Buffalo Plus Podcast – June 19, 2025

Episode: Is JOSH ALLEN QB1 in the NFL? Stadium Memories from RICH to HIGHMARK and What to Expect at Fisher
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a comprehensive, insider-rich discussion about the Buffalo Bills as they head into the final season at Highmark Stadium. The trio dives into camp details at St. John Fisher, "Hard Knocks" anticipation, the latest national QB rankings (with special focus on Josh Allen vs. his NFL elite peers), and the hosts’ most memorable moments from decades of Bills stadium history. The episode closes with the signature "Credit to Me" segment—full of personal stories, gratitude, and playful banter.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Buffalo Bills 2025 Training Camp at St. John Fisher

[01:27 – 05:06]

• Dates Announced: Camp opens July 23, with ten practices open to the public; Red & Blue scrimmage scheduled for August 1.
• Fan Experience: Ticket lottery system is in place, with fans picking their top 3 preferred days. Hosts advise avoiding peak dates for better odds.
• Team Dynamic at Camp:
  • Jenna Cottrell on Josh Allen: “Josh loves it. He couldn't wait to talk about it at minicamp. He's like, I'm excited to get down there in the dorms. The man loves the dorms.” [02:17]
  • The Fisher campus environment is praised by both players and coaches, especially for camaraderie.

2. Anticipation for HBO's Hard Knocks Featuring the Bills

[05:06 – 13:53]

• Behind the Scenes:
  • Hosts predict safeties coach Bobby Babich could emerge as a “star” due to his personality and visibility.
  • Mike Catalana: “Not that he's going to yuck it up for the camera, but just…the most noticeable person voice wise.” [05:28]
• Player Storylines to Watch:
  • Ray Davis: Underdog running back with an inspiring background (foster care, homelessness)—poised for a Hard Knocks spotlight.
    • Jenna Cottrell: “Ray Davis’s is incredible. Was in and out of foster care…He went through multiple times being homeless throughout his childhood.” [08:32]
  • Frank Gore Jr. and Joe Andreessen (local connection)
• Desire for Positive Portrayal:
  • Hosts hope the show emphasizes the fans' charitable spirit and team’s culture, not stereotypical “table breaking.”
    • Mike Catalana on Bills Mafia: “Honestly…is known now more for their charity. Like, now it seems like anything happens, they're donating to charities for opposing teams, opposing players.” [11:44]

3. Chris Simms’ Controversial 2025 NFL Quarterback Rankings

[14:03 – 21:30]

• Simms’ Top 4:
  1. Lamar Jackson
  2. Josh Allen
  3. Joe Burrow
  4. Patrick Mahomes
• Shock Factor: Mahomes at #4 sparks widespread debate.
• Evaluating 'Best':
  • Mike Catalana: “These are very, very dumb arguments, but it is June 16th, and this is what we're supposed…” [15:45]
  • Simms emphasizes recent performance (“playing the best”) over resumes.
• Mahomes vs. Allen/Lamar/Burrow:
  • Hosts agree Mahomes has the best career résumé but was not the clear "best QB" last season.
  • Burrow, Lamar, and Allen all credited for elevated play—Allen’s 2024 MVP cited as a crucial résumé booster.
  • Dan Fetes: “It’s about playing the position of quarterback…when he gets in the playoffs, [Mahomes] always seems to make a play.” [18:43]
• AFC Quarterback Gauntlet:
  • Concern expressed over Allen’s lack of Super Bowl appearances after eight seasons, despite elite play—framing the fierce competition in the AFC as a primary cause.

4. Highmark Stadium: Nostalgia and Favorite Memories as a New Era Approaches

[26:09 – 45:54]

• Tribute to the Old Stadium:
  • Discussion of Matt Bové’s multi-part stadium documentary and the emotional weight of the final season at Highmark.
• Memorable On-Field Moments (Selected Quotes & Stories):
  • Jenna Cottrell: “Naheem Hines kickoff return touchdown…after Damar Hamlin…unforgettable…just like, how could you not get chills?” [36:57]
  • Mike Catalana: “Josh and Sean doing the Snow Angels…just one of those moments.” [33:35]
  • Dan Fetes (on 51-3 win over Raiders): “For me, it’s 51 to 3. The game is known by the score…Being down there on that field…was just so insane.” [38:47]
  • The legendary “Snow Game” against the Colts, Tyler Bass’s long-distance game-winner, and “the comeback game” (Frank Reich’s playoff miracle) all revisited.
• Nostalgia Factor:
  • Hosts note the old stadium’s quirks (single tunnel, tight sidelines), excitement for the new building (“modeled after Tottenham”), and community sentimentality.

5. Signature Closing Segment: ‘Credit to Me’

[46:09 – episode end]

• Playful Banter & Personal Stories:
  • Mike rhapsodizes about his new chainsaw and the joys/dangers of suburban “chainsaw culture.”
    • Mike Catalana: “I am into chainsaw culture now.” [49:14]
  • Jenna and Dan joke about their role in Jenna’s upcoming wedding (Dan takes "credit" for Jenna meeting Zach, with help from hairdresser Heather).
  • Podcast closes with gratitude, wedding updates, and a call for audience engagement (favorite Highmark/Ralph moments and QB opinions).

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Josh Allen’s camp enthusiasm:
  “He couldn't wait to talk about it at minicamp. He's like, I'm excited to get down there in the dorms. The man loves the dorms.”
  — Jenna Cottrell [02:17]
• About Chris Simms’s rankings:
  “The idea that you have somebody ahead of Mahomes…do you find that surprising?”
  — Dan Fetes [14:22]
• Skepticism about ‘table-breaking’ stereotype:
  “I think Bill's Mafia, honestly, is known now more for their charity…It’s just kind of cool to see that aspect be highlighted.”
  — Mike Catalana [11:44]
• Nostalgia before new stadium:
  “There's a lot of buzz in this city. You know, they're getting a new stadium…we see all these things. It even goes back to the newer players.”
  — Mike Catalana [28:38]
• Personal highlight:
  “Naheem Hines kickoff return touchdown…after Damar Hamlin obviously had this episode on the field…just everything emotionally…was unforgettable.”
  — Jenna Cottrell [36:57]
• Chainsaw culture:
  “Honestly, I was the first thing that went through my head when I woke up this morning. Can't wait to cut some things down… I am into chainsaw culture now.”
  — Mike Catalana [49:14]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 01:27 – Training Camp at Fisher: Dates, ticketing, fan tips
• 05:06 – Hard Knocks: What to expect, likely stories & personalities
• 14:03 – Chris Simms QB Rankings: Mahomes at #4, Allen’s status
• 26:09 – Highmark Stadium Memories & Era Changeover
• 36:57 – Most Memorable Ralph/Highmark Moments
• 46:09 – Credit to Me: Chainsaws, weddings, show close

Tone & Energy

Conversational, warm, playful, highly knowledgeable, and always intertwined with local pride. The hosts blend sharp analysis with friendly teasing, personal anecdotes, and a genuine sense of community with Western New York fans.

For Listeners: Key Takeaways

• Buffalo’s training camp at Fisher remains a highlight for both team bonding and regional pride—get your lottery requests in early (pick off-peak dates).
• The Bills will star on Hard Knocks; expect both gritty unsung-player stories and a window into the team’s unique chemistry.
• Quarterback arguments are endlessly debatable: Mahomes remains the gold standard for accomplishments, but Allen, Burrow, and Lamar have a claim to “best in the moment.”
• This final year at Highmark/Ralph Stadium is special—fans, savor it. Share your memories with the podcast, as a new Bills era (and stadium) is about to begin.
• And, if you’re going to use a chainsaw, don’t do it in sandals.

[Let the show know YOUR favorite Ralph/Highmark moment and where you’d rank Josh Allen among NFL QBs!]