You Ask, We Answer: is WR help needed AND should the PANIC METER be off?

Summary

Buffalo Plus: "You Ask, We Answer: Is WR Help Needed AND Should the PANIC METER Be Off?"

Date: October 1, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana and Jenna Cottrell (Dan Fetes off)

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Episode Overview

This episode of Buffalo Plus centers on answering viewer questions about key concerns for the Buffalo Bills midway through the season. Topics include the recent struggles of the run defense, Tyler Bass's issues as a kicker, the need for a WR1, concerns at safety, and general team outlook after a tough loss in Baltimore. With their trademark insider perspective and candid tone, hosts Mike and Jenna break down where the Bills truly stand and what lies ahead.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Run Defense Issues After the Ravens Loss

Timestamp: 00:29–05:27

• The Bills’ run defense was “shredded against Baltimore.” Was it Derrick Henry’s brilliance or the Bills’ injuries and lackluster line play?
  • Mike: “Derrick Henry’s a hell of a player. The Ravens had a great game plan... It did concern me... a physical team was a bit of a mismatch for the Bills. That D-line’s got to be better.” (02:11)
  • Jenna: “Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones were essentially a non-factor... If anyone's going to exploit the fact that there were weaknesses... it would be Derrick Henry.” (02:57)
• Injuries are a big factor (“Of course you’re gonna miss Terrell Bernard, and of course you’re gonna miss Taron Johnson... and Matt Milano.”)
• Backups like Balen Spector and Cam Lewis are just that—serviceable, but not on the level of the starters.
  • Mike: "There's a reason they are backups in the game, not the starters. Right?" (03:55)
• Looking ahead: Texans’ Joe Mixon could also challenge the Bills’ run defense.

2. Panic Meter: How Alarming Is the Ravens Loss?

Timestamp: 05:27–09:25

• Viewer Q: On a scale of 1–10, where’s the panic?
  • Mike: “Panic meter. I have it on about three.” (06:21)
  • Jenna: “I would say my panic meter is also at three. Because... The Bills got blown out... and that doesn’t normally happen.” (08:07)
• NFL culture swings between overreaction and euphoria. Bills rarely lose badly (“Run out of the gym”).
• Mike: “If you told me right now... they lose to the Texans, they beat the Jets, I take it. I take it at 4 and 2.” (07:27)
• They see the loss as likely an anomaly.

3. Tyler Bass & the Kicking Uncertainty

Timestamp: 09:25–16:01

• Viewer Q (freshly_fried): “How concerned are we about Bass now? I have no faith in him when he lines up.”
  • Jenna: “It feels at some points, Mike, like it's a coin flip.” (09:56)
  • Mike: “Do you have faith when he was lining up for that kick?... It's a feeling he's earned.” (10:01)
• Misses have been costly (cites Chiefs, Steelers playoff game, Sunday’s long miss).
• The team has tried out kickers, but won’t move on from Bass unless “the right kicker comes in... this guy could be our guy.” (11:31)
• Mike: “He got the whole offseason to get himself ready. They had no competition for him during camp. And he’s not been... good.” (13:29)
• “Even his misses are bad.” (14:26)
• On mental fortitude: If Bass can’t handle kicker competition, that’s a concern for big-game scenarios.
  • Mike: “If he can't handle that, then... what... How is he going to be in big game scenarios?” (14:47)

4. Wide Receiver Questions—Do the Bills Need a WR1?

Timestamp: 16:01–23:00

• Viewer Q (Ricky_5088): “Do you think we need a wide receiver one?”
  • Mike: “In the simple answer, yes... He makes everybody else better, in my opinion.” (16:16)
  • Compares to NFL, NHL, and MLB adding elite talent; everyone else plays more naturally at WR2/3, etc.
  • Love Shakir, but “He’s a long way from being what the league would consider a number one guy.” (17:02)
• Jenna: Shakir “very sore” with ankle injury—his status is “day by day.” (18:27)
  • Beyond Shakir: Keon Coleman showed promise, Mac Hollins is a depth/Special Teams guy, Curtis Samuel underwhelming, MVS “invisible.” “Everybody eats” approach is great in theory, but sometimes you need a match-up winner.
• Trade market mentioned: Amari Cooper, Jaylen Waddle (speculatively) could help.
  • Jenna: “A rising tide lifts all boats, especially when it’s a wide receiver one.” (20:56)
• The AFC is somewhat open; if the Bills get healthy, a WR1 trade might be worth it.

5. Safety Position Depth & Potential Micah Hyde Return

Timestamp: 23:52–30:15

• Viewer Q (Himothy_MB8DC): “Do you think the safety position is a real concern?”
• Taylor Rapp is in concussion protocol; Mike Edwards has been inactive; Cole Bishop played significant snaps Sunday, Demar Hamlin started.
• Mike: “It is telling... they obviously did not have confidence in Mike Edwards to have him on the field.” (24:41)
• Cole Bishop is "understandably green.”
• Micah Hyde possibility (“Is it still too early?”): If Hyde wants to play, the Bills would be interested. He could need time, but his experience means he might jump in quickly.
  • Mike: “I actually think he could. I think his knowledge of the defense... I think he could get off the couch and be on the field…” (27:26)
• Mike: “Their safety position now is a net neutral on a good day... just good football players, not exceptional, and can be picked on.” (28:27)
• Jenna: “With the Rapp concussion, it makes the numbers thin... asking [Bishop] to take a big step up in weight class.” (29:28)

6. Preview: Texans Matchup, D-Line, and Heart of the Defense

Timestamp: 30:17–32:36

• “Strange week” for the Bills—questions about which injured defenders (Bernard, Taron Johnson) will return.
  • Mike: “If Bernard and Taran are back on the field... they are plus-plus players... most impactful players on their defense.” (30:19)
  • D-line needs more production; Von Miller was invisible in Baltimore.
• Lamar Jackson deserves credit—played physically, limited danger from Buffalo’s pass rush.
  • Mike: “Lamar was good. Yeah, good. Really good football player. But I think Josh will be fine.” (32:00)
• On injury speculation:
  • Jenna: “I feel like Bernard will be back this weekend and I think that Taryn will be back for Monday night.” (32:39)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Loss to Baltimore:
  "It's not 100% that, like, if they played again this week, I think it would be better, but I don't know if 100% because that D line's got to be better." — Mike (02:45)
• On Tyler Bass:
  "Do you have faith when he was lining up for that kick?... It's a feeling he's earned." — Mike (10:01)
  “It feels at some points... like it's a coin flip.” — Jenna (09:56)
• On Needing a WR1:
  "He [a true WR1] makes everybody else better, in my opinion." — Mike (16:16)
  "A rising tide lifts all boats, especially when it's a wide receiver one." — Jenna (20:56)
• On Safety Depth:
  "Their safety position now is a net neutral on a good day... just good football players, but they're not exceptional and they can be picked on." — Mike (28:27)
• On the Mentality of the NFL:
  "There is an old saying, you know, in the NFL, it's win or panic." — Mike (06:36)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:29–05:27] – Breakdown of the run defense issues vs Baltimore and Joe Mixon preview
• [05:27–09:25] – Panic meter talk: why this loss is not a catastrophe
• [09:25–16:01] – Debate over Tyler Bass’s job security and the kicker market
• [16:01–23:00] – Wide receiver needs; what a new WR1 could mean; trade market discussion
• [23:52–30:15] – Safety depth concerns, potential for a Micah Hyde return, injury status updates
• [30:17–32:36] – Defensive heart, D-line critique, Von Miller callout
• [32:36–33:29] – Injuries: Bernard and Taron Johnson projecting return dates

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Summary Takeaways

• Big-picture: The run defense is a concern, but context and injuries matter. “Panic meter” is low—one bad game doesn’t warrant drastic measures.
• Special teams: Tyler Bass’s job isn’t safe; real pressure is mounting for the team to bring in competition.
• Offense: The group lacks an elite WR1, and it shows. If the right player is available, the Bills should seriously consider a trade.
• Secondary: Safety depth is being tested; Mike Edwards’s status and a possible Micah Hyde return loom as storylines.
• Front 7 injuries: Getting Bernard and Johnson back will be crucial; the D-line must step up.
• AFC Outlook: The conference is “wide openish,” and the Bills have a chance—if they address their key weaknesses.

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For fans who missed it, this episode offers a candid, realistic—yet optimistic—look at where the Bills truly stand, what needs improvement, and why the sky isn’t falling in Buffalo.

Transcript

[A]

He clearly. Sorry. Someone just pulled in my driveway. We're good.

[B]

Is it a kicker? Maybe it's a kicker. Go find that vegan kick.

[A]

Michael. That was good. We'll start with this question from Robin.

[B]

So there's still a damn good defense. I have zero problem with them bringing this guy in.

[A]

All right, welcome Back to the Buffalo Plus YouTube channel, presented by Connors and Ferris. Mike Catalana. I am Jenna Cottrell. Dan Fates with a veteran day off. See, I'm working. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share. We're here with the latest installment of you ask we answer, presented by stellar roofing, windows and siding. All right, Mike, you are back from Baltimore. It was quite a trip down to Maryland. A couple of questions that we have. We have some really good ones. The first one I want to start with is from Jacob Scholler. The run defense was shredded against Baltimore. Was this a testament to Derrick Henry's greatness or how poor Slash banged up the Bills run defense is? Either way, four and one, a fine way to start the season.

[B]

Okay, so we're counting a win then against the Texans if they get to 4 and 1.

[A]

I didn't even realize.

[B]

I, I, I don't want to hedge and say a little bit of both. Derrick Henry's a hell of a player. The Ravens had a great game plan. They attacked. They blocked extremely well in the run game, and then when he got a head of steam, he was great. Is it better if Bernard's out there and Taron Johnson? Absolutely. Will that help if they're back this week? There's no question. I don't want to dismiss it, though. You know, it is just one loss and the Bills don't ever get blown out and the Ravens are a running team and all those things. It did concern me, Jenna, watching the game, that a physical team was a bit of a mismatch for the Bills. And I know it can get better, but I'm talking about up front on that defensive line. And all those guys were there and they did not play great. So yes, it's there. Everybody's not Derek Henry. It's funny, I don't know. There was a question at the end of the news conference on Sunday night and somebody asked about basically, how did Derrick Henry have this game against you guys and the plan? And Sean answered it very well. And then at one point he's like, it's a Derek Henry. Like, it is Derrick Henry. The guys is a first ballot hall of Famer and he can put up numbers and he's got it. So it's him. It's a lack of their first level defenders in those spots and maybe that changes. But I don't know if you feel the same way, Jenna. It. It's not 100% that, like, if they played again this week, I think it would be better, but I don't know if 100% because that D line's got to be better.

[A]

Well, I, I read the question and I was like, two things can be true. Bills absolutely have weaknesses, especially you talk about linebacker, but also Ed Oliver and Daquan Jones were essentially a non factor in this game. And then you have someone like Derrick, he who is a future hall of Famer. And if anyone's going to exploit the fact that there were weaknesses and no pressure in that defensive line, the bad tackling, the, you know, the, the mismatch that it was, it would be Derrick Henry. So I think for me it's a situation of, yeah, it was bad. It was bad. And they do miss. They miss. Of course you're gonna miss Terrell Bernard, and of course you're gonna miss Taryn Johnson. And obviously they've been without Matt Milano. But sometimes it really puts into perspective, you know, that, you know, balance. Becktor and Dorian Williams are playing well for them. Cam Lewis is playing well for them. But, and I don't mean to talk bad about those guys, but there's an obvious step up to the players that they are, you know, filling in for.

[B]

That's a great point. Dan and I were talking after the game and we were talking about backup players. And I believe the Bills have a high expectation for their backups. Like that's the culture. You got to be ready to play. There's also a realistic thought. Balen Specter is not Terrell Bernard. Cam Lewis is not Taryn Johnson. They don't expect them to be those guys. They expect them to know their assignments, play well, be prepared, all those things. But there is a reason they are backups in the game, not the starters. Right?

[A]

So, yeah, and that's the reality of the situation. Not not being shady, it's just that is there's a reason why there was another guy starting before them. And so when that guy is out, I think they've done a really great job. But I think on Sunday you really saw that those other players were missing.

[B]

Now, I wanted to mention Jenna because I just got done and you'll see it posted later. Interview with Seth Payne Former NFL player, works in Houston so I met Joe Mixon and Mixon looked really good Early. He. He got banged up. They think he's going to be back while you're watching this. Maybe it's already been announced whether he's playing or not, but Mixon is a horse, and he's not. He's not Derrick Henry, but he can run. And they really feel like they need to run the football to help CJ Stroud in the passing game. So if Mixon's playing, they get Stroud under center sometimes, and they will run the ball right at you. So that could be a big test. Maybe not to the Henry level, but pretty close.

[A]

Yeah. That's something that is concerning because, like, you. You can run on the Bill. Like, that is something that they have struggled. Their run defense has not been as stout as obviously, the passing defense. So that definitely is a concern, especially when you have another guy that can make plays with his legs and CJ CJ Stroud and what that does for the offense, for the Texans. All right, next question. Tom Gil. I'm so bad at pronouncing stuff, so if I. If I say your name wrong, I really do apologize. I feel like I can say this because my name is constantly said wrong, that I'm. I'm sorry. All right. At Tom Gilotti. Panic meter, one to ten, Question mark. So let's say one, not panic, ten. Oh, my goodness.

[B]

Panic meter. I have it on about three.

[A]

That's okay. We're in lockstep.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Would probably be like a zero.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Or like a damn. Would either be zero or nine.

[B]

There is an old saying, you know, in the NFL, it's win or panic. And you can see it already, like, it doesn't matter. The team. Like, when you lose, you. The initial visceral feeling is this. They stink. Coach stinks. The players stink. Blah, blah, blah. Get rid of this guy, that guy. And if that happens to us against Baltimore, what's going to happen? It's that game in that week against the Ravens, and the Ravens were really good. Credit to them. Credit to the Ravens. I think somebody had that in the comment this week. Credit to the Ravens. They were great. I think if they played again in Baltimore, Sunday would be a different game. I'm not sure if the Bills would win, but it would be a different game. But panic meter. I'll say this up front, Jenna, and I think we've talked about it during the year with these three games in a row. If you told me right now, and maybe you don't want to hear this, Bill's fans, they lose to the Texans, they beat the Jets I take it, I take it at 4 and 2 with a win against the Jets.

[A]

I mean, going into the season. Yes, I would take that as well. I feel like Sean McDermott does not really lose back to back games. And I think for personal reasons this game is very important for some of the guys on the team.

[B]

Which guys on the team?

[A]

I would say my panic meter is also at three.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because of. It's just a weird game. Like the Bills got blown out of the gym and that doesn't normally happen.

[B]

As Brandon Bean tells us.

[A]

Yes. Which I hate that phrase. But a run out of the gym, whatever. When was the last time they were blown out?

[B]

It was the Colts three years ago was four.

[A]

Which they got run on.

[B]

They got run on in that game too. Again, I'll reference Seth Payne. I just. He was a defensive lineman in the NFL. Look, I'm promoting the video that we just did. He talked about it, what it's like. He actually joked about testosterone levels of players before and after a team runs all over you, which is pretty funny. It just, it does take a lot physically out of a team when that happens. Now, I don't anticipate that that's what the Texans could do to the Bills. Could they run them out of the gym with their passing game? Sure. That can happen too. Then the panic might meter, might go up a little bit more if two weeks in a row they don't look good and they lose against the two best teams that they've played so far. But let's hold off on that till after, after this game, I think we both think panic meter. You're three and one. You had one bad night. Let's see what happens.

[A]

Yeah, I feel like this game is an anomaly at this point because even in losses, the Bills, what was it like 40 plus 40 row that were six points or less. So at this point I'm not willing to. To bang the gavel and say, oh my gosh, this is. This is awful and the sky is falling. That being said, freshly fried. Our next question. How concerned are we about Bass now? I have no faith in him when he lines up. I honestly think that's a pretty valid statement of it. Feels at some points, Mike, like it's a coin flip.

[B]

Yeah. That's all I would say to people. Just what you said. Do you have faith when he was lining up for that kick? I mentioned this in our video Sunday night. I'm sitting next to Andy Young from Spectrum News covers the Bills. I said, you have confidence he's going to make this. And he's like, nope. And then he missed it. It's a feeling that he's earned. Right. Because he made the early one. I'm like, all right, that's encouraging. Boomed it through. We're talking about 40 some odd yard.

[A]

Field goals, 48 yards, I believe.

[B]

Yeah. And it wasn't close. And, and he's had those. That. I mean, the Kansas City game was a tying field goal. Huge pressure and he missed it. But these other ones, Jenna, have enough pressure that it's like, okay, this means something like, like in the Pittsburgh playoff game last year. And you know at times when you just say, let's see how he does. And those have not been good. And they have Commie Fairbairn of for the Texans who come into this game. He's 8 of 9. He's made a 59 yarder this year. He's been really good. Made everything else. It's on that check mark. The Bills go into most of these games at the moment. The other team's kickers getting the check mark.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, I think that's totally fair.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

They brought in a kicker or two kickers a couple weeks ago. What do you think it would take, though, for them to move on from Tyler Bass?

[B]

That the right kicker comes in their building and they, and they look at and go, this guy could be our guy.

[A]

Do you think, though, if this Texans game comes down to a kick and Bass misses that that would be enough for them to be like, we can't. This is not our guy.

[B]

As, as long as they have somebody they really like.

[A]

I was thinking like, that's, that's the other thing.

[B]

Like, yes, it has to be somebody better. And if you're looking at kickers, I don't think there's been many changes in the league this year. You know, someone could correct me if there is. You know, put it in the comments where somebody has made a move or there's been an injury with a kicker. So the guys who are out there that were on the edge and had a chance to make teams and have shown something aren't on a roster now. So you don't want to wait too long because if there's somebody you have your eye on, I know they brought in a couple of kickers and we're recording this on a Tuesday. That's the day they bring in players. I would not be stunned that there were kickers in there. I said before about the practice squad and then you have that player ready, he's with your team. You get to look at him kicking and then if something happens, he's there and ready to go the next week. I would say, Jenna, you know, Dan was saying kicking for his job before and then he missed one. I think if it did came to come down to that and they had somebody in mind, that's what it would take to move on from Bass.

[A]

Yeah, I agree. Because it's like he clearly. Sorry. Someone just pulled into my driveway. We're good. They just.

[B]

Kicker. Maybe it's a kicker. Go find that kick.

[A]

Michael. That was good.

[B]

That's good.

[A]

No, I just. I feel like it'll come down to a. Because we've been talk. Mike, we've been talking this going into the Chiefs game. Do the Bills have a kicking problem?

[B]

We've been talk, you and I. Credit to us, we're talking about it for probably the last four or five weeks of last season. And then it ended up costing them. Costing them in the playoff game. I mean, regardless of what you think would have happened if he made the kick with a minute and change to go against Kansas City, he missed it. So it didn't matter. They didn't. It didn't matter. They won the game. Yeah. I think it's been a kicking problem since then. He got the whole off season to get himself ready. They had no competition for him during camp. And he's not been. He's not been good. He certainly hasn't been great. And it is a league of, you know, it's.

[A]

Yeah, you got to perform 55 and above.

[B]

The best kickers are the ones who can make him above 55.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

55 and below has become the, you know, 45 and below what it used to be. Yep.

[A]

So I know we talked about this too. People, some people are like, you know, you shouldn't bring in another kicker. It can mess with his confidence and all this stuff. And I thought you brought up a good point earlier on of being like, if he can't handle that, then. Then that is another serious point of like, what. How is he going to be in big game scenarios?

[B]

Every other player on the roster, within reason. I mean, I, I don't think Josh is looking over his shoulder at Mitch Trubisky. Right. There's certain. It's just not. There's certain players they're playing. Everybody else has a backup. Everybody has a backup. In the case of a kicker, they always know that there's guys out there and when a team makes that move, it's not like we're going to give him a few snaps off here. We're Going to do this, we're going to do that. No. You're either the kicker or you're not. And that is pressure to begin with. I didn't love it that they didn't bring anybody in, but I, I understood it. It's like, okay, we've invested in this guy. He has been good before. We feel confident. And it, it's just. And even his misses are bad. His misses are bad. And he wasn't great in practice, he wasn't great in camp. And I, I don't know if you're Sean McDermott. You know, everybody wants to get on McDermott about decisions and do you punt, do you kick? And I get it. But at some point when you're at the 47 yard or 37 yard line, are you thinking we have a field goal here, 54 yarder. No way.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You're worried about it at the 27.

[A]

Yeah. So that absolutely factors in.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

A thousand percent. Okay. All right, next question from Ricky crefield. Cry field 50, 88. Do you think we need a wide receiver one?

[B]

Yes. In the simple answer, yes, I think he makes a wide receiver one. Perfect scenario. Wide receiver one. You're gonna see Nico Collins this week. You get a guy like that, you know, if, if the Dolphins, who are in a free fall, want to send you waddle in a trade, making wide receiver one on this team, boy, he makes everybody else better, in my opinion. I think in a lot of people's opinion, because you're playing your more natural position, you're a hockey fan, you got a guy who's a really good second line center. If he's your number one guy, it's tough. He's going against the number one defensive pairing and all those things, you know, he's not your number one starter on a baseball team. It's great if he's your two and your three. You know, we are big fans of Shakir. He's a really good player. He's a long way from being what the league would consider a number one guy. A long way. He's away from that.

[A]

He's not that at this point, but.

[B]

You give him a number one guy in the front, you know, and that now with Coleman, now with Shakir, and then we're where. When you look at, when you look at a player, you know, who can be a productive player on the team but not be, you know, a starter, then you say, because we have a number one guy, it's. It's in. Interesting. Hold on, I'll throw this in the bin. Here, Because I said it's interesting. Drop it in the bin. That all these rumors, or at least projections are out there, who the Chiefs want to get as a number one guy because they lost Rasheed Rice. And you see all these names, and it's like, okay. I mean, I take Amari Cooper on this team.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And he's been around the league a little bit, but he still can make plays. And Cleveland's a dumpster fire, so there are players out there. When you see all those names listed with the Chiefs, you could see them with the Bills. And. I don't know. Jenna, does Bean give up assets this year if somebody is available to make a move?

[A]

I mean, I. I think yes. I mean, my. Like, Shakir's ankle injury is something that is concerning to me. Sean McDermott said on Monday that Shakir is very sore. They're taking it essentially day by day to see how he, you know, goes through the week, how he's feeling. But obviously, we have seen how impactful that ankle can be with making cuts and just being able to be a proficient route runner and all those things where. I think Shakir is a really good player. I picked him to be the Bill's leader in yards this season, but I.

[B]

Credit to you.

[A]

Credit to me, Yeah. I just worry about what that injury will do to hamper his ability. And when you look around after that, you see a Keon Coleman that made a nice couple catches down the stretch to kind of redeem himself after that bad drop. Mac Hollins, who, special teams contributor, had some nice catches, but again, like, is not that guy. He's Samuel.

[B]

Right. Matt Collins, ideally, is just your fifth guy.

[A]

Yeah, absolutely.

[B]

Get some snaps, can play in the run game. It's almost like, have he. He is a good blocker.

[A]

He is. Yeah, but. Very true. Yeah, but it's like, Curtis Samuel has not been what we have thought he has been would be. Through four games of the season, MVS has been essentially invisible. You have Dalton Kincaid, who's. Who's played well, but. And Dawson. Not like. It's just the phrase everybody eats. I asked Dan last week, like, is that sustainable? And he's like, honestly, I don't know. We'll see. And I think that everybody eats doesn't mean that everybody's getting the ball every game. It just means that a different. Maybe a different game, one guy is stepping up. And that's great in theory, but sometimes you just need someone to be better than the person they're standing in front of. And so it comes with nuance. Because everything does. But. Yeah. Would this team benefit from a wide receiver one? Absolutely. And you look at some of those names you talked about that are available and that. Or could be a trade offer or something. Right. I'm being. I'm saying, you know what, we'll see how this next stretch goes because Houston's a tough game, the jets is a tough game, but I would absolutely have it on the table for. Okay, maybe we need to do more and get someone else in to help also lift up the other guys, too. The saying, a rising tide lifts all boats, especially when it's a wide receiver one.

[B]

And when you look at the AFC and the Chiefs are 4, 0. They want them all, all close, but they find ways to win. But they are banged up. Yeah, The Bengals have struggled. The teams are. The jets do not appear to be great. You know, they have their moments, but.

[A]

They'Re, you know, struggle against the Broncos.

[B]

Right. The Dolphins are in free fall. Like, you look around and the Texans are good. They've had their own issues. I'm going to say. You can't ever say it's wide open. It's the Chiefs conference to win, obviously, but they are banged up. I know this is a transition year in some way for the Bills, but come on, if you, if you go get a couple of wins here, you find yourself in a great spot and you say it, we're good. Yes.

[A]

Sorry, I'll bleep that. But seriously, this is. This is. You're right. You might have more of an opportunity that you were even expecting.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, you can pick apart every team and be like, well, they got this. Or this is like.

[B]

Especially if the Bill's defense is. Gets their guys back healthy, Milano comes back, all those things, you could be looking for a wide receiver, you could be looking for a pass rusher.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I mean, these are all things that are on the table. And I know you have draft picks and you don't want to go giving them away, but you have a good team that. That has some needs. And if you're in the right position, I would say yeah. And I'd say yes. Because if they don't get one now or they don't feel like they. They do. They do feel like they need better players. I mean, I'm looking at the. I'm looking at the Texans and I'm seeing, you know, Tank Dell and Stefan Diggs as the guys behind Collins. They get the ball. But there's no question that kid is the number one receiver on that team. I mean, he is. I Mean, he's really good. He's the number one. He's the number one guy. And still other players get the ball. I mean, Diggs has 25 catches.

[A]

How many do you have last game? I only thought he had like one or two.

[B]

He. I don't know what his total, but his. He's got 25 catches and 33.

[A]

They almost lost the Jacksonville too.

[B]

Yes. Nico Collins has 30 catches, 25 for first down and two touchdowns. So 27 of his 30 catches have been for a first down or touchdown. It's averaging 16.3 yards a catch. Looks pretty good.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

Yeah, he's got 489 yards in four games. That's. That's really good. That's 122. He's averaging what, 16, 16.3 yards per.122 yards a game average. So he's. He's really good. My point being he's a number one.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And the other guys are good.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So. Yeah.

[A]

All right, so the possible needs for the Bills. Our next question at Himothy Himothy MB8DC Mike, do you think the safety position is a real concern? Would Edwards and Bishop make a difference over Rap and Hamlin? We saw. So just to update everyone in case they did not see on Monday, Sean McDermott said that Taylor Rapp is still a concussion protocol. So unclear what that will be like for him and getting out and when he will next be playing. So Cole Bishop went into the game on Sunday. Demar Hamlin obviously starting as well. Mike Edwards was inactive for the second straight week on Sunday. So Mike, this is not nothing.

[B]

No. And I, I wonder. I mean, Mike Edwards inactive for the.

[A]

Second straight week and I don't know.

[B]

If it's because they don't feel like he can be a special teams guy because if you're backup safety, you have to play teams, which would be odd. I mean, most safeties I think are, you know, prone to be able. Prone should be skilled to be able to play special teams. He's been a guy who's played and started on super bowl winners at least at moments. I would think he's active for this week. It. It is, it is telling. I know what they want out of some of these guys, but they obviously did not have confidence in Mike Edwards to have him on the field. I know he came off that hamstring, but I think he's going to need to be out there. But I don't know. What do you think in terms of higher level of play? I mean, I don't I don't believe that we're gonna see Taylor rap this week. So then what do you do?

[A]

Yeah. Because Cole Bishop is understandably green. And if Mike Edwards. If you had Cole Bishop active over Mike Edwards, you make the caveat about special teams. But, yeah, he is someone that has not had a lot of time on the field. Do you call Micah? Is it still too early for Micah?

[B]

I think Sean got asked that. Right. Again about Micah Hyde. And I think his answer was like, we, you know. You know, we feel about Micah. We always keep in touch. I don't know. I mean, I had somebody say to me, they should sign Micah Hyde. I'm like, it's Micah. It's decision whether he plays or not. Yeah. Also, it wasn't like they said, San.

[A]

Diego right now enjoying life.

[B]

I saw Jordan Poyer get hurt last night.

[A]

Oh, I didn't see that.

[B]

Not. Not playing well. He got injured. I. I'm trying to remember what it was. It was. I think it was maybe a hip something that he got hurt. You know, he's.

[A]

That game was hard to watch.

[B]

That's a rough. That's a rough time. And they got Tyreek Dylan on the shin. Yeah, they got Tyreek yelling on the sidelines. I did see that Tuas. They think he could be back soon, but it's rough there. So I only brought him up because obviously it's. It was Poyer and Hyde. Mike is out in San Diego. Like, if he wanted to be back, would they make a phone call? If they. I think there's been communication. I think if they were sensing he's close, like he thinks he wants to. I think they. Yeah, but even a little bit of a push on.

[A]

And so you'd be a couple weeks. I feel like. Of like. Yeah, I feel like you. I mean, maybe they would pull an AJ Klein and just like, hey, you were on vacation and now you're starting. But.

[B]

Yeah. Well, in that case, they had no real choice because it was the playoffs. But it. Even now, like, it. Let's just pretend they call Micah Hyde. And, you know, I want to put something under this. I'm just making this up. They call Micah Hyde. He says he wants to play, comes into Buffalo. He's at practice, you know, for a few days. I don't believe he plays on Sunday, but I actually think he could. I actually think he could. I think his knowledge of the defense and what they would expect. Adam, I think he could get off the couch and be on the field and play the way they would like him. To. It's going to take him a little while just because, you know, you haven't played any football, but it might be. Might be pretty sore getting up on, you know, Monday morning, but I think he could. I think if you were to bring in a guy like that with his skill level and his experience, I think you would give him a little bit of time to get acclimated, but not much. I think if he was ready, they'd get him on the field.

[A]

Yeah. How. Okay. How concerned are you about the safety position?

[B]

I'm. I'm concerned. I think it already was at strong backup level. That's the way I think of Demar. I think of him as a backup player. It's judged as a starter. They didn't bring him back or have him on the team as a starter. He's been a starter due to injury. I do believe they signed Mike Edwards to be a starter and they drafted Cole Bishop to eventually be a starter. They like Taylor Rapp on the other side. I think Taylor Rapp is a good football player. I. I think their safety position now is a net neutral on a good day. It's just they're. They're good football players, but they're not exceptional and they can be picked on. This is what the rest of the world lived for over the past how many years?

[A]

Well, that's what I'm saying. In their prime, you had one of the best safety duos.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

In a long, long time. That, like anything was going to be a step down. But also the fact that I agree with you, I think they brought in Mike Edwards to be the guy. The injuries kept him sidelines. Demar had a nice camp and like, demar has had nice moments. I don't, I don't want to take away from that, but you're right. I think they viewed him as okay. This guy will be a backup plus, and he's obviously got a ton of ton more play than I think any of us other than Dan was expecting. But with the rap concussion, it makes the numbers thin. And yeah, Cole Bishop is a rookie and not a lot of experience and exposure, and you're asking him to take a big step up in weight class. So.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

What they do with Mike Edwards will be very interesting this week, how they approach that.

[B]

Yep. All right.

[A]

Anything else you want to. You want to know?

[B]

I just think this is a. It's a strange week for them, coming off a big loss, hopeful to get those guys back on the field. I mean, if Bernard and Taran are back on the Field. We talk about that middle of the defense.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Just how good they are. They are plus plus players. We, I think we agree that I think the two most impactful players on their defense, they're playing without both of them. But they need more out of the D line this week. Yeah, that's not a great O line for the Texans and they've been concerned about it this past week. They did spread it out a little bit more and I think they feel a little better about their O line that they feel like they can spread it out, but if they get mixing, that would be big for them. So if you can get Taryn Johnson back on the field and especially Terrell Bernard on the field and then. And then play more of your regular defense and just expect more. I mean, Von Miller did absolutely nothing in the game.

[A]

Someone was like, was he on the field? I was like, yeah.

[B]

I give Baltimore credit though. The ball came out.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

You know very well Lamar played a very solid game and he was special with the ball in his hands on a few of the runs. He's great at the rpo.

[A]

He looked like the two time mvp.

[B]

Yeah, his numbers were, were good. But that, that to me, I said he played like Josh did against the Dolphins.

[A]

Okay. Yeah, that's fair. You. Yeah, you could some nice moments. But yeah, it wasn't great.

[B]

By the way, I got laughing because I had someone come up to me today and say, oh my God. I was watching whatever show, whatever hot takers were talking about and their big point was in one of these shows that Lamar showed Josh what an MVP plays like and I'm like, man, it doesn't take long. Right? Josh is the MVP favorite and Lamar has a good game. Derek Henry runs all over him. Their defense plays well, but that's the hot takers of the world. Lamar was good. Yeah, good. Really good football player. But I think Josh will be fine.

[A]

In terms of Terrell Bernard and Taryn Johnson.

[B]

I.

[A]

My expectation, speculation wise is I feel like Bernard will be back this weekend and I think that Taryn will be back for Monday night.

[B]

That's just. Could be right. Yeah.

[A]

Bernard was back to practice last week as a limited participant, but still that seems ahead of the curve in terms of him coming back before Taryn Johnson. I know they didn't put Taryn Johnson on ir, but at the same point I think maybe they're kind of, maybe, maybe a different injury. Maybe it's a different timeline. So.

[B]

Yeah, well, listen, you took a chance in terms of the four weeks that you would lose the player. But that doesn't, at that point, once you've made that decision, if he's not ready and they don't think he's ready, you don't need another issue. If it means another week, it means another week. So we'll see. We'll see. We'll be at practice. So we'll see what, what goes on this week and then.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Getting ready for Houston.

[A]

Okay. I'm gonna eat lunch. I'm very hungry. Thank you so much for joining us on the Buffalo Plus YouTube channel. Thank you for watching. You ask we answer presented by stellar roofing windows and siding from Mike Catalana. I am Jenna Cottrell. Dan Fates with a veteran day off, please be sure to like, comment and subscribe. We'll catch you next time here on the Buffalo plus channel. We'll start with this question from Robin.

[B]

So there's still a damn good defense. I have zero problem with them bringing this guy in in the time it takes you to actually board a flight from Group 8 now boarding Premier Altitude Elite Club members. You could have bought a Hyundai on Amazon. Visit HyundaiUSA.com or call 562-314-4603 for more details. Limited availability pickup through participating Hyundai dealer in select markets.