Episode Overview

Podcast: Buffalo Plus
Episode: What they're saying in Baltimore about Bills vs Ravens with Shawn Stepner
Date: September 25, 2024
Host: Mike Catalana (Buffalo Plus)
Guest: Shawn Stepner (WMAR sports reporter, former Buffalo reporter)

This episode brings a detailed cross-city perspective on the impending Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens Sunday night matchup. Mike Catalana welcomes back Shawn Stepner, who shares his insights on the Ravens' current form, their strengths and struggles early in the 2024 season, key players on both sides of the ball, and how Baltimore views Josh Allen and the Bills. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at both teams, their recent performances, and match-up keys, including candid views on coaches and even kickers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Ravens’ Early Season Identity and Offensive Evolution

[01:54]

• Shawn Stepner: The Ravens avoided an 0-3 start by narrowly defeating Dallas, thanks to the clock saving them after another late-game collapse.
• Derrick Henry: Brought in to reinforce the run game but only truly broke out in Week 3 against the Cowboys (151 yards).
• Offensive Identity: John Harbaugh’s teams have traditionally leaned on the run; after early stumbles, it appears they'll lean further into it following Henry's big game.

“Derrick Henry leading the way now.” – Shawn Stepner [03:38]

Lamar Jackson: MVP Status & Evolution

[03:51]

• Development as a Passer: Lamar continues to push for recognition as a passing quarterback, despite his electric running game.
• Can this style win long-term? Stepner doubts a purely run-first attack will win deep in today’s NFL.

"I think that he's the best athlete on the field whenever he takes the field." – Shawn Stepner [04:24]

• On Whether MVP Status Is a “Burden”

“No, his personality… no, I don't think so.” – Shawn Stepner [05:57]

• Perspective on Josh Allen: Mike and Shawn agree Allen is playing spectacularly, and Shawn picks the Bills to win largely because the Ravens defense isn’t equipped to stop Allen if he’s playing at his current level.

“What Josh Allen is doing is spectacular… I don't see how this defense stops Josh Allen if he's rolling like that.” – Shawn Stepner [06:12]

Pass Catching and Offensive Line Concerns

[08:28]

• Wide Receivers: Zay Flowers has chemistry with Jackson and is the primary threat (9 yards per catch, 1 TD), Rashod Bateman is improving, but the whole group has been impacted by OL struggles.
• Offensive Line: Three starters replaced; GM chose youth and affordability, but protection issues limit deep passing and play development.
• Mark Andrews: Historically Jackson’s safety blanket but off to a slow start (6 catches, 8 targets through 3 games).

“You really saw it at the beginning of the season, that opener against Kansas City, I mean they schemed it up so Lamar would just almost throw it immediately.” – Shawn Stepner [09:31]

Defensive Standouts and Challenges

[11:30]

• Kyle Hamilton: Stepping up as the best defender; passionate, versatile, and a leader.

“He’s the second best player on the team behind Lamar.” – Shawn Stepner [12:39]

• Roquan Smith: Still elite, but maybe lost a step; hasn’t flashed so far this year. Remains the playcaller and core of the defense.

“We’re not kind of seeing him... He doesn’t really jump out through three games, but again, maybe it’s this defense working itself out.” – Shawn Stepner [13:53]

• Adjustment to New Defensive Coordinator (Zach Orr): Ongoing process as the staff works to replace departed veterans and reset communication/chemistry.

Justin Tucker’s Struggles

[16:54]

• Dramatic Decline from Distance: 1 for 7 on 50+ yard FGs over the past couple years; missed a 46-yarder against Dallas.

“He has the leg… The leg is still there…" – Shawn Stepner [18:35]

• Harbaugh called it a “technique issue”; Stepner says it may be in Tucker’s head, though patience will be far greater for him than a typical NFL kicker due to his track record and status.

John Harbaugh’s Standing with Fans/Organization

[21:16]

• Harbaugh still respected and supported by ownership, but a long tenure combined with big-game failures means fans flip quickly with each result.

“When they lose, they want a new coach. When they win, it’s… fans usually don’t think it’s because of Harbaugh.” – Shawn Stepner [22:12]

• The AFC North might be unusually weak this season, making the division wide open despite the Ravens’ struggles.

Matchup Keys & Game Plans

How Baltimore Can Beat the Bills

[25:27]

• Defensive Backfield Is Key: Baltimore is last in the league in pass defense, a disastrous stat before facing Allen and Buffalo’s offense.
• Clock Management: Ravens must run effectively, as they did against Dallas, to keep Allen off the field.

“You gotta keep Josh Allen off the field. You gotta keep that offense off the field. You gotta burn clock.” – Shawn Stepner [26:08]

• If Leading Late: The Bills are never truly out of a game with Allen; comebacks are possible no matter the score.

“If the Bills are trailing in the fourth quarter... you’re going to want to be awake, because they’re never going to be out of it.” – Shawn Stepner [27:05]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Josh Allen's MVP Candidacy and Mindset:
  “What Josh Allen is doing is spectacular. That game on Monday night, precision at its finest… Is he on a mission?” – Shawn Stepner [06:12]

• On Ravens' Defensive Identity:
  “Kyle Hamilton, I mean, he’s just a Swiss army knife freak of a guy… he is the best player, no doubt, on that defense.” – Shawn Stepner [12:39]

• On Justin Tucker:
  “It’s very odd. It’s very bizarre. Look, father time’s undefeated, right?... But it’s not like he’s missing short. I mean, these kicks have distance.” – Shawn Stepner [18:13]

• On John Harbaugh's Tenure:
  “When they lose, they want a new coach. When they win, it’s… fans usually don’t think it’s because of Harbaugh.” – Shawn Stepner [22:12]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:39: Introduction of Shawn Stepner
• 01:54: Ravens’ win over Dallas, state of the team
• 03:42: Impact of Derrick Henry and running game
• 04:57: Lamar Jackson’s evolution, MVP pressures
• 06:12: Praise for Josh Allen, matchup expectations
• 08:28: WR group, Mark Andrews, offensive line issues
• 11:30: Defensive focus: Kyle Hamilton
• 13:42: Roquan Smith assessment
• 15:23: Changing defensive staff, new coordinator
• 16:54: Justin Tucker’s kicking struggles
• 21:16: John Harbaugh's reputation and future
• 25:27: Ravens’ keys to beating the Bills
• 27:16: Bills’ comeback potential and late-game drama

Tone & Final Thoughts

The conversation balances Buffalo and Baltimore perspectives with honest appraisal of both squads’ strengths and weaknesses. The tone is analytical but accessible; both are candid, but respectful—there’s admiration for key players, tempered optimism about each team, and a mutual understanding of fan anxieties and hopes. Extra color is added through stories about life in Buffalo and shared history, ending on a relatable, community-oriented note.

For those looking to prep for Sunday’s primetime showdown, this episode delivers sharp, nuanced insight into what both teams and fanbases are feeling heading into a crucial early-season test.