You Ask, We Answer: Have the last TWO WEEKS changed our PERCEPTION OF THE BILLS?

Summary

Buffalo Plus Podcast Summary

Episode: You Ask, We Answer: Have the last TWO WEEKS changed our PERCEPTION OF THE BILLS?
Date: September 16, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

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Overview

This episode centers on fan-submitted questions about the Buffalo Bills through the first two weeks of the NFL season. The Buffalo Plus team – Mike, Jenna, and Dan – dissect how their perceptions of the team may have shifted as the Bills jumped out to a 2-0 start. Discussion spans key team strengths, the running game’s resurgence, the impact of injuries, defensive play, and how this edition stacks up to expectations. There’s lively banter, strong insights about players and coaches, and recurring jokes about "Jaguar/Jaguar/Jags" pronunciation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Are the Bills the Scariest Team Through Two Weeks?

Timestamp: 01:36–05:30

• Dan: “No, I don’t think they look like the scariest team. I think they look way more complete than I originally thought… without a true number one wide receiver, it’s tough to be scary.” (01:58)

• Mike: “Scariest does sound a little bit different… For me, when I think of scary, I do think of those big-time, big names… The Bills have kind of built themselves as a team that—what’s the phrase—everybody eats. I don’t think they’re scary, but… they have done a great job, and that can also be scary because that might sneak up on people.” (02:39)

• Jenna: Agrees with "complete" as the defining word; praises the team’s unselfish play and strong defense. Notes that the Saints and Cardinals looked surprisingly scary the past weekend.

Notable Moment:
Playful debate about the “scariest” team and how the Bills’ identity is less about star power and more about being well-rounded.

Josh Allen’s Evolving Role & Team Chemistry

Timestamp: 05:30–09:58

• Dan: “It just feels like (Josh Allen) doesn’t have the weight of the team all on his shoulders… He has this… freeing kind of moment.” (06:37)

• Mike: “He wants to be one of the guys, he wants to see his guys do well… For him, it’s got to feel nice to be like, ‘Hey, I played well… but I also got to see the guys that I see work their butts off be able to have their moment, too.’” (06:54 & 07:18)

• Jenna: Observes a positive shift in Josh Allen’s body language and general vibe, indicating buy-in and trust in his teammates.

Memorable Moment:
Recap of Josh Allen joyfully celebrating with teammates after a win, exemplifying a shared load on offense and a more relaxed quarterback.

The Bills’ Running Game & Offensive Identity

Timestamp: 10:05–16:49

• Dan (on needing a run game): “With this wide receiver group… you can rely on a ground game and an offensive line pancaking people… it really helps alleviate that stress and pressure.” (10:16)

• Jenna: Details how the Bills are adapting to league-wide defensive schemes, finding balance between running and passing.

• Mike: Compares the Bills’ offensive approach to the Chiefs', highlighting the value of a strong run game in the modern NFL.

Notable Moment:
Praise for Joe Brady’s play-calling discipline – “When the Bills seem to be able to run the ball and run it successfully, they just keep hitting the button… Joe Brady’s just keeping it simple.” (13:43)

Quote:
Dan on offensive playcalling: “It’s checkers, not chess… I wonder if Joe Brady has like KISS written on his arm: ‘Keep it simple, stupid.’” (14:48)

Defensive Line & Secondary: Who’s the Best Unit?

Timestamp: 17:30–24:03

• Fan Question: Can the front four keep pressure with injuries in the back seven?

• Dan: “The back seven’s been the best part of this defense… Rasool (Douglas) and Benford have been dominant… The back half of the secondary has been outstanding.” (18:09)

• Jenna: “Cam Lewis filling in for Taron Johnson has been outstanding… Another credit to Babich and McDermott.”

• Mike: “Christian Benford… to see him get that shine, it’s awesome… Rasul Douglas, tackling, tackling—just stuff like that, that really can be pivotal.” (19:07 & 19:53)

Notable Quote:
From Chris Long (via Green Light Podcast, relayed by Dan):
“Nobody gets little guys to play bigger than Sean McDermott… last year, there were guys down left and right, and they battled…” (20:49)

Moment:
Praise for Ed Oliver’s, Von Miller’s performance, and coaching staff's ability to 'coach up’ backups and depth players.

Jags vs. Bills: Why Does Jacksonville Befuddle Buffalo?

Timestamp: 24:40–27:16

• Fan Question: Why do the Jaguars always seem to trip up the Bills?
• Dan: “I think it could be taking them a little bit for granted… a lot of those were younger teams… It just does not seem like things go well against Jacksonville.” (25:44–26:37)
• Jenna: Adds context—London game, playoff disappointments, travel issues, and injuries—contributing to the Jags being a "trap" opponent.
• Mike: Recaps how even when favored, “things just don’t seem to go well against Jacksonville…” (25:35)

Impact of Linebacker Injuries & Defensive Adjustments

Timestamp: 28:31–31:46

• Fan Question: With Milano and Bernard both hurt at linebacker, how will the defense hold up?
• Jenna: “Specter’s got to take away his special teams duty if he’s going to be the (LB)...I was impressed by Specter… having to relay defensive calls.” (28:56–29:20)
• Dan: “When it was a pec (injury) that (Bernard) did not return… it’s just a strained pec… hoping he doesn’t even need to go on IR. Massive news…” (30:11)
• They’re hopeful Bernard’s injury is minor compared to initial concern. Praise for Dorian Williams’ fill-in play; emphasis on ‘treading water’ until reinforcements return.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dan Fates, on Josh Allen’s new freedom:
  “When Josh doesn’t have to be Superman the entire game, I think it’s got to feel very freeing to him.” (08:27)

• Mike Catalana, on the Bills’ ‘complete’ vibe:
  “For so much, we talk about the Bills, it is Josh Allen. And I think for him… it’s got to feel nice…” (06:54)

• Chris Long (via Dan), on McDermott’s coaching:
  “Nobody gets little guys to play bigger than Sean McDermott.” (20:49)

• Jenna Cottrell, on the Buffalo defense’s development:
  “You go back to what were Hyde and Poyer when they came to town?...They were not superstars. Now you see these other players, and it’s great.” (21:41)

• Josh Allen’s celebratory moment:
  “Dan, you got a great shot of him celebrating, his arms out.” (08:10)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:36 – Are the Bills the scariest team right now?
• 05:30 – Josh Allen’s mindset & Miami game review
• 10:05 – Does the Bills’ offense need a running game?
• 13:43 – Joe Brady’s play-calling philosophy
• 17:30 – Secondary vs. D-line as defensive strengths
• 20:49 – Chris Long’s take on McDermott and player development
• 24:40 – Why do the Jags always trouble the Bills?
• 28:31 – Linebacker injuries: How does the D adapt?

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Recurring Jokes & Banter

• Ongoing internal debate over the correct pronunciation of “Jaguar” (Jag-u-ar vs. Jag-wire vs. Jags).
• Mike, Jenna, and Dan lightheartedly credit each other (and sometimes themselves) for various takes and predictions.
• Running joke on how the Bills-Jags matchups always go awry for Buffalo, regardless of situation.

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Conclusion & Final Thoughts

The Buffalo Plus crew agrees the Bills have exceeded preseason expectations by looking more “complete”—not “scariest,” but certainly more stable and well-rounded, especially on defense. Josh Allen’s role is evolving, no longer requiring herculean efforts every week, thanks to a revitalized run game and a defense that keeps performing despite injuries. Trust in the coaching staff (Joe Brady, Sean McDermott, Bobby Babich) is high, as is confidence in depth players stepping up.

Jenna, Mike, and Dan remain cautious about the Jags matchup given Buffalo’s uneven history against Jacksonville, but they believe this team’s new identity and adaptability should help reverse old narratives.

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For full Bills coverage, subscribe to Buffalo Plus and catch their upcoming live show Thursday at 7:15pm (EST) on YouTube.

Transcript

[Dan Fates]

That's what makes that Jaguars loss even more with urban mires.

[Mike Catalana]

You say Jaguars. Weird. You said.

[Dan Fates]

I say Jaguars.

[Mike Catalana]

I say Jaguars.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Jaguars.

[Mike Catalana]

Jaguars.

[Dan Fates]

This is the open.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You should say it like. Like they say it in the car commercials.

[Dan Fates]

Jaguar.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Jaguar.

[Mike Catalana]

We'll start with this question from Robin.

[Dan Fates]

So there's still a damn good defense.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I have zero problem with them bringing this guy in.

[Mike Catalana]

Welcome back to the Buffalo plus channel, presented by Connors and Ferris, Mike Catalana, Dan Fates. I am Jenna Cottrell. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share the channel. We always appreciate it. We are back with our latest edition of you Ask, We Answer, presented by Stellar Roofing, Windows and Siding. A lot of good questions coming in, Mike. I can tell you on some of.

[Jenna Cottrell]

This, all I want to say is it's nice having all this together. You know, we get separated a little bit on some of these road games, and people were saying, well, well, Jenna doesn't go, Would she? On vacation. That's what somebody asked. I'm like, no, you were working. You were covering the game back home. I know, I know.

[Mike Catalana]

I saw that comment and I was like, just because I'm not in the video doesn't mean I'm not working. Some days it's anchoring. Oh, really?

[Jenna Cottrell]

He made the face, not me.

[Mike Catalana]

Really?

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, we were all working together on all of our coverage. And just, you know, the road games, it's always two of us.

[Dan Fates]

So you're going to battle the mic all day.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It's. It keeps dropping.

[Mike Catalana]

I was confused.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I know. I tightened this up and it just. Okay, it's maxed out.

[Mike Catalana]

Okay, let's start with the questions.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You got it.

[Mike Catalana]

Some good ones that we got from the post. So if you do have a question, be sure to go. When Mike makes a post on the Buffalo Plus YouTube channel, he'll have a post saying, you ask, we answer segment. Please be sure to drop a question in there. All right, I'm going to start with a question from Ph Flaco. Do you think the Bills look like the scariest team through week two? Damn. What do you think?

[Dan Fates]

No, I. I don't think they look the scariest team. I think they look way more complete than I think we originally thought of. I think they look like a team that won't beat themselves. I think they looked well coached over the last six quarters. Maybe after you take out the first two quarters against Arizona. But I think they. That's where I see a. You could maybe make the case of one of the more complete teams, but without a true number One wide receiver. It's tough to be scary.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

I don't know if defenses, defensive coordinators are still scared to play the Bills right now. They're scared of Josh Allen because we know what he can do, obviously. But I wouldn't say scariest.

[Mike Catalana]

I think I agree with the fact that I did not expect the team to look as sharp or maybe just as I think complete is probably the right word. I think going into the season, the biggest question mark was in terms of wide receiver. Could they get it done without that guy? But they've shown that they can win games in ways that are not just Josh Allen taking over or trying to have a guy go for 100 plus yards, two touchdowns, all that stuff. They've been able to run the ball well. The defense has played really well. Like, there's been moments that I think this team has been unselfish and we heard throughout the summer that, that, that was something that, you know, Joe Brady had talked about, you know, Sean McDermott had talked about, Josh Allen had talked about at points. So for me, scariest does sound a little bit different because I think for me, when I think of scary, I do think of those like big time, big names. You think about, oh, they got this guy and that guy and this guy. Whereas the Bills, I think all along have kind of built themselves as a, A team that, what's the phrase, Everybody eats. For me, I don't think they're scary, but I think that they have done a great job. And, and that can also be scary because I think that might sneak up on people. Now, look, the Bills are really good, so I'm not saying they're going to catch anyone by surprise, but at the same moment, they have been quite better than my expectations.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I like the word complete, and it's not what we were expecting. And when Josh Allen didn't need to have a big game against the Dolphins, one. That's a surprise.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It wasn't like Josh played poorly and other guys made up for him. He was good. He was great in moments, yes, but he did not need to because the defense was so good. Oddly, the two scariest teams I saw this past weekend were the Arizona Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints.

[Dan Fates]

The Saints are scary.

[Mike Catalana]

The Saints are scary.

[Dan Fates]

Momentarily, momentarily scary.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I am saying we saw that Cardinals team. Our friend Matt Bovet was telling us, I think the Cardinals are good. And I pushed back.

[Mike Catalana]

I said that, too. I think I said, I think they're going to be better than people think.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Well, better than people think is, is true. Good Is another thing.

[Dan Fates]

Correct. Right. They had a pretty low floor and they and low expectations.

[Jenna Cottrell]

They realized they had Marvin Harrison on the team.

[Dan Fates]

That helps.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So they look scary. But the Saints looked incredible against Dallas.

[Dan Fates]

When they looked score 15 touchdowns or they have scored on 15 drives that Derek Carr has played.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, he threw one. I think he threw one pick. Or was it the backup that came in the game?

[Dan Fates]

I think it was the backup.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So they were just running over people. And the reason to Dan's point or saying is scary is one thing. I don't think Bill's fans could hope for much more than we've seen from this team. From the moment of the drive right before halftime, outside of giving up the kickoff against the Cardinals, this team has played really well. And the Dolphins game was good. So not scary yet. But that's going to take more from the offense to be scarier.

[Dan Fates]

We talked about it, I think right after our video maybe when we were driving back home from the stadium at three in the morning was that Josh seemed. I think Josh loves a game like the Bills played against Miami where he still got to flash. He still was. The throw to Ty Johnson was special. He still had some of those moments where he got to look at David Long Junior's back and give him the who are you? Like, Like Josh. This wasn't a game where Josh, like you said, was bad and so other people had to pick him up. Josh was also good. The team around him though was also good. He has this. It just feels like he doesn't have the weight of the team all on his shoulders. The fact that they can run the ball that effectively and take the air out of an opposing defense and the fact that it's not all on Josh, I think is relieving to him. We've. Even when he has those dominant game guys, he goes up to the podium and he still wants to talk about everybody else. Like I think Josh loves. We joked around about how much Sean McDermott loved that Miami game and that he must have been on cloud nine coming back from, from Miami. But I think Josh also knowing like I don't have to do it all is, is freeing for Josh.

[Mike Catalana]

Absolutely.

[Dan Fates]

Because we saw at the end of the Arizona game it was like screw it, I'll do it all. I'll hurdle over defender because we need it. There was flow, there was rhythm, all of those things in that game against Miami.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. I think he too like likes to see his guys shine.

[Dan Fates]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

Like that is who Josh Allen is. The critique of Josh is like he wants to be One of the guys, he wants to see his guys do well. And when they get that attention for having great games, he loves to see that. Because for so much we talk about the Bills, it is Josh Allen, and I think for him, you're right. It's got to feel nice to be like, hey, I played well. In the moments that I was asked to play well, I played really well. But I also got to see the guys that I see work their butts off.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Be able to have their moment, too.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And that's where I thought the difference was. If Josh played poorly, he still would have been complimentary of his teammates, but you would just hear it in his voice. They're two zero. They look great. They demolished their rival on the road, so it's way too early. But you guys say about not having the weight of the world on your shoulders, he seems happy and content. Not content. Like, he doesn't need to do more. He's. The vibe of this team has been very positive for him. Now, they haven't had any real anxiety a little bit in that Cardinals game, and he came through and they came through, but he just seems that way walking off the field. Dan, you got a great shot of him celebrating, his arms out.

[Dan Fates]

Like on a home stadium.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Like. Or on a road game. Like, that felt like you might have been right.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Freudian slip there. That. That I think is very. And again, when he went to the locker room and. And they have the camera there, he wasn't like, necessarily big win. He was like, Jimbo three piece.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Like.

[Dan Fates]

Like, that was one of those things, you know what I'm saying? Like, that. That's where I feel like we've seen him come to podiums and he's like, I sucked. I cost our team. And. And he hates letting his teammates on breaking news. I'm sure every quarterback feels that way, but when Josh doesn't have to be Superman the entire game, I think it's got to feel very freeing to him. And that's a credit to Joe Brady and how he did it.

[Mike Catalana]

The phrase like or saying freeing, when you were talking about the way Josh Allen felt or has been acting, I felt like it has been that freer. He's been freed up a little bit, and I honestly think McDermott has been, too. What did we talk about a couple weeks ago? McDermott's still kind of like Jokey McDermott, which I don't expect that to stay the whole season, but that has been kind of a different vibe as well. I just feel like we've Seen that so far this season, Mike?

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, we do. We did. And he had a big moment in that game. In addition to what Dan's referencing, where his defense dominated. They won in Miami. That big early fourth down call. Credit to Joe Brady. That's a tremendous call. Credit to Joe Brady. Yes. And to the execution of it. Everybody handled it, but that was fourth and three. You called the timeout and you ran the same play. Love it. And in total, they dominated. And I, I. Sean had that. Not. He wasn't. He was talking about everybody else. Like Josh. Yeah, but. But that was big for him, too, that game.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. All right, let's go to our next question. Miguel Jovan, 8786. Hello, guys. Greetings from Panama City, Panama.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Nice.

[Mike Catalana]

Been a Bills fan long enough to know who Mike is talking about when he makes a Phil Hansen remark. I like to know if Dan still thinks the Bills don't need a running game. And what do you think about the offense so far?

[Dan Fates]

I think they need. I think they need a running game. With this wide receiver group. I don't.

[Mike Catalana]

Okay, that's an important caveat. Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

So, yeah, as you guys like to say, I can bend my take and work it into what it needs to be.

[Mike Catalana]

You can shoehorn it into anything.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, exactly. But I think we talk about this. We're just talking about this a little bit before we came in here. But this, this everybody eats philosophy is great when you're winning and it's. It's great. But eventually you're going to need to find some. Go to guys. And Khalil Shakir has been that. He has been steady, but Josh is in. This offense is going to need to eventually find more production from pass catchers. That's not a hot take. Kincaid needs to be more involved and Keon Coleman needs to be more consistent like this. But when you can rely on a ground game and an offensive line that is pancaking people left and right, it really helps alleviate some of that stress and pressure.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I think the Bills are on the right edge of the wave that's going on in the NFL. Their defense plays deep safeties.

[Dan Fates]

Cover two, cover two.

[Jenna Cottrell]

They know how to keep people from getting deep, taking away big plays. They can run the football and they have a quarterback who can be lethal when you need him to be. I think that is the formula to win. We always talk about the Chiefs. The Chiefs do it in a similar way now. It's just the way they play. But I think this is where the league is going. I think teams have had to adjust so much to the rule changes for offense that the Bills got themselves caught a little bit last year where they hadn't committed to it. They changed the coordinators. They weren't all the way there. I'm not saying there's a strictly as a running team, but you look around the league, you need to be able to run the football and teams use it all the time. It'll be interesting with the Chiefs losing Pacheco.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Coins are in there. It'll be interesting.

[Jenna Cottrell]

We open.

[Mike Catalana]

I'm pretty sure you've been the one that's contributed the most.

[Dan Fates]

Charity.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. Well. And you know what?

[Mike Catalana]

What a guy.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'm not even going to call you out.

[Dan Fates]

What did I say, like three times?

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, but I said this was self reporting. You gave me the look. So it was sort of self reporting.

[Mike Catalana]

What did you say?

[Jenna Cottrell]

He just gave me the. Oh, interesting. The Chiefs lose Pacheco. That's a big part of their game.

[Dan Fates]

Massive.

[Jenna Cottrell]

They're still. They can still move the ball. They can still do all those things. But I do think it's important.

[Mike Catalana]

Still the Buffs.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, my gosh.

[Jenna Cottrell]

But you look around the league, that is the. That's the mindset of a lot of teams is to take that away. You got to adjust in different ways. I think the Bills are set up to do that offensively. They just need to. Your point doesn't mean you got to have 130 yards, but you got to make the big plays. They didn't need them in the Miami game. They're going to need them down the road.

[Mike Catalana]

It's so nice knowing, though, that you have that ability. Like, if you need to, you know that Josh can give you.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Josh can.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It's the question of finding who on the other end can.

[Mike Catalana]

That's true. That is. That's fair.

[Dan Fates]

I want to ask Joe Brady at one point this season, like, what goes through his mind during the play calling of a game. Because I remember Leslie Frazier talked about that one game against the. The Chiefs where he wrote down on his wristband, don't blitz.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

I just wonder if more coaches have some motto, philosophy, mindset to remind themselves of during a game. Because when the Bills seem to be able to run the ball and run it successfully, they just keep hitting the button. Like, they just keep smashing it. And I thought, I tweeted during the game that when Sean McDermott saw Joe Brady calling run play after run play, I was like, it's to her Brooks, like, again, Again. Again. Like. But it's easy to have Josh Allen and get away from that. It's easy to say, hey, we ran the ball well a couple times now. Let's go deep. But the consistency of Joe Brady so far this season I've been impressed with. By taking what the defense is giving them, what plays are working, let's keep doing it until they prove that they can stop it. Because I think sometimes you out think yourself as an offensive play caller of okay, well now they think we've done this, so I'm going to do this. And instead Joe Brady's just keeping it simple of like, you guys can't stop this run. Here it is again. Yeah, here it is again. We'll line up, tell you where we're running the ball. You ain't going to stop it. It's.

[Mike Catalana]

It's checkers, not chess. But I mean that specifically.

[Dan Fates]

Like, that's what I'm saying is I wonder if. If Joe Brady has like kiss written on his arm like to keep it simple, stupid. Like, like what is his mindset of being able to adjust in the game while also keeping it very simple of this defense. Can't stop this. Let's just keep hammering.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And I don't mean I brought up the Saints because, you know, we were all not able. We were able to watch in other games.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And I watched the Saints just do the same thing over and over again. And the way the Cowboys defensive line not to get into that game. They didn't. They just kept running Kamara over that left side and they just kept getting yard after yard after yard and they could not stop it. So they just figured, well, why not? And scored touchdowns on what, five straight drives.

[Dan Fates]

We can't. It's tough now to be so critical of Tua because of the end of the game. He was awful when he was in the game. He was really bad. But Achan was dominant running the ball.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

But I almost feel like they were like, let's take out. Like we'll let you run the ball, but we're not going to let you run the ball.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I do think there was an element of that. Yeah. That the Bills. But I had to give up something.

[Dan Fates]

Right. But I think so highly of Mike McDaniel as an offensive coordinator. But. But this is the second time that I think he's outsmarted himself. That's to my point. Making my point of Joe Brady because I sat there and I went. The Dolphins could run the ball 7 yards a pop if they wanted to in the first half. And whenever they dropped back to it turned it over and I'm sitting there going, if they went wildcat, they would have been a more successful offense. Just snapping the ball to a chan.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I think there are coaches who like to be noticed. Oh, you don't think in their play calling. And I think Mike McDaniel is one of those guys. I think he's talented, but it's, it's a lot of sizzle.

[Mike Catalana]

The Bills are sizzle.

[Jenna Cottrell]

They are.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Even defensively they're state. They will.

[Mike Catalana]

You need. You can't need some sizzle, of course. But you got a good steak.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. Flip once and it does not sear.

[Dan Fates]

Seer. Let it be, then flip.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. It does not hurt. I mean, that's what I said from that game. McDermott and Babich, Bobby Babich. We wanted to also shout out Bob Sr. I know you're watching, watching the videos. Bobby Babich had a great night. Absolutely great night. We always feel like, like with the Chiefs, you always feel like Andy Reid's hands are all over the offense, whether he's specifically calling the plays or not. So Sean will get the grief if the defense part of the grief. But that's Bob Babich in his second game. Masterclass against the Dolphins.

[Mike Catalana]

It was incredible.

[Dan Fates]

Bobby Babich was on the field when the players. I don't know how that's how good you were defensively when you could leave the booth pretty early.

[Mike Catalana]

It's good.

[Dan Fates]

Hey, guys, we're good. I'm going to go down there on the field. He got to walk off the field to the crowd too.

[Mike Catalana]

Like, that's cool.

[Dan Fates]

Again, when you're that good defensively against a very high powered offense. Hats off to Babbage.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. This is actually a segue as well into our next question. Hair Punnett, can the front four keep pressure up this week to help the depleted back seven behind them? With the losses of Milano, Taran and now Bernard, what can we expect from this defense against a team that has had our number the last two times?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Go ahead, make your point.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, the back seven doesn't need any help. The back seven's been the best part of this defense. I'd say the back five, if you want to include Cam, Lewis, Razul, Douglas, Bernard Benford, I mean, and then Rap and Hamlin. I've gotten into a little bit with people saying, oh, their front, their defensive line is their best unit. And then obviously the linebackers have already been depleted, but the back half of the secondary, if anybody had issues with the secondary, they have been outstanding. Rasool And Benford have been dominant. And I don't think that there has been a drop off between an aging Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer to what we're seeing with rap in Hamlin. I. We saw Poyer.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Rough night for Poyer.

[Dan Fates]

Rough night for Poyer.

[Mike Catalana]

It was a rough night for.

[Dan Fates]

But I think the back half of this secondary has been outstanding. Cam Lewis filling in for Taron Johnson has been outstanding. And that kind of. It's another credit to Babich and McDermott. The way they've been disguising it, the way they've known the system. I've been very impressed.

[Mike Catalana]

I've been so. I was so happy to see Christian Benford get that interception. Yeah, obviously Jamarcus Ingram, incredible. Then the pick six, that was awesome. But for Christian Benford, a guy that so quietly works, to see him get that shine, to see him get that, it's like, that was awesome to see. But in general, you're right. Like, I think it's been great. The pressure they were able to get in the defensive line last game. And you want that you're. You want to see that, obviously, but I think you're right, Dan. Oh, shouldn't have said that.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That he's right.

[Mike Catalana]

That he's right. But. But I've been really pleasantly.

[Jenna Cottrell]

What are you taking credit for?

[Dan Fates]

That the back half is the def.

[Mike Catalana]

I guess it wasn't. It wasn't a take of his.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay.

[Mike Catalana]

I'm just agreeing with the fact that like when you.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Hold on.

[Mike Catalana]

He.

[Jenna Cottrell]

What are you taking credit for?

[Dan Fates]

No, no, no. She was giving me credit for my point.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I know, but usually he's going to come back around and somehow say I.

[Mike Catalana]

Was right about that. No, I, I was just agreeing with the point of, yes, they have a lot of injuries and all this stuff, but the guys, the back seven, like you said, the back five have played very well and they've done a really great job. And to have the turnovers and for. Have the coverage also shout out Rasul Douglas like he's tackling, tackling. Just like, just stuff like that, that really can be pivotal. And for him to go and have the game he had to do, we.

[Dan Fates]

Want to put in the clip.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. Chris Long, former NFL lineman, won super bowl with the Patriots and with the Eagles. On his Green Light podcast, was talking about the Bills. We'll say what he said about Ed Oliver, but this is when he Talked about Sean McDermott and the way he coaches guys up, especially in the secondary.

[Dan Fates]

Nobody gets little guys to play bigger than Sean McDermott. I mean, that's. That's what I've learned since I've taken this job as somebody who watches the game every week. He has. I mean, last year, there were guys down left and right, and they battled. It was guys that I'm getting acquainted with making plays for him.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And this year already, I saw somebody say, when is. When are the Bills going to get credit for the way they coach up the players from the national people. Forget the national people. How long have we been talking about that? It is the skill. The number one skill I think Sean McDermott has is coaching up, especially backup players. You go back to, what were Hyde and Poyer when they came to town?

[Dan Fates]

That's my point. I always make that point.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay.

[Dan Fates]

Credit to me.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Wow. He just snagged that right out of the air. Well, they were. Poyer was a guy who had been injured. Micah Hyde was a good player.

[Dan Fates]

Absolutely.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Green Bay should have kept, but they let him walk. But they were not. They were not superstars. And now. Now you see these other players, and it's great. And Chris Long, maybe you can summarize a little bit of what he said.

[Dan Fates]

About Ed Oliver in between the F bombs.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Dog was the word he used a lot.

[Mike Catalana]

He said 100 canine.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

He said, he's gonna get a Jersey with a 91.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

I'm gonna be one of those adults wearing another adult jersey.

[Mike Catalana]

He said, glass eater.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Add them all. But it was.

[Mike Catalana]

It's a really good clip. Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And obviously, Ed's clip from the jamarcus Ingram interception was just so good. We're sitting there in the airport, and we had laughed about it, and then we're kind of scrolling through having, like, dinner, and I was like, you didn't tweet that clip. And he's like, you think. You think that'll do good? I think it did great. It's one of those moments of.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

I thought the ball was. I thought.

[Jenna Cottrell]

He thought.

[Dan Fates]

I thought Ted had run the other.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Way, was going for a touchdown.

[Dan Fates]

There goes Ingram.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, that was good. Ed is. By the way, a lot of you mentioned. Oh, Ed's a good. Ed is a great interview.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

When we get him, you know, get him to talk after games sometimes that we can find him, you know, and talk, especially in that setting. Again, he was complimenting one of his teammates, too.

[Mike Catalana]

I think that's where guys are most comfortable.

[Dan Fates]

Russo has been impressive so far. The. The pressure has been good. I wouldn't say it's been great. I think that the coverage has confused quarterbacks at times. That has allowed the front to get there. I think the Von Miller sack. I know it's Skyler Thompson, but like a couple times where they drop back, they're thinking it's one thing. They're thinking it's cover one and it's cover three. And that is kind of allowing. They work hand in hand.

[Jenna Cottrell]

They. They had a great.

[Dan Fates]

And you always think about it as the front helping out the back half of the secondary, but this back half of the secondary has been helping out the front.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. And Ed, by the way, and Von. And Ed had a great stunt and it cleared Ed cleared things out for Von. And Von, you have to give him credit. I know he's got the stats now with a couple of sacks. Credit definitely looked better. More like himself.

[Dan Fates]

33% win, pass rush, win rate. Very difficult to say. He's 33%. I think he's like eighth in the league.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, that's huge because going into this season it was like, what are you going to get from Vaughn? You're like, I hope for anything for. But what we've seen so far, it's like that is actually encouraging. And that's another player that other teams are going to have to know. Where is 40 out on the field? All right, next question. Matt, he know music. Are the Bills still going to win that game against the Jags with Urban Meyer coaching? I love this question. I had to include that 15 times.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You and I have mentioned it. Oh, way over it that game.

[Dan Fates]

Anytime we talk about Bill's bad losses, we're always like, ah. In that Jacksonville game, I still think they're going to come back and win because the whole game don't like sitting.

[Jenna Cottrell]

There talking about it going. They'll drive down and score. Josh Allen. What he. Their Josh Allen dominated that game. He was great.

[Dan Fates]

Fourth fumble, interception. Yeah. For. For all of the inside jokes that this channel has, that is at the top of them.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

At Jaguars game.

[Jenna Cottrell]

They're gonna come back. They're still gonna win.

[Dan Fates]

Urban Meyer played that. Urban Meyer coached that game.

[Mike Catalana]

That is crazy though. I mean, the Bills have not played well against the Jags. Obviously last year in London. That game was gross.

[Jenna Cottrell]

London game. There's a playoff game playo when they finally broke the drought.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I go all the way back to Jim Kelly's last game against the Jags. It just does not seem like things go well against Jacksonville.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, this is good. So Angel S crew saying, what is Dan's hot take as to why the Jags befuddle the Bills?

[Dan Fates]

I think it could Be taking them a little bit for granted. I think a lot of those like that that's what makes that Jaguars loss even more with Urban M. You say Jaguars.

[Mike Catalana]

Weird. You say. I say. I say Jaguars.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Jaguar.

[Mike Catalana]

Jaguars.

[Dan Fates]

This is the open.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You should say it like, like they say it in the car commercials.

[Dan Fates]

Jaguar.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Jaguar.

[Mike Catalana]

I don't. Do you hear. Just say Jags.

[Dan Fates]

Okay.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, did I hurt your feelings?

[Jenna Cottrell]

You might have. At least you didn't see now I.

[Dan Fates]

Think now I don't know.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Important.

[Mike Catalana]

Jaguars.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Important.

[Dan Fates]

I think it's a little bit taking them lightly. I think a lot of those were younger teams for the most part too. I mean, I know that the last year the Jags in London game was. I don't know.

[Mike Catalana]

That was bad.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I think the Bills were favored in that game. There was all the talk about the way they traveled that played into it and everybody got hurt. Certainly they took them for granted when they played them down in Jacksonville. That was a horrendous team.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Nine point still found a way to beat them. So. And now you have to worry about that for this week because they're coming off just. That was an ugly, ugly football game with Cleveland. Kept trying to hand it back to them. Jacksonville wouldn't take it and they blew the game with Miami the first week. They should have put them away. That makes them dangerous this week. That and Gabe Davis at wide receiver who is coming back to see Dan.

[Mike Catalana]

Mitch Morris will be back. Orchard park as well. Gabe Davis. Dang. You should. You should be on the field.

[Dan Fates]

Trevor Lawrence said it best. They. They suck right now. They. They just suck. And he says it's on him. But they got receivers in general that aren't open. They have receivers running into cornerbacks covering themselves. That's. It's just not good right now.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. Yep, they are. They are in trouble. And when you're 02, we've seen the numbers and it's changed a bit as you've added playoff teams. But boy, you, you. You start out. Oh, and three. And. And your chances again.

[Dan Fates]

I do want to. I do want to look in that. We. We have mentioned before, Hungry Dog runs faster. They. Yeah, I, I do see what you're saying, Mike. They will be a desperate team coming to Orchard park. But yeah, if it was in Jacksonville, it may be a little different for me. The way I see this is. This is just a bill scene that is right now not hurting themselves. And that makes them, with Josh Allen and everybody else, a very strong, solid team.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yep.

[Mike Catalana]

Okay, last question. User wm5whigh8f g s9.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Long time friend of the program.

[Dan Fates]

No, I missed it.

[Mike Catalana]

Like, we're joking because. But it's not fun when you have to explain a joke. Okay, Jordan from Oklahoma with the injuries to Milano and Bernard, are the Bills down? And the Bills down to Balin, Spectre and Morrow. For linebackers, do they activate Joe Andreessen and Eddie Ulufocio?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Well, I think Andreessen probably.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Don't you think this week? Well, because Specter's also. You got to take away his special teams duty if he's going to be the correct. I had a nice talk with him after the game.

[Dan Fates]

Balin.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. And he was, you know, I was trying to ask him, like, what is it like? It's one thing to say, I've prepared, I've prepared, I'm ready. But he hasn't just come in the game. He's relaying the defensive calls.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So he's in right away. And again with Ed Oliver, he said, hey, I'm in the huddle and I'm hearing this voice and I'm like, that's not tb. That's what he says to me. And you think about it like he's just in there doing his job. And then all of a sudden. And I said, well, you know, you should relate because he's got. Because, you know, and he's like.

[Mike Catalana]

He's got a thick Southern accent and then he's like.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Then I picked up on it. But I was impressed by Spectre saying, like, you have to be ready and then actually having to do it, it's. It's another thing coming in at, say, safety or even corner or whatever where you're just part of it, but you have to be taking control. And I thought he did. Well, now they're going to pick on him.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I mean, there's no question now, you know, you're down those two linebackers. That makes it. That makes it tough.

[Dan Fates]

It is great news. When we recorded our post game recap thinking that when it was a pack that he did not return for trail. Bernard, it appears, according to reports and Sean kind of said it as well after, it is just a strained pack. It is not a torn pack like Matt Milano had. They're hoping that he doesn't even need to go on ir. Massive news because when he walked off the field and was mumbling some things under his breath as I'm on the sidelines, it did not appear to be like it would just be back in a couple games. So you just kind of need to hold water like right now with. With what these are and hope that you get Bernard back because I think Dorian Williams has played fine.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

I don't think he's made any massive mistakes or errors like that. So if you can just tread water, wait till TB gets back.

[Mike Catalana]

That is huge, though, the fact that he. Because you're right.

[Dan Fates]

I. When I heard Pac, I was hoping it was going to be shoulder. When it came back. Pack. That look was not good.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. Well, they've already had it with Milano and the hope is that to get him back late in the season, anything, anything mid season for Bernard is a huge plus from the way it looked the other night. So let's see what these guys can do. You know, Bobby Babbage also can co. I mean, coach up. By the way, speaking of linebackers, I noticed they sent Tremaine Edmonds on a blitz last night and he got a sack.

[Dan Fates]

No way.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

How about that?

[Jenna Cottrell]

How about that? Tremaine Edmonds was. Yeah, he made his.

[Dan Fates]

I was watching that game and I went, oh, Terrell, Bernard's playing.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Or yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

All right, we want to remind everyone, please be sure to check out the. No, not yet. The Buffalo plus audio podcast.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

Available. Available. Wherever you listen to your podcasts, please be sure to subscribe to that. Also be sure to give us a rating. Comment. We always. A positive comment, please.

[Dan Fates]

Plus, it's about me.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, well, you get enough comments, but please be sure to do that. I'm gonna do this every time.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Now it's like we're the Bears offensive line. It's another false start.

[Dan Fates]

It's.

[Mike Catalana]

It's Pavlov. You're ready. Please be sure to like, comment, subscribe, share. Thank you to Stellar Roofing, Windows and Siding for sponsoring you Ask, we answer.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Roofing.

[Mike Catalana]

I said that.

[Jenna Cottrell]

She did windows and siding.

[Dan Fates]

No, she didn't.

[Mike Catalana]

I say roofing.

[Dan Fates]

I thought you said roofing.

[Mike Catalana]

Okay, Stellar Roofing, Windows and Siding. And that'll do it for us on the Buffalo Plus YouTube channel, presented by Connors and Ferris. Thank you so much for Mike Catalana, Dan Fates. I am Jenna Kajal. We will catch you here on. Want to remind everyone On Thursday at 7:15 we have our Buffalo plus live Eastern Standard Time. Yes. On the YouTube channel. We'll do a preview of this Bill's Jaguars matchup.

[Dan Fates]

That's it. That's how that works.

[Mike Catalana]

Say it one more time.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Jaguar.

[Mike Catalana]

Jaguar. Jaguar. Did you hear it though? You heard him say it?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Nope. I hear a lot of what he says.

[Mike Catalana]

Okay.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That's true.

[Mike Catalana]

All right, thanks for watching. Bye, y'. All. We'll start with this question from Robin.

[Dan Fates]

So there's still a damn good defense.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I have zero problem with them bringing this in. The time it takes you to actually board that flight from Group 8.

[Mike Catalana]

Now boarding Premier Altitude Elite club members.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You could have bought a Hyundai on Amazon. Yes, that Amazon, where you buy everything else.

[Mike Catalana]

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[Jenna Cottrell]

So while you're waiting for them to make up new boarding groups, you can.

[Dan Fates]

Order your dream car and the dealer.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Will have it ready in no time.

[Mike Catalana]

Now boarding groups one through seven.

[Dan Fates]

So close.

[Jenna Cottrell]

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[Dan Fates]

Limited availability pickup through participating Hyundai dealer in select markets.