Buffalo Plus Podcast: The Bills Offense CAN RUN Without Josh Allen's Legs, Why Games With the Jaguars Are WEIRD & 'Credit to Me'
Date: September 20, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into the Buffalo Bills' surprising offensive trends—especially their effective running game independent of Josh Allen’s rushing, their looming matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars (and why it's historically weird), and closes with a new fun segment ‘Credit to Me’ where the hosts hand out kudos to themselves and others. The trio also discusses key injuries, the significance of former Bills players returning to Buffalo as Jaguars, the team's kicking situation, and the psychological factors at play ahead of a crucial Monday Night Football showdown.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Bills-Jags: The NFL’s “Weirdest” Matchup
- History of Odd Games: The hosts humorously lament how games between the Bills and Jaguars seem cursed or bizarre, stretching back to the infamous Urban Meyer upset and beyond.
- "[The 2021 Urban Meyer game] might still pull out that win. And it never gets old because it is so true of where this team." — Jenna (03:25)
- London 2023 Recap: The loss in London was especially tough because of injuries and poor play, notably from Kyer Elam thrown into high-pressure snaps.
- Hosts' Outlook: There's consensus that the Bills are the better team, but NFL games—especially with desperate rivals—are never “safe.”
- “Hungry dogs run fast.” — Mike (04:47)
- Ed Oliver called the game “weird.” (04:47)
2. Buffalo's Balanced Offense: Running Without Josh Allen's Legs
- James Cook’s Breakout: AFC Offensive Player of the Week, looking more decisive and explosive.
- "James Cook… when he gets the ball and picking lanes… even three-yard runs could have been three-yard losses." — Dan (09:01)
- Run Game Philosophies: Dan clarifies he doesn’t hate running the ball—he hates wasteful, uncreative efforts.
- Josh Allen’s Role: The offense is built to run the ball effectively—relieving Allen, though he still delivers a few “signature” spectacular moments per game.
- "When you’re running as well as we are… if it’s working, keep calling it." — Josh Allen (10:03)
- Shift in Playcalling: Josh Allen has the second-fewest passing attempts in the league through two games—a major narrative change for Buffalo.
3. Passing Game: Will Dalton Kincaid Get Involved?
- Need for Diverse Options: Dalton Kincaid has had a quiet start (5 catches in two games), but the hosts anticipate he'll be more involved, especially since the Jags' defense struggles to cover tight ends.
- "It's gameplanning... calling plays for Dalton Kincaid's number." — Dan (13:18)
- Neutralizing the Jags’ D-Line: Expect more screens, quick passes, and creative use of RBs/TEs to offset a tough Jags pass rush.
- Josh Allen (Jaguars DE) as a Threat: The irony of game-breaking plays from Jacksonville’s pass rusher sharing the quarterback’s name is not lost on the panel.
4. The Jags: Desperation, Dysfunction, and Familiar Faces
- Inside Look: Guest insight from J.P. Shadrick (Jaguars reporter, 18:27) reveals mechanical and operational issues for Jacksonville—late playcalls, penalties, lack of preparation.
- Trevor Lawrence’s candid “we suck” press conference is highlighted as a rare moment of honesty and leadership. (19:22)
- Returning Ex-Bills: Gabe Davis and Mitch Morse (as Jags) return to Orchard Park; reflections on their legacy and expected reception.
- Organizational Pressure: Jaguars owner Shad Khan is on record saying “the winning needs to be now,” applying pressure on the entire team, especially coach Doug Pederson.
5. Kicker Controversy: Tyler Bass
- Bass Misses & Consequences: After a strong opener, Bass missed a no-pressure kick vs. Miami, prompting the Bills to bring in kickers for workouts—the first real “hot seat” of his career.
- “He’s one kick away from being cut. If you’re unsure now, it will become a bigger problem later.” — Dan (27:17)
- Team’s Stance: Mike believes they want Bass to figure it out given past successes, but acknowledges if the downward trend continues, they'll move on quickly.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Bills-Jags Oddness:
- “That game in London… brutal with the injuries… very, very tough for the Bills.” — Mike (03:55)
- “Weird when like the vibes around this game.” — Jenna (04:47)
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On the Running Game:
- "I'm fine with running the ball when it's effective. I have hated second down runs… just run into a brick wall... one yard, a waste of a down… taking the ball out of Josh Allen's hands." — Dan (08:19)
- “If it’s working, keep calling it.” — Josh Allen (10:03)
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On Dalton Kincaid:
- “Jacksonville struggles with tight ends… I do think [the Bills] make a conscious effort to get the ball to Dalton Kincaid.” — Mike (12:28)
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On Jags' Struggles:
- “They didn’t look prepared, they didn’t look ready. That usually gets everybody’s attention going into the next week.” — Mike relaying J.P. Shadrick (19:16)
- “Trevor Lawrence… it was his most raw post game press conference we've ever heard.” — J.P. Shadrick via Dan (19:22)
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On Special Teams:
- “He [Bass] absolutely awful miss in the Miami game… I think he’s one kick away from being cut.” — Dan (27:17)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Bills-Jags rivalry/weirdness history: 00:05–05:28
- Bills running game & James Cook focus: 07:39–10:03
- Josh Allen on new run-first approach: 10:03–10:38
- Passing game and Dalton Kincaid: 12:03–14:09
- Jaguars defense/Allen vs. Allen: 14:33–15:52
- Jags’ desperation and Trevor’s candid press conference: 18:27–20:01
- Gabe Davis and Mitch Morse return: 21:02–21:48
- Kicking controversy/Bass on the hot seat: 26:02–31:10
- Game predictions: 32:21–35:53
- ‘Credit to Me’ segment (funny personal shoutouts): 35:54–44:15
Game Predictions
- Dan: Bills 24, Jaguars 20 — “Uncomfortable type of game…the Bills squeak it out.” (33:08)
- Jenna: Bills 28, Jaguars 13 — “Bills on high alert because of the Jags’ history.” (33:58)
- Mike: Bills 27, Jaguars 19 — “Are they good enough? I still don’t think so.” (35:41)
“Credit to Me” (New Segment Highlights)
- Mike: Credit to sensible air travelers who respect airplane etiquette. (36:08)
- Jenna: Credit to her mom for being right about wearing a retainer—parents usually are! (39:53)
- Dan: Credit to all surviving new homeowners, and, slyly, himself for managing house renovations and impending third child. (41:47)
Closing Tone
The hosts close with good-natured banter, shout-outs to listeners, and encouragement to subscribe and join their postgame coverage. The episode blends in-depth analysis, insider insight, and plenty of relatability and humor—a classic Buffalo Plus balance.
Useful Links
For those who missed the episode, this summary gives you the key storylines, takes, and off-field flavor—minus the ads and banter fluff—so you're ready for the Bills-Jags showdown and up to speed on the pulse of Buffalo sports.