Buffalo Plus: Buffalo Bills Take on the Eagles—What They're Saying in Philly with Rob Ellis

Date: November 21, 2023
Host: Mike Catalana (Buffalo Plus)
Guest: Rob Ellis (Sports Take, WIP Philadelphia)

Episode Overview

This episode of Buffalo Plus dives deep into the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of their showdown with the Buffalo Bills. Mike Catalana is joined by Philadelphia sports media mainstay Rob Ellis to deliver an insider’s look at the Eagles' culture, their strengths and weaknesses, and what Bills fans can expect this Sunday in Philly. The conversation provides contrasts between the teams, explores key personalities like Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni, and offers candid advice for visiting Buffalo fans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Emotional Set-Up & Schedule Context

• The Eagles’ Flat Spot?
  • Coming off a huge, emotional win against Kansas City followed by games against the 49ers and Cowboys, the Eagles could be at risk of a letdown.
  • “If there's ever going to be a moment [they're flat], I think it is.” — Rob Ellis [00:11, 22:48]

2. Eagles’ Mentality & Winning DNA

• Veteran Leadership & Toughness:
  • The Eagles don’t blink, even in major moments. This is attributed to seasoned leaders and the steady presence of Jalen Hurts.
  • “They do not fear the big moment. That’s probably their greatest trait as a team.” — Rob Ellis [01:38]

3. The Jalen Hurts Effect

• Unexpected Progression:
  • Hurts’ leap from a surprise second-round pick to star quarterback defied expectations, showing growth particularly as a passer under injury pressure.
  • “He’s robotic, he’s a cyborg...the work ethic is off the charts good.” — Rob Ellis [03:21]
• Hurts’ Motivation:
  • Rob reveals Hurts uses setbacks as motivation, like using a photo of Super Bowl defeat as his phone background.
  • “His phone's screen saver was the end of the Super Bowl with red confetti coming down. That's how this guy's wired.” — Rob Ellis [04:43]

4. Nick Sirianni’s Coaching & Authenticity

• Genuine Leadership:
  • Sirianni’s unconventional style won over players, especially after his infamous “flower speech” during a rough start. Team leaders defended him—“He’s genuine. And I think players see through when you’re not.” — Rob Ellis [07:32]
• Aggressiveness:
  • Sirianni is known for fourth-down boldness (the “tush push”), a pivot from previous Eagles coaches (e.g., Andy Reid).
  • “He erred a little bit on the side of being cautious [in the Super Bowl]. I don't think you'll ever see that again from him.” — Rob Ellis [08:27]

5. The 'Tush Push' Controversy

• Unstoppable Play:
  • Discussion around the Eagles’ notorious QB sneak technique, its effectiveness, and calls for it to be banned.
  • “It’s the most automatic play I’ve ever seen in football...It’s legal. If you can do it, good for you.” — Rob Ellis [09:30]

6. Eagles Offensive Playcalling & OC Brian Johnson

• Transition & Growing Pains:
  • Brian Johnson’s connection with Hurts is strong, but his playcalling has been inconsistent, with questionable decisions like bubble screens in the Chiefs game.
  • “I don't know that he has a great feel yet...I'm willing to give him some leeway.” — Rob Ellis [12:45]

7. Target Distribution: A.J. Brown Bounce-Back?

• After Quiet Game:
  • Expect A.J. Brown to be featured heavily after a quiet performance versus the Chiefs.
  • “If there’s a betting line...I would leap all over A.J. Brown [for early catches].” — Rob Ellis [14:27]

8. Jason Kelce & Retirement Speculation

• Kelce’s Legacy:
  • Both Kelce brothers are first-ballot Hall of Famers, but Jason’s physical toll is mounting.
  • “If they win it, he will [retire]. If they don’t, all bets are off.” — Rob Ellis [15:15]

9. Eagles Defense: Dominant Front, Weak Secondary

• Defensive Line Strength:
  • Defensive line (Redick, Sweat, Carter, Davis, Graham) is excellent, but secondary is the “biggest Achilles heel.”
  • “If Josh Allen gets time, he should be able to have a good game in the air...the key is if the Eagles aren't getting a pass rush.” — Rob Ellis [18:09]

10. Outsider’s View: Perception of the Bills in Philly

• Bills’ Inconsistency & Turnover Issues:
  • Rob rates Sean McDermott highly but is surprised by Buffalo’s up-and-down season, especially the “hero ball” tendencies of Josh Allen and team turnover issues.
  • “That doesn’t feel like a hallmark of what Sean McDermott does...Allen too often plays hero ball, frankly. It’s okay to punt, it’s okay to throw a ball away.” — Rob Ellis [18:22]
  • “If you’re looking at an issue...why this team is 6 and 5, turnovers are a pretty big part of it.” — Rob Ellis [19:38]

11. The Philadelphia Home-Field Factor

• Atmosphere at The Link:
  • Philly’s Lincoln Financial Field offers a genuine home advantage, with a reputation for intensity.
  • “It’s still heated, it’s still loud...young children saying you're number one in a different kind of way as your bus rolls in.” — Rob Ellis [20:39]

12. Advice for Visiting Bills Fans

• How to Handle Philly:
  • “Go there, do your thing for your team...but it's probably not necessary to give a ‘Jalen Hurts sucks’ or something like that.” — Rob Ellis [21:24]

13. The Game Ahead: A Tricky Spot for Philly

• Desperate Bills = Dangerous Opponent:
  • With the Eagles possibly flat and the Bills desperate for a win, Rob warns Eagles fans this is a “super tough game.”
  • “Be really leery of this Buffalo team. I think this is going to be one super tough game for the Eagles.” — Rob Ellis [22:48]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Eagles’ Resolve:

  “They do not fear the big moment. And I think that's probably their greatest trait as a team.” — Rob Ellis [01:38]

• On Jalen Hurts’ Competitive Fire:

  “His screen saver on his phone was the end of the Super Bowl with red confetti coming down on him...that's how this guy's wired.” — Rob Ellis [04:43]

• On Nick Sirianni’s Leadership:

  “He’s the genuine article. And I think, frankly, it’s a joke he’s not brought up in Coach of the Year conversations because all he does is win.” — Rob Ellis [07:32]

• On the 'Tush Push' Debate:

  “It honestly really ticks me off that, that, that there's even a notion that this should be banned. Why? Because one team does it better than any other team.” — Rob Ellis [09:30]

• On A.J. Brown’s Role This Week:

  “I'd be shocked if he doesn’t come back with a big game.” — Rob Ellis [14:27]

• On Eagles Defensive Weakness:

  “The biggest Achilles heel of this team is that secondary. Like, if Josh Allen gets time, Josh Allen should be able to have a good game in the air...” — Rob Ellis [18:09]

• On Philly Crowd Reputation:

  “It’s still a place that, you know, there could be some, some young children saying you're number one in a different kind of way as your bus rolls in. Yes. That stuff still happens.” — Rob Ellis [20:39]

Segment Timestamps

• [00:11, 22:48] Eagles’ mental state post-Chiefs, risk of a letdown vs. desperate Bills
• [01:38] Eagles’ DNA, leadership, and how they handle big moments
• [03:21] Jalen Hurts’ surprising development and intangibles
• [04:43] Hurts’ root motivations and competitive fire
• [06:13–07:32] Breakdown of Nick Sirianni’s path, authenticity, and player respect
• [09:30] ‘Tush Push’/QB sneak debate and competitive advantage
• [12:45] Brian Johnson playcalling, adjustment after Shane Steichen
• [14:27] Spotlight on A.J. Brown with Dallas Goedert injured
• [15:15] Jason Kelce’s future & Hall of Fame status
• [16:37–18:09] Defensive line dominance vs. secondary weakness
• [18:22–19:38] Philly’s view on the Bills’ season, Allen’s play, and turnovers
• [20:39] The Link’s reputation, home field atmosphere
• [21:24] Advice for Bills fans visiting Philly
• [22:48] Why the Bills might catch the Eagles at the right time

Conclusion

This episode gives Bills fans an unvarnished perspective on the upcoming Eagles showdown and what fuels Philadelphia’s success. The chemistry, vulnerabilities, and distinct personalities within the Eagles organization are unpacked by Rob Ellis, providing both strategic insight and entertaining context for Sunday’s pivotal game.
For more in-depth coverage, subscribe to Buffalo Plus and check out Rob Ellis on Sports Take and WIP Philly.