The BILLS Division DOMINATION, Josh Allen’s MVP CASE and JOE BRADY'S next MOVE

Summary

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Buffalo Plus: A Buffalo Bills Podcast

Episode: The BILLS Division DOMINATION, Josh Allen’s MVP CASE and JOE BRADY'S next MOVE
Date: December 20, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

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Episode Overview

This episode of the Buffalo Plus podcast brings together Mike, Jenna, and Dan for a lively, in-depth roundtable on the Buffalo Bills' recent surge in the AFC East, Josh Allen’s MVP-caliber play, and offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s rising star—including speculation about his potential as an NFL head coach. The crew breaks down leadership dynamics, offensive evolution, coaching credits, injury updates, and the Bills' continued rivalry with New England, mixing in locker room insights, listener questions, and playful banter.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bills’ Vibes & Locker Room Mindset

• Confidence and Focus: The Bills are playing their best football, and the locker room vibe is “very high” (01:29). Despite success, there’s a shared belief the team hasn’t reached its full “championship level” and must stay disciplined.

• Deion Dawkins’ “Boring Things” Philosophy: Cites Deion’s advice about “doing the boring things over and over again, that's what champions do” (02:42).

  • Quote – Dan Fetes: “It’s like a basketball player doing free throws… not the fun stuff, but it gets you to where you want to go.” (02:58)

• Impact of Early Season Losses: The Rams loss “left a scar” and became a needed reset for recalibrating focus and humility (04:43).

• National Media Frustration: The hosts joke about being annoyed that national media suddenly recognizes Josh Allen's greatness—Buffalo insiders have “been talking about this for years.”

  • Quote – Jenna Cottrell: “It’s kind of weird to me that when I turn on national media and they're talking about the Bills, I get a little bit annoyed because I'm like, no, no, no, no. We. We've been talking about this for years.” (00:01; again at 43:36)

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2. Josh Allen’s Leadership & MVP Play

• Joy & Composure: Allen’s positive attitude is infectious, keeping “great vibes” throughout the building even after losses.

  • Quote – Mike Catalana: “Everybody in that building feeds off of Josh Allen. The veterans to the young guys. They look at 17, they go, dude is smiling, he's happy.” (07:04)

• Leader in the Locker Room:

  • Josh is compared to “Derek Jeter” — the clear alpha, setting the tone for all others (08:56).

• Statistics & Growth:

  • 10 total touchdowns and 800+ yards in the last two games, with no sacks, no turnovers, and just one negative play (10:12).
  • Hosts agree he’s not just producing MVP stats but playing at a higher intellectual and leadership level than previous seasons: “He's a better football player now. Better leader, better at everything.” (10:48)

• The Butcher vs The Surgeon:

  • Dan shares Trent Dilfer’s QB analogy: Allen has evolved from a “butcher”—flashy, risk-taking—to a “surgeon”—methodical, composed, and precise (11:19).
    • Quote – Dan Fetes: “Now it's watch this. Like it. It's methodical. There's a calmness, there's a composure that I haven't seen from Josh before.” (12:14)

• Decision Making:

  • Allen’s “mind is now on par with his physical ability.” He’s not just avoiding turnovers but isn’t “even putting the ball in harm's way” (13:53).

• Supporting Cast Stepping Up:

  • Ty Johnson led in receiving vs. Detroit, despite being a backup RB, highlighting Allen’s ability to get the most from a “hodgepodge” supporting cast (15:17).

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3. Joe Brady’s Impact & Future

• Credit & Debate:

  • Some fans say “Brady would be nothing without Josh,” but the hosts assert it’s a true partnership (16:51).
    • Quote – Mike Catalana: “[Brady] has put Josh Allen in a great space… the perfect marriage of it.” (17:43)
  • Joe Brady has “done a fantastic job” giving Allen quick, pre-snap answers and blending run/pass schemes (16:07).

• Head Coach Candidacy:

  • Debate over whether Brady should jump for a head coaching job or remain in Buffalo given the “unicorn” opportunity to coach Allen (21:01).
  • Discussion of how NFL hiring trends have shifted toward “CEO” head coaches, not just play-callers; fit and situation matter more than ever (23:57).
  • Quote – Jenna Cottrell: “If I were Joe Brady, I would be judicious about where I go because look at Brian Dable… You go to New York, you have a great first season and then look at the tire fire that is the Giants…” (27:07)

• Coaching Continuity:

  • Even if Brady leaves, there’s optimism that Allen’s current level and culture could minimize disruption (30:13).

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4. Coaching, Playcalling & Scheme Evolution

• Collaboration Culture:
  • Praise for the “partnership” between Allen, Brady, and the offensive staff, and how quickly Allen has adapted to system tweaks (16:41).
• Role of O-Line & Other Coaches:
  • Recognition for Aaron Kromer and the offensive line: no sacks allowed in recent weeks, giving Allen critical time (19:59).

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5. Injury Updates & Depth Management

[32:06–35:42]

• Injury Report: Rasool, Demar, Matt Milano, Taylor Rapp, Curtis Samuel, Baylon Spector, and Dorian Williams all limited in practice but participated.
• Micah Hyde’s Return:
  • Hosts expect Hyde could be activated and possibly get action this week; importance of testing his readiness for the playoffs (34:00).

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6. Patriots Rivalry & Division Dominance

[35:42–38:44]

• Power Flip:

  • Reflection on how the Bills have assumed the role of perennial AFC East powerhouse, compared to long Patriots’ dominance (35:58).
    • Quote – Dan Fetes: “For the longest time, Tom Brady had the second most wins in Orchard Park. Like, that was the level of dominance…” (35:42)
  • Importance of clinching division titles and the boost of playing home playoff games (36:45).

• Division Landscape:

  • Dolphins, Patriots, Jets all in states of transition. Bills positioned for multi-year control (37:41).

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7. Drake Maye, Young QBs, and “The Josh Allen Effect”

[38:26–43:55]

• QB Environment:
  • Patriots rookie Drake Maye has limited support—“no protection, no playmakers, no playcaller” (39:15).
• Unrealistic Comparisons:
  • The NFL’s tendency to link every big, athletic, strong-armed QB prospect to Josh Allen is critiqued.
  • Quote – Dan Fetes: “I think Josh Allen has like ruined the draft process… for any quarterback that is 6 foot 4 and can move, everybody will make the comparison of he's got some Josh Allen in him. There's not any other Josh Allen's.” (40:55)

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8. Game Predictions & Defensive Bounce Back

• Predictions: All three hosts pick the Bills to dominate the Patriots, citing Allen’s form and the defense's motivation after back-to-back high-scoring games allowed.

  • Scores: 34–17 (both Jenna and Dan), 34–14 (Mike) (51:28–52:31)

• Defense Focus:

  • Despite giving up 40+ points in the last two games, the defense showed flashes of dominance, especially against Detroit’s O-line (47:06).
  • Special credit to Ed Oliver for his “whooping another man” effort and the team for early offensive/defensive stops (47:50).

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9. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Trent Dilfer QB Analogy:
  • Dan Fetes, 11:19 – “For a long time, Josh was the butcher… Now he’s a surgeon… There’s a calmness and composure I haven’t seen.”
• Media Recognition Frustration:
  • Jenna Cottrell, 43:36 – “I get a little bit annoyed because… we've been talking about this for years.”
• Patriots Pain:
  • Dan Fetes, 35:42 – “For the longest time, Tom Brady had the second most wins in Orchard Park.”

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10. “Credit to Me” Segment & Team Banter

[53:12–62:26]

• Recreational Sports Rant:
  • Jenna and Dan swapping stories about “overly serious” gym class heroes in rec leagues (54:10).
• Accountability & Trust Tree:
  • Mike retells his “losing the credential” saga, and the three joke about near-misses, teamwork, and honesty under pressure.
• Personal Updates:
  • Dan offers heartfelt thanks to his family and the podcast crew for support during his time away, calling life with three daughters “beautiful chaos” (61:33).
• Shout-outs:
  • Listener and fan shout-outs cap the episode.

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Notable Timestamps

• 00:01 – Opening banter, media frustration over late Bills recognition
• 01:29 – Current Bills team spirit and focus
• 02:42 – Deion Dawkins’ championship mindset
• 07:04 – Allen’s locker room influence and happiness
• 08:56 – Josh Allen as Derek Jeter of the Bills
• 11:19 – Butcher vs. Surgeon QB analogy
• 15:17 – “Hodgepodge” offenses, Ty Johnson’s emergence
• 16:41 – Joe Brady’s credit, playcalling partnership
• 21:01 – Joe Brady’s HC prospects, risks and rewards
• 23:57 – NFL head coach hiring trend changes
• 30:13 – Even without Brady, Allen ensures stability
• 34:00 – Micah Hyde’s potential return
• 35:42 – End of Patriots’ dominance; Bills’ rise
• 40:55 – “Josh Allen effect” on draft prospects
• 51:28 – Game score predictions (Bills sweep)
• 54:10 – Credit to Me: Rec league competitiveness
• 61:33 – Dan’s family update and gratitude

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Episode Tone and Language

• Camaraderie & Playfulness: The episode is conversational and light-hearted, peppered with inside jokes and laughter, even while tackling substantial football analysis.
• Candid & Local: The hosts wear their Buffalonian perspective proudly, mixing personal anecdotes, pop culture references, and direct locker room observations.
• Informed & Reflective: Years of covering the team allow for nuanced debates about culture change, coaching trends, and league-wide narratives.

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Summary for New Listeners

If you missed the episode, you’ll come away with a clear sense of why the Bills are considered not just AFC contenders but Super Bowl favorites right now—thanks largely to Josh Allen’s evolution as player and leader, Joe Brady’s scheming, and a tough, honest team culture. The hosts chart the journey through recent adversity, critique the vagaries of NFL coaching opportunities, dive deep into why the Bills’ fate is now tied to Allen’s MVP-level play, and share relatable, irreverent stories, making this an essential wrap-up for any engaged Bills fan.

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Transcript

[A]

Kind of weird to me that when I turn on national media and they're talking about the Bills, I get a little bit annoyed because I'm like, no, no, no, no. We. We've been talking about this for years.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Don't just jump on because it's hot.

[B]

I love, like, some of the takes are like, let me tell you, folks, this Josh Allen is really good.

[A]

I'm like, I gotta. There's this guy you need to watch out in Orchard Park.

[B]

Yeah, I know they.

[C]

Have you seen this Allen kid? Like, he could really play.

[B]

Play?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, I've been telling you all along, he's my guy. Yeah.

[A]

Okay, whatever.

[C]

I love how we do. All of our guys, they talk like this.

[B]

They do that. A lot of them do.

[C]

This is the Buffalo plus podcast, brought to you by Connors and Ferris.

[A]

All right, welcome back to Buffalo plus the podcast, presented by Connors and Ferris. Mike Catalana. I am Jenna Cottrell. And he's back, a good friend, Dan Fates.

[C]

Hi, everybody.

[A]

He's got plenty of takes as well wrapped. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share. We're going to talk about where this Bills team is at. Josh Allen, Joe Brady, this game, what we see, the injuries.

[B]

Credit to me.

[A]

Credit to me. And an exciting Buffalo plus event that we're gonna have coming up. So we're gonna.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Talk all about it. But first, let's start with Mike. Just where this team is at. We were in Buffalo this week. I keep saying the vibes were very.

[B]

Very high, and they should be. I mean, this team is really good and. And they are playing their best football at the right time. Maybe not everything right, because, you know, there's. There's work to do with the defense. There's no question. I think health will help with that in some ways. But at the same time, the way Josh Allen is playing right now puts them in a tremendous spot every time they take the field.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

It's a good place to be in. This is a team that is having fun, playing well, and they also don't. There's not this sense of satis. Satisfaction. I was going to say satisfaction. That was way off. Hey, I'm new at this. Yeah. There's this sense of. That they understand there's still more work to be do and I think.

[A]

Done. Yep.

[B]

God.

[C]

Hot start. Hot start.

[A]

It's okay. You. You know what? You've had some time up. We're. You're ramping back up.

[C]

Yeah, I. I usually have just been talking to babies and kids for the last Three weeks. So this is. I missed you guys, viewers. And I just think this. Bill's team knows that there's a championship level that they haven't reached yet.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And I thought Deon's perspective this week about doing the boring things over and over again, that's what champions do. And that he kind of talks about putting your left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot, and to not take the shortcut there. That, to me, I thought was really good.

[A]

I think, too, he mentioned, like, it's like a basketball player doing free throws. Like, it's not the fun stuff, but it's the stuff that will get you to where you want to go. And even Sean McDermott talked about a champion's mindset. And just, you know, it's. It's really fun to score touchdowns, and it's really fun to have these expensive, explosive plays. But you know what's also fun? The discipline and the focus that comes with winning. And those two things are necessary if you're going to keep having fun and keep putting up points like the. The way the Bills have.

[B]

So they win the game in Detroit. And I go in the locker room afterward, and Dion is sitting there, and you guys all know how Dion is really at all moments, and he's just bubbly Dion. And in this game, he sits down and he's like.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And somebody joke with him. You tired? He's like, yeah. It has. Takes a lot to play this sport week in, week out, especially games like they've had the last two weeks.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

The NFL is a grind. You know what takes away the grind?

[C]

Winning.

[B]

Winning and great vibes. And they have both of those things now. Look, the winning helps with the vibes. There's no question everybody feels a little better. But this team has kept that the whole year long.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Even the two games they lost early, and those were not great losses. You think back to where they were at 3 and 2, even the Rams loss, which they know they should have been better in that game, and they weren't. Okay, you got knocked off. I. The way I look at this league that helped them beat the Lions, there's no question they were more focused and better. You knock off the Rams, it might be a different story. When you go to Detroit, just you maybe you don't get to as quick a start and all, that team was absolutely ready to play the next week, and I think they're going to be ready to play these next three weeks, too.

[C]

Sean talked about that on Monday. The sense of that Rams game left a scar and that he goes, when you get a scar in your face and you look at it in the mirror over and over again, like, you learn from that. And. And to your point, like, I do think that there is some validity to that, because so much of this channel, so much of Bill's fans, they just focus on the Bills, which. Which I understand, but there's a whole league. There's. There's other great quarterbacks, players, bad coaches all across the rest of the NFL.

[A]

Bad.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And what I thought. Dan Campbell, when he went on his radio show on Monday and he talked about. He was pissed. Yeah. Like, the sense of. I. I saw something on social media of was, should the Lions move on from Dan Campbell so that Ben Johnson couldn't be the head coach? They had won 11 games in a row. Yeah. And he even talked about winner panic. Right. And he goes, we've won 11 games in a row, and now everybody thinks this guy's falling. And he goes, you know what? We've been eating filet mignon for 11 weeks. And he goes, we used to live off moldy bread. And he goes, sometimes that moldy bread was good enough. And I do think you're right to the point of you can learn. You learn a lot more in the losses. And I think that Bill's game in LA was that checkpoint we talked about. Kind of like, oh, it almost felt like, when's the other shoe gonna drop? Like, they weren't gonna go. Were they really gonna go undefeated for the rest of the season?

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

I think that was a good reset.

[A]

I think reset is the word that comes to mind and kind of recalibrated, too, of, like, what it takes to win in this league. Because if you want to get to where this Bills team wants to go, you have to always be taking the free throws. You always have to be practicing. Left foot, right foot, right foot, left foot. All the little things that make up a team and all the little things that need to be done. I think of Bill Belichick to do your job in the way that is championship caliber.

[B]

Filet mignon to moldy bread.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Is Dan Campbell your analogy spirit animal? Is he, like, who you. I mean, to go. No, I. Filet mignon. Moldy bread. Sounds like something you might come up with.

[C]

No, I needed, like, a baseball or a golf. That's what.

[B]

Yeah, but I'm talking.

[A]

You do love food analogies, though.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Which I respect.

[C]

I feel like you're the more food analogy.

[A]

No, I just like food.

[C]

Just food.

[A]

I just like food.

[B]

I don't A couple of people have mentioned Dion. You talk about vibes in the chat. They're mentioning Dion's talk about Josh being happy at home.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And whatever the reason is, Josh is a happy guy. He's happy in his life. He's happy on the football field. I think the biggest thing is it's freed him up to play the way he plays. And everybody in that building feeds off of Josh Allen. The veterans to the young guys. They look at 17, they go, dude, smiling, he's happy. Even when they lost, he still came in with a positive attitude. And I think it plays off of everybody.

[C]

Baseball analogy.

[A]

But real quick, before you say that, Josh also talked about how when I walk into the building, I want everyone to feel that I'm having fun, that I want to be here. But. But also, if I'm mad, it's because there's something that we have to address and there's something to be mad at. And I think you have to have both. It can't always be sunshine and rainbows. When the storm clouds come, you have to be like, we need to have a conversation about this.

[B]

No. And you're right. And. But they also know. In this case, I said, you're right.

[C]

They also know there was a well, actually, there too.

[B]

It's not a well.

[A]

Actually is me all the time.

[B]

No, it's not a well. And by the way, these guys pick up. They do the same stuff I do, and they shake their heads. Oh, please. But they. What he's saying there is when they know that's what I'm talking about. It's focused on football. And I think there have been times with everybody where the other stuff gets to you. Whether it's losing, whether it's teammates, whether it's at home. It can be a million things.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Allen. It is the unquestioned Josh Allen football team. He's always been the best player, but it is unquestioned. It's his place. He takes that responsibility seriously, and he walks in the building. Josh Allen. And these young guys are looking. Going our superstars this way. It's pretty easy to follow that vibe.

[C]

Yeah. I make the. The look of. We wanted to know what kind of a leader Josh would be. Right. And we talked about, is he an alpha and all those kind of things during the off season. My baseball analogy, Mike, is when he talks about, like, guys feed off that vibe. Right, Right. Of what Josh is. It reminds me a little bit of like, look, an NFL locker room is 53 plus Alphas. Okay? But there's gotta be One guy that you follow. You're all in the NFL for a reason. You're elite at this sport. But it reminded me of a little bit of like Derek Jeter. Like, there are big names that would come to New York to play. It was Jeter's team. And they fed off Derek Jeter, the captain. There were other superstars, Alex Rodriguez and other big guys, but it was Jeter show. And how. And how Jeter went. That was how it went. That's. That's how it feels like with Josh right now. That, hey, we're following his lead. He's the guy. If he needs us to pick him up, we'll do it, but we're riding him.

[A]

Yeah. And honestly, the way he's been playing silly. I mean, Dion talked about just the vibe at home and how, you know, he is happy to feel, which is great. And the result, Colts Mike on the field, 10 touchdowns these last couple of weeks. I mean, over 800 yards, no sacks, no turnovers. One negative play.

[C]

Dan the kneel down in Detroit.

[B]

Yeah. When you've just beaten the Lions, you cannot play the position better than he's playing it currently.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I'm taking everything into account. Leading, running, throwing, decision making, all of those things. You can't play it better. There's been a lot of great players that. There's great players in the league. Now. This is maybe not total numbers, because it is kind of funny.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I think we're all in agreement. He not only deserves mvp, he's going to win the mvp. He's had better total numbers. If you just box for scouting, which.

[A]

Is crazy to think of.

[B]

Yeah. He was in 20 and 21. His passing yards were higher. Crazy amount of touchdowns, all that stuff. He was great. He's a better football player now. Better leader, better at everything.

[A]

Go ahead.

[C]

Can I do my comparison?

[A]

Sure.

[B]

I've at it.

[C]

It's my favorite one ever and I always love to be able to bring it up. Can I do it? I feel like I've done it a bunch, but should I do it again?

[A]

Yeah, I think I kind of mentioned it on the post game.

[C]

Oh, you did?

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

We did talk about you credited. Yeah, yeah, of course. Go ahead. We've teased it enough that you should say it.

[C]

It's just the. It's my favorite thing that Trent Dilfer would always talk about that when he compared quarterbacks. He would make the analogy of a butcher and a surgeon, that they are two professions that use very sharp objects. The butcher uses a cleaver. There is flash There is sizzle, there's highlight reel plays, but at the end of the day, you end up with a pastrami sandwich. A surgeon. They are educated, they are disciplined, they are leaders, and they use a very sharp knife, very fine, a scalpel. And at the end of the day, they can save your life. For a long time, Josh was the butcher, and that didn't mean that Trent Dilfer would also say too, like, just because you're a butcher doesn't mean you're a bad player. Like, it just means that it's the style of play. And he made the comparison of Cam Newton was a butcher. It was flash, it was sizzle, it was wow. That's what Josh was. But then he had Breeze and Manning and Brady, they were surgical with their approach. And we were talking about it just on our. The TV show. The fact of now when Josh has those plays where he rolls out of the pocket, it used to be like, oh, boy. No, no, no, no, no. Is he gonna throw it to Pat DeMarco down the field in double coverage? Like now it's. Watch this. Like it. It's methodical. There's a calmness, there's a composure that I haven't seen from Josh before.

[A]

Yeah, I think composure is the right word. Excuse me. And Josh said coming into the season he wanted to limit the turnovers, and he's done a fantastic job at doing that. And we Talked to Sean McDermott about it and he's like, josh is a goal oriented guy, and when he has a goal that he's after, he's a dangerous person. So I, I think what you're seeing is Josh putting the time on task to be like, I want to limit this, I want to do this. And you're seeing the results of that.

[B]

And credit to. Obviously, we're going to talk about Joe Brady and also Sean McDermott, because I do believe McDermott recognized that he could build a team or the. He and Brandon Bean build a team around Josh that would allow him to trust the guys around him, take the small stuff, be superstar Josh when he needs to be. But to Dan's point about the way he used to be, I think if you just look at it and say everything sped up when he was on the move.

[C]

Yep.

[B]

And now it slowed down. And I think even though it did not end up in points, I thought the play against the Lions that he threw to Keon, when he rolled to the side so casually looked. Looked pointed, pointed down the field like, I point. He points.

[A]

I did the same thing in the post Game you did.

[B]

And he throws it on a line to a receiver 50 yards down the field.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's his supreme confidence. You know, before he always had a confidence in his physical ability to do things, but now he knows what he's seeing, how he wants it to go. And you talk about it's not even that he's not turning the ball over. He's not even. He's rarely putting the ball in harm's way or making bad decisions and getting away with them. His mind is now on par with his physical ability.

[C]

Agreed.

[A]

You know, when you see Josh Allen point down the field, some shit's about to go down.

[B]

Well, that's what Ty Johnson was saying. He goes, somebody said, well, what. What do you think when you see this? And he goes, well, first thing I think is something good's going to happen, is what he said. And then also everybody is on alert to say, let's go make a play happen. It was like I asked Dawson Knox about the catch he made on that big third down in the game, and Josh put a little air on that. And I said, what were you thinking? I said, because he. Justin sloughed it off, like, oh, it's just. I made the play. I go, that's a hell of a catch. And I said, when a. But he goes, well, I was thinking, I better get on my horse and go get it. But because he did put a little air on that one. But everybody is on alert and waiting for this guy to do something spectacular. And then they all contribute to it. Ty Johnson making the catches. Knox making the catch. Mac Holland's making plays like they're on the same page.

[A]

Ty Johnson, the Bills leading receiver when they beat the best team that everyone talked about crowning in the NFL.

[B]

Khalil Shakir Hadi. Okay. Day met a touchdown and zero targets.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Ridiculous.

[B]

And he throws for 360.

[A]

I want to get to Moon's family fishing for their comment for the super tip. I don't think Brady gets enough credit. Joe Brady.

[C]

That'S tough. It's tough to get more credit when Josh is also just that good. Does that make sense? It's almost like Josh is so good, he's overshadowing how good the play calling is.

[A]

Like, you don't think you think you should be getting more credit. Joe Brady should be. Or you don't. Or it's it like Josh Allen is so good that it's easy to think that Joe Brady does a good job. But I, I will say it's a fair.

[C]

It's A fair point, because I think Joe Brady has done a fantastic job of what I was always screaming for in years past, of give Josh free plays and give him the answers to the question before the play is snapped. And I think he's done a phenomenal job of that, blending Josh what he wants with what Joe Brady wants to do with running the ball and these kind of things. It's been a perfect marriage, but it's tough to sit there and say to give Joe more credit with how good Josh has been once the ball is snapped, if that makes sense.

[A]

I agree. I think Beth's comment, it's a partnership.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I feel it does really feel like there is the collaboration. And then you also allow Josh to be Josh Allen and take over when he needs to.

[B]

So Joshua says these are comments one after the other. Brady would be nothing without Josh, period. And then Tom says, the correct answer is yes. Joe Brady's not getting enough credit. It's also like we've referenced Brian Dable. Brian Dable's job when he came to the Bills was to help build up Josh Allen physical tools, ability to do anything. I mean, let's be honest, we're looking at Drake May this week who's made some really nice plays. Josh Allen literally hurdled a guy a few weeks into his career, made some incredible plays even as a rookie. So the physical ability was there. But D's job was to build up this lump of clay and help him get to where he is tremendous growth. Joe Brady got him at a point where it was a little bit of a crossroads for Josh because it wasn't going as great as he is. It wasn't working to what he should be.

[C]

Correct.

[B]

So to not give Joe Brady the credit like he has put Josh Allen in a great space. He and Sean McDermott building up Josh's ability. This is why I say trust. Take the checkdowns, take the quick play and then when the time comes, be Josh Allen is the perfect marriage of it. And you can't look, obviously it works a lot better when it's Josh Allen making the plays. But don't take away the credit from the coach who's helped put him there.

[C]

Absolutely. And I go back to, I think Joe Brady should get a lot of the credit for this hodgepodge of an offensive players around Josh because even going into the season like I am loving people dunking on takes from before the season from national media, whether it's Carton or whether it's acho and these guys going, hey, Bills fans, you're about to have the worst season of your. This roster stinks. I think that's where Brady deserves credit for the whole cohesion of what this system is, because you've given Josh a scheme that fits. Like you've given him the blueprints of how to run it. He helped build the car. Josh is now driving it. Like Dale Earnhardt. Like he is. Just couldn't think of any other nascar.

[A]

Daniel Ricardo.

[B]

Sure.

[A]

His best friend.

[B]

Best friend. Well, Jen, I wanted to ask you about this because the idea is, what Dan's talking about is the national guys who were. This team's going to be awful and they aren't going to do anything. But I think it was fair to question would they have enough this year?

[A]

Because, I mean, we did it.

[B]

We did it. I think so did Brandon Bean, so did Sean McDermott to some extent, because you did not know how it was going to work. So if you don't think Joe Brady deserves credit for that part of it. Yeah, I don't know what you're watching because while Josh is immensely talented, he has the confidence in the, the guys around him and they are being used. You know, it hasn't worked out with Curtis Samuel. Other guys have made plays.

[C]

Yeah, right.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Other guys in the backfield, they have found a way to use all three of those guys and be effective. It's Josh a lot, but it goes to coaching, too.

[A]

Yeah, I, I completely agree. And then you can also add in just the O line and how well they played in Aaron Cromer, the job that he has done. Yeah, a lot of people talk about him in the comments. Kromer has been huge, too. Like, I think that sometimes, you know, the O line is like the least sexy part of a, of a offense. But at the same point, what it's been able to do for Josh, I mean, hasn't taken a sack of these last couple weeks, like the time that that's allowed him and just the play that you see from them, the cohesion and just everyone being on the same page has allowed this bill offense to do some special things, specifically Josh over this last stretch.

[C]

So I think we want to talk a little bit about Joe Brady this week because there is the buzz. It's eight great, eight straight games with 30 plus points. That ties an NFL record. So it's the talk of, hey, Joe Brady's probably going to get a head coaching job, things like that. Do you think, guys, he will be a head coach next year? Do you think he should be. Do you think he should stay for his own sake. Like, where. Where do you guys see that?

[A]

See, it's really hard because a part of me is like, yeah, you want to be a head coach. But then I look around the league and just, you have a unicorn in Buffalo. You have Josh Allen, and they're not. Josh Allen's really anywhere else in the league. But I get why. I mean, it's what you saw from Brian Dable. Like, he was obviously a coach of Josh, helped Josh become Josh. Not the Josh that we're seeing now, but a lot of these guys, the aspiration is to become a head coach. So I. If you were to tell me Brady leaves, I would not be shocked if you told me Brady wanted to stay. I also wouldn't be surprised because I think the situation is just so unique. And it's like, I mean, look at Ben Johnson. Last year decided to come back to Detroit. Like, do I expect him to be back after this season? No, I don't. But I think for some guys, maybe they stay an extra year because of what they have at their current team and how sometimes it's hard to just. There's just the teams that have openings is bad. It's. It's definitely a challenge.

[B]

I. I will push back on one thing. I don't think the decision for a guy like Joe Brady to make a call is based on what he can still accomplish with the Bills. I think it's more on if you get offered a job, it's about who's offering you the job. Like, if you are him.

[A]

But I don't think that happens in a vacuum.

[B]

No, but I'm saying is, listen, I think he's done great, and maybe this team goes to the super bowl, wins the super bowl, whatever it is, then you would have accomplished everything. But at a point, a guy like Joe Brady, if the opportunity comes up and let's just say, for example, it's. I'm going to say this. It's the Chicago Bears because they have a talent at quarterback. We don't know how good he is, and he thinks, I can make this work. And they have these guys. You have to take that opportunity if you are him, because it can be fleeting.

[C]

But. But I think that that's. You're making that decision on one thing. I think you have to look at the organization.

[B]

No, no, no, I'm not. I'm. No, I. I'm going to. I'm not making it on the one thing. I'm just giving you one example of a thing he would do. He's going to want to work with the gm. He's going to want to work with the ownership. Don't take me on just saying it's the quarterback. I'm saying is it's about the team he's going to go to. There are teams that are bereft of talent and have been really bad say like the Raiders have been and they keep making mistakes. That may be a place you turn down. I'm going to say is I don't think it's going to be Joe Brady's choice yet. I don't know if he's there yet. As great as this has been, I think the league has changed a little bit and I think the flavor of the month or the flavor of the year offensive coordinator used to be the given he's going to get the head coaching job. They didn't want to hire defensive coaches. They didn't want to hire anybody that didn't call plays. The league has changed. There is a lot of CEO head coaches. It's not always the cool guy calling the plays who gets the head coaching jobs. All of the first place coaches right now except. Except for Andy Reid and I think is McVeigh now are they in first place? Where are they?

[C]

I think they're tied.

[B]

Yeah. All the other ones don't call plays. The world of just taking the play call. Mike Vrabel is going to look a lot more in style right now coming back. And I'm not saying that doesn't mean Brady can't be a coach. I'm saying is five years ago it was best offensive coordinators get in the gig. I think it's changed a little bit in the league. And so for Joe that doesn't guarantee that he's going to get that spot. If there's. There may only be three or four openings this year. We don't know what it's going to be. But I'm saying is I think it was best. Offensive coordinators are getting the gig. I don't know if that's the case anymore.

[C]

I, I'll push back and say it's all about the quarterback. So it's who can handle your young quarterback because that's what the owners are investing all their money in. That's what the GMs are staking their livelihood on is the quarterback. That's what keeps everybody around. That's Sean McDermott is still here because Josh Allen has helped him win 11 games for five straight seasons. Like let's not get around that. So I think it is who is best suited for your quarterback so if it is, if you're talking about the Bears or if you're talking about the Saints. Right. Joe Brady has some connections down in New Orleans with lsu.

[B]

They don't have a quarterback.

[C]

Right. So you're saying, hey, we're going to want Joe to come in and. And help a young quarterback that whoever we draft or whoever we go and get. I think that's big.

[B]

I don't disagree with you, but I would look at Houston and C.J. stroud. Right.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

In what way?

[B]

Who's the head coach?

[C]

D'? Ameco. Ryan. Right.

[B]

So it's not a quarterback guy. And C.J. stroud has played very well in his time there. He played what I say played well. I'm not saying he's top five. Look, in Washington, they hired a defensive head coach. Quarterback has played really well. I'm saying is. I think. I'm not disparaging Joe Brady.

[C]

No.

[B]

I'm saying a few years ago, I'm.

[C]

Pushing back on what you think the flavor of the week is, because I still think it is the Kevin OConnells. I think. I think if Shanahan gets fired, he'll find a job again.

[B]

It's Shanahan. He's been to Super Bowls or a Super Bowl.

[C]

He's lost. Yeah, he just loses games. That's all he does.

[B]

Right. He's been to two Super Bowls with that team.

[C]

What?

[A]

No, like, break. Like you guys are.

[B]

No, no, no, no. I'm. Hey, listen, I think Brady's done a great job, and I think if he gets an opportunity, he's got to seriously look at it. And you're right. It's got to be the right setting. I just don't think it's always the top offensive coordinators getting the gig. Detroit guy, because he's been there and he's put up the massive numbers. I think he's maybe going to have his choice.

[C]

But I agree with Jenna where it's the sense of.

[A]

Sorry, no, no, go ahead.

[C]

I agree with you in the sense of I think Joe will have an option, and then I think it'll be his choice whether he weighs that as, do I want to go to the Bears, a dysfunctional organization that just can't seem to get it right, or do I wait another cycle, run this back again, no matter what the result is, and stay with the unicorn in Buffalo and get more experience and learn more under Sean McDermott and the mentorship that he can provide. I don't think he has to jump to Jenna's point where it's like you have the unicorn. The unicorn's not going anywhere. You can stay.

[A]

That's how I feel. I and I. That doesn't mean he wouldn't leave this season. I just think it's more. I feel like for so long it's like if you get a head coaching opportunity, you go. Whereas now I feel like there's a little bit more control of like, hey, let me see which head coaching job would actually be a good fit Because I can always go back to Buffalo where I have the NFL MVP at my. As my quarterback. So I just think that I, if I were Joe Brady, I would be judicious about where I go because look at Brian Dable. I mean look, you go to New York, you have a great first season and then look at the tire fire that is the Giants and you're about to get fired. So when will your next opportunity be?

[C]

Yeah, you go to New York and your GM lets the second best player in the league walk to your division.

[B]

Right? Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. And you also sign a quarterback to a contract that had no business in.

[B]

That all those things you're all that stuff is true. And you also make 25 to 30 million dollars guarantee.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

But absolutely.

[A]

Yes. You know what, you're right, Mike. That's. That's fair.

[C]

I'm always in the belief of you get there's 32 of them in the world. Like it is. It is a very sought after.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

That's what you work for. Like you work to be a coach to win Super Bowls and become a head coach. That's why you go up through an assistant ranks and that's why you, you, you know, spend so much time away from your family.

[A]

But maybe this is why I'm in Rochester is because I would look at it and say, you know what? I good opportunity where I'm at, I don't really need to have. Why am I gonna do this job that sucks and I don't know how long I'll be in it for because yeah, you could be making a lot more money, but that doesn't mean you'll be happier.

[B]

I'm not disagreeing with that part of it.

[C]

You wouldn't get to be in between us.

[B]

Now she's.

[A]

I started a hot debate. Credit to me.

[B]

No, I, I think.

[A]

Are we gonna bet on this?

[B]

I'm also wondering where Joe Brady is in the pecking order of the NFL. All it takes is one owner that says this is the guy I want and maybe he's ready. I mean a year and a half Ago, he was a quarterbacks coach, and now he stepped in. He's done a really good job.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And. But I also wonder, the one downside for this year in this cycle is there's no great college quarterbacks coming out that you could jump in with a team and go, I got this guy coming in. They want me to go in there. I get them from the start. So that part is. That part is a little bit different.

[C]

Where does Shador go?

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

If you think about that, it's just. So here's my one thing that we can wrap up. Joe Brady. Awesome debate.

[A]

Like, yeah, let us know what you guys think.

[C]

So here's my thing, because I'm sorry.

[B]

Somebody said you needed to use one of your timeouts. Better time management.

[C]

Give me 20. Give me 20.

[B]

As Walter. Thank you, Walter. That was very funny.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[C]

So obviously it's perfect whether or, you know, the. The thought is, when does Joe Brady become a head coach? Does he become all those things? I will say this. I hope Joe Brady doesn't go. So you put that out there first.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

I would also want Bill's fans to know. I think they'd be okay if he does.

[A]

Well, because you have.

[C]

Because you have Josh. Right. So, like, this is. This is the sense where people are like, oh, we can't lose Joe Brady. All these things. Whoever the next offensive coordinator comes in, gets this quarterback. And. And again, we had this debate before about, are these the best coordinators under Sean McDermott? And I said, no, because I still think. What? What, are you poking her?

[B]

I want Jenna to call timeout here.

[A]

Why?

[B]

Because they hired Ken Dorsey.

[C]

He sucked.

[B]

Yeah, but that's my point.

[C]

But that was pre Josh. Like, that was. That was pre this. Wait, that was pre this? Josh Allen.

[B]

I'm talking about when they made him the offensive coordinator and you said it was the wrong choice. Just because you get Josh doesn't mean it's the right guy coming in.

[C]

But you're getting a Josh right now is different than what Ken Dorsey had.

[A]

Yeah, because that was right after Dable. It was still, like, he was pretty.

[B]

Damn good under Dable.

[C]

Absolutely.

[A]

Yes. But he. Yeah, he was good under stable, but he's obviously not where he's at now.

[B]

Right.

[A]

So that's why I feel like it would be a different situation.

[C]

Man, did I miss this. Need a cigarette?

[A]

I think Haley had a really great comment. I'm gonna go back to it.

[B]

The pens are flying.

[A]

Because she said, problem is, you're all right, and she said, it's really What Joe Brady finds the most important.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I think that is really true. And we'll see throughout this process. Not in the building.

[C]

Not in the building.

[A]

Yes. Mom and dad, stop fighting Kendrick. Yes. That is a hundred percent. I'm gonna get. You know what? I'm gonna commission someone to get a penalty.

[C]

In the time it takes you to actually board a flight from Group.

[A]

8 now boarding Premier Altitude Elite club members.

[C]

You could have bought a Hyundai on Amazon. Visit HyundaiUSA.com or call 562-314-4603 for more details. Limited available availability pickup through participating Hyundai dealer in select markets.

[A]

You guys are ridiculous. All right, well, let's talk a little bit about. We talked about where this. Where this team is at. Josh, Joe, Brady, all that stuff. Let's talk a little bit about injuries. Okay. Because that something that was a theme after the game against the Lions. So in terms of the practice report. Rasool, limited. Demar, limited. Matt Milano, limited. Taylor Rap, limited. Curtis Samuel, limited. Balin Spector, limited. Dorian Williams, limited. But they all were out there in some capacity at practice. Do you think that's encouraging or what do you think?

[B]

Well, I think it's encouraging that the majority of them are going to play. That's usually the case. And then sometimes you get a little surprised. You're like, oh, okay, they're going to sit him out. Whether that's one of the safeties, both of them. I mean, who knows? I mean, look at last week. You know, those guys couldn't play because you're going against the Lions and you know what you're up for. And you know, Rasool didn't play and neither did two of the, you know, the starting safeties. And you went out there and shut them down on the first two drives.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And ended up beating the Lions. They had, what, 14 points with a minute and change to go in the third quarter.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Which was crazy.

[C]

Hey, Mike, don't provide context. They gave up 40.

[B]

That's right.

[C]

They gave up 40.

[A]

Yeah. Context doesn't matter.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Also, great comment from Job. So, Somerville, can someone point to the direction of the building?

[C]

It's really good.

[A]

It's over there. Do you think Micah Hyde plays this week?

[C]

I think he's.

[B]

I think he's elevated from the practice squad.

[C]

I think he could be inactive, but I think he's elevated.

[A]

That's fair. He's put on some weight.

[C]

He's eaten a lot of bacon.

[A]

He. Yes, he said he's been eating a lot of the facilities. Free bacon, which honestly support that. Love that for him.

[B]

Yes, I. And look, you want to get him. I want him on the field, Joe.

[A]

Ab. Sorry.

[B]

I do want to see him play.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I. I want to see him be ready if they need him. Because the reality is when they need him is when they're going to really need him. Like it's going to be in a playoff game.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Doesn't mean he, you know, he's going against, you know, Drake May twice. And. And what's that guy's name? The other guy next to Rogers. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Oh, that guy.

[B]

But I think you need to see him on the field and see what he has, because, I mean, he hasn't played in a football game all year.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And he didn't have camp. He didn't have any of that stuff. So. Yes, I. I'd say there's. I think he. Well, I definitely think he will get brought up in the practice squad because they can do it three times. I think we might see him on the field Sunday.

[A]

You know, I. Thinking about this more. I could definitely see that being the case, especially depending on how the game.

[B]

Is going and depending on both Demar and Taylor rap.

[A]

Yeah. Of course, like, first and foremost, one.

[B]

Of them is out. You know, it just might make sense to get him out there.

[A]

Yeah. No, I. I think Sunday is going to be. So I was about to say interesting, but just. I was thinking about. We were talking. So this rivalry you said on our TV show, like, it wasn't even a rivalry, which is fair because it wasn't for so long. And I have this vivid memory, and I've told you guys this, and you've seen the video of when the Bills were hosting the Patriots years back. Brady was the quarterback. And obviously there's only one tunnel at High Mark Stadium, and the Bagulas are walking down the tunnel in their stadium in their. With their team, and security moves them out of the way because Tom Brady was running out of the tunnel. Like, I just feel like that is so indicative of what that looked like for so long between the Bills and the Patriots.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

For the longest time, Tom Brady had the second most wins in Orchard Park. Like, that was the level of dominance. Like, you're right. It wasn't a rivalry. It was the little brother constantly dunking the little brother's head in the toilet and embarrassing them time after time.

[B]

Yes, it was his dominance and their incompetence because we're never able to have a quarterback in the building for more than a few years. Like, Fitz had a nice little run short and Fluty before that. And you know, there's. But they're all. A couple of years.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Is basically all they did.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And now you are the ones with the quarterback. The envy of really most of the league. I mean, I, you know, I guess outside of Kansas City, I don't know who is.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Of, you know, having Josh Allen.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

In the way he's playing. And it also makes me, you know, think about this division in general and the place the Bills are in because part of the reason the Patriots were so good and the Chiefs have been so good is dominating the division year after year.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And winning the most games. Usually the one seed.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Having a buy. Because it used to be two buys. Having a buy. The Patriots would do that all the time. Walking into the playoffs, knowing it's coming through Foxborough.

[C]

Yep.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's such a huge advantage if the Bills were able to get the one seed. When you take a step back and you go, hold on, you're talking about one game. AFC championship in your building.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Is incredible. Right. What a difference. Two wins as opposed to one. And all that it takes. So. Because you look.

[C]

Got chills.

[B]

Well, you look. The Dolphins are in a strange spot right now. They have a. Somewhat. Starting to get a little older offensive side. They don't know what's going on with the coach. Two is what. What he is. I think they know. And then you see what the Patriots are and the jets are in a, you know, total upheaval again. And even if Rogers is back, maybe it's for one more year.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

So.

[C]

Well, the jets are like a caterpillar. And then the caterpillar.

[A]

Oh, don't even.

[C]

It gets its wings and he's like, this is so. This is so cool that he gets to have his wings.

[A]

If, you know, you know, AFC Championship, January 26th.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

That feels like forever away.

[B]

Oh, it's going to come up fast.

[A]

Right before my birthday.

[B]

Happy birthday.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I've always wanted to work on my birthday.

[B]

Well, you are guaranteed you're going to work. We're taking the day. Yeah.

[C]

We can make. We can make that happen.

[B]

Jenna.

[A]

January 26th. Okay. All right, let's talk. You mentioned the quarterbacks.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Drake May, he's had some comparisons to Josh. Obviously he's big. He's not as big as Josh, but some of the escapability, him getting out of the pocket, that's been where he's had some of his best plays. Like the team is bad. But Mike, I see flashes, small flashes where you think they could have Something in this kid.

[B]

No doubt. I mean, he does have the physical ability. What are the three things you said a quarterback needs?

[C]

They talk about when you draft a young quarterback, you want the three piece, like comment Subscribe.

[A]

I did this and I was like, that's like comment subscribe. It's nothing else.

[C]

Funny. Yeah, that was funny.

[B]

You've been saving that one.

[C]

Yeah, that's very good.

[A]

Good job.

[B]

Good effort.

[A]

Wow, you guys suck.

[C]

They talk about protection, playmakers and play caller.

[B]

Yeah. No protection.

[C]

No.

[B]

No playmakers.

[C]

Nope.

[B]

We love Alex Van Pelt. I actually worked on the radio broadcast with Alex Van Pelt.

[C]

He picked up your dinner the one time at Elmo's.

[B]

At Elmo's. I mean, that makes story.

[C]

Oh, he's told.

[B]

Picked it up for the whole radio.

[A]

That's really nice.

[C]

Every time you go there, Mike tells the story.

[B]

Come on. It's a good story.

[C]

It is a good story. It is.

[B]

Very quickly, John Murphy joked with him and said, alex, you're the rookie, you got to pick up dinner. And then he did it for like 14 guys. So that was great. We are always a fan of Alex and he was a good dude to have. I just don't think it's maybe working out. Let's be honest. You don't have the production protection, the play callers. He's a fall guy or the, the. The playmakers. What are you going to do?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So it's been tough for Drake May, but I do think he at least shows the. That ability. Look in Denver at Bo Nicks. Right?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Coaching protection, playmakers as a rookie.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Peyton's doing pretty well.

[A]

I know. I just.

[B]

Yes, I know.

[C]

That is my visceral reaction too, when you think of Sean Payton.

[B]

But he can coach. Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

No, not denying that.

[B]

You know, and so this is where I'm seeing a rookie come in with physical ability.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And not having those things. That being said, I guess if you're going to look at New England, you would say if it's a Bills fan, you go, I would wish they had other stuff and no quarterback than potentially having the quarterback.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because they can find the other stuff.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Even the coach. Because I think they're going to be changing a coach too.

[A]

Yeah. That's fair.

[C]

I think. I think Josh Allen has like ruined the draft process and like for any quarterback that is 6 foot 4 and can move, everybody will make the comparison of he's got some Josh Allen in him.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

There's not any other Josh Allen's.

[A]

It's still shocking. Elway didn't take him.

[B]

I know.

[C]

Yeah. Josh says he still gives LA for that. They golf. He's like big because that was all laughed. Is Brock Osweiler and Paxton lynch and.

[B]

Elway's out, you know, Denver wearing cowboy hats. Like the dude played for the Wyoming Cowboys. Like bring him in.

[C]

But it just, it just seems unfair a little bit to Drake. May to be like, oh, he's, he's got some Josh Allen in him. It's like, okay, that's.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And I know they, they like Mike Giardi, phenomenal interview on the channel about what they're saying in Foxborough, friend, recurring guest, all those things. And he talks about he's got some Josh Allen in him, but it's like that's tough to live up to. It's like, it's like people like, oh, he's got these comparisons. It's like a Hall of Famer. It's the Kelsey and Kincaid. It's like that's a lofty thing to put him up next.

[B]

You know who else gets this is Patrick Mahomes. Every time there's an off script guy that's a little bit different.

[C]

Yeah. Caleb Williams got that.

[B]

Patrick Mahomes was not. I mean, he went later than Josh. He was thought of as a lesser of a prospect than Josh. He was supposed to go late in the first round.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And he had played. They didn't win a ton.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, and it was like, oh. And then you see guys like, he's got Mahomes. Mahomes. Mahomes is an aberration, just like Josh is.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

You were saying that he's not Josh Allen. Josh Allen isn't Josh Allen. The Josh Allen we saw in the tape in Wyoming and all was a one thing. What he's become is another. And credit to Josh Allen for that.

[C]

Well, I'm just saying, like Anthony Richardson.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

It's like, oh, you know, he's got this big arm and he can move. He's got some Josh Allen in him. It's like, yeah, yeah. I think you're setting some of these guys up to fail because like that expectation, everybody's trying to find that quarterback. That's the project that turns into something special. It's just crazy when it's like any quarterback that has a big arm that can move, they're like, it's got some Josh Allen in them.

[B]

Isn't it cool, Janet, that the comparison to the quarterback happens to be the guy playing in Buffalo?

[A]

I think about it all the time.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like MVP stuff.

[B]

Right. Like I mean, the Bills have only had one MVP of the recent time OJ had won it, but it was Thurman Thomas. Like, Jim didn't win it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Bruce didn't win it. Andre didn't win. None of those guys want it.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Is it fun? Is it weird? It's kind of weird to me that when I turn on national media and they're talking about the Bills, I get a little bit annoyed because I'm like, no, no, no, no. We. We've been talking about this for years.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Don't just jump on because it's hot.

[B]

I love. Like, some of the takes are like. Let me tell you, folks, this Josh Allen is really good.

[A]

Like, I gotta. There's this guy you need to watch out in Orchard Park.

[B]

Yeah, I know they.

[C]

Have you seen this Allen kid? Like, he could really play.

[B]

Play?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, I've been telling you all along he's my guy. Yeah, okay, whatever.

[A]

I.

[B]

That just that really, there is recordings of you guys. Exactly.

[A]

Yeah, exactly. And then like, probably two months before they're like, oh, nope, doesn't have it. He's not.

[B]

The guy can't win in the big moments. He only had a perfect game against the Patriots and then went out of his mind against the Chiefs on the road.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But you know.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

I love how we do. All of our national guys, they talk like this.

[B]

They do. A lot of them do.

[A]

That's how they.

[B]

Have you heard Adam Shine on tv? It's what he does. Josh Allen. Michael.

[A]

I'll tell you something, folks. Yeah. I can't see.

[C]

That's the open.

[A]

That's horrifying. People immediately. Turn it off. Okay. Anything we would want to talk to you about before we get to credit to me.

[B]

Well, I guess we can predict the game because everybody always wonders.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Since I want to announce that I am in dead last place. Picking the games I am in last. I have the most experience. It has not helped me this year. I am in last place. Dan Fates is in second place. Jana Cottrell is your number one leader.

[A]

Number one.

[B]

Congratulations.

[A]

Hot Pilates is coming for you, Michael.

[B]

Does it have to be hot Pilates? We didn't say. First of all, I haven't already lost. Because you lost.

[C]

You've lost.

[B]

No.

[A]

What happens Stretching Mic.

[B]

What happens in the playoffs? Oh, this course goes on.

[C]

Talk about.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[C]

Talk about moving the goalpost.

[B]

It's the season.

[C]

If you were ahead that it would be week 18 and done.

[B]

No, it's the playoffs. It goes all the way through. Goes all the way through. I'm sorry, you got to pick the playoff game.

[A]

We never said that.

[C]

Also, I would love to see Mike pick against the Bills.

[A]

Yeah. Also, that's. Yeah.

[B]

Oh, I would pick against the Bills.

[A]

Oh, you're still not catching me.

[B]

I don't think it's. Oh, yeah, that's right. You. But all I got to do, it's like. It's like when you're getting chased by a bear. You don't have to be faster than the bear. You just have to be faster than.

[C]

The other guy, than the idiot. No hoodie.

[B]

Yeah, that's it. So I just need to tie Dan. That's all we got to do. By the way, last week, you know.

[C]

Stretch it, old man.

[B]

Last week my first thought was, I think the Bills are going to beat the Lions. And then I allowed myself to think about.

[A]

Shoot from the hip.

[B]

No, I allowed myself to think about the injuries and all the other stuff that was going on with their defense. And then you. We even talked about it. Like, when you focus on those things, sometimes you looked at that Bills team taking the field last week and you're like, oh, my God. Both. Both seats.

[A]

Yeah, that's fair.

[B]

And you're sitting there looking, you're going, I want them to. How they can play in this game. The power of preparation and motivation for these talented players is incredible. And that team came out like, I don't care who's on the field, we're going to win this game. And that's. That was impressive.

[C]

Well, I think that's where it's so easy when things go wrong, to instantly blame the coach or they didn't prepare them. They knew these things. Like, I don't really think that whoever you dogged on for the Rams game defensively, you have to give as much credit for. For the defense that they did. And Mike, to your point, they were shorthanded with the safeties with Rasul Douglas out, with Matt Milano going out, Dorian Williams in the middle of the game. And up until the third quarter, they held the number one offense in the league to 14 points. More importantly than that, they got two stops early.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Which allowed Josh to lead them down the field to get a 14 point lead to make them one dimensional and at least keep them at bay. Like, that deserves credit. But when I look at what Ed Oliver did last week.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I don't know how much scheming up that was. It was just Ed whooping another man, as Daquan says. So, like, it's so easy to say they don't play well. They don't get a pass rush. And we go, come on. They got a blitz. They do something. Sometimes guys just have to win one on one. Like, it's not always coaching. Like, whether it is whatever. Like, I thought it was funny when Sean was talking about that, obviously there was all this talk about Ed hasn't been that productive this year. And he goes off and Sean said, like, yeah, he's a standup guy. He took that personally. We had conversations. He had a phenomenal game. We need that from Ed every single week. Yeah, that's the consistency. And then he goes, but if you guys want to continue to piss him off, like, go for it. Like. And the responses to my tweet were like, sean says bullying's okay. We're all good. Continue to bully him. Like, yeah, it was like, that's where sometimes I push back. Where it's so easy to say the coach didn't do this or the coach didn't do that. And then when things go well, the players get the credit. When things go bad, the coaches get the fall. Like, there is a fine line in between of, hey, what are. How are you preparing during the week? The motivation, all those things. Yeah, but I thought against the Lions game, those defensive and offensive line dominated and I didn't think they could against that Lions team.

[A]

No, I agree.

[B]

Especially against that Lions offensive line.

[C]

Phenomenal.

[B]

Because that's a.

[C]

And caking dudes.

[B]

Yeah. Ragnow the center, I mean, is one of the best in the league. He just shoved him into the backfield. And your point about the great start. It gets skewed by the numbers. It's like, Jenna, I saw that Terrell Bernard's PFF number was lower or whatever. I'm thinking, how about a little context here? He's playing linebacker at point was Balin Specter, who is next to him. Everybody else is out. Both his safeties are out. A corner is out. Like, it is a different game when you're playing like that in the back part. And they ran a thousand plays. Cause the Bills kept scoring touchdowns. And then the Lions would go the other way.

[A]

Yeah. All right, let's do credit to me.

[B]

The one quick thing I wanted to mention.

[C]

He didn't even get to picks Jake.

[A]

Off on your own slow quease over there.

[B]

Jake says Mike has a long walk to the booth when Dan and Jenna are both standing on the sidelines. You are correct, Jake. When one of them is with me. But on a day like the home games or when is somebody's coming up to the booth with me on days like this week.

[A]

So it's like the ivory tower.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

It's kind of nice on Sunday. Yeah. Not gonna lie.

[C]

Not gonna lie.

[A]

I gotta lie. I'm not upset about that.

[C]

All right, your pick, Bills.

[A]

Don't act like you're not excited to be on the field.

[C]

No, I'm kind of pumped.

[A]

Yeah, exactly.

[C]

I think this Bill's team is just far and away the better team. And avoiding the letdown, I don't think will be a problem because I think this Bills team, instead of looking at what the Patriots are not, we'll look at themselves to know what standard they have to play up to all week. We have heard that you have to have discipline of a championship mindset, things like that. It doesn't seem like it's anything of overlooking a team. There wasn't cliches. Michael, are you interrupting my class?

[B]

No, just go ahead.

[C]

What's the.

[B]

Just Dean says start hydrating now.

[C]

Mike, for my Pilates class, I was like. For the walk to the booth?

[B]

No, for the Pilates. Yeah.

[A]

Also we will have. We'll make a video out of it. We will absolutely make a video.

[C]

But yeah, Bills, I think, are just the better team. Patriots are decimated defensively. They're just not very good. Listen to the Mike Giardi interview if you haven't already. For a Bills fan, it's 30 minutes of Patriots misery that you will thoroughly enjoy. Bills win 34 17.

[A]

All right. I like Steve Noble's comment. Losing to the Rams was a very important for this year's journey. It was a huge wake up call and happened at the perfect time of the season. Steve, I agree with you. I also have the Bills winning this game 34 to 17. Bills are the better team. They're at home. They're back. I think it's, you know, it's. It's Josh Allen and the Bills against the Patriots that. Look, Drake may have some flashes. We talked about it earlier, but it just. The level of talent is far and above better in Buffalo and I expect to see those results play out on the field. So I have the bills winning this one 34, 17. And that 17 is like a Patriots. Who cares? Touchdown at the end of the game.

[B]

So bad news for the Patriots in the fact that the Bills. Josh Allen has been all world. But this defense has, I wouldn't say something to prove. They want to just have a big effort coming off two games where they gave up in the 40s. Regardless of context. Right. It's what the numbers are. I Think they're attacking the Patriots in this one? I have a little more faith in the defense. I have a 34. 14. We all pick 34.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

34 points. I think it's a dominant performance. I don't see. You know, and we don't. We usually ask the reporters in the other city, like, what's the path to. To a win? It was.

[C]

I.

[B]

It's not. I didn't ask the guy with Detroit because it's pretty obvious the way Detroit plays. The same with the Patriots in the other direction.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, you kind of know. And it's like, I don't really think there's a path unless the Bills came out careless giving the ball away.

[A]

And the only way I could see that happening is if the Patriots drag the Bills down to their level.

[B]

Yes. And they play like. Yes. They play the. Just very poorly and unfocused. And I don't think at home that's going to happen.

[A]

Yeah. Okay. Credit to me. You start.

[C]

No, I want you to start because I think yours is great and I want to go.

[A]

Oh, no, I. I need. Really?

[C]

Yeah, I think yours is perfect.

[A]

Okay. All right. Credit to me. I feel like I have the exact right amount of care level for rec sports we played. I play rec volleyball. It's really fun. It's a way to stay active, hang out with my friends. I like to play volleyball. Great. We played against a team where they were taking it so seriously, you would have thought that their life depended on it. This man was screening me from seeing the guy serving because meanwhile, they were beating us in every game. They were up by 10. They crushed us in the first game, the second game, we fell apart in the third game, this man is screening me. Every time I move to the left, he moved to his right so I couldn't see the person serving the ball. Sir. Take a seat. Piss me off. There's no reason to get that worked up in terms of your competitive level when it's rec sports.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

Did they celebrate two after points.

[A]

Celebrating after points. Oh, my God. Great hit. You're kicking her butt just like, hey, you know, if you want to be like, hey, that was cool, or like, whatever, just. I can't. I can't stand the people that want to be gym class heroes when you're.

[B]

In your 30s, I take it with you. I think it's a very good point. I will say, I think your team needs a little more urgency going into games.

[A]

Oh, I'm urgent. Not everyone's I'm urgent.

[C]

I'm exactly the Same way. Because we talked about this on our drive up to Buffalo, and I thought it was just so funny because I played beer league hockey, and we're all in our 30s, and then there's one team of kids that, like, apparently thought they were going to the. Oh, they're playing in our league now, and I think they have class in the morning. And we're sitting here, like, I got to get back to my kids. And they're checking, and they're celebrating after goals. It's like, yeah, dude. Like, their girlfriends are at the games. It's like, this is. Guys, like, take it easy there, champ.

[A]

Yeah. No, if you're spiky.

[C]

I'm trying not to get injured. That's. That's my goal of, like, a little bit of physical activity, some competition.

[A]

Oh, it bothered me, like, spiking the ball on me. I felt like, you know the scene from Meet the Parents.

[B]

Yes. Nightingale, chill out over there all time. Great scene.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. I just. Yeah, just. You're there to have fun. You're there to stay active there. You're there to enjoy yourself. You don't need to demoralize the other team because your ego needs that.

[C]

That.

[B]

So I used to play basketball lunchtime, not that long ago. But I. We stopped playing. And I brought a guy from work one time who was desperate to play. He wanted to play with us. So he's like, all right. He belonged to the same gym. He came. He said, it can play. And he started playing, and he played defense in pickup basketball, where he was. He was picking up the other guy.

[C]

Nope.

[B]

Full length of the court.

[C]

Nope.

[A]

What?

[B]

And guys are looking at me, and I'm getting blamed for this.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You brought this.

[C]

Way to go.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

You.

[B]

I had to say to him, dude, like, look around you. And everybody's like, we're all going to work.

[A]

You're not going to the G League.

[C]

Yeah. There aren't any scouts in the stands. Nobody's impressed by three. And.

[B]

Yes. Full court pickup.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Full court press.

[B]

Yes. That's what happened.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

All right, me next. Okay. So, you know, there's the old phrase, the phrase old dog, new tricks. I'll say I'm going to refer to myself as an older dog. How about that for this? And sometimes you have to learn. You have to grow. And I talked about it a couple weeks ago, where I scared.

[A]

Where this is going.

[B]

I lost it on the road because this. I left in the largest stadium in the National Football League. And when we had a flight that night in LA and I lost it. I flipped out. Jenna was fine. She was cool. I flipped out. I ended up running in the place to get my laptop and all, and it was just not a great day for me post game. And I said, I have to stay calm. So now fast forward to we're at a game in Detroit, and we are leaving. We are leaving. No, no, no, no, no, no. Let me just finish my point. We are leaving to go to the game. And I looked, and I did not have. I had my credential and the parking pass. I didn't have Jenna's credential. And so I then said, okay. I stayed calm, and I went upstairs, I looked. I couldn't find it. I asked Jenna to text the person from the bills. They got us another pass, and it worked perfectly. We went to the game. I did not flip out. I did not lose my mind. So I learned to try to stay.

[A]

Calm in the moment. Oh, full disclosure. I messed up. I forgot the past.

[B]

I wasn't even going to mention.

[A]

No, no.

[C]

I thought that's where it was going.

[A]

I know, but I'm saying, like, we're about accountability on this podcast. I messed up. I forgot the past. It's on me.

[B]

Like, the bills in those certain circumstances, I thought, last week I lost it, and I wasn't prepared.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

This next week, I sat there and thought, okay, this is not good. And I sat there and said, take a breath. Let me check the one spot that I did not look. I looked through. I didn't tear my bag apart. And you made the call or made.

[A]

The text, and it worked out, Kaylee.

[B]

Great.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Do I do Trust Tree?

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Do you want to tell our side of the story.

[B]

Now?

[A]

We have to. So I had Zach, my fiance. I called them before the game, was like, can you see if I left the credential in my bag? And he was like, oh, yeah, it's here. And I was like, oh, that's not.

[C]

The part I was thinking.

[A]

Oh, no, no. Well, let me finish. So then what time of the day was exactly? So it was during the game.

[B]

Oh, during the game. Okay. I thought you meant before.

[A]

So I knew. And I told Dan. I was like, I gotta tell him. And Tim's like, just.

[C]

I was gonna fast forward a little bit or back rewind a little bit. Jenna's texting me. Mike lost my pass again. Mike has lost it.

[A]

It.

[B]

He.

[C]

He didn't have it in la, and now he's losing my park. My. My press pass. He doesn't have it.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

I didn't say she.

[A]

He doesn't have it. I said, what's.

[C]

No, he doesn't have the pass.

[A]

I was okay. Yeah. I was genuinely concerned that I was like.

[C]

And then I get it. Something was during the game, Dan all caps. I'm like, oh, my gosh, what's going on? I messed up and I go, take it to your grave. I go, no, no, take it to your grave.

[B]

I was not even mad that Jenna because I had screwed up the week before. It can happen.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I was not mad. And I thought we handled it well. I thought to get it corrected.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

At that moment, it really did not matter if you forgot it or I forgot it. We didn't have it. We needed it to get in the building.

[A]

Are you looking in the building? Oh, no. You're looking at. So Dan told me to take it to my grave. And I said, I said, I can't. I was like, you know me, I can't lie.

[B]

No, but I wasn't. All I said was, I did tell Kelly from the bills. I'm really hoping that Jenna finds this pass because I had a bad week the week before and I did not want to be doing it again.

[A]

Yes. No, that's totally fair.

[B]

I just meant I stayed calm. I wasn't gonna throw. I wasn't even gonna mention that you left it.

[A]

Well, I feel like we had like trust tree. I had to.

[B]

Yes, you did. When we were talking on the phone to Dan and then you're like, well.

[A]

I had already like thought I like, I totally forgot about. Then I was like, oh, I gotta tell him. Because I didn't tell him yet.

[B]

It was so good ask.

[C]

Yeah, Mine is just the. I appreciate everybody. Credit to me for my time away with my family. Credit to my wife. We said it before. The doctors, the nurses, everybody that took care of our family, my parents, my in laws, everybody that has helped out. Credit to you. You guys have made me meals, the gifts. Everything has just been amazing. Yeah, it is kind of crazy to see some of these comments wishing my family the best. Credit to you guys. Like it's been awesome. So to get to spend some time my family. Credit to them for. Listen, we all do a lot. We do a lot together and I know that my time taking away adds more on your guys plate. So you guys allowed me to be able to spend time with my family. My wife and I describe it as beautiful chaos at our house every single day. So credit to my wife again. Right now, as I'm getting to do this podcast, she's trying to put three crazy Girls, to bed. So, again, appreciation beyond words for you guys, my family, my in laws, all of those things. It's. It's crazy. It's beautiful chaos. But it's been. It's been fun.

[B]

I got you. Don't start crying. I thought beautiful chaos was me trying to find the laptop.

[A]

Through my back. Trying to find the credential. No. You know, that. That. We are so excited for you guys, and it's no problem.

[B]

Do you have a date when the next baby is coming yet?

[C]

No, we done.

[A]

Dan has la me so many. Okay. No more tears. Happy tears. So, yeah, we really are a family on this podcast.

[C]

So we're a family. Herb.

[A]

Also, I want to shout out. Oh, where'd it go? Tom Slade, new segment. Trust tree. I like that. I like that. So maybe we can figure something out with that.

[B]

I'm a little concerned that Dan was trying to keep something from me here. You can always tell me. You can always tell me. Also, shout out to Brian, who has a spin class with today. Yes, Dan. He's a pilot. He flies planes.

[C]

I. We need him on. I just want to know how planes fly.

[A]

So ridiculous. I want to shout out Connor, Tom and Sue Barth. I met them before the Lions game. Mother and father and their son. Really awesome. We talked for a while. It was really cool. They were friends. His. The son was actually roommates with Ben Johnson in college.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

Yeah, so they were there on the lion's sideline, but they're like, we're Bill's fans.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It was very adorable.

[B]

Yeah, we ran into that with a few people, so.

[A]

Yeah. All right. That'll do it for us. While we laughed, we cried. We got mad at each other.

[B]

You did all that?

[C]

No tears.

[A]

It was a full day. Nope. It's a full day. All right.

[C]

That's at my house right now.

[A]

Poor Renee. All right. For my cat. Oh, yeah. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe. We always appreciate it. We really do. We've been gaining.

[B]

So hold on.

[A]

Oh, yeah. Thirsty Turtle in Rochester. And Victor.

[B]

Victor, New York, if you don't know, it's near the East View Mall, right off not too far from the Thruway. So if you come down from either direction, that's going to be the Thursday night right before the playoffs start. The ninth. We're going to be there doing a live podcast. We'll be talking about it again later, but we want to make a great.

[C]

Five to seven live pod. Starts at seven.

[A]

Yeah. At Thirsty Turtle and Victor. Great spot. Yeah. I was gonna say good food. All right. For Mike Catalana and Dan Fates. Who's back? I'm Jenna Cottrell. Thank you so much. I'm back. I got the meme ready to go.

[C]

I was trying to tweet at the entire show.

[A]

That's what you're doing.

[B]

Just.

[C]

Just got it out.

[A]

Okay, good. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe. Subscribe again. And thank you so much for joining us here on the Buffalo plus channel, presented by Connors and Ferris. Love you guys.