Buffalo Plus Podcast: Why JOSH ALLEN is 'JOHN WICK' and Bills–Eagles Preview

Date: November 24, 2023
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Dan Fetes (Jenna Cottrell is off)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the revitalization of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, drawing a playful comparison to the movie character John Wick, and previews the high-stakes upcoming game between the Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles. The hosts break down Allen's resurgence, offensive energy under new coordinator Joe Brady, leadership dynamics in the locker room, and provide an X’s-and-O’s preview of the Bills' pivotal stretch against top NFL teams. The discussion blends deep football analysis with locker room insights, vivid anecdotes, and light banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Josh Allen’s “John Wick” Moment and Emotional Shift

• Josh Allen's Sideline Viral Clip:
  • After an 81-yard TD pass, Josh Allen was caught on NFL Films exclaiming, "I feel like I'm [bleeping] back."
  • The team discusses the significance of this outburst and Allen’s renewed energy.
  • Quote, Dan Fetes (02:49):
    “Josh says, I feel like I'm bleeping back. And he was.”
  • Allen later explained (somewhat tongue-in-cheek) that he was inspired by the John Wick movie line, but the hosts believe this was a genuine “breakthrough” for Allen and the team.
• Emotional Leadership:
  • Allen admitted he previously tried to mask his emotions with a “low positive” approach but recognizes the need to let his teammates see and feed off his genuine passion.
  • Quote, Josh Allen (03:38):
    "I'm just trying to be myself out there and... I feel like I play with my emotions on my sleeve and maybe I've been masking that the last few games or throughout this season, but... need to let my guys know how much I care about this game and how much I care about them."

2. Locker Room Dynamics & Stefan Diggs' Role

• Diggs/Allen Relationship, Leadership, & Mutual Challenges:
  • Diggs acknowledged Allen directly asked for accountability:
    Paraphrase, Mike Catalana (04:49):
    "Josh came up to [Diggs] and said, 'Hey, if I need a kick in the ass, give it to me.'"
  • The hosts debunk rumors of internal discord, emphasizing the depth of trust and collaborative leadership between the two stars.
  • They point out the team’s ability to process adversity, and Diggs’ clear buy-in for Buffalo.

3. Impact of Joe Brady, Offensive Vibes, & The ‘Energy’ Factor

• Joe Brady’s Influence:
  • The firing of former OC Ken Dorsey “shook up” the locker room, producing a visible shift in energy and performance.
  • Quote, Dan (10:49):
    “I think Dorsey’s departure shook up that locker room. Well, it also should’ve. It shook up Josh because it was his guy... If you’re the quarterback and the OC gets fired, it’s on you, to some level.”
• Sustainable Energy & Execution:
  • The hosts caution that while new energy helped, it isn't sustainable to rely on firing coordinators for motivation—players (especially Allen) must be the continuing source.

4. Dalton Kincaid’s Emergence

• Kincaid Rises to #2 Target:
  • Tight end Dalton Kincaid has “earned” his role as a key weapon, passing Gabe Davis in importance.
  • Notably, Diggs now has a signature handshake with Kincaid, signifying mutual respect.
  • Quote, Stefan Diggs (11:51):
    “When I think about it now... as a young player, you want them to earn their respect. ... Dalton Kincaid… is a good ass guy. ... I like his game... He just got a handshake [from me] last week. ... I trust him and I like him. So he got his little handshake. We’ll see how it goes.”
• Stat Highlights:
  • Kincaid is already climbing franchise records for rookie tight ends and is lauded for his yards-after-catch (YAC) and route-running.

5. Preview: Bills at Eagles – Matchup Discussion

• The Stakes:
  • For Buffalo, this non-conference matchup is massive; they need wins for playoff hopes, while for Philly, it's about securing the NFC’s top seed.
• Atmosphere at the Link:
  • Personal anecdotes about the Eagles' home-field intensity emphasize the challenge ahead for Buffalo.
  • Quote, Mike (16:25):
    "I've been going to games in Philly... I cover the Bills. This week, I think is massive for the Bills."
• Eagles Strengths & Roster Praise:
  • The Eagles have "the best offensive line in football" with stars like Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson, plus elite receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
  • Quote, Sean McDermott (21:20):
    “Howie Roseman does a great job… putting a Super Bowl caliber team on the field... One of the best moves in NFL history to go get A.J. Brown — that’s helped their offense in addition to other weapons.”
• Injury Concerns for Buffalo:
  • If corner Taron Johnson and Dane Jackson can’t play (both in concussion protocol), Buffalo’s already-depleted secondary faces massive pressure against Philly’s weapons.

6. Tactical/Analytical Insights

• Under-Center Offense:

  • The hosts discuss the importance (and rarity) of putting Allen under center.
    • Allen's efficiency under center is second in the league (126.3 QB rating; 12.1 YPA).
  • Limiting the offense to shotgun/predictable dropbacks makes it easier for defenses to anticipate; calling for more under-center snaps, play-action, and offensive variety.
  • Quote, Dan (26:32):
    “You can be balanced in the passing game and running game. You need to be balanced inside both of those as well.”

• Eagles Defensive Vulnerabilities:

  • The Eagles’ defensive line is “lethal,” but their secondary—specifically the middle of the field—can be attacked with quick, decisive passes.
  • Darius Slay is “not what he used to be,” and motion with intent (pre-snap) can help Allen quickly diagnose coverages.

• Philly’s Aggressiveness & “Brotherly Shove”:

  • Coach Nick Sirianni is extremely aggressive on 4th downs, frequently deploying the unstoppable “tush push”/“Brotherly Shove” on short yardage.
  • Quotes, Mike (33:34–34:24): “You don’t like Nick Sirianni, you’re gonna hate him by the end of the game. ... His team barely looks to the sidelines on fourth down. ... They’re going to run the brotherly shove and it’s going to work. ... 60% of the time, it works every time.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Josh Allen on his energy (03:38):
  “I feel like I play with my emotions on my sleeve and maybe I’ve been masking that the last few games... need to let my guys know how much I care about this game and how much I care about them.”
• Diggs on Dalton Kincaid earning a handshake (11:51):
  “I like his game... Put the money on Dalton, I guess... So he got his little handshake. We’ll see how it goes. I might have to revoke it depending on how he plays the next couple weeks.”
• On the Eagles’ offensive talent, Mike (21:15):
  “I would love to see what Josh Allen would do with this. No disrespect to the current members of the Bills… that Eagles roster on the offensive side is loaded.”
• On Joe Brady’s early results (07:10):
  “It is still only one game (under Brady) and the tape is out there now...”
• On Philly's home field, Mike (19:25):
  “The Link is cool... They win at the Link... When you look at Jalen Hurts’s numbers... he’s only lost one game at Lincoln Financial [in two years].”
• On the “Brotherly Shove”, Mike (34:24):
  “They will be aggressive, non-stop... They’re going to run the brotherly shove and it’s going to work... Until the league bans it, they don’t care.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Josh Allen “I’m back”/John Wick moment: 01:29–02:53
• Allen reflects on playing with emotion: 03:38–04:01
• Diggs on holding Allen accountable: 04:49–05:18
• Joe Brady’s impact/energy shift: 06:48–09:06
• Dorsey’s firing effect on locker room: 10:49–11:11
• Diggs describes Kincaid earning his handshake: 11:51–12:49
• Preview: Bills/Eagles matchups & stakes: 15:47–19:18
• Eagles’ roster/explosiveness & McDermott praise: 21:15–22:37
• Injury discussion (Taron Johnson/Dane Jackson): 23:16–24:16
• Deep dive: Under center/offensive scheme debate: 25:08–27:41
• Eagles’ defense and Allen’s tactical approach: 27:45–29:39
• Sirianni’s aggressiveness & the “Brotherly Shove”: 33:34–34:29
• Predictions & closing thoughts: 32:00–35:59

Tone & Takeaways

• The conversation is candid, insightful, and cuts through hot-take noise, offering fans both emotional narrative and significant X’s-and-O’s detail.
• The hosts reflect the passion and mild gallows humor of Buffalonians ("Put up some bleeping points!") and pull no punches in their evaluation of the team's trajectory.
• The episode underscores a sense of cautious optimism after the Bills’ recent offensive resurgence, while reminding listeners of the daunting road ahead and the stakes of the Eagles game.
• The preview ends with practical fan advice: expect a wild, emotionally charged game, and beware Nick Sirianni’s aggressive tendencies.

Listen to the full episode for more insider context from the Buffalo Plus team!