why are you yelling please like that?

[Mike Catalon]

Please give the man a break. By the way.

[Jenna Cottrell]

He's never gonna come back.

[Mike Catalon]

I want everybody to know Rusty's helping us out here. He is the elite. Channel 13. He could direct in his sleep. Yes, but we've given them some odd things that go with our podcast.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Ralph Wilson saying. Dan doing his variable impersonation with the vest. It's pretty funny.

[Mike Catalon]

Yeah, that's all right. So there you go. Live podcast next Thursday.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalon]

We'll be there from five on. Enjoying it. And you can appreciate you.

[Dan Fates]

Rusty.

[Mike Catalon]

Distract.

[Dan Fates]

We will turn my mic off.

[Mike Catalon]

We will distract you from watching the Sabers.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, that's very fair.

[Mike Catalon]

Maybe it'll be good. I don't know. We'll see.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right, thank you so much for joining us here on the Buffalo plus channel. Please be sure again to, like, comment, subscribe and share. You know how much we appreciate it. For Mike and Dan and Rusty, I'm Jenna Cottrell. We'll catch you next time here on Buffalo Plus.

[Dan Fates]

Now, from the Connors and Ferris podcast studio, this is the Buffalo plus podcast.