Buffalo Plus: Buffalo Bills Podcast

Episode: Bills Preview Statement Game Against Bengals
Date: November 2, 2023
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Overview

This episode delivers an in-depth preview of the highly anticipated Buffalo Bills matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football. The hosts discuss the resurgence of the Bengals as a top AFC contender, the psychological and tactical challenges for the Bills, and the lingering impact of last season's traumatic Damar Hamlin incident in Cincinnati. The conversation features insider locker room perspectives, roster and schematic analysis, and candid reflection on team confidence and identity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bengals’ Resurgence and Team Chemistry

• The Bengals started the season poorly, largely due to Joe Burrow’s calf injury but are now hitting stride with a three-game winning streak.
• Mike Catalana highlights the turnaround:
  “When you see a team that gets hot…that’s had the success the Bengals have had…you feel like they've found that gear where they belong.” (01:13)
• Defensive backs observed improved “chemistry” in the Bengals—timing and confidence are clearly back.
  Dan Fetes: “That's that dangerous level of Burrow's healthy, confidence, chemistry…they’re playing like how they're supposed to play.” (02:04)

2. The Challenge of Facing a ‘Statement’ Opponent

• The Bills are facing the Bengals “at their best.” The matchup is seen as more than just a game; it's a psychological and symbolic challenge.
• Discussion on the Bills’ need to overcome psychological scars from recent lopsided defeats to the Bengals:
  • Jordan Phillips’ mindset: “I'm more focused on a team that has kicked our ass the last two times…Let’s not forget about that.” (04:24)
  • Dan Fetes: “Getting off to a fast start…is important psychologically, because if they throw the first punch again, it's like, 'Oh, here we go again.’” (05:32)

3. Confidence, Swagger, and Leadership

• The Bengals exude outward “cockiness,” especially with Burrow and head coach Zac Taylor, compared to the Bills’ more reserved confidence.
• Mike Catalana: “I like the arrogance and cockiness that the Bengals have. The Bills could use a little bit of that.” (05:55)
• Contrast between QB personalities:
  • Dan Fetes: “Burrow says it with this baby face, goofy clothing, outrageous apparel…and says it with a straight face…Josh shows much more emotion.” (08:55)

4. The Underdog Factor

• For the first time in 27 games, the Bills are underdogs (since the 2021 playoff game in Kansas City).
• Jenna Cottrell: “Do you think that adds a little extra motivation?”
  • Mike Catalana: “Oh, yeah. You look for any single thing to motivate you on this.” (18:35)
• The sense of urgency is heightened—this game is seen as a test not only of standing but of identity.

5. Bills’ Offensive Identity and Adjustments

• The Bills offense recently shifted to more up-tempo, spread concepts resembling those used under Brian Daboll, leading to increased production.
• Dan Fetes: “They literally scrapped everything that they had been doing the entire season and went back to Brian Dable’s system and it worked…Now the Bengals saw you go up tempo...how do you now throw the counter punch?” (13:09)
• Concerns remain about the offense’s lack of a defined identity mid-season.
  • Jenna: “The Bills still don’t have an identity and we’re halfway through the season…Is that a concern?” (15:26)
  • Mike: “Yes, but they’ve had moments. They just need to highlight the things they do well and be ready to adjust.” (15:44)
• Will the Bills dictate pace, or wait to adjust to Cincinnati’s defense?

6. Secondary Playmakers & Defensive Matchups

• The importance of “secondary receivers stepping up” and providing support for Diggs.
  • Jenna: “Usually is the teller of whether this team wins or loses is how involved the other guys get.” (17:33)
• Discussion of Bengals’ reliance on Jamar Chase, with T. Higgins not fully healthy.
  • Mike: “It’s been the Jamar Chase Show…he’s averaging 90 yards, roughly 90 a game.” (17:54)
• Anticipation around how new addition Rasul Douglas and the rotation at safety will factor in and how Von Miller’s role may shift.
  • Dan: “I still have tempered expectations for Von…much more for Ed [Oliver]…He is the most important piece on the Bills defense.” (22:54)

7. Emotional Resonance: Return to Cincinnati After the Hamlin Incident

• The return to Cincinnati evokes strong emotions for players and staff; how will the Bills compartmentalize trauma and focus on football?
• Dan: “It's just going to be weird to go back to that field...we have talked about the elephant in the room.” (35:53)
• Mike: “It went from a tragedy to a triumph…there’s no such thing as normal anymore.” (39:29)
• Recognition of the support from fans and growth in CPR awareness stemming from the incident:
  • Brandon Beane: “There’s a lot to be thankful for…there’s a lot to be proud of...the CPR awareness and all the good that has come out.” (40:22)

8. The Stakes: Season Trajectory and AFC Standings

• Game implications: a win could swing the season back on track and set the tone for a tough schedule ahead.
  • Mike: “This is a prove-it-that-you-figured-something-out game.” (34:04)
• If the Bills lose a high-scoring “shootout,” there’s some optimism; if the offense sputters, genuine concern arises.
  • Dan: “If they lose this game, 35-32…I’d like a puncher’s chance…If they lose 17-13, I’ll be more concerned because I want this offense to have some success against this Bengals defense.” (29:04)
• Discussed Bengals’ ability to force turnovers and build confidence on defense:
  • Mike: “In their four wins, they have had 11 turnovers for the defense…they're turning the ball over. It’s a confident team. You know how you stop that confidence? You go punch him in the mouth.” (30:20/30:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jordan Phillips (paraphrased by Dan): “Demar’s got to handle his things. We will handle it as well. But I’m more focused on a team that has kicked our ass the last two times.” (04:24)
• Mike Catalana: “I like the arrogance and cockiness that the Bengals have…that's why people trust them in big spots.” (05:55)
• Dan Fetes: “They literally scrapped everything…went back to Brian Daboll’s system and it worked.” (13:09)
• Mike Catalana: “There’s no steady identity to what they've had. But on the plus side, they have shown moments of greatness with this offense.” (15:54)
• Dan Fetes: “Ed [Oliver] is the Matt Milano of the Bills defense. He is the most important piece.” (22:54)
• Mike Catalana: “These guys are human…there’s just time. I know Demar is going to be there. He should be there. I think there’s going to be moments…But when the play starts, they play football, which is impressive.” (36:59)
• Dan Fetes (re the offense against Bengals’ D): “Can you have the 95 mph fastball…What is your off-speed pitch off of that? Because Lou Amarillo has dominated you for these last two games. You need to throw a wrench into his game plan.” (14:22)
• Jenna Cottrell: “I personally think that the Bengals will win this game, but I think how this game goes really sets the tone for the way you look at the rest of the season.” (27:46)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Bengals resurgence, chemistry: 01:13 – 03:30
• Bills' recent struggles vs. Bengals, psychological impact: 04:24 – 05:55
• Swagger and confidence—Burrow vs. Allen: 05:55 – 09:51
• Bills as underdogs, playoff context: 10:35 – 12:05
• Offensive adjustments, identity debate: 13:09 – 15:44
• Secondary receivers’ importance & defensive context: 17:33 – 18:18
• Von Miller expectations & Ed Oliver’s role: 22:13 – 25:09
• Return to Cincinnati and Hamlin incident aftermath: 35:53 – 40:22
• Game’s playoff and emotional stakes: 34:04 – 34:49, 29:04 – 30:20

Key Takeaways

• The Bengals are peaking at the right time, presenting a formidable psychological and tactical challenge.
• The Bills' offense has made promising adjustments but still faces questions of identity and adaptability.
• Past defeats to Cincinnati remain a source of motivation and doubt—Sunday night is about changing that narrative.
• The game’s emotional layer, returning to where Damar Hamlin collapsed, is real and acknowledged by both players and coaches.
• The game serves as a litmus test for where the Bills stand in the crowded AFC race.

For more Bills coverage, subscribe to the Buffalo Plus YouTube channel or visit buffaloplus.com.