Buffalo Plus: Setting the Stage for Bills vs. Falcons on MNF (Live from Riverworks)

Episode Date: October 10, 2025
Hosts: Jenna Cottrell (A), Mike Catalana (C), Dan Fetes (B)
Podcast Theme:
A dynamic live episode from Buffalo’s Riverworks, with the Buffalo Plus team previewing the upcoming Monday Night Football (MNF) matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Atlanta Falcons. The discussion covers takeaways from the recent loss to the Patriots, player discipline and development, injury updates, offensive and defensive analysis, key matchups, and listener engagement.

Main Theme and Purpose

The episode centers around a live, interactive event focused on helping Bills fans process a tough Patriots loss, analyze team performance and outlook, break down key storylines—such as Dalton Kincaid’s emergence and Keon Coleman’s discipline—and anticipate what to expect in Buffalo’s next matchup against the Falcons on MNF. The hosts also answer audience questions and share lighthearted moments with their loyal fan community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Community Atmosphere and Fan Appreciation

• The podcast opens with gratitude for fans attending at Riverworks and viewers online, emphasizing how much it means for the hosts to engage with the community in-person ([00:31], [01:45]).
  • Quote: "It's people taking off of work and people bringing their moms... it means a lot to us and so happy to be here." – Dan Fetes ([01:31])

2. Post-Patriots Loss: State of the Team and Locker Room Vibe

• Wake-up Call Mentality:
  • The recent loss to New England is characterized as a much-needed wake-up call for a team with championship aspirations, shifting the focus from early-season nitpicking to what needs improvement to make a deep playoff run ([02:01]-[04:50]).
  • Quote: "Josh Allen called it a wake up call that loss to the Patriots... now we have to readjust and reset because we're going to get the best of every other team." – Jenna Cottrell ([04:37])
• Refocusing After Adversity:
  • The hosts note a more focused, serious mood at practice; both Josh Allen and Sean McDermott emphasized process over outcome and the value of facing real adversity ([04:55]-[06:15]).
  • Quote: "You can't fake adversity." – Mike Catalana ([05:06])

3. Offensive Performance and Emerging Playmakers

• Dalton Kincaid’s Breakout (White Claw Grab of the Game):
  • Kincaid gets spotlighted for his first 100+ yard game and for winning one-on-one matchups, but Dan Fetes points out his limited snap counts and the need to "unlock" more of his potential ([07:40]-[12:36]).
    • Quote: "He's still playing 49 of the snaps. Dawson Knox is still getting more playing time than Dalton Kincaid... there's still more to unlock." – Dan Fetes ([11:27])
  • The group debates whether Kincaid is best viewed as a WR or TE, and if current usage reflects his true draft value ([12:55]-[13:53]).
• Broader Offensive Critique:
  • The need for greater support for Allen—more receivers need to step up; it's not enough for it to just be Josh Allen, James Cook, and a TE ([08:06]-[08:38]).

4. Keon Coleman’s Disciplinary Benchings

• Maturity & Team Standards:
  • Keon Coleman missed the first series in the Patriots game as a disciplinary message—the second such incident since being drafted. The hosts debate his growth and accountability, with Mike Catalana noting improvement in Coleman's openness to the media and responsibility ([14:05]-[16:42]).
    • Quote: "He admitted it—he was like, I have to be better than that. I have to recognize that's not the standard I want." – Mike Catalana ([15:05])
• Host Concerns:
  • Dan Fetes voices skepticism over the repeated issues, despite offseason assurances from teammates about Coleman’s transformation ([17:08]-[18:17]).

5. Joe Brady’s Playcalling & The Run Game

• Playcalling Missteps:
  • The hosts (especially Dan) criticize OC Joe Brady for “getting too cute,” underusing playmaker James Cook (only 15 touches vs. NE), and opting for gadget plays (e.g., a Jet sweep to Dawson Knox) instead of sticking to strengths ([19:19]-[20:33]).
    • Quote: "I think Joe Brady let New England off the hook... I don't think their defense is as good as what the Bills made them look." – Dan Fetes ([21:13])
• Key to Success:
  • Expectation is Brady will return to basics: featuring Cook and the line, especially against Atlanta ([22:03]-[22:54]).

6. Defensive State of Play

• Injury Impact & Player Assessments:
  • The defense is described as “not good enough,” hampered by injuries (notably to Tre’Davious White, Max Hairston, Ed Oliver, TJ Sanders, Dwayne Carter) and underwhelming pass rush ([23:31]-[26:13]).
  • Mike Catalana: "I question the quality of player on defense right now." ([25:42])
• Field Position & Complementary Need:
  • Calls for better complementary play—focus on more three-and-outs to help offensive field position ([26:23]-[27:51]).
• Ed Oliver’s Return:
  • Ed Oliver is highlighted as a game-changing defensive presence expected back vs. Atlanta ([29:01]-[30:54]).
    • Quote: "Ed Oliver is their best player on defense." – Mike Catalana ([29:14])

7. Falcons Matchup Preview

• Key Atlanta Threats:
  • Bijan Robinson is identified as Atlanta’s “public enemy #1,” with a focus on needing gang-tackling and limiting big plays ([31:04]-[32:57]).
    • Quote: "With Bijan... get more than one guy there so you can contain him, and it helps with the tackling." – Mike Catalana ([31:18])
• QB Michael Penix Jr.:
  • The group expresses skepticism about Penix’s arm, suggesting Buffalo should force him to beat them deep. Mike stresses bringing up safeties and challenging the Falcons to throw downfield ([33:33]-[35:45]).

8. Is This a "Bounce-Back" Spot?

• Hosts Expect a Response:
  • Despite Atlanta’s home field and coming off a bye, all hosts expect this to be a “bounce-back” win with Allen and McDermott leading the way ([35:45]-[38:10]).
    • Quote: "Josh Allen against the Atlanta Falcons. They should win the game. This is, yes, you can call it a bounce back. Bouncing back to me is just winning." – Mike Catalana ([37:25])
• Allen’s Resilience Highlighted:
  • Stat: Allen is 24-8 in his career after a loss, only bettered by Patrick Mahomes since 2018 ([39:14]).

9. Player of the Week (Picasso's Picks) & Final Predictions

• Picasso Player Picks:
  • Mike Catalana: Greg Rousseau ("A Greg Russo game... 2.5 sacks on the year." [42:07])
  • Dan Fetes: Josh Palmer ("How about somebody else has to step up on this offense?" [42:32])
  • Jenna Cottrell: Christian Benford ("I think maybe an interception for him... huge to this core." [43:04])
• Score and Game Picks:
  • All pick the Bills to win in a close game:
    • Dan & Mike: Bills 30-27 ([47:56])
    • Jenna: Bills 27-24 ([48:36])

10. Memorable Quotes & Humorous Moments

• "You can't fake adversity." – Mike Catalana ([05:06])
• "If he's making plays in the moment he's on the field, I'm okay with it." – Jenna Cottrell (re: Kincaid, [12:44])
• "Ed Oliver is their best player on defense."– Mike Catalana ([29:14])
• "My job's not done until the guy's on the ground." – Shaq Thompson, relayed by Mike ([31:14])
• "If the Bills take care of their things, it doesn't matter [the opponent]." – Dan Fetes ([36:16])
• Lively banter about hosts’ ages, the “Greg Russo game,” and gratitude toward listeners and fan creators ([44:44]-[51:19]).

11. Fan & Community Acknowledgment (Credit to Me)

• T-shirt and coaster gifts from fans, shout-outs to individuals in attendance, and special attention to Mike’s mom—her superstitions and Bills takes ([50:18]-[52:15]).
• Quote: "She lives in Jersey. She watches the Buffalo Plus channel... she knows what she's talking about." – Mike Catalana on his mom Terry ([51:56]-[52:19])

Notable Timestamps

• 01:55 | Locker room/Practice observations post-Patriots
• 04:37 | Allen’s “wake up call” mindset
• 07:40 | Dalton Kincaid’s breakout discussed
• 14:05 | Keon Coleman discipline & accountability
• 19:19 | Critique of Joe Brady’s playcalling vs. NE
• 22:54 | Defensive struggles and injuries
• 29:01 | Ed Oliver’s impact on the defense
• 31:04 | Falcons threat analysis (Bijan Robinson)
• 35:45 | Game plan: Penix, bounce-back expectations
• 39:14 | Josh Allen’s bounce-back stat
• 42:07 | Player of the Week picks
• 47:23 | Final score predictions

Tone & Language

The episode maintains the Buffalo Plus team’s signature blend of deep football analysis, locker room insight, optimism, and humor. The hosts engage in playful banter, candidly debate hot topics, and offer both expertise and emotional connection—directly reflecting the language and relatability of the podcast’s Western NY fanbase.

Summary Takeaway

This episode provides fans with a raw look at the Bills in a moment of adversity, blending honest analysis (and some worries) with confidence in the leadership of Josh Allen and Sean McDermott. The group expects a bounce-back win, urging fans not to despair, and highlights key players and matchups to watch as the Bills head into a critical Monday night showdown in Atlanta.

For more Bills analysis and behind-the-scenes coverage, subscribe to Buffalo Plus on YouTube or visit BuffaloPlus.com.