Buffalo Plus Podcast Summary

Episode: Could Josh Allen play Sunday? If not, who needs to step up for Bills vs Vikings
Date: November 11, 2022
Hosts: Mike Catalana and Dan Fetes (Jenna Cottrell absent, prepping for the game)

Overview

This episode previews the Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings matchup with a heavy focus on Josh Allen’s injury status and its impact. Mike and Dan discuss the likelihood of Allen playing, what changes if Case Keenum starts, which units on both offense and defense need to step up, and reflect on how early-season adversity could ultimately benefit the Bills.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Josh Allen's Status & Gamesmanship

• Allen’s Friday Practice: Josh Allen was listed as "limited" and "questionable," which surprised some expecting he'd be ruled out.
• Strategic Advantage: The Bills’ choice not to rule Allen out is, in part, to keep the Vikings uncertain in their preparations.

  “If I’m them, I’m doing everything I can to keep the Vikings guessing without violating the rules.” — Mike (02:00)

• Injury Caution:

  “I still think they err on the side of being cautious because… a sprained UCL means there is some kind of tear… that can get worse if it doesn’t heal correctly.” — Dan (01:32)

• Keenum Likely: Both agree it’s still probable Allen won’t play, but a small window remains open due to his limited practice appearance.

  “If I was 99% sure, maybe now I’m 98% sure... that crack in the door is slightly open.” — Dan (03:32)

• Matt Barkley Elevation: Expect Barkley to be elevated as QB3 for roster flexibility. (02:35)

2. Offensive Change: If Allen Sits, Who Steps Up?

• Wide Receivers Must Shine:

  “It’s the wide receivers. It’s somebody stepping up besides a guy named Stefon Diggs… Gabriel Davis, Isaiah McKenzie, Dawson Knox… need playmakers to step up.” — Dan (05:12)

• Case Keenum Profile: Keenum is a seasoned pro with no “rookie jitters”; the offense will be more structured and less off-script.

  “This guy’s gonna be making a 65th start. If he starts... I know what to expect with Case Keenum.” — Dan (05:47) “[Keenum] doesn’t look great with the backups, but put starters around Case Keenum and he’ll look a whole lot better.” — Mike relaying a pre-season observation (07:03)

• Offensive Line Key:

  “The group I think that needs to step up is the offensive line… better blocking, more consistent blocking. Give Keenum a pocket…” — Mike (07:28)

• Need for Run Game: With Allen’s running threat absent, the O-Line must help establish a more reliable ground game.

  “You lose not only Allen as a passer, if he’s not playing, you lose him as your most dangerous runner.” — Mike (08:03)

3. Defensive Keys: Who's Under Pressure?

• Interior D-Line Matchup:

  “It’s for me the defensive line, specifically the interior defensive line. Guys like Ed Oliver, Jordan Phillips... The Vikings’ interior O-Line has been anemic.” — Dan (09:27) “One of their guards last week got a zero grade from Pro Football Focus. That’s low, right?” — Mike (10:06)

• Secondary Must Play as a Unit: With Poyer out and Trey White/Elam questionable, the DBs need cohesion more than ever.

  “They’ve got to play as a group, got to play as a unit… [Jefferson] is a phenomenal player… you want to bracket that guy in zone.” — Mike (11:09)

• Importance of Healthy Linebackers: Milano’s return is crucial; status of Edmonds uncertain.

  “It helps those guys in the back—with Milano back on the field and maybe Edmonds, that would be huge.” — Mike (12:19)

• Vikings Perspective: While 7–1, Vikings haven’t convincingly dominated, often relying on late comebacks.

  “This is a heavily flawed 7-1 football team… Not all 7-1 records are created equal.” — Dan (12:45)

4. Adversity as a Positive

• Resilience and Perspective:

  “They've been dealt a pretty shitty hand for the first half of the season. And they're six and two...” — Dan (15:20)

• Depth Development: Injuries have forced young players into critical moments, which may pay off later.

  “So many guys have had to play at key moments… that just was not the case [in prior years].” — Mike (16:35)

• Roster and Coaching Tests: Despite setbacks (Hyde out for the year, etc.), the Bills have mostly found ways to win.

  “They found a way in most games to figure it out. Even that Miami game… those kids accounted for themselves pretty well.” — Mike (17:12)

• Special Teams & Details:

  “These close games, you need those kicks. Special teams and all have to be a little better.” — Mike (18:14)

5. Energy and Urgency for the Vikings Game

• Response to Jets Loss: Bills need intensity after being outplayed in NY.

  “I expect to see a team on Sunday play with their hair on fire.” — Dan (18:36)

• Vikings’ Motivation: They want a statement win but risk a narrative hit if they lose to a Bills team minus Allen.

  “You know what’s worse… is losing to a Bills team without Josh Allen, because that would just continue the narrative.” — Mike (19:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Gamesmanship and Uncertainty:

  “If it screws up the Vikings even a little bit, why not use it for this week?” — Mike (04:18)

• On Case Keenum’s Readiness:

  “Put starters around Case Keenum and he’ll look a whole lot better.” — Mike (07:05)

• On Adversity:

  “They've been dealt a pretty shitty hand for the first half of the season. And they're six and two.” — Dan (15:20)

• On the Vikings:

  “This is a heavily flawed 7-1 football team... Not all 7-1 records are created equal.” — Dan (12:44)

• On Playing Through Injuries:

  “You just assume… oh, it’s Trey White… a calendar year, you haven’t had him on the field.” — Mike (16:57)

• On Urgency:

  “I expect to see a team on Sunday play with their hair on fire.” — Dan (18:36)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–03:45: Josh Allen’s injury update, gamesmanship, and practice status
• 05:12–09:25: Offensive contingency plan if Allen sits; receivers & O-line
• 09:26–12:44: Defensive focus—D-line vs Vikings’ interior O-line, secondary concerns
• 12:44–15:20: Analyzing the Vikings’ record and match-up w/o Allen
• 15:20–18:36: Early-season adversity and the team’s depth development
• 18:36–19:34: Need for urgency and what’s at stake for both teams

Conclusion

The episode delivers a thorough breakdown of the uncertainty surrounding Josh Allen’s status and what the Bills must do to adapt, especially with Case Keenum likely stepping in. Keys to victory include elevated play from both receivers and the offensive line on offense, and domination by the defensive tackles and secondary on defense. Despite injuries and setbacks, the Bills’ resilience and roster depth are highlighted as strengths that could turn adversity into an advantage, so long as the team brings the necessary urgency for a tough home test against the Vikings.