Buffalo Plus Podcast Summary

Episode: What They're Saying About BILLS vs RAVENS in Baltimore with Morgan Adsit
Date: January 15, 2025
Host: Mike Catalana
Guest: Morgan Adsit (Fox 45 Baltimore Sports Anchor)

Overview

This special playoff episode dives deep into the highly anticipated AFC Divisional Round matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens. Host Mike Catalana is joined by Baltimore sports anchor Morgan Adsit to discuss Lamar Jackson’s evolution, the Ravens’ offense and defense, key matchups against the Bills, coaching storylines, and the immense pressure facing both quarterbacks and franchises. The conversation is loaded with insider knowledge from both sides, candid assessments, and honest playoff nerves.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Lamar Jackson’s Growth & Mindset

• Evolved Leadership:
  • Morgan notes a "calmness and more joy" about Lamar this season, attributing it to finally securing his long-term deal and the end of contract drama.
    • "There is just a calmness and a more joy about him…when he finally got paid…he finally got his long-term deal here with the Ravens" – Morgan (02:14)
• Media Relations:
  • Jackson is more open and comfortable, partly influenced by Hard Knocks coverage.
• Expectations & Pressure:
  • Both sides (organization & Lamar) experienced “growing pains” during contract negotiations, which has led to mutual learning and greater stability.
  • Despite likely winning a third MVP, “he’s hunting the bigger thing,” meaning playoff wins and a Super Bowl.

2. MVP Narratives: Fatigue, Criteria, and the Allen Comparison

• Baltimore’s Take:
  • The MVP debate isn’t dominant right now in Baltimore, and there’s a feeling that if Lamar doesn’t win, it’s “Lamar fatigue” among voters.
  • "If he doesn't, it's because the voters had Lamar fatigue." – Morgan (05:44)
• Buffalo’s Perspective:
  • For Allen, an MVP would boost his legacy more than a third would for Jackson, but both are judged primarily by playoff results.

3. Playoff Pressure and Legacy Stakes

• Mirror Pressure:
  • Both teams and quarterbacks are under immense pressure to break through – neither can get past Kansas City or win the “big” one.
  • “Stats are great…MVPs are wonderful. But…comes to winning.” – Mike (09:11)
• Calm Under Fire:
  • Both quarterbacks enter this game “playing with a sense of calm.”

4. Key Matchups & X-Factors

A. Quarterback Composure and Turnovers

• The game may swing on “which quarterback is not tight.”
  • “There cannot be a turnover. There just can't. While both offenses can throw up a ton of points… the Ravens can't afford early mistakes, big holes.” – Morgan (10:43)
• Historical precedent: Ravens “mentally break” after early playoff errors.

B. Derrick Henry’s Impact

• Run-Heavy Threat:
  • “Derrick Henry can destroy you, and that has been such the thing…if the Ravens do win the Super Bowl, it's because of Derrick Henry.” – Morgan (14:09)
• Dual Rushing Threat:
  • Teams must now “take away the run twice” (Lamar and Henry).

C. Zay Flowers and Offensive Flexibility

• If Flowers doesn’t play or is limited (“not going to be 100”), the Ravens’ passing game loses “yak” (yards after catch) explosiveness, forcing creativity.
• Even with strong run game, Ravens can’t expect to “bully” the Bills like the Steelers (15:14–16:46).

D. Beneficiaries on Offense

• Rashod Bateman benefits from being in a “spread-the-wealth” offense—doesn’t need to be WR1 every week but can pop for big TDs (17:39).

5. Defensive Storylines

A. Ravens’ Secondary Evolution

• Kyle Hamilton: Shifted back to true safety role, leading to defensive improvement.
  • “They are playing Kyle Hamilton as a true safety now, and the rest of the secondary has stepped up.” – Morgan (19:16)
• Marlon Humphrey’s Resurgence: Playing at All-Pro level.
• Weakness: Still expect Bills passing game and Josh Allen to have success, especially targeting CB Brandon Stephens.

B. Roquan Smith’s Influence

• Old School Edge: “He’s gonna line up and try to kill you...he is old school.” – Morgan (22:56)
• Middle linebacker play has improved run D and changed the dynamic against tight ends, but the middle is still susceptible.

6. Coaching & Program Stability

• Harbaugh’s Job Security:
  • Despite some “crazy, loud fan base” calling for change, Harbaugh is safe. The criticism comes with “success fatigue.”
    • “The fan base that's the loudest…they want them gone—which is just absolutely insane. Some of that has gone away.” – Morgan (25:29)
• Playoff judgment: Only reason for serious criticism would be “catastrophic brain fart”—deviating from strengths or “overthinking.”
• Coaching parallels: McDermott’s situation in Buffalo is similar—no Super Bowl, but constant contention (27:42).

7. Special Teams: The Hidden Decider

• Ravens’ Issues:
  • Troubling field position, muffed punts, shaky returns, and even some doubt about Justin Tucker’s recent form.
• Bills’ Issues:
  • Fake punts allowed, only nine players on the field on a punt, declining kicker confidence (Tyler Bass).
  • “They do not want this to come down to special teams.” – Mike (30:51)
• Summary: Small mistakes on ST could be fatal in such a close game.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Lamar’s New Energy:
  • "There is just a calmness and a more joy about him…and it just feels like an ease. He's more comfortable." – Morgan Adsit (02:14)
• On Judging Quarterbacks:
  • “Stats are great…MVPs are wonderful. But…comes to winning.” – Mike Catalana (09:11)
• On Derrick Henry’s Importance:
  • “Derrick Henry can destroy you, and that has been such the thing…if the Ravens do win the Super Bowl, it's because of Derrick Henry.” – Morgan Adsit (14:09)
• On Special Teams as an X-Factor:
  • “Turnovers and special teams, in my opinion…this is going to come down to special teams.” – Morgan Adsit (28:43)

Important Timestamps

• Lamar Jackson’s mindset, contract background: 02:14–05:09
• MVP talk, comparisons with Josh Allen: 05:44–09:11
• Pressure on both QBs and franchise narratives: 09:11–12:08
• Derrick Henry’s impact: 12:46–14:09
• Zay Flowers injury/impact, offensive weapons: 15:14–17:01
• Ravens receiving corps (Rashod Bateman): 17:39–18:50
• Ravens defensive shifts (Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey): 18:56–20:28
• Weakness in Ravens secondary and Bills’ passing chances: 20:28–22:22
• Roquan Smith’s old-school mentality, defensive adjustments: 22:56–24:13
• John Harbaugh’s job security and fan sentiment: 25:18–28:29
• Special teams concerns (both teams): 28:43–30:51
• Score predictions and playoff stakes: 31:55–34:14

Playoff Stakes and Predictions

• Both pick the Bills by three, but both admit anything can happen—"Your team could play really well this week and lose. That's the level we're at." (Mike, 33:13)

Fun Moment

• Morgan asks for a wing recommendation in Buffalo:
  • Mike’s pick: “Barbell. That’s the one. Could be crowded.” (35:05)

Closing Thoughts

This episode provides a blueprint for understanding the high-stakes matchup between Buffalo and Baltimore—two franchises with dynamic QBs, loaded offenses, evolving defenses, and similar playoff demons. It’s a must-listen for fans who crave nuance, unfiltered analysis, and a beat reporter’s perspective from the heart of Ravens country.

For more in-depth coverage, subscribe to Buffalo Plus on YouTube and follow Morgan Adsit on social media (@MorganAdsit).