PREDICTING the BILLS' primetime SCHEDULE and REACTION to Buffalo's rookie MINICAMP

Summary

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Buffalo Plus Podcast Summary

Episode: PREDICTING the BILLS' primetime SCHEDULE and REACTION to Buffalo's rookie MINICAMP
Hosts: Mike Catalana & Dan Fetes (Jenna Cottrell mentioned, currently away in Greece)
Date: May 12, 2026

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Overview

This episode of Buffalo Plus dives deep into two major offseason topics for Buffalo Bills fans:

• The team’s recent roster moves, including the signing of DE Mike Danna.
• First-hand reactions to the Buffalo Bills’ rookie minicamp.
• A detailed, speculative breakdown of what the Bills’ 2026 primetime schedule might look like, along with discussion around the new Highmark Stadium’s home opener.

The tone is upbeat, insightful, and conversational, peppered with humor and frequent audience engagement.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mike Danna Signing (00:57 – 05:45)

• Overview: The Bills signed former Chiefs edge rusher Mike Danna as a depth/rotational piece.
• Hosts’ Take:
  • Not a blockbuster move: “Do I think this is a huge signing? No.” (Mike, 02:52)
  • Good fit as rotational player: “He’s been an effective player, a decent player, a rotational player…this year’s A.J. Epenesa.” (Mike, 03:25)
  • Comparable to Epenesa in production: Highlighted Danna’s 21.5 sacks over five seasons with Kansas City.
  • Scheme familiarity: “You’re also bringing him in because he’s familiar with more of this type of scheme…and that’s why a guy like A.J. Epenesa is not back.” (Dan, 05:01)
  • Competition: Danna and Javon Solomon could compete for the final outside linebacker spot.

Notable Quote

“I do like the fact that it’s new blood…if they would have brought back A.J. [Epenesa], I would have been disappointed.” (Mike, 05:08)

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2. Rookie Minicamp Reactions (06:12 – 17:39)

General Atmosphere (06:42 – 09:12)

• Excitement over tactical insight: The hosts stress that rookie minicamp is less about analyzing schemes, more about the excitement of rookies donning NFL uniforms for the first time.
• “It’s a day of kind of...I won’t say joy, but excitement for the players.” (Dan, 07:14)
• Rookies were nervous and excited, likened to picking up their first high school uniform.

Individual Player Highlights

• Skyler Bell (WR)

  • Struggled with drops early in practice (“multiple drops,” 08:28)
  • Attributed nerves and unfamiliar QBs/windy conditions (“He was nervous,” 08:58, 09:00)
  • Settled in later with stronger catches after defenders were added.
  • “He even joked around about the nerves…like the first day of school.” (Mike, 12:11)
  • Fun anecdote: Accidentally wore cleats into OC Joe Brady’s office, got teased for it.
  • Unique backstory: Grew up playing hockey in the Bronx, credited hockey with helping his football footwork and balance.

    • “Balance, strength, stability...just being able to move your body in certain ways…helps me when I’m running routes.” —Skyler Bell (14:21)

  • Adopting the Sabres: “He was an Ovechkin guy…now you’re a Sabres fan? ‘I’m getting into it.’” (14:46–14:50)

• Tryout & Undrafted Players

  • 25 were in attendance; some with prior NFL experience (e.g., Jermaine Burton, ex-Bengal).
  • “There was nothing there…I would have gone, ‘oh, he looks so much better than everybody else,’ yeah.” (11:53)
  • Hosts caution not to overreact to minicamp plays—“The grandiose insight is you can’t take a big insight into the practice for the rookies.” (Dan, 09:12)

• T.J. Parker (2nd round pick, EDGE)

  • “I also went in the second round, and that puts a chip on my shoulder.” (TJ Parker, quoted at 15:59)
  • Emphasized helping tryout players and learning from veterans.

Notable Quotes

• “This is an NFL uniform. And we even joke...the reason I bring that up is, like, if this was the first time you ever saw Skyler Bell play, you’d be like, dude, catch the ball.” (Dan, 07:56)
• “For me, that day is like...excitement for the players.” (Dan, 07:14)
• “I love seeing those guys out there. I told them all, yeah, I’m going to help them any way I can.” – TJ Parker’s attitude (15:59)

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3. Schedule Release Predictions (21:09 – 38:00)

Setting the Stage

• NFL schedule leaks are everywhere, but the official drop is pending.
• Home opponents: KC, Chargers, Chicago, Detroit, Baltimore + division (NYJ, MIA, NE)
• Road opponents: Denver, Green Bay, Vegas, Minnesota, Houston, LA Rams + division

Big Predictions

Week 1:

• Both hosts agree the Bills will open on the road—likely at Denver, in a late Sunday 4:25pm CBS slot. (22:22)
  • “It feels like that is...a rematch of a playoff game...Bills are dominant TV in a lot of windows, but they crush that 4:25 window for the first game.” (Mike, 22:32)

Week 2 (First Home Game/New Stadium Opener):

• Both believe the new Highmark Stadium opener will be primetime—Monday Night Football, Bills vs. Jets. (24:32)
  • “I think the league will like the stadium issue being week two...Monday night where they can do with all their shows play up being at the new stadium.” (Dan, 24:32)
• Chiefs game ruled out due to storyline; Bears mentioned as outsiders for stadium opener.

Other Primetime Games

• Hosts predict 5 primetime games.
• The following are all in the mix:
  • Two Sunday Night Football home games: New England, Baltimore.
  • Kansas City at home as a marquee CBS 4:25pm game.
  • Chargers and Chicago anticipated as 4:25pm (Fox/CBS) games.
  • Detroit to be a 1pm game.
  • Miami/NYJ games at 1pm, with one possibly as a Thursday Night Football.
  • Green Bay away as a likely Monday night game; “Monday night in Green Bay, ABC.” (31:33)
  • LA Rams away could be a West Coast primetime game: Josh Allen storyline, possible human interest angle.

Primetime Game Tallies and 1pm Game Discussion

• The “primetime Bills” are still a draw, but hosts speculate there may be four or five 1pm games (for fans who prefer traditional slots).
  • Fans are urged to comment about preferred games to attend (34:30)
• Discussion about favorite road trips: Green Bay, Vegas, LA, Minnesota (34:57–36:12)

Schedule Preferences & Fan Engagement

• “Three road games in a row is bad. You never want three road games in a row.” (Dan, 37:25)
• Desire for late-season home games in Buffalo for the weather advantage.

Notable Quotes

“We will have a quick reaction that we will post on the channel…maybe, maybe…the princess…will have a special guest. She is now the Queen of Greece. Is there a queen? No.” (Dan & Mike joking about Jenna, 42:17)

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4. Community Feedback & Banter (17:44 – 20:44)

• Hosts read and debate YouTube comments from previous episodes, especially regarding last year’s “face of the defense.” Mike claims overwhelming support for his take that it was Shaq Thompson.
  • “The comments were dominated by… Mike is right… Shaq was the leader.” (Mike, 18:53)
  • “Sometimes Dan is exhausting.” (stojo7920, read by Dan, 19:08)
• Audience shout-outs: Matt & Ashley from Florida (20:03), Mark (the woodcrafting enthusiast).

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5. Sabres Playoff Side Chat (38:44 – 42:19)

• Brief but passionate segment on the Sabres’ playoff struggles vs. Montreal.
  • “The way they’ve played. It’s not about being down 2-1 in the series. It’s the way they’ve played...” (Mike, 38:44)
  • Montreal’s fan environment at the Bell Centre compared to European soccer.
  • “They will have to step it up a little bit for game five…you play well and you win. Figure out a way to win.” (Dan, 41:06)
  • Emphasis on the need for Sabres’ stars to elevate their game.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:57 – 05:45: Mike Danna signing breakdown
• 06:12 – 17:39: Rookie minicamp reactions, Skyler Bell anecdotes, TJ Parker’s mindset
• 21:09 – 38:00: Schedule release speculation – opener predicitons, primetime game distribution, fan engagement
• 17:44 – 20:44: Reading & reacting to viewer comments (Shaq Thompson discussion)
• 38:44 – 42:19: Sabres playoff mini-segment and playoff hockey talk

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “He’s played five, six years in Kansas City…like, I guess that’s the level of player that I’m expecting that the Bills are getting.” (Mike, 04:50)
• “It’s a cleat-free environment.” (Dan, on Skyler Bell’s faux pas, 12:49)
• “I also went in the second round and that puts a chip on my shoulder.” – TJ Parker, via Mike (15:59)
• “Bills are dominant TV...they crush that 4:25 window.” (Mike, 22:32)
• “When you’re at the bus stop or at dance...people love the 1 o’clock games.” (Dan, 34:14)
• “There is zero chance she (Jenna) drove that thing [scooter in Greece].” (Mike, 42:52)

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Community Engagement

• Hosts repeatedly prompt listeners to comment on:
  • Who should open the new stadium (opponent & week)?
  • Which away game would you most want to attend?
  • Preference for 1pm vs. primetime games.
  • Thoughts on past debates (e.g., Shaq Thompson as face of the defense).

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Conclusion

A robust, informal but thoroughly informed episode that combines Bills insider analysis, behind-the-scenes rookie camp stories, and playful speculation about the much-anticipated 2026 NFL schedule—all while maintaining direct rapport with their audience and touching on local pro hockey for good measure.

Co-hosts sign off reminding listeners to like, subscribe, and check notification settings on YouTube.

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Summary compiled for fans and newcomers alike who want detailed knowledge and insight without sifting through the full episode. The Buffalo Plus team delivers accessible Bills content with an insider flavor and a touch of WNY camaraderie.

Transcript

[A]

I do not think week one will be at home.

[B]

I agree with you. I will tell you where I have them. Week one road game at. Yes. Do we agree?

[A]

That's two things we agree on.

[B]

I have it as a 425 game.

[A]

Now from the Connors and Ferris podcast studio, this is the Buffalo plus podcast. Hey everyone and welcome back to the Buffalo plus podcast. Mike Catalana alongside I'm Dan Fates. Jenna Cottrell Loving life in Greece.

[B]

Do you know what's funny is, you

[A]

know we didn't what's funny.

[B]

We didn't bother her. We didn't text her. She missed us. She texted today.

[A]

Pictures look pretty high. Pictures look pretty great.

[B]

Yes. By the way, this is not Greece, New York if you are a rock sister person.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

This is that other grease and I'm

[A]

sure she will listen to this pod at some point. So please be sure to like comment and subscribe. We really appreciate it as always. Another interesting podcast. We're going to talk a little bit about the Bills making a signing today for a defensive edge rusher. I have a comparison there to somebody that probably familiar with. We have our reaction to Bill's rookie minicamp, whatever that is and our thoughts on that as as a whole, one player gives an interesting perspective on the multi sport athlete and how it's helped him. I think that's pretty interesting. As well as the Bills will we will now find out on Thursday when the NFL releases their schedule, who the Bills will open up against and when that will be. So we're going to give you a little preview of what we think the Bill schedule could look like. And Mike has some grievances to air out from the previous podcast. If you haven't watched that one, check that one out right now. It's a little bit about the five biggest questions and again, some of the comments were really great. Mike and I have some bones to pick with some of them. But starting off, Mike, the bill signing today, former Kansas City chief Mike Dana, your initial reaction to the move?

[B]

I mean I always think these are both necessary signings and there's nothing wrong with taking a shot. You have young players that you hope can contribute in this, but you also have guys like Michael Hoyt. But we don't know about how he will be coming off of his injury. And this is a player that's available. It's also at this time he's a player that was released. So he is out there.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yes. Sometimes you look at a player and go, wow, he's still available. It's may but some guys are just waiting for the right opportunity.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

You know, because they know where they are in their careers. Do I think this is a huge signing? No.

[A]

No.

[B]

Do I think there's a reason to be like, oh, yeah, Bill's got Mike Dana. They're ready to go. But I think he has been an effective player, a decent player, a rotational player. Like that we like to talk about.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Take a swing. You don't like it?

[A]

No, I'm fine with it.

[B]

Oh, I'm waiting for the big take.

[A]

No, no, no. I'm fine with it. I also just realized I wrote in the cardigan upside down. My writing is this way. It's supposed to be this way. So anyway, it gives me.

[B]

Don't say Mike Edwards.

[A]

No.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

No, no, no, no, no. I think higher of Mike Dana than I do of Mike Edwards. It gives me. This is this year's A.J. apanessa.

[B]

You mean the level of player? Yeah, because I think he's more. He's played more of this standup linebacker role. So I think you're getting a guy who has that experience. That's the way he's played.

[A]

And again, you're. You're seeing how he will fit into the wizard of Oz's scheme. We did see him. He was out in front of. He was behind. He was out now in front of the curtain. We did get to see Jim Leonard at Bill's rookie minicamp.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Just looking at something like, again, I'm not going to sit here on this podcast and try and tell you I know all about Mike Dana's game and how he's going to translate and how the Bills can unlock him. Because I think that happens so often when the Bills sign these fill in depth players, people want to go in and see the highlight and go look at what the Bills can get with it. Right. The big one to me that always grinds my gears was, was the Trent Sherfield. Like, yeah. Oh, like they can find, by the way. Yes, he is back.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I'm talking about the first time they got Trent Sherfield. I mean, it was a little bit like Matt Collins. Like, you saw some flashes and maybe. Maybe saw how he could expand a role in theory. But you kind of know what you got with Mike Dana. He's played five, six years in Kansas City. You know, 21 and a half sacks. AJ Panessa had 25.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, like, I guess that's, that's the level of player that I'm expecting that the Bills are getting.

[B]

But you are also bringing him in. Because he's familiar with more of this type of scheme.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

And in that position. So that's why a guy like AJ Vanessa is not back.

[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And not to contradict myself, but I do like the fact that it's new blood.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, like I said, like, if they would have brought back AJ I would have been disappointed. So in my opinion, you're bringing back somebody that's A.J. epanessa. Like, in what I think you're gonna get production rotation. I really think that him and. Him and Javon Sullivan could be competing for that final outside linebacker spot. Like, there's. There's. When we're talking about getting towards the end of training camp, like last guys making the roster, I think this could be the competition that you're seeing. So that's just my. My quick takeaway on it.

[B]

Yeah. We're getting close to that time where these veterans find their spot. Musical chairs here a little bit. You're going to be on a roster, going to go and compete. And listen, sometimes people say, oh, the player is going to wait until mid August to come in, because you gotta be at a pretty good level of your career to be able to.

[A]

In the middle there. Yeah.

[B]

To sit out and wait. So, yeah, I'm sure he wants to get the system down, get to Buffalo. So we'll see.

[A]

Yeah. The next phase, we completed rookie minicamp, which we will get to shortly. The next phase of the off season is voluntary OTAs, which begin a week from Tuesday. It'll be next Tuesday, the May 18th and 19th, I believe, is when the veterans will show up. Mike, I want to get your initial reaction to rookie minicamp. We were up there on Friday. The Bills rookies were there on Friday and Saturday. What was your takeaway from minicamp?

[B]

I. I always enjoy this part of rookie minicamp because it's not about, you know, there's people sitting there talking about schemes. I'm like, dude, settle down. There were. Yeah.

[A]

Schemes about what personnel they were running.

[B]

Yeah. And by the way, the Bills, you were a photographer there, and we're all out there with some form of a camera. They don't want you shooting this. They don't want you showing that. Like, yes, okay.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

It's rookie minicamp. These players are excited to put on that Bill's helmet for the first time.

[A]

Correct.

[B]

It is a very different vibe. I want to look. I honestly, I try not to get too caught up in. In the performances in the. When we watch practice. Honestly, for me, that day is like, it's A day of kind of. I won't say joy, but excitement for the players.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You're putting on an NFL uniform. TJ Parker was telling us. He's like, yeah. We were all getting the jerseys and looking at the helmets. Like, yeah. It takes them back to, like, anybody's played on a high school team when the coach brings in the uniforms and it's like. Like, okay. Right. And this is for. For professional players, guys that have played at high levels.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But this is an NFL uniform. And we even joke with. We know this is just rookie minicamp. The reason I bring that up is, like, if this was the first time you ever saw Skyler Bell play, you'd be like, dude, catch the ball. Like, this is against air. And he dropped, like, three of them. Now, right away, as soon as they put defenders out there, he makes a really nice catch and he goes down the field. And the cool thing was when we talked to him, he was like, yeah, I was nervous. I was nervous. And then settled down. Once I saw defense out there, I felt a little more normal. And then he made some plays.

[A]

Yeah. Skyler Bell had multiple drops.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, there's. There's no way of, like, I'm not going to try and sugarcoat it. Like, we were all watching it.

[B]

Like, yeah, there's one. And you're like, okay.

[A]

And in Skyler Bell's defense, I don't.

[B]

Go ahead. I know what you're going to say. The.

[A]

The quarterbacks that were throwing in the football were not elite.

[B]

Right. These are young guys trying to. The one guy from UB also, it was. I will say this. It was pretty windy.

[A]

It was windy. It was windy.

[B]

You got to deal with the elements.

[A]

Yeah, exactly. You know, so, yeah, like, the fact of, like, actually analyzing the play and. And maybe you came here to get some grandiose insight on rookie minicamp.

[B]

The grandiose insight is you can't take a big insight into the practice for the rookies. Now the coaches want to see them. They. There's certain things they're looking for. The way guys move, the way they handle coaching. This is the first time they're doing that, and they had the second day that we were not there for.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Just don't overreact to anything.

[A]

Like, when they're talking about camp, it felt like if you have ever played any organized team sports and you go to, like, an instructional camp, that's really what it felt like. Yeah, it was wide receivers. Like, I was mainly around Skyler Bell, and it was like, hey, guys, let's make sure we're turning our head and let's make sure we're, we're, we're taking this many steps and not rounding it off too soon. Like, it was very, very, very basic. Like so. And I think it's getting them. Just like I said, There was the 10 players of the draft class. Yes, 10 players, the draft class. There were 25 invitees that were there.

[B]

You're talking about the tryout guys.

[A]

Yes, 25 tryout guys.

[B]

So they, they are listed differently because they don't have contracts.

[A]

Correct.

[B]

They sign undrafted free agents who are under contract.

[A]

Correct.

[B]

And then these other guys are like, we'll find out probably the next week if they're bringing back, bringing in anybody. Bill's fans will know. That's how Joe Andreessen, Buffalo Joe ended up getting on the, on the, on the roster, the initial roster, and then earned himself a spot. That does happen.

[A]

Correct.

[B]

Then there are players there trying out that have been NFL players before.

[A]

Jermaine Burton.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Who has had plenty of off the field issues. Big time wide receiver coming out of Alabama, had all kinds of issues coming out through the draft process and then obviously just didn't work out in Cincinnati for several years. Has been. Was an invitee.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And he also had drops.

[B]

Yeah. This is the guy who's played in the NFL.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Now, he was asked several different ways about where he is in terms of like, in this spot. And I think it was Tim Graham from the Athletic who was basically asking him, like, you were a draft pick in the NFL, you were on a roster, now you're here in a tryout camp. Like, he's not signed.

[A]

Correct.

[B]

And I'm not going to crush the guy. I don't know him. I mean, I know read of some of his history, but he didn't really embrace that. In a way, he was just more like, you know, I'm just moving on and going to the next thing. What they thought of him. I guess we would find out like in the next few days if they actually bring him to camp.

[A]

Right.

[B]

There was nothing here. I am now judging there was nothing there. If you would have told me this guy is a tryout guy and that I would have gone, oh, he looks so much better than everybody else. Yeah.

[A]

And there were a couple of catches that you were like, yeah, it makes sense. Jermaine Burton caught that ball because he's an NFL player against guys hoping to make practice squads.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Like so. But yeah, the big one, obviously the guy that I was focused on, shocking enough, was Skyler Bell. We talked about, you know, just some of his. His struggles a little bit. He did settle in. You know, he even joked around about the nerves. I thought that was very interesting because I compared it and we did a story on it. Like, comparing it to, like the first day of school. Like, you're trying to get to know where you're supposed to be. He made the joke that he wore his cleats up to Joe Brady's office, which. Which he wasn't supposed to do.

[B]

And Joe gave him a hard time, which. Come on, you got to give him a hard time.

[A]

Yeah. And so again, it's just like you walk.

[B]

That's not a. It's a cleat free environment.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You know how like Sebastian Maniscalco does a whole bit about your boy free environments.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Yeah, he's my boy way. We're buddies.

[A]

You're buddies.

[B]

We hung out Seattle, where you go to a house and they're like, we're a shoe free environment. I would say you don't want to be wearing the cleats up to the coach's office.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

To kick those off.

[A]

But that's fine.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, I thought it was funny.

[B]

Can you imagine him, like, clacking down the hallway?

[A]

That's just so great. And so like, there is that. Like, he even alluded to it. Like, they all said it was surreal. TJ Parker, we talked to him, said it was surreal of. Of getting to be. You dream about being this NFL player, teacher. Parker said, from the time that he got to play tackle football or peewee football, when he was 5 in Houston and wanted to be J.J. watt. And he's like, that's when I knew I wanted to be a professional football player. So, like, it is the realization, the draft is one thing. Getting to walk across the stage, hearing your name announce all those things. It's not that. When you then have to go out and start to do it. And I think Skyler was talking about how you can get in your head a little bit and then, you know, just realizing it's. It's part of the game. And he did settle in, but we talked about it a little bit. He grew up in the Bronx. His mom got him into the game

[B]

of hockey, which is huge in the Bronx.

[A]

Massive. I don't know if you knew this.

[B]

His friends are like, dude, what are you doing?

[A]

None of his friends played. He played from the ages of 5 until 15 when he really started to focus on football. And he was asked about if any of his skills that he learned on the ice translate to his game as a wide receiver.

[C]

I think a lot of things, balance, strength, stability, just being able to move your body in certain ways. Because obviously when you're on the ice, you know, you're not grounded, you're on ice, you're moving way faster. And just being able to move your body and lean and do certain things, I think helps me when I'm running routes and, you know, with the ball in my hand.

[A]

Yeah, it was also, we went more into hockey. He talked about the fact that he grew up a Capitals fan. He was an Ovechkin guy.

[B]

He's getting. I asked him, now you're a Sabers fan?

[A]

He's like, I'm getting into it.

[B]

I'm in. I'm in on it. Someone reminded him.

[A]

Sal Marana.

[B]

Yeah. He said, it's like, you do know your owner for this team, owns that team. It's like, oh, yeah, yeah. Goes got a lot.

[A]

You also asked him if his hockey career is officially over, and he said,

[B]

well, I guess my competitive career. But he goes, I still got some goals on my stick. Which is pretty good, by the way. I know some guys are pro athletes and they still compete a little bit.

[A]

Shout out Ernie Clement.

[B]

But it's. That is very much like a real river hockey.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Like nobody's hitting anybody.

[A]

Yeah. Full on beer. So, yeah. Again, we will be up again next Tuesday as they start their next phase of OTAs, which is also will be another milestone for these players.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because you talked to TJ Parker too. When we were talking to him, like, this is cool. You're a top draft pick, the first pick from the Bills in this draft, and you got guys that are trying to scratch and claw for anything they can get. And I thought he just had a great perspective. I like the perspective and mindset of TJ Parker heading into camp.

[B]

So one thing he said was, yes, and I appreciate being the Bill's top pick, but I also went in the second round and that puts a chip on my shoulder. Yep. Which that's good for him, is he probably believed he's a first round pick. Secondly, when I asked him about the players who were trying out, thought his answer was kind of cool because here he is a made man here in a sense of saying, you're high draft pick. But he's like, I love seeing those guys out there. I told them all, yeah, I'm going to help them any way I can.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

For here or for somewhere else. Pretty mature answer for a guy who's got a lot on his Plate liked. His personality does move well.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But he even knows like he says, I can't wait till the vets get in so I can really learn from the guys there. And I think that's the right perspective to have.

[A]

Yeah. And like I said, that was my big takeaway. And I, I think every year there's a little bit of that excitement about

[B]

rookie deal with a lot of 11 personnel, tight formations. By the way, in case the Bills are watching this. I, I didn't care. I'm making that up. We're not telling anybody about.

[A]

There were so many times that I was going, what number is that? Who is that? A lot of the Bill's draft picks weren't even on the field for a lot of the 11 on 11 because they're trying to get to see who these other guys. Other guys are.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So again, I'm not going to sit there and be like. And those guys shut down everybody. He was in every. He was Velcro.

[B]

You know, I did notice him lined up with Bell, but every play that I saw it was like Bell was not part of the play. They were just like running off tackle. Yeah, they did run the ball too. I think that means they are going to be physical, physical running football team this year.

[A]

All right, so that was Mike, Dana, Skyler, Bell talk rookie minicamp.

[B]

Do we can we do now before we go to the schedule? Can we do now last week's video.

[A]

I'd love to.

[B]

So let me start you go because I made a point. The question was who was the face of the defense. You did and who did I say?

[A]

You said Shaq Thompson.

[B]

Let's go to the comments. Sean. I think Mike's totally right on what he said about the defense. Alex. Mike is right. Shaq absolutely the face of the defense. It's just Jerry, Shaq Thompson and Poe were definitely the face of the defense. Ralph Wilson Sr. Shaq was the guts of the defense. Mike is right. Nicole. I agree with Mike. Shaq took charge. Jeff. Mike is right. Shaq was a fake. Do I need to go on? The comments were dominated by Josh. You haven't lived. Oh, no. This was a different one. He said you haven't lived in. You've heard Mike Catalana at +1.1.75.

[A]

I did like that one.

[B]

Shaq was the leader from Jake. Agree. Shaq was the leader.

[A]

Not face.

[B]

Mike is all over it. Shaq was the face. He was the nitro boost. I, I that was only a portion of them. You guys are with me. I knew I was right yeah, sure. And you hold on. You don't respect the opinion of our viewers.

[A]

I absolutely do. My favorite opinion was from stojo7920. Sometimes Dan is exhausting.

[B]

Oh, okay. Speaking of that.

[A]

To which I responded, agreed. Dash. Dan.

[B]

Speaking of that, from the Sabers game, we had some people come up to us, including someone I do believe. Who told you?

[A]

Oh, Mark. Right. Mark and Ashley. Ashley came up to us.

[B]

Ashley, first of all, thank you for coming up to talk to us. Just tell your husband to get on board here. Yes, like he could.

[A]

Matt. It was Matt came up to me, said, you're right. Said Dan is always right. And Ashley also came up to us and said she was from Florida. She said, I'm always listening to you guys in the car and my husband does not care.

[B]

Yeah, let's jump aboard here. Husband.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay, let's go.

[A]

Shout out to Matt and Ashley And Mark, I believe, gave me the really nice. He gave us the coaster. He was really cool. He came up does like woodcrafting for stuff. So that was. That was cool. So appreciate everybody that has come up to us in that one. But yeah, so which was. Who was the face of the defense last year? Who gave them a boost? Yeah. Who was Shaq. But I don't think that that means anything moving forward. Like that was not the question. We're interpreting the question correctly and incorrectly.

[B]

Oh, I just dominated that. I dominated that segment. Dominated.

[A]

If you do say so yourself.

[B]

I do.

[A]

Kind of like the Knicks over the Sixers.

[B]

Oh, God.

[A]

Had to do it. Or like the Canadiens have done to the Sabers those last two games. Yeah, dominant performances.

[B]

Yeah, dominant.

[A]

Okay, so we know the schedule well by the time maybe you're even watching this, some games by the league will announce it. The. It went from one day to now. The league will sprinkle out games for the rest of this entire week.

[B]

So I think they. There was a. At least a leak that Dallas and the Giants are going to open on Monday night. The first week. Sunday night. Sunday night.

[A]

Sunday night. Yes.

[B]

That game doesn't warrant a Sunday night game. This should have been Monday night.

[A]

Yeah, we've talked about this, but it's

[B]

Sunday night is Cowboys Sunday night.

[A]

Sunday night is the biggest, biggest game.

[B]

So in case you aren't familiar, and I know most of you are the home games for the schedule in addition to the division. Kansas City, Chargers, Chicago, Detroit and Baltimore. Road games outside of the division. Denver, Green Bay, Vegas, Minnesota, Houston and la. Nine on the road, eight at home.

[A]

Yeah, the road schedule. This Year is awesome.

[B]

So the big thing like you said is going to be who are they? Who they playing for the first home game. What do you have for week one? Is it a home game with you or where do you have the first game at the New High Mark Stadium.

[A]

I do not think week one will be at home.

[B]

I agree with you. I will tell you where I have them. Week one road game.

[A]

At Denver.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Do we agree that's two things we agree on.

[B]

We agree. I have it as a 425 game at Denver.

[A]

Love it.

[B]

I think it feels like that is not a. It's a rematch of a playoff game. It's a big like CBS window. You'll love that 425 team. The bills are. Bills are dominant TV and a lot of windows. But they crush that 425 window for the first game.

[A]

I agree. 100.

[B]

Because they have some time zone deals things they're dealing with this year. Yeah.

[A]

They're going to have their fair share just for Vegas, Louisiana.

[B]

Houston and then the central time zone, I guess you would say both with Minnesota and Houston.

[A]

And Green Bay.

[B]

And Green Bay. So it's three of them. Whereas last year they stayed in the East a lot. Yeah.

[A]

The farthest west they went we said was Houston.

[B]

Yeah. And Houston is one of the outside of the division. Houston's one of the closer ones.

[A]

Yeah. Last year it was. Their travel was not bad. I haven't seen exactly yet. I will say this.

[B]

The.

[A]

The NFL released their.

[B]

Oh who the strength.

[A]

No, I haven't. I haven't seen that one yet. The strength of schedule for teams from last year and the Bills have the eighth hardest for their opponents record last year which ain't worth a hill of beans when you think about all the changes that teams go through. But it is worth noting the Bears have the hardest than the Dolphins at second for. For what it's worth when you talk about strength of schedule.

[B]

So I thought that was interesting. So we both have them starting at Denver.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Who do you have as the home opener week two. Do you want to go for you want me to go?

[A]

I. I'm torn between.

[B]

Well, I actually predicted something. You're going to just throw out like three different things.

[A]

No, I have. I have. I have what I would like and then what I think may happen.

[B]

So I'll start with what I think it's going to be. I think it's the jets at home on Monday Night Football ball. I think the league will like the stadium issue being week two.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I agree with Monday night where they can do with all their shows play up being at the new stadium because you get the whole day to yourself because let's be honest, the. The stadium story for other viewers is mostly like pregame and seeing the stuff because once the game starts.

[A]

It's a game.

[B]

Yeah, it's a game. And they opened the old stadium with the Jets. They closed the stadium with the Jets Monday night Jets. What do you got?

[A]

I don't think it'll be Chiefs because I think they'll want it to be Mahomes back when they know for sure.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So my question is is do you make it like Chicago just because you'll have the Caleb Williams hype, the two teams hype. I, I think they'll want it to be something more than a beat down between Miami or the Jets.

[B]

I think if it was week one that would matter more because they like week one those games to all have big.

[A]

But you think. I agree. I think it's Monday night compared to a Sunday night.

[B]

I think it's Monday night and I think it's jets. They have a lot of really.

[A]

Could it be New England? It could be because one of those games will get prime time.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

One of those games will be one o'. Clock.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Right. I have a hard time thinking that the jets are going to get prime time.

[B]

Well, they get one. Everybody gets one. That feels last year there's Miami early and that was a bad team that

[A]

feels jets and Dolphins feel like Thursday night prime time.

[B]

Okay, I'm going to go, I'm going to go Monday night.

[A]

I agree with Monday night. I just don't agree with the opponent.

[B]

Okay. You think a better opponent? Well, honestly obviously the, the jets are the worst team that they play. Well Vegas could be I guess. Yes, jets in Vegas. But they're. They're at Vegas.

[A]

Yeah. So the other ones that could be interesting is Baltimore. They played them early last year.

[B]

I think if the. If it was week one and say they said the first Monday night game but I think that's going to be the Cowboys and the Giants. So I think week one is going to get pushed aside. I just don't think it's going to be the Giants is Sunday night.

[A]

Sunday night. I don't, I don't think week one has enough hype. It doesn't need to be the stadium on top of it. I think it gets lost in the shuffle of football is back. I think they wait for week two.

[B]

So I want fans to comment on this. When you see a game's being Played and you go, oh, it's the Bears. And the just say the Saints. But it's the opening of the new stadium for the Bears. How much do you care? I mean, you care when you're watching it like, oh, that looks cool. But I don't think it's like, oh my God, I can't wait to see this. Obviously it's a much bigger story for the Bills and I think in the pregame stuff, when they can show stuff and know that, I think that makes it more stuff to talk about.

[A]

Well, that's why I think Monday night, right. Espn, ebc, whatever that is, they'll be able to have all their shows there all Monday.

[B]

Yeah, that's why I think it's Monday night and I think it's the jets

[A]

that that makes sense to me. So, okay, other primetime games that you think? I think, I really think that all the Miami games, all the new Wink. The, the jets games or one o'? Clock?

[B]

Yeah, I, I have the Jets.

[A]

I know you have that one.

[B]

So I have two more home Sunday night games for the Bills. Do you have either one of any of these?

[A]

So you have Chiefs?

[B]

Nope.

[A]

Oh, you think New England's a Sunday night?

[B]

Sunday night with New England and Sunday night with the Ravens. Yeah, two Sunday night games.

[A]

Okay. Do you think Detroit home game. Let's go home wise. Do you think Detroit gets a 4 o' clock start?

[B]

I did not have it down as a 4 o' clock start because I have other games as 4 o' clock starts for them.

[A]

So you have Chicago. That is a home.

[B]

Chicago is a 425 game. Fox will love that.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

It's where they should have put the Philly game last year like mid October. 425 would have been. I think Bears with them is great. I think Chiefs, it's a CBS game. 425. They have loved that window for Bill's Chiefs. Yeah, it's a setter for the and cbs.

[A]

I don't know, Jim.

[B]

Yes. Oh yes, right. You're doing that. And the Chargers is going to be a 4 o' clock game. I would think now they could do a one o' clock game, but I think it will be maybe a. So. So fans know this. If it's a 405 game, it's not the national game.

[A]

Correct.

[B]

If it's a 425, I don't think they would do a 405 game in Buffalo.

[A]

I don't think so.

[B]

I think they would do a 425. So I had that down there. Only because it's a West coast team.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

And they might be pretty good this year. And it's that, that is the home games that I had at.

[A]

So Detroit is just a one o' clock game for you?

[B]

Yeah, I had Detroit and again, there's some, there's some really good games, but I had Detroit at 1, Chicago 425, Chargers at 425, Kansas City at 425. Baltimore is a night game. Jets is a Monday night game. Miami at 1 o'. Clock. New England is a Sunday night game.

[A]

Okay, that's home wise.

[B]

Home wise.

[A]

Okay. So now shifting to the road, I think Miami and the jets are both one o' clock games

[B]

on the road. On the road. Yes.

[A]

And we're always hoping that Miami is after October.

[B]

Yeah. Let it be late. Let it be late.

[A]

November, December, way better for everybody. I think they, I really hope they learned their lesson from playing a football game on the surface of the sun.

[B]

I have to change something. I actually had Miami as a night game, home game. You have to keep something in mind. The Bills used to be this team road game. The Bills used to be this team that it didn't matter. They, they were going to give them a home game or a night game and because the other team was good. So they would play New England or they would play, you know, and I, I had this, a Thursday night game late in the year.

[A]

Really?

[B]

Yeah. You know how last year we got surprised. It was like Atlanta, Atlanta was a Monday night game. That seemed like an odd one to me. And Miami was a home Thursday night game early

[A]

this year.

[B]

This past year. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So I have two road games because five is what they would normally get. So I have. So on the road. I have Miami as a Thursday night game just because sometimes you just. There's a lot of good games for them on the road.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And I have one other night game, L.A. no, that would be a good one too. Rams would be a good one. But I have Green Bay and it feels like Monday night in Green Bay. Abc. Monday night in Green Bay. I mean, the Rams certainly could be too. Rams are going to be really good,

[A]

I think. I think they're going to like the storyline and I know you push back on the storyline stuff last year with the digs. You were right. You were right about the storyline. Digs. I think they can play up. Josh being back on the West Coast, Haley, all that stuff.

[B]

Oh, I get. Okay. Yeah. The hot. Yeah.

[A]

Like that seems like an easy game to be At. I'm just saying that might be the pregame shot of Haley on the field early on with the baby.

[B]

Wow. Big move then.

[A]

That's a big. I'm just, I've just.

[B]

She's not coming on the field. She's staying up in the box with the baby.

[A]

It's very hail.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. Plus it's like, especially if Ozzy Osbourne, while he's passed away now. So he won't be there. Yeah. Because he played at that game that was so loud and so bad.

[A]

That was the opener.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

When it was there.

[A]

So you only have. So you have the three home games

[B]

that were prime and two road games

[A]

and two road games.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

No, you had. Oh. So your only home game, your away games that were prime time were Denver and Miami.

[B]

Denver's a 425.

[A]

Oh, that's right. Week one.

[B]

Week one at Green Bay, at Miami. That's five. That's five prime time games.

[A]

Yeah. Does Minnesota or Houston get any four o' clock nods? Let me phrase it to you this way. How many one o' clock games do you think they play?

[B]

Okay, here we go. I am going to say Miami at home. Detroit.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

This is mine. I have jets on the road. Well, now Vegas, it's out west.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Minnesota plays one o' clock games, though they're only an hour.

[A]

They do.

[B]

I'm going to say Minnesota.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Minnesota or Houston.

[A]

Okay. So I got four, four one o' clock games. We've talked a lot about this for the one o' clock that the Bills had become the primetime Bills and all their games. But there are a, there's a passionate part of the fan base and comment in that people love the one o' clock games.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

When I'm at the bus stop or I'm at, you know, dance, the, the parents are. They love the one o' clock games.

[B]

Now you can't, I mean, like, you can't play in LA or Vegas. It might be 1 o' clock there, but it's not going to be 1 o' clock in.

[A]

Correct.

[B]

In the. In New York. So, yeah, that's kind of what I have.

[A]

And also I want to know too, for the, the audience that has liked and commented and subscribed already, if you are going to go to a game or if you're hoping to go to a game, what is the one that obviously everybody loves to go to? Miami. Okay. But is it Green Bay this year that you want to go to the Bear? The Bills are very rarely in at Lambeau. Is it Vegas for The new stadium. Is it Minnesota? They haven't been there since Josh's rookie year.

[B]

Yep. The hurdle game.

[A]

First hurdle. Or they've been at LA now one other time, the. The opener.

[B]

And they've been to Houston a few times now. It's funny that they're there again. So la. LA is a cool trip. The stadium's awesome. I have not been to the Minnesota stadium, so that'll be another one. Vegas. By the way, we're working on some Buffalo plus stuff for Vegas. We need that game to be at the right time.

[A]

Yeah. We're cooking up some things for Vegas and possibly Green Bay.

[B]

Green Bay we're talking about. That should be like. I'd love that to be. Even if it's 1 o' clock in Vegas, which means you guys are going to have to get up early because you're going to be out Saturday night. It's Vegas.

[A]

It's Vegas.

[B]

I mean, it could also be a night game. Vegas is going to get one or two.

[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

So, you know, this is where I have, like, I had that jets or Miami game. There could be Vegas. I don't want it to be a Thursday.

[A]

No.

[B]

That is unfair to Bills fans. That should be a weekend.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

You travel. I want that game to be like late October.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Green even early November be fine.

[A]

Green Bay. And there's a lot of things actually coming up the pipeline I would love of Buffalo. Plus that we are excited to tell you about in the near future once more things get finalized. But the possibility of getting to do something special in Green Bay or Las Vegas is something we are closely working on now.

[B]

Green Bay is an awesome place to go for a game. I want that game to be in September.

[A]

October you want earlier in the year?

[B]

Yeah. I mean, look, you guys, your Bills fans, you've been to crappy weather. Like, there's. It's much you can say. Oh, the frozen tundra. Green Bay is cool to experience a lot. Yeah. You know, the bars around the stadium, the hall of Fame that the packers have just the aura of pulling up in this suburban town. Yeah. Except it's Wrigley. If it was in Greece. New York.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Not in Chicago.

[A]

Good point.

[B]

And. But like, you don't need the cold weather to enjoy Lambo. You just don't. I want it to be nice weather. So I am asking the NFL to make that game.

[A]

Vegas in December would be cool.

[B]

It'd be fine.

[A]

Yeah. My last thing, the only thing. So we will have something. We're trying to. We're still mapping out our Schedule for. Because the Sabres will have game five on Thursday night. So we believe we'll be doing our instant reaction to the schedule release on Friday. Yeah, tentatively. What we're planning. The only things in that I will look for is I look for three road games in a row is bad. You never want three. Three road games in a row. And I also want to see backloaded as much as possible with home games. I want teams to be coming to Buffalo in December and early January.

[B]

Was that wild last year? What do we have? Three, three night games in the first? Like, four home games?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yes. Baltimore. Then went Miami. Miami. And then week three was something. And then they were back in prime time again for week four. Was the Patriots.

[B]

Yes. The Sunday night. O. Yeah. Very impactful. Bad game.

[A]

So all those things are factored in. So again, we will have some type of reaction for you coming out probably Friday morning. Michael, Sabres are in trouble.

[B]

Yeah, they're in trouble. The way they've played. It's not about being down to one in the series. Correct. The way they've played. Montreal is a exciting team and they have flipped a switch in this series. They went from the way they played against Tampa and they've had, you know, we talked about they're going to have more space to play. The Sabres have taken it to an extreme. Yeah. Because Montreal's had a crazy amount of space now. I do think the Sabers are ticked off. I do think they realize they played horribly. I do think that you will see a better plan defensively. And sometimes that. By the way, when I say plan, I don't just mean the coach's plan. Like. And you look at game two.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

The play Zach Benson made to get that goal where he just fought and fought and fought for like 40 seconds and got rewarded with a goal. That's when we talk about, you can have any plan you want. That's a guy who would not be denied on that play. They need more of that out of Tage Thompson. Alex Tuck said it was the worst defensive game he might have ever played and it was bad. They were not agree. They weren't covering anybody. Guys were wide open and. And that needs to change.

[A]

Game three was the first time I went into this entire postseason going, how would they react to the bright lights of playoff hockey? And I thought for most of the Boston series, they answered that bell in the Bell center, which seems to be like the mecca of playoff hockey. They seem to be overmatched in that environment.

[B]

I think they were intimidated.

[A]

I agree.

[B]

But I gotta tell You. I did not go to the game. You didn't go to the game. I've never been to a game at the Bell Center. I gotta get to a game. I telling my wife, I said, that is fantastic.

[A]

Like, the 20,000 that were outside that place just seems like those again. I've thought about it before and then I've heard multiple people that cover the league and stuff that it is as close to a European soccer game as you get.

[B]

Like, by the way, everyone wear a sweater. The red sweater, everybody. Like, Sabres fans have been awesome.

[A]

Sabers fans. That environment has been awesome. They will have to step it up a little bit for game five.

[B]

Yeah. And you play well.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And you win. Figure out a way to win.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

And then you get it back to 2. 2. And then you gotta. You got a series.

[A]

You talk about playing like they were, you know, overwhelmed and outmatched. It just felt like they played a little too emotional.

[B]

Yeah. Like, Tage talked about that, like, where

[A]

you got into it when you. You let the emotion get bigger than the game. The Sabers are still a really good team. They have played two bad games. That happens. That. That's part of a. Of a playoff series. More desperation, more help for your goalie. Because I don't think Alex Lyon was the problem at all.

[B]

No.

[A]

I hope they stay with him because I think he's been good. But you need your best players to be good. Tuck hasn't been good enough. And honestly, he's gotten a little bit of a pass because of how bad Tasia has been playing in this series. Tuck needs to be better. Josh Norris needs to be better because. Yeah, they're not getting enough.

[B]

Alex lyon Gave up six goals.

[A]

Should have given up 12.

[B]

It would. It should have been. I mean, it was an insane amount of chances that they had. So they have to be better. I think they will be better.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Does it result in a win? We're going to see if it does. Everybody's back and we'll be there. So to your point, we'll be there for the game on Thursday. We will have a quick reaction that we will post on the channel. And then maybe, maybe, since we'll do it on Friday morning, the princess, we'll have a special guest. She is now the Queen of Greece. Is there a queen? They don't have queens. No. They don't have royalty. Prime Minister.

[A]

Princess.

[B]

Princess, we're going to call her the Princess of Greece.

[A]

Showed us some video of her ride in.

[B]

No, she was sitting on a scooter. There is zero chance she drove that thing.

[A]

So commented. I know everybody's really bummed that there's no Jenna here. So are we thoughts on minicamp, the schedule? Who do you think the Bills will open up New High Mark Stadium against? Do you think it'll be weeks one or two? I highly doubt it's week three.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I don't think they put them on the road two times.

[B]

And also comment in just exactly how right was I about shaq Thompson?

[A]

Nope.

[B]

100% correct.

[A]

All right, Appreciate it. As always. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share. Tell a friend. Continue to push this. Also, I've seen some other videos. People have been saying on YouTube that YouTube is unsubscribing people to certain podcasts. Just double check. Yeah, double check. A bunch of other content creators that I watch, they say.

[B]

Also make sure you're getting the notifications.

[A]

Little bell.

[B]

Yeah, because some people have that turned off.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You want notifications?

[A]

Also notifications for when we reply to your amazing comments. We appreciate them, as always. Even the ones that say Mike is right, but Matt says Dan is always, always right. So I appreciate it, as always, from Mike Catalana. I'm Dan Fates. Jenna's living life in Greece.

[B]

Good for her.

[A]

We'll catch you next time here on the Buffalo plus podcast. Buffalo plus.