Buffalo Plus: Dolphins vs. Bills Preview & Beasley’s Return
Episode Date: December 15, 2022
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This episode of the Buffalo Plus podcast delivers an in-depth preview of the upcoming Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills matchup at Orchard Park, emphasizing the implications for the AFC East race, the challenges of winter weather for a warm-weather team, and the return of Cole Beasley to the Bills’ offense. The hosts examine the recent Dolphins struggles, dissect the impact of Beasley's presence in the locker room and offense, and debate the chances of key safety Micah Hyde making a return this season after his neck injury.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dolphins’ Recent Struggles and Their Matchup vs. Bills

Timestamps: 00:52–10:24

• The Dolphins Offense’s Dip:
  • Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill were explosive early, but have stumbled, with defenses adapting. The hosts compare the Dolphins to elite offenses (like the Chiefs and Bills) and question whether Miami will alter their DNA to get back on track.
  • Mike: “If you’ve got Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle, you better be able to run your offense that way and score points. …I think there’s doubt now in Miami after what they’ve put on the field the last couple of weeks.” [01:41]
• Adjustments and Coaching Questions:
  • Dan Orlovsky’s ESPN breakdown gets referenced, suggesting Miami must evolve offensively.
• Coach Authenticity & Pressure:
  • Mike McDaniel’s genuine approach has built rapport, but the “fun” may not matter if results falter:
    Jenna: “There’s a certain point where that act…can fade if you’re not getting the results. …in the NFL you can have a shtick…but if things start to go sideways, what is it? It’s win or panic.” [08:15]
• Playoff Implications:
  • Three straight losses could put Miami’s playoff hopes in jeopardy.
    Mike: “Miami is going to really be in a panic if they lose this game and the playoffs are on the line now.” [09:06]

2. Buffalo Winters: Weather as a Major Factor

Timestamps: 10:24–19:50

• Cold as a Competitive Edge—or Not:
  • Explores how harsh weather affects both teams; it’s less an advantage for Buffalo and more a disadvantage for Miami.
    Dan: “Players don’t prep the same every week. …Jordan Poyer talked about when he landed in Buffalo, it hit him. He didn’t want to be there.” [10:29]
  • The Bills dislike the cold only marginally less than opponents—except for a few (like Dawson Knox).
• Preparation and Adaptation:
  • Adjusting to the elements is about expectation and preparation, not just toughness.
• Impact on the Flow of the Game:
  • Snow and cold slow down even fast offenses, changing the mechanics for all, including star QBs.
    Dan: quoting Tom Brady: “He used to love playing in the cold because it slowed the game down. The guys that are really fast, it slows them down…He thought faster.” [18:48]

3. Cole Beasley’s Return and Role in the Bills Offense

Timestamps: 20:02–33:02

• A Changed Man:
  • Beasley returns with a more humble tone, contrasting sharply with his previous standoffishness.
    Dan: “Last year … Beasley was combative … Instead, [now] it was a humble, contrite, thoughtful [Beasley]. …He admitted he didn’t handle everything well, especially on the Internet.” [20:23]
• Locker Room Fit & How Quickly He Can Help:
  • Beasley has remained popular with teammates. The coaching staff values his knowledge and rapport with Josh Allen.
  • Mike: “It will not surprise me…if he’s active in the game on Saturday. …He knows the offense, he knows the players, he knows Josh.” [22:02]
• What Beasley Adds:
  • Reliable slot receiver skills that have been missing, and a way to “jump-start” the passing game. Dan: “He is unlike any slot receiver in football. …Josh said he sees the field like a quarterback.” [24:40]
• Expectations & Limitations:
  • The Bills don’t expect Beasley to solve every problem, but see him as a crucial “security blanket.”
  • Snap count breakdowns demonstrate how his presence could reduce pressure on McKenzie and Davis.
  • The move labeled “desperate,” but “all teams are desperate at this time of year” (Mike, 28:13).
• Gabe Davis Consistency Debate:
  • Extended exchange about whether Davis is living up to expectations as a WR2.
    Dan: “The consistency—I’m concerned about a guy who hasn’t done it, and he has an inconsistent [track record].” [29:18]
    • The hosts note that some struggles may be coaching/schematic rather than just player regression.

4. Micah Hyde’s Possible Return from Neck Surgery

Timestamps: 33:33–44:56

• Uncertainty, But Growing Hope:
  • Team hasn’t ruled Hyde out, and he’s present at practices.
    Mike: “The fact that they haven’t shut it down and he hasn’t shut it down tells me it’s out there.” [35:40]
• Caution over Hype:
  • No one wants to put undue pressure on Hyde; all discussions hinge on medical clearance and football shape.
    Dan: “If Hyde is back…it’s not like he’s getting in the first playoff game, 14 snaps. He’d be the starting safety.” [35:54]
  • Discussion about how much and when Hyde might reasonably play, managing his role if he returns.
• Sideline Leadership:
  • Hyde’s behind-the-scenes mental contributions:
    Dan: “[Poyer] is going over to the sidelines… asking Hyde what the call should have been, what the check should have been. That tells me a ton.” [36:35]
• Probability Debate — Will Hyde Play Again This Season?
  • Confidence ratings:
    • Mike: “Four” [40:32]
    • Dan: “Six” [41:02]
    • Jenna: “Five” [45:15]
  • All agree the Bills would never risk Hyde’s long-term health for a short-term gain.
    Mike: “If there was no shot, they would have already said, we love Micah, he’s not ready to play.” [40:44]
  • Both caution and hope are in the air:
    Jenna: “Hope is, much like confidence, a hell of a drug.” [40:17]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Miami’s Panic:
  • Mike Catalana (09:06): “Miami is going to really be in a panic if they lose this game and the playoffs are on the line now.”
• On Beasley’s Mindset:
  • Dan Fates (20:23): “It was a humble, contrite, thoughtful [Beasley]… He admitted he didn’t handle everything well… sounded so mature. …He needed some time away, and the Bills needed some time away from him.”
• On Weather as a Factor:
  • Dan Fates (10:29): “Players and teams don’t prep the same way for every single week. The Dallas Cowboys did not prepare for the Houston Texans. …Jordan Poyer talked about…the wind chill hits your face…that’s a real thing.”
• On Beasley’s Unique Skill:
  • Dan Fates (24:40): “He is unlike any slot receiver in football… Josh said he sees the field like a quarterback.”
• On Hyde’s Importance:
  • Dan Fates (36:20): “Jordan Poyer… going over to the sidelines during TV timeouts, asking Hyde what the call should have been… That tells me a ton.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• Dolphins struggles & matchup breakdown: 00:52–10:24
• Impact of Buffalo weather: 10:24–19:50
• Cole Beasley interview, role, and implications: 20:02–33:02
• Gabe Davis consistency debate: 28:15–33:02
• Micah Hyde injury update & possible return: 33:33–44:56
• Probability/confidence ratings for Hyde playing: ~40:17–45:15

Tone & Language

True to the Buffalo Plus brand: conversational, candid, a blend of insider info with relatable, sometimes playful banter. The hosts strike a balance between analytic depth and audience engagement, with a “locker room” feel. They often poke fun at each other while remaining insightful—especially in injury and personnel debates.

Summary Takeaways

• The Dolphins come in shaky, but have the talent to threaten Buffalo. Their ability to adapt on offense is the pivotal storyline.
• Orchard Park winter weather is less a Bills superpower and more a unique challenge, especially for the Dolphins.
• Cole Beasley returns a changed man, bringing needed reliability to the passing game as the coaches search for solutions.
• Gabe Davis’ up-and-down outputs raise both coaching and player usage questions; expectations vs. reality is a running theme.
• Micah Hyde’s potential late-season return is not ruled out—team and player alike are proceeding with cautious optimism, with everyone clear that health comes first.

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