December 13, 2024 • 29 mins
On this episode of Twentyman in the Huddle podcast presented by Microsoft, Tim Twentyman is joined by Matt Ryan, Khalil Dorsey and Chris Brown previewing the Lions’ final interconference matchup of the season with the Buffalo Bills making the trip to Detroit for Sunday’s game.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Jake bateson to try to win this game. There it
is Fox, the whole chick away, it is up.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Then it is good.
Speaker 3 (00:11):
Welcome to the twenty in the Huddle podcast presented by Microsoft.
It is Week fifteen in the NFL season, and I
have a very special guest for you guys this week.
Matt Ryan, former League MVP, current analysts for CBS Sports. Matt,
thanks for joining me. I appreciate you taking the time.
Speaker 4 (00:28):
Of course, happy to be on with you.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
So week fifteen, monster matchup between Detroit and Buffalo. Just
how much are you looking forward to, just as a
football fan of this matchup Sunday between two MVP you
know candidates and Jared Goff and Josh Allen.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
How much you looking forward to that matchup?
Speaker 4 (00:46):
Now? I'm fired up.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
I mean, there's nothing better than when you see teams
this time of the year that are playing really good
football go head ahead.
Speaker 4 (00:54):
And you know, quite.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Honestly, we've got a chance to see this as a
preview of what could happen in February, and so I'm looking.
Speaker 4 (01:02):
Forward to it. The energy of the Lions fan base.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
You know, I've only been to a game as a player, right,
and so you know, maybe it wasn't the same the
same Lions football team that we're seeing now, but the
energy from the fans has always been unbelievable. Great fan
base and looking forward to to kind of feeling that energy.
But then watching this game, I think you're talking about
two teams that are explosive on the offensive side of
(01:27):
the ball, opportunistic on the defensive side of the ball.
Speaker 4 (01:31):
I'm looking forward to watching it. It's gonna be a lot
of fun.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Your your crew will be in Detroit in the pregame
show for this matchup.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
You get to see it in person.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
Matt, how much would you have loved to play for
Ben Johnson and this offense with with all the weapons
that that Jared has at his disposal.
Speaker 4 (01:46):
Yeah, yeah, I would have. I would have loved it.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Right, You've got you've got pieces, you know on the outside,
you know, explosive pieces, and they've got multiple different guys, right,
And I think that's always you know, you're r you know,
your best situation as a quarterback when you have you know,
three or four different targets that you trust that all
kind of have different skill sets.
Speaker 4 (02:09):
But then you you know, you talk.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
About the running back combination uh and and sonic and
knuckles and what they can do and their ability to
be explosive not only in the run game, but checking
the football down or screening it to him, which they
do an.
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Excellent job of.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Oh yeah, and by the way, we might have the
best offensive line in football. And on top of that,
you've got a creative, you know, play caller that is
not scared to take shots, it's not scared to call gadgets.
Speaker 4 (02:35):
But at their core, they're a run the football.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
Play action team and for me as a quarterback, that
was that was kind of my strength, right was was
in that play action pass game. And I love what
they're doing with Jarrett. I think he's done an excellent job.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
When you watch Jared, what impresses you the most about
just the way he's played and the consistency that he
has shown really all year long.
Speaker 4 (02:57):
Well, I think that's just it. I think it's the consistency. Right.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
You have that one outlier game where they turn the
foot where he turned the football over five times, but
you know, other than that, he's taking great care of
the football while being aggressive and being explosive in the
past game, and really, you know that's that's like the
Shangri law of playing quarterback, right. You don't want to
turn the football over, but you want to create these
(03:21):
explosive plays and take advantage of opportunities down the field.
And I think he's done a great job with it.
But to me, it comes down to decision making, right, Like,
if you're going to balance those two right of not
turning the football over and still creating these chunk plays,
you have to be an excellent decision maker, and I
(03:42):
think he has been that. I think he's talked about
it too, right of in the last two years, not
feeling like he has to do too much right, just
letting the game come to him and making the plays
when they're there. And I think he's done that about
as well as anybody in the league this year.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
And you see Josh Allen that that's kind of been
the mo o with him this year too. You look
at the interceptions last I think it was eighteen. He's
had double digit interceptions in each of the last four years,
but only five is it kind of the same thing
when you watch them too.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
He's playing within the offense.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
He knows he's got weapons around him, and he's kind
of letting the game come to him more than he
has in years pass Is that why we're talking about
him as an MVP candidate as well?
Speaker 4 (04:20):
Yeah, I think so.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
You know, I think, you know, good quarterback play starts
with that, right, It's making good decisions, you know. I think, Josh,
they're a little bit different, at least from my perspective,
offensively with what they do right, and it's not there's
a little bit of play action in there, but it's
not like predict Their passing game is not predicated on
(04:42):
kind of hard Selle play action like the Lions is.
Speaker 4 (04:46):
But I agree with you. I think he's making great decisions.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
He probably runs with the football more than j I mean,
he definitely runs with the football more than Jared does,
and I think that's a big part of what he
brings to the offense as well. I think they're passing numbers,
you know, the yardage and those kind of things doesn't
jump off the charts, but it's the efficiency with which
you're playing and then his ability to extend plays and
(05:09):
use his legs that I think has him right, you know,
at the top of the MVP you know discussion.
Speaker 3 (05:15):
Look, you played with some good offensive lines, especially when
you made that run in sixteen to the Super Bowl.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
But you mentioned a little bit earlier.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
But when you have an offensive line that's as versatile
as Detroits, that's as talented. I mean we're talking about
the best tackle, the best center, one of the best guards,
I mean across the board, they're really good. What does
that allow Ben Jared this offense to do when you've
got an offensive line that's not.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
Only really skilled, but also versatile.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Matt, Yeah, I think I think the versatility is probably
in the athleticism of their offensive line is probably the
thing that you know jumps off the tape when you
watch them, and I think it allows Ben to be
multiple in how they attack you, right, whether it's the
screen game. You know, there's some unbelievable clips of Penne
Suill getting out in front right twenty five yards down
(06:00):
the field, you know, picking off dbs, and the athleticism
to be able to do that in space allows them.
I think they're a very good screen team. In the
run game, they're multiple, right, Like, so they're really good
in the zone scheme, they're good with the pinning polls,
they're good in the gap scheme, and I think it
allows you know Ben to kind of take a look
(06:22):
at his call sheet and feel comfortable calling anything.
Speaker 4 (06:26):
Right.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
It's not like, man, this is all we can do.
We're gonna have to feature this, We're gonna have to
find different ways to do it.
Speaker 4 (06:32):
You know, I think he's.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Comfortable whether it's pulling those guys up front, whether it's
getting into the zone schemes and allowing them to run
and capture. He does an excellent job of keeping things
multiple and really not allowing a defense to feel like
they're dialed into what you're doing. And ultimately, I think
that's his greatest strength.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
You know, quarterbacks love those kind of security blanket players, right,
that really reliable slot receiver, that that tight end that
can make plays over the middle. Just when you have
a slot receiver like i'mon Ross Saint Brown and you
have a tight end like Sam Laporta.
Speaker 1 (07:08):
Just how much comfort does that give a quarterback?
Speaker 3 (07:10):
That look, when things break down or when you need
a big play on third down, that that that that
middle of the field, those guys always find a way
to get open and make a play. Just what kind
of a security blanket is that for a quarterback?
Speaker 5 (07:22):
Well?
Speaker 2 (07:22):
I think it's huge. You know, particularly in the areas
that you mentioned third down and the red area. To me,
you know, that's where matchups become probably the most important,
right is it's one on one, whether it's in zone
coverage in a space trying to beat that one on
one defender, or it's in man and man coverage. And
(07:43):
I think both those guys like you mentioned are are
kind of nightmare matchup their matchup nightmares for for defenders
because you know, typically you nickel corner or or your
backers or your safeties are are your worst guys in coverage, right,
your corners are going to be your best. And then
as you work your way inside or deep kind of
(08:04):
in the secondary, you know, the ability to cover in
small space and in one on ones just it's just
not as good, right. And so I've always felt like,
you know, third down in red zone was the area
where if you had a great slot and you had
a tight end that could play. I was lucky I
played with Tony Gonzalez. I played with guys like Harry
(08:26):
Douglas and mohammedsanuw who were really good slot you know,
slot wide receivers they ate in those kind of situations, right,
They their production came from those kinds of situations, and
I think that's huge as a quarterback to be able
to have that and then also to have guys on
the outside too. It's one thing that if you got
these guys on the inside and they account for it,
but if you get one on ones on the outside too.
(08:48):
You talk about Jamison going over the top or some
of the stop routes and stuff he can do on
on the outside, it makes it really difficult and it
frees you up as a quarterback.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
When do you look at this matchup?
Speaker 3 (08:58):
What do you what do you think is the key
for both sides on Sunday to come away with a win?
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Well, you know, I think it's boring, but it's about
winning up front, you know, And and as much as
the league has changed, that part of it really hasn't right.
And and I look at both of these teams as
as kind of having that down right of understanding that
this game is going to be won and loss, you know,
(09:24):
in the trenches. And so I think both of them,
you know, do a really good job. But if if
you're looking at it from Detroit's standpoint, which I know
all the fans here are, I really think it comes
down to the defensive side of the ball, and it's
it's been hard, right, It's been tough sledding on that
side of the ball with injuries the entire year, right,
And and you know, everybody has this next man up mentality,
(09:45):
and nobody has done it better than Detroit.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
But it becomes difficult. It really does.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
When when you keep having injuries and you keep going
deeper and deeper into the roster, it becomes difficult.
Speaker 4 (09:56):
And I'm looking for them, I think, you.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
Know, if Detroit is going to be successful, I really
feel like defense has to step up. I expect the
offense to play well, right, They're going to steal some
of the stuff that La did well last week against
the Bills and go use it in their own way
and be aggressive. But I think the defense, if I'm
looking at it, you know, I'm looking at those guys
having to step up, and I think Aaron Glenn, I mean,
(10:19):
I can't say enough about the job that he's done
on the defensive side of the ball given all of
the issues that they've had, the injuries that they've had,
you know, the ability to turn it on every week
and keep them in ball games has been awesome.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
Yeah, And to your point, Levi own, Zerique, Josh Pascal,
DJ Reader. They hope they get all those guys back
this week, so that'll be huge against Josh Allen, trying
to keep him in the pocket win that battle up front.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
Like you talked about, Look, you've played in Detroit before.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
You mentioned as a player looking forward to to to
seeing it as a fan as an analyst, when you
watch Detroit, when you've watched some of their home games,
has that environment, has that atmosphere, has that noise shown
through the screen? And how much are you looking forward
to getting into that building?
Speaker 4 (11:02):
Matt.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
It's really become one of the toughest places to play
in this league because of what these fans have become,
because of what this team has become, and they've just
been dying for it for so long, and and they're
showing out and showing up and they're loud, and how
much are you looking forward to just the environment And
have you noticed it on TV?
Speaker 2 (11:22):
I mean it jumps off the screen. There's there's no
doubt about it. Right when you're watching games and you
see the passion and the energy and the just the
noise right coming from the stands, you feel that as
a fan watching it on TV, and it's it's awesome,
you know. I think for the city of Detroit, for
the fan base there, you guys have incredibly loyal fans, guys,
(11:44):
you know.
Speaker 4 (11:45):
And men and women that have.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Have been loyal to this organization for a long time
and are starving, you know, starving for some of what
they're seeing right now. And I think they're enjoying that
and they should, you know, because it's one of the
best football teams in the NFL right now. I think,
you know, talent why there as good as anybody. I
think they're as well coached a football team as there
is in the league. And you mentioned it right that
(12:07):
the fans are doing their part too right making it
This is really difficult, and it's always been a tough place.
I mean, honestly, you know, we played there a lot,
and it's always been a tough place to come play.
But you know, I feel like it's it's gone to
another level. And the noise inside that that dome is
is pretty impressive.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
So I'm looking forward to seeing it.
Speaker 3 (12:28):
How much would you have loved to play for Dan Campbell?
Just some of some of the aggressiveness you see the
interaction between him and Jared deciding to go forward on
fourth down.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
There.
Speaker 3 (12:36):
Jared talks about it all the time, just his love
for playing with him. Look, you had some terrific coaches
in your career too, some some some great guys. But
how much would you have loved to play for Dan Campbell?
Speaker 2 (12:49):
I think anybody would love to and I certainly would.
You know, his aggressive mindset, right, his trust and his players.
I think as a player, that's the thing that that
jumps out to me, right, the belief that he has
in his guys, the love that he has for him,
but also you know, the ability to hold him to
account right is so important too, and I think he
(13:11):
navigates that entire space really really well. And oddly enough,
I believe this is true Dan was. I played against
Dan in my first game in the NFL. He was
a tight end with the Lions. So my first game
was against the Lions back in two thousand and eight,
and so pretty cool to come full circle see him
doing his thing as a guy that I played against.
Speaker 3 (13:34):
All Right, last one for you, Matt. You obviously know
what it takes to get to a super Bowl. You've
been there, You've played in one. Does this Detroit Lions
team in your opinion just watching them all ye long,
did did they have the pieces to make a run
and be playing in that final game?
Speaker 4 (13:49):
I absolutely believe they do. You know, I look around.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
I think Jarrett and his experience prior to coming to Detroit,
right and having done that and knowing what it takes
right and being comfortable in those type of games is huge.
And then I think their run last year, right and
the disappointment, you know, I think that that is huge.
Speaker 4 (14:12):
In my case.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
You know, we went to the NFC Championship game in
twenty twelve and lost, right disappointing, much like much like
Detroit last year. It was against San Francisco, and I
know the hunger and the fire that that builds, and
remember having teammates that were both on those twenty twelve
teams and then the team that we were on in sixteen,
(14:34):
remembering those type of experiences.
Speaker 4 (14:36):
So I think, you.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Know, given the way the roster's built, given their experience
running you know, deep into the playoffs last year, I
absolutely believe this team's prime to.
Speaker 4 (14:45):
Make a run.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
Well, it's Week fifteen. The best matchup in the NFL
will be in Detroit Buffalo Bills versus Detroit Lions.
Speaker 1 (14:51):
Matt Ryan will be there.
Speaker 3 (14:53):
Him and his crew will be breaking it all down
in Detroit on CBS beforehand, and he gets to enjoy
one as a fan in ford Field.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
It'd be a good one.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
Matt, thanks so much for joining you joining me. I
appreciate you taking the time you got it.
Speaker 2 (15:04):
Can't wait to get there on Sunday, Welcome back to
the Twin.
Speaker 3 (15:10):
In the Huddle podcasts and on this show. I always
like to feature guys who maybe don't get a ton
of the spot, but especially like I've had Jack Fox on,
I've had Khalil Dorsey on before.
Speaker 1 (15:20):
Some of these guys that make such.
Speaker 3 (15:22):
An impact on teams, And how much do you love
this place, this atmosphere, this head coach that puts such
a value in what all you guys do on teams?
Speaker 6 (15:32):
You know, I love it. I mean it's like there's
certain teams that take special teams for granted, and then
there's this team that doesn't take anything for granted. It's
like any play that you put on there, you don't
want to put on bad film.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
How we play?
Speaker 6 (15:45):
You know, how versatile people are in terms of like
switching around in the different positions and special teams and
then on defense and everything like that. It's it's just
amazing how.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
Much tougher is that.
Speaker 3 (15:56):
But I'm glad you mentioned the defense because you've played
a critical role there too, but always being ready and
having that kind of double duty mindset because you're one
snap away from being the start quarter on this team too.
But then you've got all this responsibility and special teams.
How much is on your plate week do week? How
much are you pulling defensive beatings to special teams to
all this kind of stuff?
Speaker 1 (16:16):
And you do you love that?
Speaker 3 (16:17):
Do you relish?
Speaker 4 (16:18):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (16:18):
Yeah, no, I love it. I love the pressure. It
makes me who I am today. I was at a
point where, you know, there was no pressure put on me.
Now it's like, you know, all the all the pressures
put on you. But realistically, it's like, I just got
to do what I'm what I'm told, what I'm supposed
to do. It's a lot of film study, a lot
of film studies, special teams, defense, everything, but I make
(16:42):
it manageable.
Speaker 3 (16:43):
One thing you're doing at an extremely high level, and
Dance talked about this. You are one of the best
gunners in the league.
Speaker 4 (16:49):
I appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
I mean, you are how much do you love playing
with Jack and how much does Jack make you a
better gunner?
Speaker 6 (16:58):
I love playing with Jack. Gives me plenty of time,
you know, to get down the field with his hangtime
and then their their operation time.
Speaker 1 (17:06):
So I mean, I don't know, I love it.
Speaker 6 (17:09):
I was like, if I were to go somewhere else,
I would want him to be exactly like him. Versatile
in terms of you know, he can kick it left,
kick it right, kick it down the middle. He can
boom it. You know, we seen him boom boom it
multiple times. And yeah, no, he makes it. He makes
my job a lot easier.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
Also, kicker turn had a big one earlier the year.
How much did you want that one?
Speaker 4 (17:28):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (17:28):
My god, you won the last guy?
Speaker 4 (17:31):
You know, it's crazy. It's crazy is that I was
talking to.
Speaker 6 (17:36):
I think it was Jamier after because I think that
week he went like twenty one, I want to say,
or he was like high up in the twenties.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
It's like slow. So what was that time for you?
Speaker 6 (17:47):
I think it was like a twenty twenty point something.
Speaker 3 (17:49):
Okay, Jamo was twenty point four I think last week.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
So last week.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
Yeah, okay, so what is the forty time for you?
Speaker 6 (17:58):
For me, I mean I only had a hand time.
Speaker 4 (17:59):
It was for three one.
Speaker 3 (18:00):
But who's the fastest guy, Like if it was Jamo you, Yeah,
like it would be there, top three fastest on the
team because we will have to throw leaf in there too.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
Oh yeah, so it's it's it's.
Speaker 4 (18:15):
All four of us.
Speaker 6 (18:16):
Four are definitely I think all go crazy.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
I think La had a few kickoff returns last week.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
I look at Buffalo, they're in the top half of
the league in terms of allowing guys to turn. When
you see an opponent like that, how excited are you
that might you might get some opportunity.
Speaker 6 (18:29):
Yeah, yeah, I'm definitely excited. The scheme that's going in
and everything. Uh you know, got a little something for him.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
So yeah, okay, you heard it here.
Speaker 3 (18:38):
First, just the opponent, the magnitude of the game, national broadcast,
two of the best teams in their respective conferences. Just
how much are you guys looking forward to this game,
this matchup against this team at your place.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
In that kind of environment.
Speaker 6 (18:53):
We're definitely looking forward to it any any competition. I mean,
they were saying the same thing about Green Bay last week,
and you know, we're just excited for the next team,
So I mean, we're not focused on anything after. We're
focused on this week right now.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
So yeah, it's the right mindset to have go get
twelve in a row. One of the best gunners, one
of the best return man, one of the best special
teamers in the league.
Speaker 1 (19:14):
Collie Doors The appreciate you, hig you.
Speaker 3 (19:20):
Welcome back to the twenty in the Huddle podcast, and
I am very happy welcome. And Chris Brown, the play
by play man for the Buffalo Bills. Nobody knows Buffalo
football better than Chris. Chris, thanks for taking the time.
I appreciate it.
Speaker 4 (19:30):
Sure good to be with you.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
All right.
Speaker 3 (19:32):
I usually start this way with all my guests from
from opposing cities. Here is injury wise, It's looked like
Detroit is going to get you know, a bunch of
guys back this week. They've been kind of decimated by injury.
Speaker 1 (19:44):
Over the last couple of weeks.
Speaker 3 (19:45):
How is Buffalo now midweek handle handling the injury situation?
What's it looking like for Sunday on their front?
Speaker 5 (19:53):
Looking better on the offensive side of the ball right
now because guys that they've missed for the last month.
Dalton can Get and Keon Coleman are both practicing fully again. Finally,
they've missed those two players. The last time those two
guys played was in Week eight at Seattle, so it's
been a minute and Coleman had his best game as
(20:14):
a pro. He had one hundred and twenty five yards
and a touchdown and was making yards after the catch.
He's one of the league leaders in that area as
a matter of fact, and then all of a sudden
he's got a wrist injury and he's gone for four games.
Kincaid suffered a knee injury the next week, and we
haven't seen Hyde nor hair of him either. So getting
those two guys back in the offensive lineup will be great,
(20:35):
especially considering they scored forty two points without those two
last week.
Speaker 3 (20:41):
Yeah, just what Josh Allen needs is more weapons. Right
after that performance last week, just talk about that a
little bit, Chris, I.
Speaker 1 (20:51):
Mean, have you ever seen anything like that?
Speaker 3 (20:53):
I mean, I know you're getting a pretty accustomed to
terrific performances from an MVP candidate like him, but to
throw for that many yards and three touchdowns and then
rush for three touchdowns and unfortunately you lose the game.
But just how good is he playing right now?
Speaker 5 (21:07):
Yeah? I mean all the talk all season long has
been how he has played more within the structure of
the offense, which has been a more balanced attack this
year with the exploits of James Cook, which go largely
unnoticed because Josh is such a huge figure in the
league that he kind of blocks out the sun with
everything else that goes on here in Buffalo, and James
(21:29):
Cook very quietly had almost sixteen hundred all purpose yards
last year and nobody knew about it because of what
Josh does every week. And this year he's almost as productive.
I mean, he's got eleven rushing touchdowns. I think he's
got thirteen total on the season, and you don't hear
anything about it because of what Josh does, especially last week,
which I think only Otto Graham did in a nineteen
(21:51):
fifty four championship game, going for a hat trick with
rushing touchdowns and passing touchdowns in the same game.
Speaker 4 (21:57):
The biggest shame of.
Speaker 5 (21:58):
It is they lost the dang game. But Josh for
the most part is not putting the cape on as
much as he has in previous years, and I think
it's because Joe Brady, the offensive coordinator, has done an
excellent job of convincing him that all he needs to
be is a point guard and a facilitator. And if
(22:18):
there are three or four plays where you have to
do something amazing in a game, great. In previous years
it was more like ten or twelve. And I think
they they like the fact that he's asked to do
less in this year's version of the offense because it's
less wear and tear on him.
Speaker 3 (22:35):
Yeah, and it's less turnovers too, And that's something that
Dan Campbell talked about this week. He talked about, you know,
when asked about Alan is how patient he is and
noticing that. I mean, you look at the past four
years double digit interceptions. I think he's only got five,
correct me if I'm wrong, you know, this season. But
that's something that that you know, people outside of Buffalo
(22:56):
have taken notice too.
Speaker 1 (22:58):
And when you can play that well and.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
Limit those turnovers, that's been huge for this football team,
hasn't it.
Speaker 4 (23:04):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (23:04):
And once again it comes back to playing within the
structure of the offense, which Bradish should get credit for.
He's probably the first coordinator that's convinced Josh to do
more of that. I think there's also been a concerted
effort on Josh's part, you know, going into the offseason
and coming into this season, was to reduce the turnovers.
I think just in reviewing all the film from last year,
he realized how costly those were. But I think one
(23:26):
of his biggest sticking points in his development has been
leaving the pocket too early when in many cases it
wasn't necessary. And I think he's done.
Speaker 4 (23:36):
A better job of that too.
Speaker 5 (23:37):
More patients in the pocket to Dan Campbell's point, and yes,
he will still make plays off script, but not nearly
as much as he has in the past because I
think he's hanging in there that extra half second and
letting the progressions of the play unfold to give him
options to throw the football.
Speaker 3 (23:55):
And now he's got two more options. As we talked
about earlier. That'll be important this week. How were was
the forty two points and you still lose a football game?
Look that happens their third loss. But is there any
lingering worry about the defense, especially heading indoors on a
fast track this week against the Detroit Lions team that's
number one in the NFL in scoring.
Speaker 5 (24:16):
Yeah, I think they're going to chalk it up to
bad day at the office. I think Sean McDermott was
pretty honest in his assessment, basically saying they didn't come
with the sense of urgency that you needed to against
a team that's quite literally fighting for their playoff lives
in the RAMS. They didn't match that intensity. They didn't
match that urgency. And this league is too close, even
from the best team to the worst team in the
(24:38):
league to play like that and expect to win a
football game. So that's on them, and they don't make
any bones about it. They know they just flat out
we're not good enough. I think they have to do
a better job of getting back on task in marrying
the rush with their coverage because it was a complete
disconnect last week and a lot of the guys on
(24:59):
the back end got hung up out to dry. Now,
all that being said, Nikua and Cup in that game,
between the two of them made six unbelievable plays in
tight coverage, and that's where you just kind of tip
your hat and be like, you know, that's good on
good and you were better on that play. And those
two guys did that a half dozen times in that game,
(25:19):
But there were also instances where you had guys running
wide open making plays and you don't usually see that
from a Bill's defense. So I think they're going to
make their necessary corrections. And I think because they were
a little embarrassed last week giving up the most points
they have, I think in a couple of seasons that
they're going to be out to reestablish pride in themselves
(25:42):
because they got embarrassed last week, and I think they
want to prove that's not.
Speaker 3 (25:45):
Us, all right, Who's one player Detroit Lions fans might
not know?
Speaker 1 (25:49):
Obviously?
Speaker 3 (25:50):
Interconference matchup here two teams that aren't familiar, even though
pretty close play in the preseason. But who's maybe somebody
that that Lions fans don't know who could make an
impact in that game?
Speaker 5 (26:01):
Yeah, I mean, I would say on the offensive side
of the ball, Coleman coming back to the lineup is intriguing.
Not a lot has been said about him because, like
I said, he's missed the last month of the season.
He was just starting to take control of football games
in his last two games on the field and then
it's a shame like his progress got completely interrupted by
(26:21):
the injury. What does he look like his first game back,
it's gonna be a good question. I think he's gonna
have to really knock some rust off, maybe through the
first couple of quarters. But that kid's an unbelievable physical talent.
He's an above the rim player. He's got a thirty
eight inch vertical and he's six y three. I mean,
the guy was mister basketball in the state of Louisiana
in high school and played college hoops at Michigan State,
(26:43):
which you guys probably remember before he transferred to Florida
State playing for Tom Izzo. That's not nothing. He plays
like a basketball player. He is an athletic body type
like a basketball player should be. And so you know,
I think he can out leave just about any corner
out there in the league, and he's open when he's
not open. So I'm very curious to see how they
(27:05):
incorporate him back into the offense. That would be probably
the first guy I would pick on the offensive side
of the ball defensive side of the ball. It's Christian Benford,
sixth round draft choice out of Villanova. He's in his
third season and he is their number one lockdown corner
and I think opponent passer rating against him is something ridiculous.
Speaker 4 (27:25):
It's like under fifty.
Speaker 5 (27:27):
He just really Quarterbacks don't even throw his way anymore
because guys are rarely open. Last week there were a
couple of plays made against him in zone coverage, but
he is phenomenal whether it's man or zone. And I
think he's still a guy that is not on a
lot of people's radar in this league. But he has
been top ten corner worthy this season.
Speaker 3 (27:50):
All right, Chris, And in your opinion, how does Buffalo
go on the road against a good team and come
away with a victory at forfield? What's the biggest key
in your opinion.
Speaker 5 (28:00):
Well, I don't think you have a chance against Detroit
unless you match their physicality at the line of scrimmage.
So that's job one on both sides of the ball.
And then I think the second part is gonna have
to be time of possession. I think they have to
be better than the Lions in that area because if
you give the Lions time with the ball, that's a problem.
They'll just wear you down. So I think getting off
(28:23):
the field quick on defense and long sustained drives on
offense could be a good recipe to try to pull
off an upset in Detroit.
Speaker 3 (28:33):
It should be a really fun game, Chris. I mean,
two of the best in their conference. I think it's
the game of the week nationally televised. It's crunch time
right the last month of the season, of the regular season,
and everybody's jockeying for that playoff position.
Speaker 1 (28:48):
It's gonna be a.
Speaker 3 (28:48):
Crazy atmosphere there and a really good matchup against two
really good teams. Chris Brown, the play by play man
for the Buffalo Bill. Thank you for joining me so much.
Appreciate it. Safe travels over here, and I'll make sure
I stop buying Salo.
Speaker 4 (29:01):
Yeah. Good to be with you.
Speaker 5 (29:02):
Thanks Jimm
Jake bateson to try to win this game. There it
is Fox, the whole chick away, it is up.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Then it is good.
Speaker 3 (00:11):
Welcome to the twenty in the Huddle podcast presented by Microsoft.
It is Week fifteen in the NFL season, and I
have a very special guest for you guys this week.
Matt Ryan, former League MVP, current analysts for CBS Sports. Matt,
thanks for joining me. I appreciate you taking the time.
Speaker 4 (00:28):
Of course, happy to be on with you.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
So week fifteen, monster matchup between Detroit and Buffalo. Just
how much are you looking forward to, just as a
football fan of this matchup Sunday between two MVP you
know candidates and Jared Goff and Josh Allen.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
How much you looking forward to that matchup?
Speaker 4 (00:46):
Now? I'm fired up.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
I mean, there's nothing better than when you see teams
this time of the year that are playing really good
football go head ahead.
Speaker 4 (00:54):
And you know, quite.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Honestly, we've got a chance to see this as a
preview of what could happen in February, and so I'm looking.
Speaker 4 (01:02):
Forward to it. The energy of the Lions fan base.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
You know, I've only been to a game as a player, right,
and so you know, maybe it wasn't the same the
same Lions football team that we're seeing now, but the
energy from the fans has always been unbelievable. Great fan
base and looking forward to to kind of feeling that energy.
But then watching this game, I think you're talking about
two teams that are explosive on the offensive side of
(01:27):
the ball, opportunistic on the defensive side of the ball.
Speaker 4 (01:31):
I'm looking forward to watching it. It's gonna be a lot
of fun.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Your your crew will be in Detroit in the pregame
show for this matchup.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
You get to see it in person.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
Matt, how much would you have loved to play for
Ben Johnson and this offense with with all the weapons
that that Jared has at his disposal.
Speaker 4 (01:46):
Yeah, yeah, I would have. I would have loved it.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Right, You've got you've got pieces, you know on the outside,
you know, explosive pieces, and they've got multiple different guys, right,
And I think that's always you know, you're r you know,
your best situation as a quarterback when you have you know,
three or four different targets that you trust that all
kind of have different skill sets.
Speaker 4 (02:09):
But then you you know, you talk.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
About the running back combination uh and and sonic and
knuckles and what they can do and their ability to
be explosive not only in the run game, but checking
the football down or screening it to him, which they
do an.
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Excellent job of.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Oh yeah, and by the way, we might have the
best offensive line in football. And on top of that,
you've got a creative, you know, play caller that is
not scared to take shots, it's not scared to call gadgets.
Speaker 4 (02:35):
But at their core, they're a run the football.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
Play action team and for me as a quarterback, that
was that was kind of my strength, right was was
in that play action pass game. And I love what
they're doing with Jarrett. I think he's done an excellent job.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
When you watch Jared, what impresses you the most about
just the way he's played and the consistency that he
has shown really all year long.
Speaker 4 (02:57):
Well, I think that's just it. I think it's the consistency. Right.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
You have that one outlier game where they turn the
foot where he turned the football over five times, but
you know, other than that, he's taking great care of
the football while being aggressive and being explosive in the
past game, and really, you know that's that's like the
Shangri law of playing quarterback, right. You don't want to
turn the football over, but you want to create these
(03:21):
explosive plays and take advantage of opportunities down the field.
And I think he's done a great job with it.
But to me, it comes down to decision making, right, Like,
if you're going to balance those two right of not
turning the football over and still creating these chunk plays,
you have to be an excellent decision maker, and I
(03:42):
think he has been that. I think he's talked about
it too, right of in the last two years, not
feeling like he has to do too much right, just
letting the game come to him and making the plays
when they're there. And I think he's done that about
as well as anybody in the league this year.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
And you see Josh Allen that that's kind of been
the mo o with him this year too. You look
at the interceptions last I think it was eighteen. He's
had double digit interceptions in each of the last four years,
but only five is it kind of the same thing
when you watch them too.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
He's playing within the offense.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
He knows he's got weapons around him, and he's kind
of letting the game come to him more than he
has in years pass Is that why we're talking about
him as an MVP candidate as well?
Speaker 4 (04:20):
Yeah, I think so.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
You know, I think, you know, good quarterback play starts
with that, right, It's making good decisions, you know. I think, Josh,
they're a little bit different, at least from my perspective,
offensively with what they do right, and it's not there's
a little bit of play action in there, but it's
not like predict Their passing game is not predicated on
(04:42):
kind of hard Selle play action like the Lions is.
Speaker 4 (04:46):
But I agree with you. I think he's making great decisions.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
He probably runs with the football more than j I mean,
he definitely runs with the football more than Jared does,
and I think that's a big part of what he
brings to the offense as well. I think they're passing numbers,
you know, the yardage and those kind of things doesn't
jump off the charts, but it's the efficiency with which
you're playing and then his ability to extend plays and
(05:09):
use his legs that I think has him right, you know,
at the top of the MVP you know discussion.
Speaker 3 (05:15):
Look, you played with some good offensive lines, especially when
you made that run in sixteen to the Super Bowl.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
But you mentioned a little bit earlier.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
But when you have an offensive line that's as versatile
as Detroits, that's as talented. I mean we're talking about
the best tackle, the best center, one of the best guards,
I mean across the board, they're really good. What does
that allow Ben Jared this offense to do when you've
got an offensive line that's not.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
Only really skilled, but also versatile.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Matt, Yeah, I think I think the versatility is probably
in the athleticism of their offensive line is probably the
thing that you know jumps off the tape when you
watch them, and I think it allows Ben to be
multiple in how they attack you, right, whether it's the
screen game. You know, there's some unbelievable clips of Penne
Suill getting out in front right twenty five yards down
(06:00):
the field, you know, picking off dbs, and the athleticism
to be able to do that in space allows them.
I think they're a very good screen team. In the
run game, they're multiple, right, Like, so they're really good
in the zone scheme, they're good with the pinning polls,
they're good in the gap scheme, and I think it
allows you know Ben to kind of take a look
(06:22):
at his call sheet and feel comfortable calling anything.
Speaker 4 (06:26):
Right.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
It's not like, man, this is all we can do.
We're gonna have to feature this, We're gonna have to
find different ways to do it.
Speaker 4 (06:32):
You know, I think he's.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Comfortable whether it's pulling those guys up front, whether it's
getting into the zone schemes and allowing them to run
and capture. He does an excellent job of keeping things
multiple and really not allowing a defense to feel like
they're dialed into what you're doing. And ultimately, I think
that's his greatest strength.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
You know, quarterbacks love those kind of security blanket players, right,
that really reliable slot receiver, that that tight end that
can make plays over the middle. Just when you have
a slot receiver like i'mon Ross Saint Brown and you
have a tight end like Sam Laporta.
Speaker 1 (07:08):
Just how much comfort does that give a quarterback?
Speaker 3 (07:10):
That look, when things break down or when you need
a big play on third down, that that that that
middle of the field, those guys always find a way
to get open and make a play. Just what kind
of a security blanket is that for a quarterback?
Speaker 5 (07:22):
Well?
Speaker 2 (07:22):
I think it's huge. You know, particularly in the areas
that you mentioned third down and the red area. To me,
you know, that's where matchups become probably the most important,
right is it's one on one, whether it's in zone
coverage in a space trying to beat that one on
one defender, or it's in man and man coverage. And
(07:43):
I think both those guys like you mentioned are are
kind of nightmare matchup their matchup nightmares for for defenders
because you know, typically you nickel corner or or your
backers or your safeties are are your worst guys in coverage, right,
your corners are going to be your best. And then
as you work your way inside or deep kind of
(08:04):
in the secondary, you know, the ability to cover in
small space and in one on ones just it's just
not as good, right. And so I've always felt like,
you know, third down in red zone was the area
where if you had a great slot and you had
a tight end that could play. I was lucky I
played with Tony Gonzalez. I played with guys like Harry
(08:26):
Douglas and mohammedsanuw who were really good slot you know,
slot wide receivers they ate in those kind of situations, right,
They their production came from those kinds of situations, and
I think that's huge as a quarterback to be able
to have that and then also to have guys on
the outside too. It's one thing that if you got
these guys on the inside and they account for it,
but if you get one on ones on the outside too.
(08:48):
You talk about Jamison going over the top or some
of the stop routes and stuff he can do on
on the outside, it makes it really difficult and it
frees you up as a quarterback.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
When do you look at this matchup?
Speaker 3 (08:58):
What do you what do you think is the key
for both sides on Sunday to come away with a win?
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Well, you know, I think it's boring, but it's about
winning up front, you know, And and as much as
the league has changed, that part of it really hasn't right.
And and I look at both of these teams as
as kind of having that down right of understanding that
this game is going to be won and loss, you know,
(09:24):
in the trenches. And so I think both of them,
you know, do a really good job. But if if
you're looking at it from Detroit's standpoint, which I know
all the fans here are, I really think it comes
down to the defensive side of the ball, and it's
it's been hard, right, It's been tough sledding on that
side of the ball with injuries the entire year, right,
And and you know, everybody has this next man up mentality,
(09:45):
and nobody has done it better than Detroit.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
But it becomes difficult. It really does.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
When when you keep having injuries and you keep going
deeper and deeper into the roster, it becomes difficult.
Speaker 4 (09:56):
And I'm looking for them, I think, you.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
Know, if Detroit is going to be successful, I really
feel like defense has to step up. I expect the
offense to play well, right, They're going to steal some
of the stuff that La did well last week against
the Bills and go use it in their own way
and be aggressive. But I think the defense, if I'm
looking at it, you know, I'm looking at those guys
having to step up, and I think Aaron Glenn, I mean,
(10:19):
I can't say enough about the job that he's done
on the defensive side of the ball given all of
the issues that they've had, the injuries that they've had,
you know, the ability to turn it on every week
and keep them in ball games has been awesome.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
Yeah, And to your point, Levi own, Zerique, Josh Pascal,
DJ Reader. They hope they get all those guys back
this week, so that'll be huge against Josh Allen, trying
to keep him in the pocket win that battle up front.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
Like you talked about, Look, you've played in Detroit before.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
You mentioned as a player looking forward to to to
seeing it as a fan as an analyst, when you
watch Detroit, when you've watched some of their home games,
has that environment, has that atmosphere, has that noise shown
through the screen? And how much are you looking forward
to getting into that building?
Speaker 4 (11:02):
Matt.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
It's really become one of the toughest places to play
in this league because of what these fans have become,
because of what this team has become, and they've just
been dying for it for so long, and and they're
showing out and showing up and they're loud, and how
much are you looking forward to just the environment And
have you noticed it on TV?
Speaker 2 (11:22):
I mean it jumps off the screen. There's there's no
doubt about it. Right when you're watching games and you
see the passion and the energy and the just the
noise right coming from the stands, you feel that as
a fan watching it on TV, and it's it's awesome,
you know. I think for the city of Detroit, for
the fan base there, you guys have incredibly loyal fans, guys,
(11:44):
you know.
Speaker 4 (11:45):
And men and women that have.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Have been loyal to this organization for a long time
and are starving, you know, starving for some of what
they're seeing right now. And I think they're enjoying that
and they should, you know, because it's one of the
best football teams in the NFL right now. I think,
you know, talent why there as good as anybody. I
think they're as well coached a football team as there
is in the league. And you mentioned it right that
(12:07):
the fans are doing their part too right making it
This is really difficult, and it's always been a tough place.
I mean, honestly, you know, we played there a lot,
and it's always been a tough place to come play.
But you know, I feel like it's it's gone to
another level. And the noise inside that that dome is
is pretty impressive.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
So I'm looking forward to seeing it.
Speaker 3 (12:28):
How much would you have loved to play for Dan Campbell?
Just some of some of the aggressiveness you see the
interaction between him and Jared deciding to go forward on
fourth down.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
There.
Speaker 3 (12:36):
Jared talks about it all the time, just his love
for playing with him. Look, you had some terrific coaches
in your career too, some some some great guys. But
how much would you have loved to play for Dan Campbell?
Speaker 2 (12:49):
I think anybody would love to and I certainly would.
You know, his aggressive mindset, right, his trust and his players.
I think as a player, that's the thing that that
jumps out to me, right, the belief that he has
in his guys, the love that he has for him,
but also you know, the ability to hold him to
account right is so important too, and I think he
(13:11):
navigates that entire space really really well. And oddly enough,
I believe this is true Dan was. I played against
Dan in my first game in the NFL. He was
a tight end with the Lions. So my first game
was against the Lions back in two thousand and eight,
and so pretty cool to come full circle see him
doing his thing as a guy that I played against.
Speaker 3 (13:34):
All Right, last one for you, Matt. You obviously know
what it takes to get to a super Bowl. You've
been there, You've played in one. Does this Detroit Lions
team in your opinion just watching them all ye long,
did did they have the pieces to make a run
and be playing in that final game?
Speaker 4 (13:49):
I absolutely believe they do. You know, I look around.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
I think Jarrett and his experience prior to coming to Detroit,
right and having done that and knowing what it takes
right and being comfortable in those type of games is huge.
And then I think their run last year, right and
the disappointment, you know, I think that that is huge.
Speaker 4 (14:12):
In my case.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
You know, we went to the NFC Championship game in
twenty twelve and lost, right disappointing, much like much like
Detroit last year. It was against San Francisco, and I
know the hunger and the fire that that builds, and
remember having teammates that were both on those twenty twelve
teams and then the team that we were on in sixteen,
(14:34):
remembering those type of experiences.
Speaker 4 (14:36):
So I think, you.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Know, given the way the roster's built, given their experience
running you know, deep into the playoffs last year, I
absolutely believe this team's prime to.
Speaker 4 (14:45):
Make a run.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
Well, it's Week fifteen. The best matchup in the NFL
will be in Detroit Buffalo Bills versus Detroit Lions.
Speaker 1 (14:51):
Matt Ryan will be there.
Speaker 3 (14:53):
Him and his crew will be breaking it all down
in Detroit on CBS beforehand, and he gets to enjoy
one as a fan in ford Field.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
It'd be a good one.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
Matt, thanks so much for joining you joining me. I
appreciate you taking the time you got it.
Speaker 2 (15:04):
Can't wait to get there on Sunday, Welcome back to
the Twin.
Speaker 3 (15:10):
In the Huddle podcasts and on this show. I always
like to feature guys who maybe don't get a ton
of the spot, but especially like I've had Jack Fox on,
I've had Khalil Dorsey on before.
Speaker 1 (15:20):
Some of these guys that make such.
Speaker 3 (15:22):
An impact on teams, And how much do you love
this place, this atmosphere, this head coach that puts such
a value in what all you guys do on teams?
Speaker 6 (15:32):
You know, I love it. I mean it's like there's
certain teams that take special teams for granted, and then
there's this team that doesn't take anything for granted. It's
like any play that you put on there, you don't
want to put on bad film.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
How we play?
Speaker 6 (15:45):
You know, how versatile people are in terms of like
switching around in the different positions and special teams and
then on defense and everything like that. It's it's just
amazing how.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
Much tougher is that.
Speaker 3 (15:56):
But I'm glad you mentioned the defense because you've played
a critical role there too, but always being ready and
having that kind of double duty mindset because you're one
snap away from being the start quarter on this team too.
But then you've got all this responsibility and special teams.
How much is on your plate week do week? How
much are you pulling defensive beatings to special teams to
all this kind of stuff?
Speaker 1 (16:16):
And you do you love that?
Speaker 3 (16:17):
Do you relish?
Speaker 4 (16:18):
Yeah?
Speaker 6 (16:18):
Yeah, no, I love it. I love the pressure. It
makes me who I am today. I was at a
point where, you know, there was no pressure put on me.
Now it's like, you know, all the all the pressures
put on you. But realistically, it's like, I just got
to do what I'm what I'm told, what I'm supposed
to do. It's a lot of film study, a lot
of film studies, special teams, defense, everything, but I make
(16:42):
it manageable.
Speaker 3 (16:43):
One thing you're doing at an extremely high level, and
Dance talked about this. You are one of the best
gunners in the league.
Speaker 4 (16:49):
I appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
I mean, you are how much do you love playing
with Jack and how much does Jack make you a
better gunner?
Speaker 6 (16:58):
I love playing with Jack. Gives me plenty of time,
you know, to get down the field with his hangtime
and then their their operation time.
Speaker 1 (17:06):
So I mean, I don't know, I love it.
Speaker 6 (17:09):
I was like, if I were to go somewhere else,
I would want him to be exactly like him. Versatile
in terms of you know, he can kick it left,
kick it right, kick it down the middle. He can
boom it. You know, we seen him boom boom it
multiple times. And yeah, no, he makes it. He makes
my job a lot easier.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
Also, kicker turn had a big one earlier the year.
How much did you want that one?
Speaker 4 (17:28):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (17:28):
My god, you won the last guy?
Speaker 4 (17:31):
You know, it's crazy. It's crazy is that I was
talking to.
Speaker 6 (17:36):
I think it was Jamier after because I think that
week he went like twenty one, I want to say,
or he was like high up in the twenties.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
It's like slow. So what was that time for you?
Speaker 6 (17:47):
I think it was like a twenty twenty point something.
Speaker 3 (17:49):
Okay, Jamo was twenty point four I think last week.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
So last week.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
Yeah, okay, so what is the forty time for you?
Speaker 6 (17:58):
For me, I mean I only had a hand time.
Speaker 4 (17:59):
It was for three one.
Speaker 3 (18:00):
But who's the fastest guy, Like if it was Jamo you, Yeah,
like it would be there, top three fastest on the
team because we will have to throw leaf in there too.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
Oh yeah, so it's it's it's.
Speaker 4 (18:15):
All four of us.
Speaker 6 (18:16):
Four are definitely I think all go crazy.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
I think La had a few kickoff returns last week.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
I look at Buffalo, they're in the top half of
the league in terms of allowing guys to turn. When
you see an opponent like that, how excited are you
that might you might get some opportunity.
Speaker 6 (18:29):
Yeah, yeah, I'm definitely excited. The scheme that's going in
and everything. Uh you know, got a little something for him.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
So yeah, okay, you heard it here.
Speaker 3 (18:38):
First, just the opponent, the magnitude of the game, national broadcast,
two of the best teams in their respective conferences. Just
how much are you guys looking forward to this game,
this matchup against this team at your place.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
In that kind of environment.
Speaker 6 (18:53):
We're definitely looking forward to it any any competition. I mean,
they were saying the same thing about Green Bay last week,
and you know, we're just excited for the next team,
So I mean, we're not focused on anything after. We're
focused on this week right now.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
So yeah, it's the right mindset to have go get
twelve in a row. One of the best gunners, one
of the best return man, one of the best special
teamers in the league.
Speaker 1 (19:14):
Collie Doors The appreciate you, hig you.
Speaker 3 (19:20):
Welcome back to the twenty in the Huddle podcast, and
I am very happy welcome. And Chris Brown, the play
by play man for the Buffalo Bills. Nobody knows Buffalo
football better than Chris. Chris, thanks for taking the time.
I appreciate it.
Speaker 4 (19:30):
Sure good to be with you.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
All right.
Speaker 3 (19:32):
I usually start this way with all my guests from
from opposing cities. Here is injury wise, It's looked like
Detroit is going to get you know, a bunch of
guys back this week. They've been kind of decimated by injury.
Speaker 1 (19:44):
Over the last couple of weeks.
Speaker 3 (19:45):
How is Buffalo now midweek handle handling the injury situation?
What's it looking like for Sunday on their front?
Speaker 5 (19:53):
Looking better on the offensive side of the ball right
now because guys that they've missed for the last month.
Dalton can Get and Keon Coleman are both practicing fully again. Finally,
they've missed those two players. The last time those two
guys played was in Week eight at Seattle, so it's
been a minute and Coleman had his best game as
(20:14):
a pro. He had one hundred and twenty five yards
and a touchdown and was making yards after the catch.
He's one of the league leaders in that area as
a matter of fact, and then all of a sudden
he's got a wrist injury and he's gone for four games.
Kincaid suffered a knee injury the next week, and we
haven't seen Hyde nor hair of him either. So getting
those two guys back in the offensive lineup will be great,
(20:35):
especially considering they scored forty two points without those two
last week.
Speaker 3 (20:41):
Yeah, just what Josh Allen needs is more weapons. Right
after that performance last week, just talk about that a
little bit, Chris, I.
Speaker 1 (20:51):
Mean, have you ever seen anything like that?
Speaker 3 (20:53):
I mean, I know you're getting a pretty accustomed to
terrific performances from an MVP candidate like him, but to
throw for that many yards and three touchdowns and then
rush for three touchdowns and unfortunately you lose the game.
But just how good is he playing right now?
Speaker 5 (21:07):
Yeah? I mean all the talk all season long has
been how he has played more within the structure of
the offense, which has been a more balanced attack this
year with the exploits of James Cook, which go largely
unnoticed because Josh is such a huge figure in the
league that he kind of blocks out the sun with
everything else that goes on here in Buffalo, and James
(21:29):
Cook very quietly had almost sixteen hundred all purpose yards
last year and nobody knew about it because of what
Josh does every week. And this year he's almost as productive.
I mean, he's got eleven rushing touchdowns. I think he's
got thirteen total on the season, and you don't hear
anything about it because of what Josh does, especially last week,
which I think only Otto Graham did in a nineteen
(21:51):
fifty four championship game, going for a hat trick with
rushing touchdowns and passing touchdowns in the same game.
Speaker 4 (21:57):
The biggest shame of.
Speaker 5 (21:58):
It is they lost the dang game. But Josh for
the most part is not putting the cape on as
much as he has in previous years, and I think
it's because Joe Brady, the offensive coordinator, has done an
excellent job of convincing him that all he needs to
be is a point guard and a facilitator. And if
(22:18):
there are three or four plays where you have to
do something amazing in a game, great. In previous years
it was more like ten or twelve. And I think
they they like the fact that he's asked to do
less in this year's version of the offense because it's
less wear and tear on him.
Speaker 3 (22:35):
Yeah, and it's less turnovers too, And that's something that
Dan Campbell talked about this week. He talked about, you know,
when asked about Alan is how patient he is and
noticing that. I mean, you look at the past four
years double digit interceptions. I think he's only got five,
correct me if I'm wrong, you know, this season. But
that's something that that you know, people outside of Buffalo
(22:56):
have taken notice too.
Speaker 1 (22:58):
And when you can play that well and.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
Limit those turnovers, that's been huge for this football team,
hasn't it.
Speaker 4 (23:04):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (23:04):
And once again it comes back to playing within the
structure of the offense, which Bradish should get credit for.
He's probably the first coordinator that's convinced Josh to do
more of that. I think there's also been a concerted
effort on Josh's part, you know, going into the offseason
and coming into this season, was to reduce the turnovers.
I think just in reviewing all the film from last year,
he realized how costly those were. But I think one
(23:26):
of his biggest sticking points in his development has been
leaving the pocket too early when in many cases it
wasn't necessary. And I think he's done.
Speaker 4 (23:36):
A better job of that too.
Speaker 5 (23:37):
More patients in the pocket to Dan Campbell's point, and yes,
he will still make plays off script, but not nearly
as much as he has in the past because I
think he's hanging in there that extra half second and
letting the progressions of the play unfold to give him
options to throw the football.
Speaker 3 (23:55):
And now he's got two more options. As we talked
about earlier. That'll be important this week. How were was
the forty two points and you still lose a football game?
Look that happens their third loss. But is there any
lingering worry about the defense, especially heading indoors on a
fast track this week against the Detroit Lions team that's
number one in the NFL in scoring.
Speaker 5 (24:16):
Yeah, I think they're going to chalk it up to
bad day at the office. I think Sean McDermott was
pretty honest in his assessment, basically saying they didn't come
with the sense of urgency that you needed to against
a team that's quite literally fighting for their playoff lives
in the RAMS. They didn't match that intensity. They didn't
match that urgency. And this league is too close, even
from the best team to the worst team in the
(24:38):
league to play like that and expect to win a
football game. So that's on them, and they don't make
any bones about it. They know they just flat out
we're not good enough. I think they have to do
a better job of getting back on task in marrying
the rush with their coverage because it was a complete
disconnect last week and a lot of the guys on
(24:59):
the back end got hung up out to dry. Now,
all that being said, Nikua and Cup in that game,
between the two of them made six unbelievable plays in
tight coverage, and that's where you just kind of tip
your hat and be like, you know, that's good on
good and you were better on that play. And those
two guys did that a half dozen times in that game,
(25:19):
But there were also instances where you had guys running
wide open making plays and you don't usually see that
from a Bill's defense. So I think they're going to
make their necessary corrections. And I think because they were
a little embarrassed last week giving up the most points
they have, I think in a couple of seasons that
they're going to be out to reestablish pride in themselves
(25:42):
because they got embarrassed last week, and I think they
want to prove that's not.
Speaker 3 (25:45):
Us, all right, Who's one player Detroit Lions fans might
not know?
Speaker 1 (25:49):
Obviously?
Speaker 3 (25:50):
Interconference matchup here two teams that aren't familiar, even though
pretty close play in the preseason. But who's maybe somebody
that that Lions fans don't know who could make an
impact in that game?
Speaker 5 (26:01):
Yeah, I mean, I would say on the offensive side
of the ball, Coleman coming back to the lineup is intriguing.
Not a lot has been said about him because, like
I said, he's missed the last month of the season.
He was just starting to take control of football games
in his last two games on the field and then
it's a shame like his progress got completely interrupted by
(26:21):
the injury. What does he look like his first game back,
it's gonna be a good question. I think he's gonna
have to really knock some rust off, maybe through the
first couple of quarters. But that kid's an unbelievable physical talent.
He's an above the rim player. He's got a thirty
eight inch vertical and he's six y three. I mean,
the guy was mister basketball in the state of Louisiana
in high school and played college hoops at Michigan State,
(26:43):
which you guys probably remember before he transferred to Florida
State playing for Tom Izzo. That's not nothing. He plays
like a basketball player. He is an athletic body type
like a basketball player should be. And so you know,
I think he can out leave just about any corner
out there in the league, and he's open when he's
not open. So I'm very curious to see how they
(27:05):
incorporate him back into the offense. That would be probably
the first guy I would pick on the offensive side
of the ball defensive side of the ball. It's Christian Benford,
sixth round draft choice out of Villanova. He's in his
third season and he is their number one lockdown corner
and I think opponent passer rating against him is something ridiculous.
Speaker 4 (27:25):
It's like under fifty.
Speaker 5 (27:27):
He just really Quarterbacks don't even throw his way anymore
because guys are rarely open. Last week there were a
couple of plays made against him in zone coverage, but
he is phenomenal whether it's man or zone. And I
think he's still a guy that is not on a
lot of people's radar in this league. But he has
been top ten corner worthy this season.
Speaker 3 (27:50):
All right, Chris, And in your opinion, how does Buffalo
go on the road against a good team and come
away with a victory at forfield? What's the biggest key
in your opinion.
Speaker 5 (28:00):
Well, I don't think you have a chance against Detroit
unless you match their physicality at the line of scrimmage.
So that's job one on both sides of the ball.
And then I think the second part is gonna have
to be time of possession. I think they have to
be better than the Lions in that area because if
you give the Lions time with the ball, that's a problem.
They'll just wear you down. So I think getting off
(28:23):
the field quick on defense and long sustained drives on
offense could be a good recipe to try to pull
off an upset in Detroit.
Speaker 3 (28:33):
It should be a really fun game, Chris. I mean,
two of the best in their conference. I think it's
the game of the week nationally televised. It's crunch time
right the last month of the season, of the regular season,
and everybody's jockeying for that playoff position.
Speaker 1 (28:48):
It's gonna be a.
Speaker 3 (28:48):
Crazy atmosphere there and a really good matchup against two
really good teams. Chris Brown, the play by play man
for the Buffalo Bill. Thank you for joining me so much.
Appreciate it. Safe travels over here, and I'll make sure
I stop buying Salo.
Speaker 4 (29:01):
Yeah. Good to be with you.
Speaker 5 (29:02):
Thanks Jimm
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