Buffalo Plus Podcast Summary

Episode: "You Ask, We Answer: Josh Allen MVP? Allen hand injury impact + Baltimore up next"

Date: September 24, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana & Jenna Cottrell (Dan Fetes on veteran day off)

Episode Overview

This episode of the Buffalo Plus Podcast dives deep into current Buffalo Bills storylines following the team’s strong early-season performance. The hosts answer fan questions sourced from YouTube, focusing primarily on Josh Allen’s MVP credentials and impact, the significance of his hand injury, interpreting recent press conference comments, and previewing the Bills’ challenging upcoming matchups—especially against the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans. Lively banter and insider observations color the conversation, offering a balanced mix of analysis, behind-the-scenes notes, and entertaining moments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Josh Allen's MVP Chances

[01:11–04:47]

• Narrative Matters for MVP:

  • Mike Catalana: "To win the MVP, you got to play great. Your team has to win, and you have to be the best player on the best team or one of the best teams... Right now, he's the best player on the team." (01:13)
  • Jenna Cottrell: Emphasizes national media's focus on narratives, and how Allen’s success without Stefon Diggs or Gabe Davis increases his case. (02:13)

• Performance Breakdown:

  • Despite being 14th in passing yards, Allen is top three in all other significant statistics.
  • "I don't think yardage passing is going to make that big of a difference. I think he's winning, he's making spectacular plays." – Mike (01:43)

• Allen’s Playstyle & Growth:

  • Allen is noted for controlling the offense and limiting turnovers, key in shifting perception.

2. Subtle Jabs and Locker Room Dynamics

[04:47–08:33]

• Allen’s Comments as ‘Receipts’:

  • Both hosts note Allen is highly aware of what he says in press settings and sometimes uses statements to send subtle messages.
  • “Josh Allen keeps receipts. There's absolutely no doubt in my mind.” – Jenna (04:08)

• Was There a Dig at Diggs?

  • Discussions analyze whether Allen’s recent press comments about teammates “not caring about stats” were a subtle reference to Stefon Diggs’ reputation.
  • “Yes, it was a dig at him, but a subtle one… not a headline but we all hear it.” – Mike (07:48)

• Media Savvy:

  • Allen’s social media and public persona are strategically cultivated; he can be both generic and pointed depending on the message he wants to send.

3. Josh Allen's Hand Injury: Blessing or Hindrance?

[08:33–12:36]

• Changed Playstyle Observations:

  • Jenna noticed Allen not high-fiving with his left hand and altering handoffs—a clear sign he’s protecting his injured hand. (09:01)
  • "He sort of did it backhanded with his right hand. I saw him in Miami, he had his fingers taped... seems to be probably a broken finger or something in his hand." – Mike (11:20)

• Smarter Decision-Making:

  • Both agree the injury is a factor, but Allen’s matured approach and offensive scheme are the main reasons for his on-field discipline.
  • “He’s playing smarter because I think he doesn’t have to force the football... I feel like we've just seen kind of a more relaxed Josh and I think that that has been hugely beneficial.” – Jenna (10:17)

• Conclusion:

  • The injury is impacting some mechanics but overall, the system and personnel trust are the bigger influences on Allen “playing smarter”.

4. Upcoming Bills Schedule Analysis

[12:36–16:04]

• Key Stretch Ahead:

  • Next three games: at Ravens, at Texans, at Jets.
  • Importance ranked: Jets game is most crucial (division), Ravens and Texans similarly significant (AFC).

• Travel & Schedule Effects:

  • Noted that the Jets game will come immediately after both teams return from London, which could impact performance. (13:36)

• Predictions:

  • Both believe 2–1 is a reasonable result for this stretch, with some hope for 3–0.
  • “I now like seeing what we've seen. I do expect them to go 2 and 1.” – Jenna (15:36)

5. Baltimore Not 0–3: Does it Help the Bills?

[16:04–17:26]

• Opposing Team Mindset Matters:

  • Both agree that facing a Ravens team not winless is preferable; desperation could have fueled a more dangerous opponent.
  • “I a thousand percent feel that way.” – Jenna (16:09)

• AFC North Observations:

  • Steelers’ surprising record regarded as “fool’s gold”; division up for grabs.

6. Bills Run Defense vs. Derrick Henry & Baltimore

[17:41–19:41]

• Scouting the Challenge:
  • Derrick Henry is “big, strong, tough” and has historically challenged the Bills.
  • The Ravens lean on the run; Bills’ best answer may be to get ahead and force Lamar Jackson to throw.
  • “Go grab the lead on that Ravens team… Make Lamar throw it and I'll feel better about the Bill's chances of going to Baltimore and winning.” – Mike (19:38)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On MVP Race:
  • “He can absolutely win it playing like this, but the team has to continue to have success.”
    – Mike Catalana (01:25)
• On Allen's Media Savvy:
  • “He understands the way things are going to be taken... I think Josh likes to do that.”
    – Mike Catalana (06:34)
• On Subtle Shots in Media:
  • “If you're just hearing him speak, you really wouldn't be like, oh yeah. But if you listen, you're like, that is interesting.”
    – Jenna Cottrell (05:16)
• On Facing Baltimore:
  • “Go beat Baltimore. Then all of a sudden you look at it and go, okay, let's see what happens in Houston.”
    – Mike Catalana (15:08)
• On Pilates Bet:
  • Lighthearted rivalry over a season-long wager, with the loser forced to attend a Pilates class—much to the amusement of both hosts (19:44–21:09).
    • “Let’s be honest, it will be way more fun if it’s Dan taking the class.” – Mike Catalana (21:03)
• On Work & Travel:
  • Playful banter about late night travel and being “entitled to her time off,” reflecting the camaraderie among the team. (21:29–22:45)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment Topic | Start | Hosts | |-------------------------------------------------|------------|--------------------| | Josh Allen’s MVP Candidacy & “Narrative” | 01:11 | Mike, Jenna | | Allen’s Subtle Comments & Locker Room Dynamics | 04:47 | Jenna, Mike | | Hand Injury Impact & Smarter Play | 08:33 | Jenna, Mike | | Upcoming Schedule: Ravens, Texans, Jets | 12:36 | Mike, Jenna | | Baltimore Not 0–3? Importance & AFC North | 16:04 | Jenna, Mike | | Run Defense vs. Baltimore/Derrick Henry | 17:41 | Mike, Jenna | | Pilates Bet & Lighthearted Wrap-Up | 19:41 | Mike, Jenna |

Closing Remarks

The episode wrapped with some lighthearted discussion on the hosts’ internal wagers and upcoming coverage logistics, alongside reminders to follow Buffalo Plus for more team coverage.

Listeners leave with a clear sense of the Buffalo Bills’ current trajectory, Josh Allen’s growing narrative for league MVP, and a preview of upcoming critical games, all delivered with the trademark Buffalo Plus blend of analysis and personality.