Buffalo Plus: Stefon Diggs Sounds Off on Being Fully Invested with the Buffalo Bills & Joe Brady Loves Josh Allen
November 17, 2023 — Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the current pulse of the Buffalo Bills following the firing of offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and the promotion of Joe Brady. It focuses on two central storylines: Stefon Diggs addressing ongoing rumors about his commitment to Buffalo—especially after his brother's critical tweets—and the introduction of Joe Brady as interim offensive coordinator, highlighting his approach to reigniting Josh Allen’s confidence. The hosts offer behind-the-scenes insights, player reactions, and debate the keys to turning the Bills' season around ahead of a crucial matchup with the New York Jets.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Stefon Diggs Addresses Commitment Rumors (01:23–11:43)

• Trayvon Diggs' Tweets: Diggs' brother tweeted about "getting 14 out of there" during the Bills' recent struggles, prompting questions to Stefon about his own commitment.

• Stefon Diggs’ Professional Response: Diggs made it clear the tweets are his brother’s opinion, not his own. He expressed frustration at continually having to answer questions about his desire to remain a Bill.

  “It's like I've repeatedly had to say the same thing twice to multiple people… I've never really said anything about being unhappy… so when you draw conclusions as to stuff I've never said, that's what kind of troubles me.”
  — Stefon Diggs (04:02)

• Media and Fan Reaction: The hosts agreed that Diggs handled the situation admirably and pointed out his actions as a leader and star performer have consistently shown he’s invested in the team.

• Comparison to 90s Bills: The panel reminisced about more dramatic locker rooms in the past, suggesting the current Stefon Diggs situation is blown out of proportion by social media and pundits.

  “What else do you want him to say besides getting like a Buffalo Bill tattooed on his face?”
  — Mike Catalana (06:15)

2. Josh Allen’s Struggles and Rebuilding Confidence (11:43–23:20)

• Recent Performance Issues: The hosts note Allen's uncharacteristically low energy and waning confidence amid a rough offensive stretch, citing missed opportunities, turnovers, and the impact on team morale.

• Joe Brady’s New Role & Approach: New interim OC Joe Brady brings energy, authenticity, and direct positivity toward Allen.

  “Give me Josh Allen all day, every day. I'm not worried about it... I believe Josh Allen is the best quarterback in the NFL, and it excites me that I get an opportunity to call plays with him.”
  — Joe Brady (16:33)

• Rebuilding Josh’s Swagger: The team emphasizes Allen’s need to rekindle his former confident, aggressive play, not just for himself but as a catalyst for offensive improvement. There’s a consensus that Allen’s teammates and coaches need to support and encourage him actively.

  “He should walk out on the field like, ‘I’m the baddest man in the world.’ Go out there and play like Josh Allen.”
  — Dan Fates (14:16)

3. What Needs to Change on Offense? (23:20–31:22)

• “Gas Him Up”: Hosts debate the fine line between reckless play and excessive caution. They advocate for calculated risk-taking and freeing Allen from “playing with kid gloves.”

• Tactical Adjustments: Suggestions include mixing the running and passing games, letting Allen take more downfield shots to rebuild rhythm and confidence, adjusted for a tough Jets defense this week.

• Managing Expectations: There’s realism about what can be established in just a week after a midseason coordinator change, especially given the short turnaround for the Jets game.

  “He’s making mistakes on simple reads and simple plays because I feel like he’s afraid of making mistakes. So, he’s almost being overly cautious.”
  — Mike Catalana (23:03)

• Predictions for the Jets Game (34:22–39:24):

  • Mike: “8 to 5, this game’s like baseball. Just gonna be gross.” (35:29)
  • Jenna: “Bills win, 21-12. I think for this team, it’s about focus and getting back to basics.” (35:57)
  • Dan: “Bills 16-11. When I see an ugly game, I like an ugly score.” (38:38)

4. Jets Game Preview and Field Position Problems (31:22–33:24)

• Jets Defense Praised: The panel highlights the strength of the Jets’ defense and their ability to “dirty up” games, comparing their mentality to Bills teams past who made defense their offense.
• Bills’ Field Position Woes: Special teams (especially punting) have contributed to the offense’s struggles with poor starting positions and lack of defensive turnovers.

5. Final Thoughts: National Narratives, Nuance, and Outlook (41:07–42:45)

• Media Scrutiny: The team discusses how quickly national commentators have turned on Buffalo and Allen after years of hyping them.

• The Need for Nuance: They stress the complexity of the situation; Josh Allen can be both great and in need of improvement.

• Key to the Season: All agree the priority is restoring Allen’s energy, “letting Josh be Josh,” and supporting him holistically.

  “The biggest thing is getting Josh Allen’s confidence back.”
  — Jenna Cottrell (30:43)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Stefon Diggs, on commitment:
  “But here we are again, revisiting the topic about how I feel… I'm a Buffalo Bill. I give it everything I got. I'm a professional, and I treat this game as such.” (05:01)
• Mike Catalana, on media speculation:
  “It’s great for morning shows. But Stefon Diggs’s actions and his words, what else do you want him to say besides getting a Buffalo Bill tattooed on his face?” (06:15)
• Joe Brady, on Allen:
  “I believe Josh Allen is the best quarterback in the NFL and… I feel like you can look down at the play call and whatever you call, Josh Allen is going to find a way to make it work.” (16:33)
• Jenna Cottrell, on supporting Allen:
  “His teammates have to help him. They have to help show him and remind him that he’s Josh Allen.” (15:35)
• Mike Catalana, on turnovers:
  “Not all interceptions are created equal.” (40:00)

Timestamps to Important Segments

• 01:23 – 11:43: Stefon Diggs media session, family tweets, and his response
• 11:43 – 23:20: Josh Allen’s struggles, OC change, and the need for a confidence reset
• 23:20 – 31:22: Tactical changes, debate on Allen’s playstyle, and short-term goals
• 31:22 – 33:24: Jets defense preview, Bills’ field position troubles
• 34:22 – 39:24: Game predictions, scoring expectations
• 41:07 – end: Wrapping up, narrative shifts, and the importance of nuance

Summary Tone

The conversation is candid, lighthearted, and loaded with local expertise. The hosts blend humor (including jokes about soundboards and “buttons”) with pointed analysis, balancing optimism with hard truths about the team’s performance and outlook. The podcast provides valuable context, direct locker-room insight, and level-headed takes—making this a strong episode for any fan seeking honest commentary beyond standard national narratives.