Buffalo Plus Podcast – "The Bills BIG CONCERN as the PRESEASON comes to an END"

Date: August 26, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

As the Buffalo Bills close out their preseason against the Carolina Panthers, the Buffalo Plus team of Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, and Dan Fetes break down the most pressing issues facing the roster ahead of final cutdowns. The primary concern: confidence in starting kicker Tyler Bass following a troubling miss, but the hosts also dig into standouts (and stand-downs) among second- and third-stringers, the backup QB situation, promising young talent, and the nuances of forming the final 53-man roster. The conversation is candid, occasionally fiery, and packed with insider observations.

Main Themes & Insights

1. Tyler Bass and the Kicker Worry

Key Concern: The hosts’ biggest takeaway is a lack of confidence in Tyler Bass after a 51-yard miss, especially given the Bills’ high frequency of close games.

• Missed 51-yarder draws worry:
  • “I'm worried about the kicker guys. I know it's only a 51 yard field goal and... he hasn't missed in the preseason. They were all 30-some yard kicks. He missed a 51 yarder. Sean McDermott after is like, yeah, Tyler knows he's got to make that kick. He has not been good.” – Mike Catalana (01:32)
• Confidence issues linger:
  • “When we talk about what we've talked about of Tyler Bass growing his confidence. And Brandon Bean said in the pre-game show, you know, we have confidence in Tyler, but what McDermott said after is like, he needs to make those. That to me is like, they know. …Something has got to change.” – Jenna Cottrell (02:49)
• Historical context – last season’s woes:
  • “If you can't make the long kicks, then this is something that will follow you. And it followed. And it ended the season last year when he couldn't make the kick.” – Jenna Cottrell (03:05)
• Margin for error lower than ever:
  • “I think this team's margin of error has been reduced. They lost talent … There’s going to be close games. You can't let the kicker stand in the way of winning games.” – Mike Catalana (03:31)
• Tongue-in-cheek solution:
  • “Just go for it. Just every time. Put the ball in Josh Allen's hand and go from there.” – Dan Fetes (04:03)
• Kicker evaluation in the preseason:
  • “He [McDermott] said a couple weeks ago, I may use opportunities that would normally go for it to kick the ball... Tyler Bass is a starter and he missed.” – Mike Catalana (04:39)

Timestamps:

• 01:32–04:41: In-depth concern about Bass and Bills’ approach with kickers.

2. Backup Quarterback Situation

With Josh Allen excused, Ben DiNucci and Anthony Brown split preseason snaps, while attention turns to the health of Mitch Trubisky.

• DiNucci’s biggest missed opportunity:
  • “He overthrew Tyrell Shavers. I don't care what you say. Tyrell Shavers ran a phenomenal route. … And Ben freaking Denucci misses you. That open. I'm pissed. I'm pissed for Tyrell Shavers that Ben Denucci threw him the ball.” – Dan Fetes (05:28, 06:22)
• Lively debate on the play:
  • “I tweeted Shaver should have kept running the route.” – Mike Catalana (07:09)
  • “98% of that fault is Ben Denucci.” – Dan Fetes (06:20)
• Impact on Shavers (WR):
  • “He called this his Super Bowl. And you ran the route of your NFL career, and you're wide open by 15 yards, and Ben freaking Denucci misses you.” – Dan Fetes (06:22)
• Mitch Trubisky’s health uncertain:
  • "Pregame and post game saw Mitch walking on and off the field. ...looked labored, like he had the, the sleeve down his leg. ...made me put pause on that point." – Jenna Cottrell (10:39-11:04)
  • “Not a doctor, but I feel like Mitch could be out the first four weeks.” – Dan Fetes (11:25)
  • The team may need to acquire another backup QB or ride with DiNucci as their third QB.

Timestamps:

• 05:28–09:43: DiNucci and Shavers missed connection debate
• 10:05–11:31: Trubisky’s health and backup QB options

3. Young & Fringe Roster Player Standouts

Frank Gore Jr. Shows Out with Dad Watching

• “Frank Gore Jr. Had the touchdown today. His dad was here. …He has some juice. I was impressed.” – Jenna Cottrell (12:09)
• “He had two runs in the scoring drive … one outside, nice cut … and the next run, he knifed inside in between the tackle and guard, …that’s an impressive run for not a big guy.” – Mike Catalana (12:37)

Daquan Hardy & Jamarcus Ingram Emerge at Cornerback

• “Jamarcus Ingram … has gone from a break glass in case of emergency guy to now being a guy that is coming into his own, long, physical guy.” – Dan Fetes (15:02)
• “Daquan Hardy... didn’t have an interception, but it was a deep ball. Went step to step … was really close. He also had a nice tackle in the running game as well.” – Dan Fetes (16:06)
• “What he's done on the field, I've been impressed by. …After some questionable punt returns... Sean McDermott kind of called him out for. We got to be better …Exponentially better today.” – Jenna Cottrell (16:35, 16:56)

Practice Squad Candidates Make Intriguing Cases

• Tyrell Shavers: “I thought Tyrell Shavers … had a nice game. He made some nice catches... Overall, I love that he called it his super bowl.” – Jenna Cottrell (08:17)
• Deion Cain, Darrington Evans, others:
  • “Deion Kane. … Two nice plays. …a practice squad guy. But it's nice to see in this setting … players step up a little bit.” – Mike Catalana (17:11)

Timestamps:

• 12:09–14:03: Frank Gore Jr., Darrington Evans, and RB discussion
• 15:02–16:56: Emerging DBs, Daquan Hardy’s progress
• 08:17–09:43, 17:11–18:01: Shavers and other offensive depth receivers

4. Linebacker Position Battles and Local Standout

Joe Andreessen’s Rising and Learning Curve

• “Unbelievable night in Pittsburgh… but he came back down to earth a little bit today.” – Dan Fetes (18:14)
• “All those things like, it's gonna happen. You gotta learn from it…we saw flashes, but you're right, there were moments where he did get burned.” – Jenna Cottrell (20:12)
• “He's shown a lot. Maybe not as much in this game, but I'm going to stick with it, that he's on the roster Tuesday.” – Mike Catalana (20:55)
• Local angle:
  • “I think that would be also an incredible story … what it would mean for a hometown kid to be playing for his hometown team.” – Jenna Cottrell (21:07)

Roster Fluidity and Special Teams Roles

• “Because of injuries, they may keep an extra linebacker … Even guys who make the 53 may not be on the 53 two weeks later.” – Mike Catalana (22:02)

Timestamps:

• 18:13–22:02: Joe Andreessen, LB depth, and special teams/roster management

5. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We've been trying to tell ourselves that everything's gonna be okay.” – Dan Fetes (02:53)
• “You can't let the kicker stand in the way of winning games.” – Mike Catalana (03:31)
• “I wanted anybody in the press box to argue this way.” – Dan Fetes, after the DiNucci-Shavers miss (07:06)
• “I'm surprised we didn't start this by being like, Shavers just let up. Just totally. Just total mental error on shavers.” – Dan Fetes (09:23)
• “This team's margin of error has been reduced.” – Mike Catalana (03:31)
• “Practice squad guy. But it's nice to see in this setting when players … step up a little bit.” – Mike Catalana on Deion Cain (17:11)

Segment Timestamps & Flow

00:54–04:41: Preseason finale, Tyler Bass concern, kicker anxiety
04:41–09:43: Backup QB evaluation, Ben DiNucci's missed opportunity, Tyrell Shavers positivity
10:05–11:31: Mitch Trubisky injury worries, QB roster speculation
12:09–14:03: Frank Gore Jr., Darrington Evans, RB/special teams depth
15:02–16:56: Defensive back depth: Jamarcus Ingram, Daquan Hardy’s emergence
17:11–18:01: Wide receiver depth (Deion Cain, Shavers), practice squad potential
18:13–22:02: Joe Andreessen’s highs and lows, linebacker battles, roster fluidity and special teams
22:02–End: Roster mechanics, inside jokes, and wrap-up

Tone & Style

The team’s banter is lively, passionate, and remains conversational. They poke fun at each other, reference social media memes (“Credit to me”, “Not in the building”), and offer both granular football analysis and big-picture roster consideration, all in a style that’s accessible for diehard fans and casual listeners alike.

Conclusion

This episode captures the tension and excitement as the Bills’ preseason ends—emphasizing the surprising emergence of late-round and practice squad hopefuls, the ongoing kicker anxiety, and how every roster spot is up for grabs until final cuts. The breakdown is honest, occasionally frustrated, but always rooted in deep Bills insight and a genuine fondness for the game and its stories.

Recommended for: Fans seeking candid, emotional analysis and behind-the-scenes perspective on the 2024 Buffalo Bills roster battles as the season approaches.