Buffalo Plus Podcast Episode Summary

Episode: Why Amari Cooper Makes Everyone Better, Is This the End for Tyler Bass? Bills vs. Titans Preview
Date: October 18, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This Buffalo Plus episode dives deep into the recent trade for Amari Cooper and what he brings to the Bills. The team analyzes whether kicker Tyler Bass’s struggles signal the end of his time in Buffalo, and they preview the crucial upcoming matchup between the Bills and Titans. The conversation is rich with analysis, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and playful banter.

1. Amari Cooper’s Arrival: Why He Helps Everyone (00:40–13:05)

How He Fits & Changes the Offense

• Amari Cooper was traded to the Bills for a third-round pick. His contract makes the acquisition even more appealing ($800,000 for the Bills).
• Dan: “He instantly makes every single Bills wide receiver better.” (02:01)
• His presence downgrades the pressure on other pass catchers like Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, and rookie Keon Coleman, who can now play in more familiar roles.
• Jenna: “Having Amari Cooper out there really does just open up what this offense can do.” (03:14)

Off-field Personality

• Cooper’s low-key personality was discussed, especially as he’s starkly different from former receiver Stefon Diggs.
• Jenna: “He is not going to be a media darling… but what he does on the field is special.” (05:31)
• The crew likened Cooper’s move from Cleveland to Buffalo to “getting out of Shawshank” (04:39), referencing the dreariness of the Browns and the excitement for a fresh start with a real quarterback.

Trade Value & Broader Impact

• Dan: “I don’t think this was by any way a fleece... the Browns did pretty well in return. He’s a 30-year-old receiver at the end of his contract.” (07:16)
• Importance of having draft capital due to previous trades (e.g., Stefon Diggs to Houston providing extra picks).

On-the-Field Impact

• Cooper’s route tree and ability to play outside will let the team reconfigure snap counts; the offense can now threaten defenses more vertically.
• Emphasis on how inconsistent quarterback play in Cleveland skewed his stats (“stats are like bikinis – they show some but not all!” – Jenna, 09:05).

2. The Tyler Bass Situation: Is it Over? (13:05–25:36)

Mounting Concerns

• After several missed kicks and weeks of speculation, the Bills signed kicker Lucas Havrisik to the practice squad.
• Mike: “The kicker is so all or nothing. He’s either making it or he’s not… If you had a backup kicker, [Bass] would have been pulled mid-game.” (15:07)
• They discuss the difference in leash for kickers vs other positions, referencing the team’s patience with expensive but underperforming veterans like Von Miller.

Cutting Bass? Cap Hit vs. Performance

• The crew debates why the Bills haven’t moved on.
• Mike: “You have to figure out a way to create more space and get the right kicker in there. Is there not enough evidence at this point to say this isn’t going to change?” (20:44)
• Dan makes the analogy of a “significant other’s new friend getting a little too close—eventually, you’re being replaced,” implying Bass’s job is on borrowed time (16:51).

Locker Room Dynamics

• The hosts describe the locker room support for Bass, with Terrel Bernard showing public encouragement on the sidelines after missed kicks.
• Mike: “Your one job is to make kicks. You can only get so many tap on the backs before it rings hollow.” (19:02)

Organizational Loyalty

• The tendency for GM Brandon Beane and Coach McDermott to be “loyal to a fault” is discussed as a reason for hesitation in moving on from Bass.
• “They keep saying, ‘He’s got to make those kicks.’ ...Follow what they do, not what they say.” –Mike (25:35)

3. The Bills’ State of Play & Titans Preview (27:49–37:02)

Surviving a Tough Stretch

• At 4–2, the Bills have successfully navigated the season’s toughest stretch.
• Mike: "These are rearview mirror games... When you look back, it’s a win." (28:24)
• The team expects Buffalo to handle the Titans at home, especially with an energized crowd and new offensive weapons.

Titans Analysis

• Tennessee’s one bright spot is defense (Sneed, Simmons), but their offense, led by Will Levis, is floundering.
• Dan: “Will Levis may be the worst second half quarterback in the history of gambling. In 14 games he has started, he is 2–12 against the spread in the second half.” (41:17)
• Mike (on Levis): “You may have ordered a Josh Allen from Kentucky...you got a really bad version. He’s not the guy.” (34:13)
• Discussion about the Titans' lack of identity post-Vrabel and the mismatch at quarterback and across the roster.

Defense Outlook

• Praise for Sean McDermott’s ability to get the best from defensive players, with hope for Matt Milano’s upcoming return adding even more strength. (29:53)
• Emphasis on how the addition of Amari Cooper allows the Bills to compete with heavyweights like the Chiefs and Ravens (30:24).

4. Picks & Score Predictions (40:05–43:49)

• All three hosts predict a comfortable Bills win.
  • Jenna: Bills win 31–17. Anticipates impact moments for Cooper but not full workload yet. (41:04)
  • Dan: Bills win 24–13. Notes emotional letdown potential but says home fans/energy will carry them. (42:33)
  • Mike: Bills win 31–13. Thinks defense makes it comfortable and Titans are too banged up to compete. (43:00)
• "Will Cooper get a touchdown?" Consensus: Yes, with the crew predicting a well-designed “welcome to Buffalo” play (43:08).

5. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “Everybody eats. It’s okay to let one player eat more than the rest. Amari Cooper is going to be that player for the Bills.” – Mike (01:57)
• “Cooper’s going from a Pinto to a Ferrari.” – Listener comment, read by Jenna (10:20)
• On the locker room after a missed Bass kick:
  • Dan: “All I’m doing is focused on the kicker... the second it hit his foot, he had the look of ‘it happened again.’” (17:56)
• On Will Levis:
  • Dan: “You may have ordered a Josh Allen from Kentucky. You got a... fake version.” (34:13)
• On grocery shopping and dishwashers: Light-hearted life talk about the best way to unload dishwashers and shopping habits, showing the panel’s chemistry and relatability (44:49–48:46).

6. Hall of Fame Shout-Out & Closing (49:02–51:28)

• Mike is inducted into the broadcasting Hall of Fame; the team gets heartfelt, with plenty of affection and group banter.
• Mike on the honor: “I get to have these guys with me...and my whole family with me. I have the people that mean the most to me there.” (49:10)
• The hosts thank their loyal community and tease upcoming live events in Orchard Park (27:14; 51:17).

7. Key Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|--------------| | Amari Cooper trade fit & impact | 00:40–13:05 | | Tyler Bass discussion/Job security | 13:05–25:36 | | Bills’ season context/Titans preview | 27:49–37:02 | | Picks & score predictions | 40:05–43:49 | | Hall of Fame reflection & team banter | 49:02–51:28 |

Tone & Takeaways

The show is candid and energetic, blending smart football analysis with insider perspective and dry humor. The hosts don’t shy from passionate debate but always circle back to their central theme: the evolving identity and fortunes of the 2024 Buffalo Bills.

Bottom Line:
Amari Cooper’s arrival is a game-changer for the offense; Tyler Bass may be on his last legs; and the Titans matchup is a prime opportunity for the Bills to assert their status as an AFC contender.

Listeners are left with practical insights, a sense of community, and a healthy dose of Buffalo football optimism.