Buffalo Plus Podcast Summary

Episode: The aftermath of DIGGS DRAMA, who is UNDER PRESSURE now and Buffalo Bills TRAINING CAMP UPDATE
Date: April 9, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana (C), Jenna Cottrell (B), Dan Fetes (A)

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the aftermath of the blockbuster trade sending Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, analyzing its impact on the Buffalo Bills’ roster, the organization’s future, and interpersonal dynamics between Diggs, Josh Allen, and team management. The hosts also discuss who is under the most pressure now, the Bills’ draft and free agency outlook, and wrap up with a training camp update.

Main Topics & Segments

1. Reaction to the Diggs Trade

Timestamps: 00:15 – 09:41

• The trade took fans and analysts by surprise, given previous beliefs the Bills would hold onto Diggs for another year.
• Discussion of Bean’s reasoning: readiness to “cut losses” and that the move, albeit costly, signals a reset for the team.
• Hosts reflect on initial disbelief and how the trade’s timing and compensation indicate the Bills wanted out, despite a less-than-optimal return for a 30-year-old receiver.

“If he [Diggs] was still that guy, Stefon Diggs and Josh had the faith in him and they had the relationship, he'd be pounding on the table going, do not trade my guy 100%. I don't think there was any of that going on. I think he was ready for him to go.”
– Mike Catalana (C), [00:15]

2. The Diggs Legacy & Fan Reaction

Timestamps: 03:45 – 06:36

• Hosts lament the “ex-partner effect” among fans— now suddenly hostile to Diggs after years of adulation.
• Diggs’ arrival was a major factor in making the Bills “cool" and competitive offensively.
• Extension timing is questioned— why extend Diggs in 2023 if organizational faith was already shaky?
• Comparing the Diggs and Von Miller contracts: hosts agree Von Miller’s is the far worse deal.

“Let's not act like…this guy was nothing. Diggs made the Bills cool.”
– Dan Fetes (A), [04:36]

3. Decline in Production & Fairness of Criticism

Timestamps: 06:38 – 13:28

• The second-half production decline for Diggs over two seasons sparks debate: was it Diggs’ fault, Josh Allen’s, or team construction?
• Dan pushes back on using “just the stats,” citing missed opportunities where Allen overthrew Diggs on deep balls.
• Discussion on the lack of a true #2 WR to support Diggs, putting more pressure on him in playoffs.

“I think it is a lazy take to look at his numbers in just stats…Three deep balls that Josh missed him on would have added to the numbers.”
– Dan Fetes (A), [10:00]

4. The Josh Allen–Diggs Relationship Dynamic

Timestamps: 17:40 – 22:38

• A marked shift from “best friends” to apparent estrangement— journalists report on locker room outbursts and growing weariness.
• Allegations that Allen wanted out of the Diggs situation, or at least didn't try to prevent the deal.
• Tim Graham’s reporting cited as an example of tension after the opening-week Jets loss.

“Josh Allen is the absolute alpha of this franchise…he played and wanted Stefon Diggs’ approval. He’s the only guy.”
– Mike Catalana (C), [19:34]

“I think for Josh, my opinion is he was just tired of it. And I think maybe he felt like he had to be on eggshells.”
– Jenna Cottrell (B), [17:57]

5. Organizational Pressure Going Forward

Timestamps: 29:17 – 31:34

• Consensus: Most pressure is on GM Brandon Beane, who must rebuild a depleted WR room and justify $31M of dead money.
• Perception is that Allen and McDermott feel less pressure, with Allen as the clear franchise centerpiece and McDermott arguably benefiting from lowered outside expectations.

“Right now it’s 70% on Beane and 15 on Josh and McDermott.”
– Mike Catalana (C), [29:25]

6. Draft and Roster Outlook

Timestamps: 31:42 – 35:23

• Wide agreement that Buffalo must draft a wide receiver early and potentially target a veteran.
• Discussion of the practicality and cost of moving up in the draft for top WR prospects.
• A sense of urgency, but also realism: replacing Diggs’s production by committee, unless a star emerges, is likely.

“They’re going to draft a guy relatively early and they’re going to sign another veteran. Not replacing Diggs, but replacing his production.”
– Mike Catalana (C), [14:12]

7. Faith in Allen and the New-Look Offense

Timestamps: 38:53 – 43:27

• Discussion of how Allen’s game and leadership will be paramount with a retooled cast.
• Added focus on flexibility, spreading the ball around, and possible for Kincaid and Shakir to step up.
• Some skepticism about Josh’s off-season habits and leadership style after Diggs.

8. Bills Training Camp Update

Timestamps: 43:27 – 45:09

• Expectation that the Bills will return to St. John Fisher, with agreement across stakeholders and planning underway.
• Emphasis on the importance of team bonding in a “reset” year with so many new faces.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On public reaction:
  “The juice ain’t worth the squeeze anymore...catching 110 balls and 1,100 yards, that doesn’t grow on trees.” –Dan Fetes (A), [15:47]

• On Stefon Diggs' public persona:
  “Diggs is a diva wide receiver. He’s the modern-day diva wide receiver.” –Dan Fetes (A), [46:47]

• On Diggs' impact:
  “He became a star in Buffalo. A star player.” –Mike Catalana (C), [41:16]

• On organizational logic:
  “To your point, maybe [Bean] does feel that way, that he’s going to be, like, all in...I don’t think there’s little to no chance of that happening because [it’s] so costly.” –Mike Catalana (C), [38:36]

Tone & Atmosphere

• Spirited debate and frank discussion, especially regarding Diggs’s legacy, the fanbase’s reaction, and Allen’s role.
• Honest, sometimes humorous takes (“It’s like you paid off your car and then you lit your car on fire and pushed it off a cliff.” –Dan Fetes, [24:14]), keeping the tone light despite heavy subject matter.
• Respectful disagreement among the hosts, leading to layered analysis.

Key Takeaways for Listeners

• The Diggs trade was as much about locker room chemistry and future flexibility as on-field production.
• Brandon Beane carries significant pressure to restock the WR group and maximize Josh Allen’s window.
• A “reset” year is underway— fans should expect growing pains but also opportunity for new faces.
• The deep, nuanced relationship between stars like Allen & Diggs can deeply affect team transactions and narratives, beyond what numbers can show.

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