Buffalo Plus Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: Josh Allen's QB 'RANKING' and Special Guest BROTHER BILL
Release Date: July 16, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes
Special Guest: Brother Bill

Episode Overview

This episode covers two main themes:

• A deep dive into ESPN’s new NFL quarterback rankings, particularly Josh Allen’s position and the debates it sparks among Bills Mafia and league observers.
• An extended, light-hearted interview with Buffalo Bills superfan and content creator "Brother Bill," who shares insights about his viral videos, experiences with Bills players, and some bold Bills predictions.

The show delivers its signature blend of behind-the-scenes Bills reporting, passionate fan banter, and plenty of humor—moving effortlessly from football analytics to food debates.

Main Discussion Topics

1. Reaction to ESPN’s 2024 NFL Quarterback Rankings

(Start: 02:51)

• Context: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler surveyed 80 NFL executives, coaches, and scouts to rank the top 10 quarterbacks.
• Top 5:
  1. Patrick Mahomes
  2. Joe Burrow
  3. Josh Allen
  4. Lamar Jackson
  5. Matthew Stafford

Key Talking Points & Debates

• Allen at No. 3: Justified or Not?
  • Hosts express mild outrage that Allen is ranked third instead of second.
  • Quote: “Let’s just get irrationally upset about rankings.” – Mike Catalana (02:52)
• Burrow Over Allen: Why?
  • General consensus is a Super Bowl appearance elevates Burrow, on team success rather than individual play.
  • Quote: “I don’t think there’s anything else Burrow has done at a better clip than Josh Allen... That’s it—he’s made a deep run.” – Mike Catalana (05:00)
• Allen’s Durability vs. Burrow’s Absences:
  • The hosts note Josh Allen has played through injuries and wonder if Burrow’s absence “helps his lore.”
  • Quote: “The fact that Burrow’s been hurt almost makes the lure of: when he’s out there, they’re automatic winners because...look at how bad they are without him.” – Mike Catalana (08:35)
• Lamar Jackson at No. 4:
  • Hosts discuss Lamar’s MVPs versus his lack of postseason success.
  • Quote: “I think it is a bit of a…negative for Lamar…A two-time MVP who’s gone nowhere.” – Dan Fates (10:55)
• Surprise: Matthew Stafford at No. 5:
  • Questioning Stafford’s placement given injuries and age.
  • Suggestion: C.J. Stroud should be higher.
• “Narrative” and “Swag” Impact:
  • Discussion of how personality and media narrative (e.g., Burrow’s “swag,” Herbert’s upside) unfairly affect rankings.
  • Quote: “The narrative around you so much will be factored into how people view you.” – Jenna Cotrell (18:49)
• Process Correction:
  • The hosts clarify how the voting system actually works after initially misstating it, resulting in playful on-air ribbing.

Notable Segment

• Nitpicking Top 10:
  (13:44–19:28)
  • The team debates Herbert and Lawrence’s placement given their unproven playoff record, and whether Dak Prescott is underrated.

2. Interview with BROTHER BILL – The Bills Mafia Content King

(20:16–39:40)

The Rise of Brother Bill

(21:05–22:21)

• Started as a meme account in 2019, became a beloved Bills Mafia creator during COVID.
• Quote: “I was finally like, I should stop annoying people and make a Bills account just because I know I’m pretty funny and creative.” – Brother Bill (21:05)

His Viral Video Process

• All content is made on his phone, usually with his fiancée filming, and ideas often pop up spontaneously.
• Quote: “The planning is really hard… when you have to try to think of creative ideas and new ideas every week, it gets really hard.” – Brother Bill (22:40)

Notable Bills Player Interactions

(24:10–29:34)

• First player to notice him was Stevie Johnson.
• Eric Wood is now a friend and has appeared in his videos.
• Candid stories of cutting Bills players’ hair at training camp; cut Tyrod Taylor’s hair on the day he signed an extension.
• Memorable moment: Someone at training camp once handed him their baby for a photo.

Perspective on the 2024 Bills

• Points to Sean McDermott’s tendency to overcoach in big moments as a concern.
• Excited about new weapons, especially Curtis Samuel and Khalil Shakir.
• On Stefon Diggs: bittersweet about his departure, but understands both sides.
• Quote: “Their relationship between Josh and Diggs, playing-wise, maybe was at a point where they couldn’t have meshed anymore.” – Brother Bill (31:17)
• His dark-horse pick for 2024: rookie pass rusher Javon Solomon.
• Predicts Curtis Samuel will lead the team in receiving (among wideouts), Kincaid possibly as a close contender.

The Josh Allen Criticism Debate

• Discussing if criticism of Allen in Buffalo is fair.
• Quote: “Maybe outside the Buffalo bubble, he does get some decent criticism, but inside… seems like maybe not, which could hinder you.” – Brother Bill (33:07)

3. Buffalo Food & Travel Recs from Brother Bill

(34:58–36:02)

• Must-visit spots: Strong Museum (kids), Seabreeze, Whiskey River, Windjammers, Ziggy’s (wings).

4. Off-the-Rails: Food Hot Takes, Chain Restaurant Draft, and Banter

(39:44–End)

• Extended, light-hearted debate about favorite chain restaurants—Chili’s, Applebee’s, Red Robin, Olive Garden, Outback, Pizza Hut and more.
• Chicken cutlets earn “elite” status; s’mores take a beating.
• The hosts riff on Rochester dining, road trip traditions, and childhood food nostalgia.
• Quote: “Chicken cutlets are the exact opposite of s’mores. They’re elite and s’mores are not.” – Mike Catalana (44:24)
• Audience prompt: “Comment in with your favorite chain restaurant… and how much you love Chili’s. It’s not IF you love Chili’s, it’s HOW MUCH you love Chili’s.” – Mike Catalana (49:25)

Memorable Quotes (With Timestamps)

• “Let’s just get irrationally upset about rankings.” – Mike Catalana (02:52)
• “You know how bad the Bengals are when Joe Burrow is not on the field? They are a bad football team.” – Mike Catalana (07:53)
• “I just love arguing on July 15 about where people think of quarterbacks.” – Mike Catalana (19:32)
• “I should stop annoying people and make a Bills account just because I know I’m pretty funny and creative.” – Brother Bill (21:05)
• “I do it all on my phone… it’s not that professional.” – Brother Bill (23:48)
• “There was one training camp, someone handed me their baby for a picture. That’s when I was like, okay, this is wild.” – Brother Bill (26:43)
• “I’ve definitely been critical of Sean McDermott in the past… sometimes he’s a little too…paranoid in the big moment.” – Brother Bill (30:13)
• “Chicken cutlets are the exact opposite of s’mores. They’re elite and s’mores are not.” – Mike Catalana (44:24)

Important Segment Timestamps

• QB Rankings Breakdown: 02:51–19:39
• Brother Bill Interview: 20:16–39:40
• Buffalo Food/Travel Recs: 34:58–36:02
• Off-the-Rails Food Takes: 39:44–51:13 (end)

Tone & Style

The show maintains an easygoing, humorous, and passionate tone, punctuated by authentic Bills Mafia energy. Episodes blend informed reporting with the relatable perspective of fans and insiders—never shying from friendly roast battles, quick-witted asides, and bold opinions.

For New Listeners

This episode offers an essential snapshot of current Bills fan anxieties, optimism for the 2024 season, and the digital culture of fandom. With an engaging special guest interview, nuanced football analysis, and classic banter, it’s a must-listen for any diehard or casual Bills fan.

Next up: The crew tease a “mailbag” episode leading into Bills Training Camp, inviting fan questions and comments—especially about favorite chain restaurants.