Podcast Summary

Podcast: Buffalo Plus: A Buffalo Bills Podcast
Episode: JOSH ALLEN: Appreciating greatness, BENFORD becoming a star and the new worst team in NFL
Host: Mike Catalana (solo; Jenna Cottrell and Dan Fetes off this episode)
Date: December 10, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode sees host Mike Catalana reflecting on the Buffalo Bills’ recent game, with particular emphasis on quarterback Josh Allen’s unique greatness, cornerback Christian Benford’s breakout, and a run through the NFL’s best and worst teams for the week. With his signature blend of analysis and fan perspective, Mike delivers both in-depth Bills coverage and league-wide context, highlighting what sets the team’s stars apart and why fans shouldn’t take the current moment for granted.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Appreciating Josh Allen’s Greatness

• Mike emphasizes the privilege of witnessing Josh Allen’s play, arguing that Allen is not only the greatest quarterback in franchise history but also a player whose skillset is unique in the NFL.
  • “What Josh Allen does on the field is incredible… I don’t think anybody else in the league does that.” (03:10)
• Mike reflects on the ephemerality of greatness, urging fans and media not to “take for granted what we’re seeing,” referencing Allen’s ability to transcend the offense’s limitations and produce highlights routinely.
• Memory Lane: Cites Allen’s critical plays against Tampa, Baltimore, and the recent Bengals game as unique to his skillset.
• Notable Quote:
  • “It’s an honor to watch great football all the time, and we’re lucky to do it with the Bills.” (06:01)
• Allen’s intelligence post-snap is highlighted:
  • “He’s different smart… his processing and decision-making in the pocket, in the open field, when to run… is something to see.” (04:00)

2. Breakdown of a Signature Allen Play

• Mike describes the fourth-down play to Khalil Shakir as “top 5” in Allen’s career.
  • “That throw to Shakir was crazy… No one is open. Shakir, as the time he throws it, wasn’t even really looking… just a seed between defenders.” (05:23)
• Compares Allen’s flair for the dramatic to “Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible.” (04:48)

3. Joe Brady’s Impact on the Offense

• Credits interim coordinator Joe Brady for exploiting obvious mismatches:
  • “In Pittsburgh they ran the same play… Next week, the Bengals can’t cover tight ends. So, go with the tight ends.” (06:23)
• Praises Dawson Knox’s resurgence, Dalton Kincaid’s contributions, and Jackson Hawes’ potential as an “elite blocker.”
  • “Sometimes teams don’t do the obvious. In this case, do the obvious.” (07:11)

4. Offensive Personnel Assessments

• Wide receiver group is underwhelming; good moments but inconsistent.
  • “The bar’s low on Keon… Not much from Gabe.” (07:35)
• Concerns over James Cook’s recent fumbles and the wisdom of “reaching for the pylon” near the goal line, emphasizing risk management.
  • “It’s not smart football… worst rule in sports, that ball should not be for the defense at the 20.” (08:08)

5. Defensive Standouts and Concerns

• Christian Benford’s Emergence:
  • “Benford is playing elite football… That guy’s playing at an elite level. Did a great job on Jamar Chase… gets to the end zone twice.” (11:05)
  • Suggests Benford deserves Pro Bowl and possibly All-Pro consideration.
• Defensive Line Issues:
  • The D-line is banged up and “not doing it,” with a specific callout for Greg Rousseau needing to step up.
• Shaq Lawson’s Energy: Still admired for his intangible contribution.
• Cornerback Depth: “Corner two is still a problem” with lingering doubts about Max’s readiness. Darius Slay claimed for depth, but lacking trust in alternatives. (12:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Allen’s processor:
  • “Once the ball is snapped, his processing and decision-making… is something to see.” (04:00)
• On the Shakir play:
  • “It was like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible… There’s only one way to be sure. Let Benji go.” (05:19)
• On appreciating Allen:
  • “Maybe we take it for granted a little bit, but it’s an honor to watch great football all the time.” (06:01)
• On Benford:
  • “He’s a thoughtful guy. He’s a religious guy. He’s also a great football player.” (11:33)
• On the controversial fumble-through-the-endzone rule:
  • “That ball should not be for the defense at the 20… Worst rule in sports.” (08:26)
• On the Eagles’ struggles:
  • “Congrats, Eagles. You’re my number one, you’re my worst team in the NFL this week. That’s my Philly coming out.” (16:04)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – 03:24: Opening on Josh Allen’s continued greatness and what he means to the franchise and fans.
• 03:24 – 06:01: Analysis of Allen’s intelligence, unique skillset, and special plays (including the Shakir fourth-down conversion).
• 06:02 – 07:57: Praise for OC Joe Brady, tight end performances, and a critical look at the wide receivers.
• 07:58 – 10:12: Discussion of James Cook, goal-line decisions, and the fumble touchback rule; transition to defense.
• 10:13 – 12:45: Christian Benford’s star turn, defensive line issues, and cornerback depth concerns.
• 12:46 – 13:32: Looking ahead to the Patriots, division race, and the importance of correcting past mistakes.
• 13:33 – 18:00: Around the NFL: Bottom Five and Top Five teams, including standout commentary on the Jets, Raiders, Commanders, Giants, Eagles (as #1 worst), and praise for the Rams, Patriots, Seahawks, Broncos, and Jags.

NFL League Rankings: Top Five / Bottom Five

Bottom Five (from best to worst):

1. Eagles – “Right now, they just piss me off… That team is a mess.” (16:04)
2. Giants – “They need a reboot.”
3. Commanders – “They got Jaden Daniels on the field. Please sit the man down. He got hurt, your team stinks.”
4. Raiders – “I don’t know what they have… bad football team.”
5. Jets – “Congratulations. They’ve missed the playoffs, I think, 15 years in a row.”

Top Five:

1. Rams – “Stafford’s gonna win the MVP. He should. He’s been great.”
2. Patriots – “They’ve won ten in a row… I know they haven’t played anybody, but you can only beat who’s in front of you.”
3. Seahawks – “Really good roster. Tough, they play good defense.”
4. Broncos – “They win all close games. They find a way.”
5. Jaguars – “Trevor Lawrence was really good… they’re pretty good, they’re playing well.”

Final Thoughts & Episode Tone

• Mike’s solo delivery is candid and warm, with his “Philly snark” surfacing during NFL power rankings.
• He maintains a reporter’s distance from “fandom,” but his appreciation for Allen and the team’s highs is genuine.
• The episode is punctuated by humor, inside tidbits, and local color (shout-outs to upcoming live events in Western NY).

Takeaways for Non-Listeners

• Josh Allen’s blend of intelligence and improvisational athletic brilliance is the episode’s central theme.
• Joe Brady is maximizing the roster by playing to matchup strengths, especially at tight end.
• Cornerback Christian Benford is having a breakout year, deserving accolades.
• Issues remain: Wide receiver production and defensive line pressure, plus fumble concerns with James Cook.
• The AFC East landscape is shifting, but the host remains realistic about the division race.
• Around the league, the host’s personal takes infuse humor and sharp critique, especially regarding the Eagles.