December 28, 2024 • 45 mins
For the first time this season, the Buffalo Bills faced off against the division rival New England Patriots.
Buffalo started off sluggish, seemingly unable to capitalize on any opportunities, but adjustments were made and the Bills took over control of this one.
Ryan Wolfe is joined this week by TTP's unpaid intern Chris Downey, with John Cimino on assignment.
Listen in!
Buffalo started off sluggish, seemingly unable to capitalize on any opportunities, but adjustments were made and the Bills took over control of this one.
Ryan Wolfe is joined this week by TTP's unpaid intern Chris Downey, with John Cimino on assignment.
Listen in!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Gearnetwork dot com.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
The following is a presentation of the Gear Radio Network.
Speaker 3 (00:10):
I believe it's a big challenge for our building to
keep things in perspective and to if we're going to
get addicted to anything, let's get addicted to the process.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
And with that we welcome you to Trust. The podcast
powered by Better Live Than Dead in the Gear Radio
Network this year is episode one sixty seven one six
seven Doug tadding John Simino, that's Chris Downie, that's the
Holy Jackwagon the Unpaid Internet'm Brian Wilk joined by Chris
Downian dot cooss with John Somino on assignment after Chris
(00:43):
a very happy engagement over the holiday season. Congratulations to
John and his future. I believe bo is, is that
the right ward you're supposed to use? I'm not I'm
not sure. Congratulations either way, John, awesome news.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Congrats John.
Speaker 4 (00:58):
Yeah, way to bury the lead not telling us, or
at least not telling the Trust the podcast chat finding
out on Facebook like everybody else. But you know what,
you know, beggars can't be choosers around here these days.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
It's pretty funny.
Speaker 4 (01:11):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
And I've not told John this, so John, this is
the first time you're hearing this. My wife said to me,
did you see John got engaged? Mind you? I deleted
Facebook off my phone shortly.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
After the the.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Reelection of Donald Trump because well, we've talked about where
I grew up, and a lot of people that I
grew up with are just uh, well, holy holy cow. Anyways,
so I'm not on there. I don't check Facebook very often.
I post the podcast, I share it to my page,
I get off. I don't even have the app on
my phone. I just go on the web, the web
version of it. Not that it makes me better than anybody,
(01:45):
but that's just what I do. So Aubrey says to me,
did you see John got engaged? My first reaction was
John Who? Because like JC, I've not known that to
be something he was looking to do again. You I've
got a few friends who have been through a marriages
that have have dissolved, and they usually say to me,
I'm happy where I'm at. I'm not gonna do it again.
(02:06):
I might find somebody, which John has, and I'm very
happy for me. He's in a very good spot. So
I was kind of taking it back, and then she
said John John Somino, and I gall so Yeah, John,
you're a real You're a real pal for for barrying
that lead, brother. But congratulations again from all of us,
(02:27):
from all of us here at the Gear Radio Network.
But you can before we get started here, it's the
Buffalo Bills versus New England Patriots. You can hear us
on Better Lived than ned dot com, Gear Network dot com,
and reever else you listen to your podcast, make sure
to hit the subscribe button as well to stay up
to date. In the latest podcast, Chris, what a game
(02:49):
it was on Sunday, Man, it was frustrating. I know
you and I were going back and forth and the
trust the text message, uh group chat it was it was.
It was so frustrating. But Buffalo does clamp down. They
complete the comeback defeat the New England Patriots twenty four
to twenty one twenty four points scored, ends their streak
of thirty plus points scored, which tied an NFL record
(03:10):
at eight straight games. And Chris, you know you've been
here long enough. We like to make jokes, so the
funny joke here. Buffalo failed to score thirty points in
a game for the first time since Monday, October fourteenth. Meanwhile,
the fifteen and one. Kansas City teams have not scored
thirty points in a game all season. As we'd like
to say here on Trust the podcast, it do be
(03:30):
like that.
Speaker 4 (03:31):
Sometimes, it do be like that, Ryan, And you know what,
that's just the way the cookie crumbles. You know, last
time Bills didn't score thirty, they still won and they
beat the Jets on Monday Night football. So I mean, wins, wins, win.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
And you know, the last time we did a Jets podcast,
I'm pretty sure John also wasn't here. Maybe he's just
avoiding us to not want to talk about the Jets.
I know he's busy.
Speaker 4 (03:52):
Button should should I mark out the schedule for next
week too? Just in case John? It just do be
like that sometimes, as we like.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
To say, I mean, it's the holiday season. Christmas was
this week. Hope everybody had a safe and happy holiday.
But yet it's been things have been very busy. Not
everyone can be like me and take off two straight
weeks because I've got so much collected PTO. So I understand.
End of the year is crazy times. But the Buffalo
Bills moved to twelve and three on the season. It's
(04:23):
the sixth time in franchise history. The Buffalo's recorded three
or fewer losses through fifteen games, and Chris it's the
third time they've done it in the last five years.
We are in the sweet spot of this Buffalo Bills
team with McDermott, with Josh Allen, It's been so much
fun to watch. It's Buffalo's tenth straight home victory, the
longest active streak of the National Football League. It's their
second longest streaking franchise history. They had fifteen straight home
(04:44):
wins in nineteen ninety through ninety one. It's Buffalo's fourth
win after trailing at the half this season, time most
such games in the single season in franchise history. They
did that in nineteen ninety two. Buffalo has scored four
hundred and sixty nine points this season or four hundred
and sixty nice points this season, third in a single
season in franchise history. Twenty twenty one, they scored four
hundred and eighty three. In twenty twenty they scored five
(05:06):
hundred and one. Also, they scored one hundred and seventeen
points in the third quarter this season, a franchise record
which was previously one hundred and twelve points set in
the third quarter in nineteen seventy five cumulatively. And also
their fifty eight touchdowns are tied for his second most
in a single season in franchise history. They scored sixty
in twenty twenty, so that also will probably be history soon.
(05:26):
So Chris, again we can roll over to the three
big things, but just very briefly, your thoughts on the
game as a whole before we try to break it
down any more micro level.
Speaker 4 (05:38):
You know, I think the Bills here, you know, they
had they didn't give up forty points in a loss
or a win in this game, at least like the
last couple weeks. But I mean the offense has been rolling.
They struggled a little bit, which you know, we we
haven't really seen that much this year, but you know what,
they still, you know, they came back and won. They
got the win, They got it done late. Defense touchdown
(06:00):
made it ended that little route twenty fourth straight and
capped off the fourteen point comeback. Obviously the defense clamp
down offense didn't look that great, but a wins and
wins a win. And like you said earlier, the Chiefs
haven't scored thirty all year, and this is first time
in two months, the Bills hadn't scored thirty.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
A wins a win.
Speaker 4 (06:21):
Who cares how it gets done, as long as you
get done and move on and get the plus one
in the w column.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
And I mean we're looking at it right now. It's
frustrating because again, to get the one seed, which we'll
talk about shortly, the Buffalo Bills would have need to
been perfect because the Chiefs are fifteen and one. The
Bills would need to have been sixteen and zero to
have a shot at the onesie. At this point in time,
I mean, it's been that kind of season. So to
(06:50):
add the Buffalo Bills falter a little and have a
rough game again it I'd rather get games like this
out of the way. And I said this a few
weeks ago and lost to the Rams. Get games like
this out of the way before the playoffs, because when
the playoffs roll around, put up or shut up. You
can't afford to have bad performances or off days. It's
again winn or go home. And Sean mcdermoty've been mentioned
(07:12):
after the game that you know this was. It was
a frustrating loss or frustrating victory. I should say almost
a loss frustrating victory for the Buffalo Bills felt like
a loss is what he was I'm pretty sure what
he was saying. But just rolling over to our three
big things here again there's there's not much to talk
about offensively, I mean are three big things brought to
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Chris quarterback Josh Allen sixteen to twenty nine, one hundred
(07:57):
and fifty four passing years, one touch down, one inner set,
six carriages for thirty yards, a very pedestrian performance on Sunday,
his arm punt, which again we'll talk about the MVP
chatter here. Shortly, people are getting very up in arms
about how the whole MVP erraies. I just don't give
(08:17):
a damn anymore. But Josh Allen's arm punt, which you know,
he threw the ball into the end zone to Keyan Coleman,
was picked off. The guy ends up getting tackled at
the one yard line. Let's be real here, call a
spade a spade. It ended. Josh Allen's at a streak
of pass attempts at a without an interception at one
hundred and twenty three attempts. Reading is very hard, people,
(08:37):
seventh career streak of one hundre plus asteps without throwing
a pick For Josh Allen, he surpassed five hundred plus
rushing yards on the season, the sixth time he's done
that in his career and the fourth season in a row,
becoming the fifth quarterback in NFL history with six plus
seasons of five hundred plus rushing yards, showing Michael Vick
and Randall Cunningham at six seasons, and Lamar Jackson and
Cam Newton who both have seventh seasons so also coupled
(09:00):
with James Cooks nine hundred and twenty eight rushing yards.
This is the fourth straight year Buffalo has had multiple
five hundred plus yard rushers, a new franchise record. And
again Chris Josh Allen looked normal to most, which seems
like it opened up the MVP talk again, which please,
for the love of God, spare me, I'm so tired
of it.
Speaker 4 (09:18):
Yeah, it's tough when one week Alan does a lot
better than good old Lamar and Baltimore, and then Lamar
does better on Christmas Day, which I know we'll get
to here in a little bit. And Josh didn't have
the the Josh Allen lights out type of game, and
I mean, you said it, Let's just get it over with.
I mean, people are you know, they're starting to be
more Josh Allen hate, which is whatever. And people are
(09:40):
looking at the numbers and look what Lamar's doing this year,
and well, looked at what Josh Allen did last year,
blew the shit out of Lamar's numbers last year, and
Lamar had the better team and won it. And now
Josh has the better team and Lamar's having the better numbers,
so better numbers win it this year. Honestly, you know,
I'd rather have personally Josh Houston a Lombardi versus an
MVP trophy.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Like, dude, the takes have been got awful. There was
the one I sent in the in the text group
from from first take where it said, well, if Lamar
wins loses the MVP, he won't be disappointed. If Josh
Allen loses the MVP, He'll pretend like, yeah, the season
was a failure. Where where did that ever get said?
Where has that ever come from? That is complete conjecture
and frankly total bs. I mean, Josh Allen has said
(10:25):
that the goal is the super Bowl. The team says
the goal is the super Bowl. If they want to
give him an MVP to say hey, you're the most
valiable player in the league.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
Okay, fine.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
If they don't, okay, fine, guess what. Either way, the
Bills are going to the playoffs. And because now again
it's that it's that red herring, it's that slippery slope
of well if if if Josh Allen's record is better
than Lamar Jackson, then well Patrick Mahomes should be the
MVP because his his record is better than Josh Allen's record,
it's like, whatever, I really don't I really don't care
(10:59):
anymore at this point.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
Would it be cool? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Does he deserve it?
Speaker 1 (11:02):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Are the takes god awful? You're god yeating?
Speaker 1 (11:05):
Right?
Speaker 2 (11:06):
They are there, they are, they are. It's some of again,
it's some of the most ridiculous ass backwards as and
nine stuff I've heard in a very very very I
mean again, if you want to if you want to
split hairs. It's an individual award. The best player in
the league really is is the offensive player of the year.
(11:27):
We've talked about that before. The MVP has become the
best quarterback in the league. And if you dig Lamar
Jackson off of that Ravens team, especially after they move
Kyle Hamilton to safety, which was a brilliant move, Derrick
Henry is still going to run set set personal bests
in rushing. He's been incredible. Patrick Mahomes has an incredible
(11:48):
defense that he's playing with that has really helped keep
that team at fifteen and one. And then you, I mean, again,
we're biased because for a Bill's podcast, but you look
at Josh Allen and you're like, okay, so he's had
to win a lot of these games himself, and he has.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
But again.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
I'm not going to sit here and spend any more
time talking about it because at this point whatever.
Speaker 4 (12:13):
Yeah, I mean, it is what it is. I mean,
get to the playoffs. And like you said, Patrick Mahomes
is the best record in football and he's playing the
most pedestrian football we've ever seen. He's, you know, looking
like an average quarterback that you know should be. You know,
what was the stat Let's see, I haven't pulled up
here here, Ryan, just just sort of perspective the thirty
points stat. The Chiefs have not scored thirty points or
(12:35):
more in any game this year, and they're fifteen and one.
The other three teams are the Patriots who are now
three and twelve, of the Raiders at three and twelve,
and the Giants in two and thirteen. So I mean
those combined, one of these things is not like the
other exactly. And so I mean, sometimes, as we like
to say, it do be like that. Sometimes it do
be like that.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
The narratives are just it's the narrative machine firing up.
Everyone's trying to grasp onto something. You know, if Josh
doesn't play a full game on Sunday because again the Bills,
we'll talk about it, but when they get the two seed,
so there's still something to play for. But what are
they going to say, Oh, well, Josh Allen sat out
Week eighteen against the Patriots, so he shouldn't get the MVP.
Speaker 1 (13:15):
Like, dude, what do you.
Speaker 2 (13:18):
Want this guy to do? Like he's he's been incredible,
he's made the plays, he's won the games. Just what whatever? Like, yeah,
the Bills got dog walked by the by the the
Ravens and what like week four because the Bills couldn't
stop the run. Okay, are we giving the MVP to
the Bills defensive line?
Speaker 1 (13:37):
No?
Speaker 2 (13:38):
So like what are what are we doing here?
Speaker 4 (13:41):
Also, if you look at the Christmas Day game, which
we'll probably get to, the Ravens were up by what
thirty twenty nine and Lamar was still in late in
the third early fourth, we probably would have seen Josh
polled by that point. So, you know, given the situation,
let it happen again.
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Because the goal for the Bills is not individual awards,
individual stats. It's wins, it's playoff victory, it's helf it's
going to the super Bowl, which I mean at the
start of the rebuilding if this rebuilding season, that was
not really the goal, but now it's become it's developed
into that goal.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
Correct.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
At kickoff, it was the fifth coldest game since nineteen
ninety one and Buffalo at fourteen degrees. Josh Allen's rocket
arm was not helping any player out on Sunday. We'll
talk about that in a minute, but it was a
bit of a scary moment. Josh Allen hit his funny
bone off of a will hit his elbow, which funny
bone reaction off of a Patriots player's helmet, which funny
(14:36):
story about from me. I knew exactly when that happened.
I saw him shaking his hand and I said, he
wants to got his funny bone, because again Josh mentioned
after the game he lost feeling it for about five
to ten minutes before it came back. I had an
experience here year year and a half ago where I
was running upstairs really quickly with my daughter and my
shoe slipped and I fell, and when I fell, I
(14:59):
hit like right between the elbow bone, like the one
under your arm and the actual elbow, and hit my
funny bone like the nerve so hard that my two
fingers were asleep four days and it took so long
to get that back, Like I had to go get
like nerve conduction tests to make sure I didn't do
anything like I guess I severely bruised the nerve. So
(15:20):
it's better now. But again one of those things where
Josh did it earlier in the year. But the more
you hit it, the more susceptible it is to feeling awful.
And when that feeling happens, it doesn't go away for
a while. It sits around. You feel little, your hand
feels a little weak, a little numb, but once it
comes back, especially the at that point single digit temperatures
(15:41):
probably was not helping. But thankfully Josh is a full
participants week in practice and set to plan on Sunday
with no limitations.
Speaker 4 (15:49):
Yeah, and you know when you said funny bone, I
didn't even notice he he got his throwing arm in
it because he.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
Had the ball on the other hand and landed on
that side.
Speaker 4 (15:57):
But the next play was the one that everyone wanted
pass interference on because the dB I don't remember who
the receiver was was either Cooper or Coleman got ran over,
but the ball was like thrown up like you're playing
a you know, school yard game or whatever, and then you.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Know, all went the ball went the other way.
Speaker 4 (16:15):
Ball like went sky high in the air and camera.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
Even lost it if you pay attention on the broadcast.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
But yeah, he was other than the ball did exactly exactly.
Speaker 4 (16:24):
And he you know, he was asked after the game
and even seemed confused, like what that you know, I
think it was Evan Washburn was like, I was the
one of the most coveted arms and football doing and
he Josh looked confused, and he's like, oh, I'm that
one play and you could tell like he was fine.
You know, you didn't go into the locker room to
get everyone scared, like he said, full participants. So I
mean shit, I mean two more cold games before you
(16:47):
get to the playoffs. I think he'll be fine.
Speaker 2 (16:50):
Yeah, And again it's it's it's scary when it comes
down to elbows, hands, fingers, because those are the money makers.
We saw what happened. Was it last season with or
was it last season two years ago when he hurt
his elbow against the Jets and it looked like he
(17:12):
damn near ripped his elbow off of his body. The
elbow injuries are scary even scarier for quarterbacks. This week.
This week Chris and the History of the NFL with
Josh Allen. He recorded his seventy fifth career win, mark
in the most regular season wins by a quarterback in
the first seven seasons his first seven seasons in NFL history.
(17:34):
Moving over to James Cook. Eleven carries for one hundred
yards and one rushing touchdown, three receptions and three targets
for twenty six yards and receiving touchdown. James Cook helped
me get into the wolfenstein Er Football League Championship Game
for the second straight season. Cook recorded his fourteenth rushing touchdown,
the third most in a single season in franchise history.
(17:55):
Josh Allen had fifteen and twenty twenty three. O. J.
Simpson had sixteen and nineteen seventy five. I've Cook has
sixteen scrimmage touchdowns, second most in franchise history behind OJ Simpson,
who had excuse me twenty three and nineteen seventy five.
Buffalo twenty nine total rushing touchdowns. They're tied for the
franchise record set in twenty sixteen Buffalo. Also or good Lord,
(18:16):
James Cook surpassed one hundred rushing yards for the second
straight game, becoming the first Buffalo player to accomplish his
feats on Josh Allen since Josh Allen in twenty eighteen,
and the first running back sense Lashawn McCoy in twenty sixteen.
Cook also recorded his fourth forty plus yard touchdown run
of the season, setting a new single season franchise record
previously owned by OJ Simpson, who did it in nineteen
seventy three, nineteen seventy five, in nineteen seventy six. And
(18:39):
Cook is the first Buffalo running back sins Mike gillis
Lee in twenty fifteen with a forty plus yard rushing
touchdown in back to back games. And I bring this
up because Brayton, friend of the pod, stopped by to
visit on Christmas Eve with his wife. Haven't seen him
in a bit, And it got to the point before
he left that we were just sitting around talking about
two dudes sitting on talking about old dudes who played
(19:01):
who played football, played baseball, and played hockey.
Speaker 4 (19:04):
Guys will say hell ye out of that.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
Yeah. So when I came across the Mike gillis Lee
little nugget, I said, ah, remember that guy when everyone
was so pissed off that he signed an offer shoot
with the New England Patriots. His career subsequently fizzled out.
Buffalo then received a twenty seventeen fifth round pick, which,
oh by the way, became linebacker Matt Malano. So some things,
(19:26):
some things just work out how they're meant to be,
and that certainly was one of those things.
Speaker 4 (19:31):
Yes, And before we keep going down, here the run
sheet on James Cook. I looked it up because I
couldn't remember if it was fourteen rushing or sixteen rushing
or sixteen scrimmage. But looking at these numbers here from
the last couple of years of Cook, he had four
total rushing touchdowns over those first two seasons with the Bills,
sixteen hundred chain yards and he's not even over a
(19:52):
thousand this year, but he's also at fourteen rushing touchdowns.
Obviously looking to get that. You know, he's he's gonna
a big discussion of extension here coming up soon. But
I mean, what a season he's having that's helped, you know,
helping Josh and helping this team, you know, someone that
really needed to step up, I think for the Bills
because I was kind of home on him. But I
(20:13):
mean bringing in Ray Davis and Ty Johnson stepping up
as well have helped, you know, carry that workload. But
I mean, going from two touchdowns to fourteen and you're
second to third year, is you know, rushing touchdowns for
a running back that is is pretty fricking incredible at
least my standpoint.
Speaker 2 (20:33):
And we don't have I mean, there's there's nothing to
point at this, but heading into twenty twenty five, Cook
is entering the final year of his rookie deal with
the Buffalo Bills at twenty six, I mean, I would
have to imagine if the Bills are going to keep
them around, they'll they'll make something happen in the offseason,
because again, you don't want any sort of holdout or
(20:54):
anything lingering over training camp. You want everybody in the house.
You want everybody happy, healthy, all that stuff.
Speaker 1 (20:59):
Excuse me.
Speaker 4 (21:00):
I also want to add, who are the two running
backs we talked about were helpful or could have an
MVP case, Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley. James Cook fourteen
rushing touchdowns, Henry fourteen as well, with double the amount
of yards and one hundred and twenty is more rushing attempts,
and Saquon with only thirteen and eighteen hundred yards and
(21:23):
one hundred and thirty more attempts. So James Cook is
tied for the NFL rushing the lead in touchdowns with
Derek Henry at fourteen and Jalen Hurts at fourteen. But well,
that's uh, we don't need to talk about the touch.
Speaker 2 (21:36):
Push did that damn stupid play? That damn stupid play.
Nine different players recorded at least one target on Sunday,
The one we'll talk about here. Wide receiver Khalil Shakira
an off day on Sunday, two receptions on six targets
for twenty two yards normally sure Handedy struggled on Sunday.
Not sure if it was just the defense that was
being played, which the Patriots did do a good job defensively. Also,
(21:58):
Drake may look pretty good. Khalil shak Heir, even though
he struggled, still ranks third in the National Football League
and with the highest catch percentage among wide receivers. It's
the highest catch percentage of the minimum of one point
eight seven five perceptions per team game at wide receiver
this season. Chris Godwin second at eighty point six percent
in seven games, and aman Ross Saint Brown shockingly at
(22:19):
first eighty one and a half percent in fifteen games.
Wrapping up the defense and special teams again. We talked
about it last week. It's all about attitude with the
Buffalo Bill's defense. They had three takeaways in one giveaway Verus,
New England. Buffalo now sits at a plus twenty season
turnover bounds, the highest point it has ever been in
franchise history. Franchise record was plus nineteen to nineteen sixty five.
(22:40):
Defensive end Greg Russo four tackles, two solo, one quarterback
hitting a force fumble. He recorded his third force fumblo
of the season, tied for most by a defensive lineman
of the National Football League this season. Quarterback Taron Johnson
three tackles, won solo, a fumble recovery return for a touchdown,
which was a backwards pass deflected by Greg Russo, picked
up by Taron Johnson recovered in the end zone, marking
(23:02):
Buffalo's first fumble recovery touchdown, first fumble recovery four touchdown.
Sorry since twenty twenty when Jerry Hughes did it at
the Denver Broncos. Johnson is first the first Buffalo player
to record two defensive touchdowns in the single season, first
since Nikel Roby Coleman in twenty sixteen. Again, speaking of dudes,
right there, Johnson the twenty second player in franchise history
(23:23):
to record three return touchdowns in his career and the
thirteenth player in franchise history to have return touchdowns and
via two different methods in one season. He's done it
interception and fumble. So again defensively, playing with an attitude,
defensively making things happen.
Speaker 1 (23:39):
Chris.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
The defense came out, did not look good, did not
play well, but as time went on, they adjusted and
that second half of that game completely different, a completely
different defense and worked out pretty well for him.
Speaker 4 (23:53):
Yeah, the defense, you know, we always talk about it
in our group chat and have been for the last
couple of years. You and I have defense giving up
some shaky plays, some questionable plays, and you're always like,
they'll adjust, they'll adjust, And you know, they definitely adjusted
on Sunday after what was the first two drives on
for touchdowns for the Patriots, pulling it up here, and
(24:15):
then after that it was what punt fumble interception, the
fumble in the end zone, and then punt and then
touchdown on the last drive for the Patriots. So I
mean defense showed up when it needed to for Buffalo,
and honestly, I think the biggest concern defensively for Buffalo
will be stopping third down, because honestly, when it gets
the third down, no matter the distance, I always think
(24:39):
that Buffalo is going to give up, you know, give
up the first down, whether it's third and short or
third and twenty five. I just feel like they're gonna,
you know, give up a big play to get it
to first down and keep Josh off the field, which
is if you're Buffalo, you don't want that.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
You want Josh on the field. You want score and
happ Yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
And I mean we've seen how teams beat the Bills,
and how Bills beat the teams. You run the ball,
you eat the clock, and as the game went on,
that seems to be what they did. They put more
pressure on New England. It's probably the same thing we're
going to see on Sunday against the New York Jets.
To talk about here shortly, but I mean the game
plan is out there, and it also does seem like
we're getting back to the point again where the Buffalo
Bills are holding something back. Not sure when I mean,
(25:20):
I know, I was gonna say, not sure what it is.
I know when they'll unlead. Shit, it's going to be
unleashed in the playoffs like they always do when they
unlease Super Josh. But we shall see how that develops.
Chris Kicker Tyler Bass three for three on an extra
point and then one for one in field goals. It
was his second straight game with the fifty plus yard
field goal. John, that one is for you. It's also
(25:41):
the third time in his career that bass Is recorded
the fifty plus yard field goal and back to that
games and the twelfth time in the Soda streak has
occurred in franchise history. Again, John Tyler Bass fifty plus
yard field goal. Quick shout out too. Linebacker Dorian Williams.
Eight tackles, three solo and one fumble recovery.
Speaker 4 (25:58):
Chris.
Speaker 2 (25:58):
He's recorded one hundred plus tackles for the first in
his career in his development according to Pro Football Focus,
which we understand that information can certainly be flawed, but
it's a good it's a good measuring stick to see
where things are. Dorian Williams has a fifty nine point
two overall grade is one hundred and seventeenth out of
one hundred and eighty three linebackers, a thirty six point
nine coverage grade that's one fifty eight out of one
(26:20):
eighty three. But he has a seventy five point five
pass rush grade eighteenth out of one hundred and eighty
three linebackers, and a seventy seven point four run defense
grade that's thirty first out of one hundred and eighty
three linebackers that qualify. That being said, a lot of
rumblings that maybe Dorian Williams is the guy over Matt
Mulano when Milano returns when Dorian Williams, Dorry Williams should
(26:43):
move up in the lineup to play opposite of Terrell
Bernard because he has made lead some bounds, incredible strides.
Learn the game, learn the team, learn the role. And again,
even though his overall and his covered grades aren't great,
Dorian Williams seems to run downhill and have a nose
for the football.
Speaker 4 (27:02):
Yeah, I mean we saw it on Sunday with Bayle
Inspector getting attacked, getting targeted. If you will by the
Patriots offense, and you know, Dorian Williams definitely is an
upgrade in that position. And you know, you talk about
the defense Milano coming back this week, we'll do that
in the look ahead, but I mean, you got to
get that guy some reps before the playoffs. Obviously, he
(27:24):
looked a little scared when he did return the first time. Obviously,
so you got a big, you know, bionic ar embrace
on protecting the bicep. But you know, if the Bills
can get Milano back to you know, even ninety percent
of what he is and adding Dorian Williams and Bernard
the depth at linebackers is going to be crucial for
the Bills defense to be successful, both you know, on
third down but in general. Come you know, January and
(27:47):
hopefully into February.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
And before we head to our commercial break here, quarterback
Cam Lewis four tackles, three solo, one pass deflection. One
interception was the first career interception for Lewis, which sealed
he comeback victory for Buffalo. With that said, we will
take a quick commercial break, will be right back after
this with more Trust the podcast here on the Gear
Radio Network. And we are back here on Trust the
(28:09):
podcast Around the NFL brought to you by Go Frost Yourself. Chris,
I will take this this week. That is okay because
again moment of silence for John being on location on
assignment Around the NFL, brought to you by Go Frost Yourself.
Located in Rochester, New York. Go Frost Yourself does what
other local bakeries do not. They bake from scratch, creating
recipes themselves and using the best fresh ingredients they can
(28:31):
to find delicious flavors for customers.
Speaker 1 (28:33):
Daily.
Speaker 2 (28:34):
Molly and Jen Hi, Molly, Hello, Jen have worked tirelessly
to create what Go Frost Yourself has become today, and
their passion can be tasted in the items they baked.
Whether you find yourself looking for an item for a
special occasion like your daughter's third birthday, thank you Molly
and Jen for that those cupcakes kicked ass or or
(28:55):
or maybe maybe maybe you're looking for a wedding cake.
Go Frost Yourself does that too, may or maybe you
just want to try their incredible salmon rules. If you're local,
you can visicly Go Frost Yourself storefront twenty five to
forty four Ridgeway ab or at Go frost yourself dot com.
Now over to our unpaid intern, the Holy One, Chris Downey,
(29:18):
the Holy Jackwagon for a round the NFL.
Speaker 4 (29:23):
Thanks Ryan. We had a slew of games here in
Week sixteen, and then Week seventeen started off on Christmas Day.
Here in time of recording, we've had Thursday Night football.
You know, look at an AFC playoff picture. The Chiefs secure
the number one seed. You know, Buffalo can't chase them
down at this point, even with their being the one
in the fifteen and one for the Chiefs, Bills sitting
(29:46):
you know, game up here on the now three seed Ravens,
who overtook the three seed with their thirty one to
two win over the Texans on Christmas Day. Houston the
other loss for the Bills this year, one of the
other losses nine and seven in the South. You know,
the four seeds are there for the AFC and one
(30:07):
wild card is Pittsburgh, who now is a game back
of Baltimore. Obviously, both of them have divisional games that
close out Week eighteen coming up next weekend. Hoping, you know,
maybe it shakes out a little bit favorable for Buffalo,
but right now it could be Ravens coming to Orchard
Park in the divisional round.
Speaker 1 (30:25):
But let's not get too far ahead.
Speaker 4 (30:28):
Final two spots up for grabs Chargers and Broncos both
a couple of games up here on the Colts and
Dolphins and Bengals. Bengals are making a stride with Joe
Burrow's miraculous and incredible season still coming coming down to
the line here on the NFC side, Ryan first fourteen
win team could be a wild card seed here as
(30:48):
the Vikings are tied for the Lions at thirteen and two.
Not you know, both of those teams can't be in
the top four unfortunately, as the Lions currently hold that
spot at the thirteen and two, the top seed Philadelphia
one game back at twelve and three, and then the
Packer is the third NFC North team currently locked into
a playoff spot at eleven and four. A couple more
(31:10):
seeds are still up for grabs the NFC West and
NFC South or lackluster to say.
Speaker 1 (31:15):
The least this year.
Speaker 4 (31:16):
The Falcons at eight and seven, the Rams at nine
and six, and then the Commanders at ten and six
round out teams that currently have playoff spots, with the
Seahawks and Buccaneers, you know, just on the outside looking in.
That's about it for the playoff picture. Obviously some seeding
still to shake out, but it looks like Bills are
(31:36):
Bills are going to hold down the number two seed
barring anything crazy the next two weeks and then match
up with either the Broncos or the Chargers in the
wild card round. Still some seeds here to go around, Ryan,
that's I mean, we got to it's crazy.
Speaker 1 (31:54):
You talk about perfection.
Speaker 4 (31:55):
The Bills needed to be perfect to at least one
lost maximum to you know, get to that final playoff spot.
Speaker 1 (32:03):
I mean, it is, it is, But I know you
got your words.
Speaker 2 (32:06):
I know you got your words.
Speaker 1 (32:07):
You're doing a great job.
Speaker 2 (32:08):
I didn't know that you're gonna do this live, breaking
the fourth wall. I was gonna make a joke and
I was gonna poke fun at you because the way
we do it, obviously, christ you record your stuff, we
throw it in, we put the podcast together.
Speaker 1 (32:19):
It sounds great.
Speaker 2 (32:21):
But I was very surprised you did it live. I
appreciate that, but I wanted to ask you because again,
this is a better life than dead topic. But at
what point, and maybe it's got to be soon at
what point do teams start bitching and moaning and saying, hey,
I don't care that you finished nine and eight or whatever,
(32:42):
you don't deserve a home playoff game over the Vikings,
who are really really good but now essentially have to
play every game on the road because the team that
beat them has you know, one less or one more win,
or they have the same record, but because they beat them,
they don't get a home playoff game. That seems kind
(33:03):
of silly.
Speaker 4 (33:04):
Yeah, well, right now, it looks like the Vikings if
it holds chalk as to what it is, the five
seed would be obviously the Vikings top wild card. The
lowest conference winner is the Falcons. They're the only team
from the NFC South to make it. They're currently sitting
at eight and seven. The Bucks are also at eight
and seven, but they're out of the playoff pictures. So
the winner of the South either're Tampa Bay Atlanta is
(33:26):
going to host the Minnesota the red Hot Vikings and
Sam Donald, which is a weird, weird statement to say,
considering Sam Donald's career to this point, but that's just
I mean, it's a damned if you do, damned if
you don't. You're rewarded with the home playoff game for
winning your division. But also if you are not a
(33:46):
good team, you're not a great team, you might be
welcoming a great team. But I mean that's the joy
of the playoffs. You never know what could happen with
you know, you can win fourteen to fifteen games and
then go and lose on the road in the playoffs
simply because you didn't want sixteen games or something.
Speaker 2 (34:01):
Well, I mean you're looking at it too. This this
week also could be a could be a big well,
will be a big matchup for the for the Packers
and Vikings, because obviously you've got green Bay coming to Minnesota.
You mentioned green Bay's eleven, You mentioned Minnesota's thirteen and two,
but green Bay's eleven and four. Green Bay wins that
game all of a sudden, that could flip too. But
(34:23):
I mean, the Vikings are really freaking good, and I
don't I don't really see that changing. But looking, I
mean looking right now, it's like the playoff picture as
is as loaded as I think we've ever seen it before. Yes,
if just resetting this right now to take a look
(34:45):
here right now, Chris, I mean, in the in the NFC,
it's thirteen going down. It's win wise thirteen twelve, nine, eight, thirteen,
eleven and ten. AFC is fifteen twelve, eleven, nine, ten,
nine to nine.
Speaker 4 (35:02):
I'm thankful that we need to go through the AFC,
even though it could be Baltimore and Kansas City to
get to get to the super Bowl. But going back
to the NFC, you want your fun. Your last weekend
obviously is the TBD Flex weekend of games for the NFL.
The Vikings do travel to Detroit, and that could be
for the division. So you know, unlike the Bills, who
(35:24):
have clinched the East as of twenty six days ago,
I believe they could be you know, resting guys.
Speaker 1 (35:30):
The Chiefs could be resting.
Speaker 4 (35:31):
Guys, whereas the Vikings and Lions will have to go,
you know, potentially all out to you know, get that
home field advantage throughout the playoffs and have the NFC
go through their Minnesota or detroitude.
Speaker 2 (35:42):
I mean, that game, that game has to be if
if that does matter, If that game does matter, and
Detroit wins this week and Minnesota obviously wins this week,
that's got to be the eight twenty game on Sunday
Night Football next week. I mean, because again you've got it.
It's fifteen, it'd be fourteen and two. At fourteen and two, yes,
(36:05):
right right.
Speaker 4 (36:06):
Yes, And Detroit beat Minnesota by two earlier this year,
so Detroit does have that that tiebreaker going into that
game if records are offset by a game.
Speaker 2 (36:20):
Sorry, I was texting my wife back here, So yeah, again,
looking at it right now, if you're just going through,
I know, if the season ended today, which John, I know, John,
it does not end today. If the season ended today
and you are selecting the criteria on the ESPN NFL
Playoff machine, the criteria being win percentage, you'd have Kansas
(36:42):
City as the one in the AFC, Denver at Buffalo,
Los Angeles, Chargers at Baltimore, the eleven and six Chargers
at the twelve and five Ravens, and then the eleven
and six Steelers at the ten and seven Houston Texans,
Which that would'll be fun, Chris, because if that does happen,
both of those teams have looked relatively uninspired. And also
(37:02):
there are some rumblings this week out of Pittsburgh that
there may be a bit of a locker room cancer.
There's somebody on that team that is really just dogging
it and pissing a lot of people off. In the
NFC one seed Detroit at fifteen and two, again, that
would be a tie because again the win percentage is
the same. So again you go from you could go
from the outhouse to the penthouse, the five seed to
(37:23):
the one seed if you win that game, or Detroit
could finish the season at fifteen and two.
Speaker 1 (37:26):
Who to thunk it.
Speaker 2 (37:27):
But if we say Detroit going with vibes home game
something at football, my presumption there being you'd have Detroit
as the one in the first round, by Green Bay
at Philadelphia. That would be a slober acker of a game.
Twelve and five green Bay at fourteen and three Philadelphia.
You'd have twelve and five Washington with Jade and Daniels
the presumptive rookie of the year at the three seed,
(37:48):
Los Angeles Rams, who are eleven and six, who've really
turned their season around, fourteen and three Minnesota Vikings at
the ten and seven Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Speaker 1 (37:55):
So Chris, I'm getting.
Speaker 2 (37:57):
Pretty lit up. We're gonna have to do ourselves a
A playoff preview edition of Trust the Podcast, part of
the playoffs because holy guacam holely.
Speaker 4 (38:05):
Brother exactly, and you know, obviously it could shake out
where you know, if it holds chalk, Buffalo and Baltimore
have a collision course and divisional but you know that
AFC North is still up for grabs and obviously the
Chargers are you know, Chargers and Broncos are both still
solid teams that could give you know, any team.
Speaker 1 (38:25):
Or run for their money in the playoffs.
Speaker 4 (38:26):
So you know, I think I think Buffalo kind of
I wouldn't say lucked out, but if they can lock
down the two seed this week, as we'll talk about
Week eighteen, is you know, your quasi bye week as
I've been talking about for the last month, that you know,
can kind of help things, help.
Speaker 1 (38:45):
Things out a little bit.
Speaker 4 (38:45):
While you know where the two seed used to get
a buy in the in the olden days, back in
our day, Ryan, you know.
Speaker 1 (38:53):
And John's day. John, How you doing, Nora?
Speaker 2 (38:55):
Now, wrap your thing up so it can be it
makeing official because it's it's live.
Speaker 4 (38:58):
So it's like that, that's okay, you know what this is,
first time doing it live.
Speaker 1 (39:02):
Let me enjoy it.
Speaker 4 (39:03):
So you know, that's that's what we're looking at aroundfl well.
Thanks Chris, Thanks Ryan John. I would say back to
you too, but you know you're on location, so Ryan, go.
Speaker 2 (39:17):
F yourself, San Diego our look ahead. Cleaned up from
loose endier roster move. Linebacker Balan Specter placed on the
io with a calf injury. Linebacker Nicholas Morros signed to
the active roster. Per Buffalo Rumblings quote. Marrow made the
team's initial roster and was part of the squad for
the first thirteen weeks of the season. He appeared mostly
on special teams, playing one hundred and eighty two snaps
or sixty five percent of the team's total time or
the team's total during the time framed. He also played
(39:37):
on forty four defensive snaps for six percent of the
team's total. Had just three tackles on the season before
being released. But again, he knows the team, he knows
the playbooks. So good move by the Buffalo Bills. There
the injury report. Safety Tomorrow Hamlin and safety Taylor Rap
limited this week after being limited all last week and
missing the game verse the New England Patriots. Both Hamlin
(39:57):
and Rap are questionable for Sunday's game, but Rap did
shed the non contact jersey and was in a regular
jersey on Friday, so it looks like he might be back.
But excuse me. If the Buffalo Bills need to call
up a safety's it may not be Kareem Jackson because again,
he's had three game day call up betweens Buffalo will
need to make a corresponding move to actually sign him
(40:19):
to the active roster, or it could be time for
Michael Hide to make his season debut. Keep an eye
on roster elevations on Saturday. Cornerback Rasool Douglas and linebacker
Matt Molino full participants after missing last week's game versus
New England. They are set to go on Sunday. Before
we jump into the quick preview of the game, wanted
to mention too. Damar Hamlin's Hearts Act was signed into law.
(40:45):
Says here by Elena Getzenberger ESPN. The holiday week brought
early good news for Buffalo Bills safety Tomorrow Hamlin, with
President Joe Biden dark Brandon signing into law bill that
aims to improve access to resources for heart health around
the country. He advocated for the bill and worked down
the bill. He being DeMar Hammlon with Senator Chuck Schumer.
It's the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness and Research and AED
(41:10):
Training in Schools Act of twenty twenty four HEARTS Act.
What happens here is the law will help put automated
external defibrillators in defibrillators in schools and make CPR training
more accessible by creating a grant program at the US
Department of Health and Human Services to support CPR and
AD training and elementary and secondary schools with the purchase
of ADS, funding AD and CPR training and development of
(41:33):
cardiac emergency response plans. So pretty cool thing for DeMar
Hamlin in his quest again to educate and make people
aware of what happens and what needs to be done
when an incident like his where he was brought back
to life with an AED. So I love to see
(41:53):
that he is still advocating for that and pushing as
hard as he possibly can now. Chris Week seventeen The
Bills versus the Goddamn Jets, The New York Jets one
p on CBS Buffalo locks up a two seed, but
a win on Sunday or help if they don't win
and other people do lose. I believe, I believe they
just have to win in the room because if they don't,
then Baltimore can still get it.
Speaker 1 (42:11):
But that was dumb.
Speaker 2 (42:12):
The New York Jets four and eleven, two and six
away third in the AFC East last week a thirty
to seventeen loss to the Airson the Cardinals a four
game losing streak. I was gonna ask John's take on
the Jets, but I'm gonna pass on that because John's
not here. Shockingly, on the day we have to ask
Hi about the Jets. He's on location busy. I get
it only making jokes. ESPN matchup predictor Chris seventy one
(42:32):
point six percent of America b lows. Buffalo grabs lucky
win number thirteen this week against again big Daddy favorite,
the god damn Jets. Who you got and why?
Speaker 1 (42:44):
Thank you for the big Daddy reference.
Speaker 4 (42:45):
I did not know you put that in there until
I read just now ahead of you, so I appreciate it. Welcome,
but no, it should be Buffalo. I mean, this was
the Jets team that was predicted to win the East
or finished second, mind the Dolphins, and it's not the case.
I think Buffalo learns from last week. Defense gets healthy
Josh's healthy offense is healthy. I don't think there's any
(43:09):
issue getting win thirteen locking up that two seed on
this the regular season home finale at the at the Ralph.
Speaker 2 (43:19):
So let me see here quick. The one thing I
wanted to pop up was the weather Orchard Park on Sunday,
set to be fifty nine degrees with light rain. Josh Allen,
the Buffalo Bills are going to ball out their final
game regular season game in the one pm time slot,
although the Patriots game would end up being one pm
two so could be wrong. But Rich Samini points out
(43:41):
on ex Twitter Elon Musk's stupid investment. The Jets injury update.
Wide receiver Devonte adams Hip return to practice and looks
good per the Jeff Ulbrich booz. How you say the
guy's name? Quarterback Sauce Gardner hamstring and defensive tackle Quinn
Williams with a hamstring. We'll try to play, but it
sounds if he so the Jets could be out the
two best defensive players. I got the Bills taking the Jets.
(44:05):
I'm gonna say thirty four to thirty four to twenty
Josh Allen, Big day. Maybe he'll pass Thurman Thomas's rushing
touchdown record franchise record either way. As Chris Berman always says, Chris,
no one, No one circles the wagons like the Buffalo
(44:27):
bills For Chris Downey, I am Ryan Wolf. We are
trust the podcast.
Speaker 4 (44:34):
You are not.
Speaker 2 (44:35):
We'll catch you, same time, same place next week.
Speaker 1 (44:37):
Again.
Speaker 2 (44:38):
Congratulations go out to John Somino on his now impending nuptials.
Maybe we'll podcast live from the wedding. No, we will not,
But with that being said, as always, thank you for
tuning in. We'll catch you, same time, same place next week.
As always, go bills. The preceding presentation has been brought
(45:12):
to you by a The Gear Network.
Gearnetwork dot com.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
The following is a presentation of the Gear Radio Network.
Speaker 3 (00:10):
I believe it's a big challenge for our building to
keep things in perspective and to if we're going to
get addicted to anything, let's get addicted to the process.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
And with that we welcome you to Trust. The podcast
powered by Better Live Than Dead in the Gear Radio
Network this year is episode one sixty seven one six
seven Doug tadding John Simino, that's Chris Downie, that's the
Holy Jackwagon the Unpaid Internet'm Brian Wilk joined by Chris
Downian dot cooss with John Somino on assignment after Chris
(00:43):
a very happy engagement over the holiday season. Congratulations to
John and his future. I believe bo is, is that
the right ward you're supposed to use? I'm not I'm
not sure. Congratulations either way, John, awesome news.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Congrats John.
Speaker 4 (00:58):
Yeah, way to bury the lead not telling us, or
at least not telling the Trust the podcast chat finding
out on Facebook like everybody else. But you know what,
you know, beggars can't be choosers around here these days.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
It's pretty funny.
Speaker 4 (01:11):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
And I've not told John this, so John, this is
the first time you're hearing this. My wife said to me,
did you see John got engaged? Mind you? I deleted
Facebook off my phone shortly.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
After the the.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Reelection of Donald Trump because well, we've talked about where
I grew up, and a lot of people that I
grew up with are just uh, well, holy holy cow. Anyways,
so I'm not on there. I don't check Facebook very often.
I post the podcast, I share it to my page,
I get off. I don't even have the app on
my phone. I just go on the web, the web
version of it. Not that it makes me better than anybody,
(01:45):
but that's just what I do. So Aubrey says to me,
did you see John got engaged? My first reaction was
John Who? Because like JC, I've not known that to
be something he was looking to do again. You I've
got a few friends who have been through a marriages
that have have dissolved, and they usually say to me,
I'm happy where I'm at. I'm not gonna do it again.
(02:06):
I might find somebody, which John has, and I'm very
happy for me. He's in a very good spot. So
I was kind of taking it back, and then she
said John John Somino, and I gall so Yeah, John,
you're a real You're a real pal for for barrying
that lead, brother. But congratulations again from all of us,
(02:27):
from all of us here at the Gear Radio Network.
But you can before we get started here, it's the
Buffalo Bills versus New England Patriots. You can hear us
on Better Lived than ned dot com, Gear Network dot com,
and reever else you listen to your podcast, make sure
to hit the subscribe button as well to stay up
to date. In the latest podcast, Chris, what a game
(02:49):
it was on Sunday, Man, it was frustrating. I know
you and I were going back and forth and the
trust the text message, uh group chat it was it was.
It was so frustrating. But Buffalo does clamp down. They
complete the comeback defeat the New England Patriots twenty four
to twenty one twenty four points scored, ends their streak
of thirty plus points scored, which tied an NFL record
(03:10):
at eight straight games. And Chris, you know you've been
here long enough. We like to make jokes, so the
funny joke here. Buffalo failed to score thirty points in
a game for the first time since Monday, October fourteenth. Meanwhile,
the fifteen and one. Kansas City teams have not scored
thirty points in a game all season. As we'd like
to say here on Trust the podcast, it do be
(03:30):
like that.
Speaker 4 (03:31):
Sometimes, it do be like that, Ryan, And you know what,
that's just the way the cookie crumbles. You know, last
time Bills didn't score thirty, they still won and they
beat the Jets on Monday Night football. So I mean, wins, wins, win.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
And you know, the last time we did a Jets podcast,
I'm pretty sure John also wasn't here. Maybe he's just
avoiding us to not want to talk about the Jets.
I know he's busy.
Speaker 4 (03:52):
Button should should I mark out the schedule for next
week too? Just in case John? It just do be
like that sometimes, as we like.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
To say, I mean, it's the holiday season. Christmas was
this week. Hope everybody had a safe and happy holiday.
But yet it's been things have been very busy. Not
everyone can be like me and take off two straight
weeks because I've got so much collected PTO. So I understand.
End of the year is crazy times. But the Buffalo
Bills moved to twelve and three on the season. It's
(04:23):
the sixth time in franchise history. The Buffalo's recorded three
or fewer losses through fifteen games, and Chris it's the
third time they've done it in the last five years.
We are in the sweet spot of this Buffalo Bills
team with McDermott, with Josh Allen, It's been so much
fun to watch. It's Buffalo's tenth straight home victory, the
longest active streak of the National Football League. It's their
second longest streaking franchise history. They had fifteen straight home
(04:44):
wins in nineteen ninety through ninety one. It's Buffalo's fourth
win after trailing at the half this season, time most
such games in the single season in franchise history. They
did that in nineteen ninety two. Buffalo has scored four
hundred and sixty nine points this season or four hundred
and sixty nice points this season, third in a single
season in franchise history. Twenty twenty one, they scored four
hundred and eighty three. In twenty twenty they scored five
(05:06):
hundred and one. Also, they scored one hundred and seventeen
points in the third quarter this season, a franchise record
which was previously one hundred and twelve points set in
the third quarter in nineteen seventy five cumulatively. And also
their fifty eight touchdowns are tied for his second most
in a single season in franchise history. They scored sixty
in twenty twenty, so that also will probably be history soon.
(05:26):
So Chris, again we can roll over to the three
big things, but just very briefly, your thoughts on the
game as a whole before we try to break it
down any more micro level.
Speaker 4 (05:38):
You know, I think the Bills here, you know, they
had they didn't give up forty points in a loss
or a win in this game, at least like the
last couple weeks. But I mean the offense has been rolling.
They struggled a little bit, which you know, we we
haven't really seen that much this year, but you know what,
they still, you know, they came back and won. They
got the win, They got it done late. Defense touchdown
(06:00):
made it ended that little route twenty fourth straight and
capped off the fourteen point comeback. Obviously the defense clamp
down offense didn't look that great, but a wins and
wins a win. And like you said earlier, the Chiefs
haven't scored thirty all year, and this is first time
in two months, the Bills hadn't scored thirty.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
A wins a win.
Speaker 4 (06:21):
Who cares how it gets done, as long as you
get done and move on and get the plus one
in the w column.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
And I mean we're looking at it right now. It's
frustrating because again, to get the one seed, which we'll
talk about shortly, the Buffalo Bills would have need to
been perfect because the Chiefs are fifteen and one. The
Bills would need to have been sixteen and zero to
have a shot at the onesie. At this point in time,
I mean, it's been that kind of season. So to
(06:50):
add the Buffalo Bills falter a little and have a
rough game again it I'd rather get games like this
out of the way. And I said this a few
weeks ago and lost to the Rams. Get games like
this out of the way before the playoffs, because when
the playoffs roll around, put up or shut up. You
can't afford to have bad performances or off days. It's
again winn or go home. And Sean mcdermoty've been mentioned
(07:12):
after the game that you know this was. It was
a frustrating loss or frustrating victory. I should say almost
a loss frustrating victory for the Buffalo Bills felt like
a loss is what he was I'm pretty sure what
he was saying. But just rolling over to our three
big things here again there's there's not much to talk
about offensively, I mean are three big things brought to
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Chris quarterback Josh Allen sixteen to twenty nine, one hundred
(07:57):
and fifty four passing years, one touch down, one inner set,
six carriages for thirty yards, a very pedestrian performance on Sunday,
his arm punt, which again we'll talk about the MVP
chatter here. Shortly, people are getting very up in arms
about how the whole MVP erraies. I just don't give
(08:17):
a damn anymore. But Josh Allen's arm punt, which you know,
he threw the ball into the end zone to Keyan Coleman,
was picked off. The guy ends up getting tackled at
the one yard line. Let's be real here, call a
spade a spade. It ended. Josh Allen's at a streak
of pass attempts at a without an interception at one
hundred and twenty three attempts. Reading is very hard, people,
(08:37):
seventh career streak of one hundre plus asteps without throwing
a pick For Josh Allen, he surpassed five hundred plus
rushing yards on the season, the sixth time he's done
that in his career and the fourth season in a row,
becoming the fifth quarterback in NFL history with six plus
seasons of five hundred plus rushing yards, showing Michael Vick
and Randall Cunningham at six seasons, and Lamar Jackson and
Cam Newton who both have seventh seasons so also coupled
(09:00):
with James Cooks nine hundred and twenty eight rushing yards.
This is the fourth straight year Buffalo has had multiple
five hundred plus yard rushers, a new franchise record. And
again Chris Josh Allen looked normal to most, which seems
like it opened up the MVP talk again, which please,
for the love of God, spare me, I'm so tired
of it.
Speaker 4 (09:18):
Yeah, it's tough when one week Alan does a lot
better than good old Lamar and Baltimore, and then Lamar
does better on Christmas Day, which I know we'll get
to here in a little bit. And Josh didn't have
the the Josh Allen lights out type of game, and
I mean, you said it, Let's just get it over with.
I mean, people are you know, they're starting to be
more Josh Allen hate, which is whatever. And people are
(09:40):
looking at the numbers and look what Lamar's doing this year,
and well, looked at what Josh Allen did last year,
blew the shit out of Lamar's numbers last year, and
Lamar had the better team and won it. And now
Josh has the better team and Lamar's having the better numbers,
so better numbers win it this year. Honestly, you know,
I'd rather have personally Josh Houston a Lombardi versus an
MVP trophy.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Like, dude, the takes have been got awful. There was
the one I sent in the in the text group
from from first take where it said, well, if Lamar
wins loses the MVP, he won't be disappointed. If Josh
Allen loses the MVP, He'll pretend like, yeah, the season
was a failure. Where where did that ever get said?
Where has that ever come from? That is complete conjecture
and frankly total bs. I mean, Josh Allen has said
(10:25):
that the goal is the super Bowl. The team says
the goal is the super Bowl. If they want to
give him an MVP to say hey, you're the most
valiable player in the league.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
Okay, fine.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
If they don't, okay, fine, guess what. Either way, the
Bills are going to the playoffs. And because now again
it's that it's that red herring, it's that slippery slope
of well if if if Josh Allen's record is better
than Lamar Jackson, then well Patrick Mahomes should be the
MVP because his his record is better than Josh Allen's record,
it's like, whatever, I really don't I really don't care
(10:59):
anymore at this point.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
Would it be cool? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Does he deserve it?
Speaker 1 (11:02):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Are the takes god awful? You're god yeating?
Speaker 1 (11:05):
Right?
Speaker 2 (11:06):
They are there, they are, they are. It's some of again,
it's some of the most ridiculous ass backwards as and
nine stuff I've heard in a very very very I
mean again, if you want to if you want to
split hairs. It's an individual award. The best player in
the league really is is the offensive player of the year.
(11:27):
We've talked about that before. The MVP has become the
best quarterback in the league. And if you dig Lamar
Jackson off of that Ravens team, especially after they move
Kyle Hamilton to safety, which was a brilliant move, Derrick
Henry is still going to run set set personal bests
in rushing. He's been incredible. Patrick Mahomes has an incredible
(11:48):
defense that he's playing with that has really helped keep
that team at fifteen and one. And then you, I mean, again,
we're biased because for a Bill's podcast, but you look
at Josh Allen and you're like, okay, so he's had
to win a lot of these games himself, and he has.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
But again.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
I'm not going to sit here and spend any more
time talking about it because at this point whatever.
Speaker 4 (12:13):
Yeah, I mean, it is what it is. I mean,
get to the playoffs. And like you said, Patrick Mahomes
is the best record in football and he's playing the
most pedestrian football we've ever seen. He's, you know, looking
like an average quarterback that you know should be. You know,
what was the stat Let's see, I haven't pulled up
here here, Ryan, just just sort of perspective the thirty
points stat. The Chiefs have not scored thirty points or
(12:35):
more in any game this year, and they're fifteen and one.
The other three teams are the Patriots who are now
three and twelve, of the Raiders at three and twelve,
and the Giants in two and thirteen. So I mean
those combined, one of these things is not like the
other exactly. And so I mean, sometimes, as we like
to say, it do be like that. Sometimes it do
be like that.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
The narratives are just it's the narrative machine firing up.
Everyone's trying to grasp onto something. You know, if Josh
doesn't play a full game on Sunday because again the Bills,
we'll talk about it, but when they get the two seed,
so there's still something to play for. But what are
they going to say, Oh, well, Josh Allen sat out
Week eighteen against the Patriots, so he shouldn't get the MVP.
Speaker 1 (13:15):
Like, dude, what do you.
Speaker 2 (13:18):
Want this guy to do? Like he's he's been incredible,
he's made the plays, he's won the games. Just what whatever? Like, yeah,
the Bills got dog walked by the by the the
Ravens and what like week four because the Bills couldn't
stop the run. Okay, are we giving the MVP to
the Bills defensive line?
Speaker 1 (13:37):
No?
Speaker 2 (13:38):
So like what are what are we doing here?
Speaker 4 (13:41):
Also, if you look at the Christmas Day game, which
we'll probably get to, the Ravens were up by what
thirty twenty nine and Lamar was still in late in
the third early fourth, we probably would have seen Josh
polled by that point. So, you know, given the situation,
let it happen again.
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Because the goal for the Bills is not individual awards,
individual stats. It's wins, it's playoff victory, it's helf it's
going to the super Bowl, which I mean at the
start of the rebuilding if this rebuilding season, that was
not really the goal, but now it's become it's developed
into that goal.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
Correct.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
At kickoff, it was the fifth coldest game since nineteen
ninety one and Buffalo at fourteen degrees. Josh Allen's rocket
arm was not helping any player out on Sunday. We'll
talk about that in a minute, but it was a
bit of a scary moment. Josh Allen hit his funny
bone off of a will hit his elbow, which funny
bone reaction off of a Patriots player's helmet, which funny
(14:36):
story about from me. I knew exactly when that happened.
I saw him shaking his hand and I said, he
wants to got his funny bone, because again Josh mentioned
after the game he lost feeling it for about five
to ten minutes before it came back. I had an
experience here year year and a half ago where I
was running upstairs really quickly with my daughter and my
shoe slipped and I fell, and when I fell, I
(14:59):
hit like right between the elbow bone, like the one
under your arm and the actual elbow, and hit my
funny bone like the nerve so hard that my two
fingers were asleep four days and it took so long
to get that back, Like I had to go get
like nerve conduction tests to make sure I didn't do
anything like I guess I severely bruised the nerve. So
(15:20):
it's better now. But again one of those things where
Josh did it earlier in the year. But the more
you hit it, the more susceptible it is to feeling awful.
And when that feeling happens, it doesn't go away for
a while. It sits around. You feel little, your hand
feels a little weak, a little numb, but once it
comes back, especially the at that point single digit temperatures
(15:41):
probably was not helping. But thankfully Josh is a full
participants week in practice and set to plan on Sunday
with no limitations.
Speaker 4 (15:49):
Yeah, and you know when you said funny bone, I
didn't even notice he he got his throwing arm in
it because he.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
Had the ball on the other hand and landed on
that side.
Speaker 4 (15:57):
But the next play was the one that everyone wanted
pass interference on because the dB I don't remember who
the receiver was was either Cooper or Coleman got ran over,
but the ball was like thrown up like you're playing
a you know, school yard game or whatever, and then you.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Know, all went the ball went the other way.
Speaker 4 (16:15):
Ball like went sky high in the air and camera.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
Even lost it if you pay attention on the broadcast.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
But yeah, he was other than the ball did exactly exactly.
Speaker 4 (16:24):
And he you know, he was asked after the game
and even seemed confused, like what that you know, I
think it was Evan Washburn was like, I was the
one of the most coveted arms and football doing and
he Josh looked confused, and he's like, oh, I'm that
one play and you could tell like he was fine.
You know, you didn't go into the locker room to
get everyone scared, like he said, full participants. So I
mean shit, I mean two more cold games before you
(16:47):
get to the playoffs. I think he'll be fine.
Speaker 2 (16:50):
Yeah, And again it's it's it's scary when it comes
down to elbows, hands, fingers, because those are the money makers.
We saw what happened. Was it last season with or
was it last season two years ago when he hurt
his elbow against the Jets and it looked like he
(17:12):
damn near ripped his elbow off of his body. The
elbow injuries are scary even scarier for quarterbacks. This week.
This week Chris and the History of the NFL with
Josh Allen. He recorded his seventy fifth career win, mark
in the most regular season wins by a quarterback in
the first seven seasons his first seven seasons in NFL history.
(17:34):
Moving over to James Cook. Eleven carries for one hundred
yards and one rushing touchdown, three receptions and three targets
for twenty six yards and receiving touchdown. James Cook helped
me get into the wolfenstein Er Football League Championship Game
for the second straight season. Cook recorded his fourteenth rushing touchdown,
the third most in a single season in franchise history.
(17:55):
Josh Allen had fifteen and twenty twenty three. O. J.
Simpson had sixteen and nineteen seventy five. I've Cook has
sixteen scrimmage touchdowns, second most in franchise history behind OJ Simpson,
who had excuse me twenty three and nineteen seventy five.
Buffalo twenty nine total rushing touchdowns. They're tied for the
franchise record set in twenty sixteen Buffalo. Also or good Lord,
(18:16):
James Cook surpassed one hundred rushing yards for the second
straight game, becoming the first Buffalo player to accomplish his
feats on Josh Allen since Josh Allen in twenty eighteen,
and the first running back sense Lashawn McCoy in twenty sixteen.
Cook also recorded his fourth forty plus yard touchdown run
of the season, setting a new single season franchise record
previously owned by OJ Simpson, who did it in nineteen
seventy three, nineteen seventy five, in nineteen seventy six. And
(18:39):
Cook is the first Buffalo running back sins Mike gillis
Lee in twenty fifteen with a forty plus yard rushing
touchdown in back to back games. And I bring this
up because Brayton, friend of the pod, stopped by to
visit on Christmas Eve with his wife. Haven't seen him
in a bit, And it got to the point before
he left that we were just sitting around talking about
two dudes sitting on talking about old dudes who played
(19:01):
who played football, played baseball, and played hockey.
Speaker 4 (19:04):
Guys will say hell ye out of that.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
Yeah. So when I came across the Mike gillis Lee
little nugget, I said, ah, remember that guy when everyone
was so pissed off that he signed an offer shoot
with the New England Patriots. His career subsequently fizzled out.
Buffalo then received a twenty seventeen fifth round pick, which,
oh by the way, became linebacker Matt Malano. So some things,
(19:26):
some things just work out how they're meant to be,
and that certainly was one of those things.
Speaker 4 (19:31):
Yes, And before we keep going down, here the run
sheet on James Cook. I looked it up because I
couldn't remember if it was fourteen rushing or sixteen rushing
or sixteen scrimmage. But looking at these numbers here from
the last couple of years of Cook, he had four
total rushing touchdowns over those first two seasons with the Bills,
sixteen hundred chain yards and he's not even over a
(19:52):
thousand this year, but he's also at fourteen rushing touchdowns.
Obviously looking to get that. You know, he's he's gonna
a big discussion of extension here coming up soon. But
I mean, what a season he's having that's helped, you know,
helping Josh and helping this team, you know, someone that
really needed to step up, I think for the Bills
because I was kind of home on him. But I
(20:13):
mean bringing in Ray Davis and Ty Johnson stepping up
as well have helped, you know, carry that workload. But
I mean, going from two touchdowns to fourteen and you're
second to third year, is you know, rushing touchdowns for
a running back that is is pretty fricking incredible at
least my standpoint.
Speaker 2 (20:33):
And we don't have I mean, there's there's nothing to
point at this, but heading into twenty twenty five, Cook
is entering the final year of his rookie deal with
the Buffalo Bills at twenty six, I mean, I would
have to imagine if the Bills are going to keep
them around, they'll they'll make something happen in the offseason,
because again, you don't want any sort of holdout or
(20:54):
anything lingering over training camp. You want everybody in the house.
You want everybody happy, healthy, all that stuff.
Speaker 1 (20:59):
Excuse me.
Speaker 4 (21:00):
I also want to add, who are the two running
backs we talked about were helpful or could have an
MVP case, Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley. James Cook fourteen
rushing touchdowns, Henry fourteen as well, with double the amount
of yards and one hundred and twenty is more rushing attempts,
and Saquon with only thirteen and eighteen hundred yards and
(21:23):
one hundred and thirty more attempts. So James Cook is
tied for the NFL rushing the lead in touchdowns with
Derek Henry at fourteen and Jalen Hurts at fourteen. But well,
that's uh, we don't need to talk about the touch.
Speaker 2 (21:36):
Push did that damn stupid play? That damn stupid play.
Nine different players recorded at least one target on Sunday,
The one we'll talk about here. Wide receiver Khalil Shakira
an off day on Sunday, two receptions on six targets
for twenty two yards normally sure Handedy struggled on Sunday.
Not sure if it was just the defense that was
being played, which the Patriots did do a good job defensively. Also,
(21:58):
Drake may look pretty good. Khalil shak Heir, even though
he struggled, still ranks third in the National Football League
and with the highest catch percentage among wide receivers. It's
the highest catch percentage of the minimum of one point
eight seven five perceptions per team game at wide receiver
this season. Chris Godwin second at eighty point six percent
in seven games, and aman Ross Saint Brown shockingly at
(22:19):
first eighty one and a half percent in fifteen games.
Wrapping up the defense and special teams again. We talked
about it last week. It's all about attitude with the
Buffalo Bill's defense. They had three takeaways in one giveaway Verus,
New England. Buffalo now sits at a plus twenty season
turnover bounds, the highest point it has ever been in
franchise history. Franchise record was plus nineteen to nineteen sixty five.
(22:40):
Defensive end Greg Russo four tackles, two solo, one quarterback
hitting a force fumble. He recorded his third force fumblo
of the season, tied for most by a defensive lineman
of the National Football League this season. Quarterback Taron Johnson
three tackles, won solo, a fumble recovery return for a touchdown,
which was a backwards pass deflected by Greg Russo, picked
up by Taron Johnson recovered in the end zone, marking
(23:02):
Buffalo's first fumble recovery touchdown, first fumble recovery four touchdown.
Sorry since twenty twenty when Jerry Hughes did it at
the Denver Broncos. Johnson is first the first Buffalo player
to record two defensive touchdowns in the single season, first
since Nikel Roby Coleman in twenty sixteen. Again, speaking of dudes,
right there, Johnson the twenty second player in franchise history
(23:23):
to record three return touchdowns in his career and the
thirteenth player in franchise history to have return touchdowns and
via two different methods in one season. He's done it
interception and fumble. So again defensively, playing with an attitude,
defensively making things happen.
Speaker 1 (23:39):
Chris.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
The defense came out, did not look good, did not
play well, but as time went on, they adjusted and
that second half of that game completely different, a completely
different defense and worked out pretty well for him.
Speaker 4 (23:53):
Yeah, the defense, you know, we always talk about it
in our group chat and have been for the last
couple of years. You and I have defense giving up
some shaky plays, some questionable plays, and you're always like,
they'll adjust, they'll adjust, And you know, they definitely adjusted
on Sunday after what was the first two drives on
for touchdowns for the Patriots, pulling it up here, and
(24:15):
then after that it was what punt fumble interception, the
fumble in the end zone, and then punt and then
touchdown on the last drive for the Patriots. So I
mean defense showed up when it needed to for Buffalo,
and honestly, I think the biggest concern defensively for Buffalo
will be stopping third down, because honestly, when it gets
the third down, no matter the distance, I always think
(24:39):
that Buffalo is going to give up, you know, give
up the first down, whether it's third and short or
third and twenty five. I just feel like they're gonna,
you know, give up a big play to get it
to first down and keep Josh off the field, which
is if you're Buffalo, you don't want that.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
You want Josh on the field. You want score and
happ Yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
And I mean we've seen how teams beat the Bills,
and how Bills beat the teams. You run the ball,
you eat the clock, and as the game went on,
that seems to be what they did. They put more
pressure on New England. It's probably the same thing we're
going to see on Sunday against the New York Jets.
To talk about here shortly, but I mean the game
plan is out there, and it also does seem like
we're getting back to the point again where the Buffalo
Bills are holding something back. Not sure when I mean,
(25:20):
I know, I was gonna say, not sure what it is.
I know when they'll unlead. Shit, it's going to be
unleashed in the playoffs like they always do when they
unlease Super Josh. But we shall see how that develops.
Chris Kicker Tyler Bass three for three on an extra
point and then one for one in field goals. It
was his second straight game with the fifty plus yard
field goal. John, that one is for you. It's also
(25:41):
the third time in his career that bass Is recorded
the fifty plus yard field goal and back to that
games and the twelfth time in the Soda streak has
occurred in franchise history. Again, John Tyler Bass fifty plus
yard field goal. Quick shout out too. Linebacker Dorian Williams.
Eight tackles, three solo and one fumble recovery.
Speaker 4 (25:58):
Chris.
Speaker 2 (25:58):
He's recorded one hundred plus tackles for the first in
his career in his development according to Pro Football Focus,
which we understand that information can certainly be flawed, but
it's a good it's a good measuring stick to see
where things are. Dorian Williams has a fifty nine point
two overall grade is one hundred and seventeenth out of
one hundred and eighty three linebackers, a thirty six point
nine coverage grade that's one fifty eight out of one
(26:20):
eighty three. But he has a seventy five point five
pass rush grade eighteenth out of one hundred and eighty
three linebackers, and a seventy seven point four run defense
grade that's thirty first out of one hundred and eighty
three linebackers that qualify. That being said, a lot of
rumblings that maybe Dorian Williams is the guy over Matt
Mulano when Milano returns when Dorian Williams, Dorry Williams should
(26:43):
move up in the lineup to play opposite of Terrell
Bernard because he has made lead some bounds, incredible strides.
Learn the game, learn the team, learn the role. And again,
even though his overall and his covered grades aren't great,
Dorian Williams seems to run downhill and have a nose
for the football.
Speaker 4 (27:02):
Yeah, I mean we saw it on Sunday with Bayle
Inspector getting attacked, getting targeted. If you will by the
Patriots offense, and you know, Dorian Williams definitely is an
upgrade in that position. And you know, you talk about
the defense Milano coming back this week, we'll do that
in the look ahead, but I mean, you got to
get that guy some reps before the playoffs. Obviously, he
(27:24):
looked a little scared when he did return the first time. Obviously,
so you got a big, you know, bionic ar embrace
on protecting the bicep. But you know, if the Bills
can get Milano back to you know, even ninety percent
of what he is and adding Dorian Williams and Bernard
the depth at linebackers is going to be crucial for
the Bills defense to be successful, both you know, on
third down but in general. Come you know, January and
(27:47):
hopefully into February.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
And before we head to our commercial break here, quarterback
Cam Lewis four tackles, three solo, one pass deflection. One
interception was the first career interception for Lewis, which sealed
he comeback victory for Buffalo. With that said, we will
take a quick commercial break, will be right back after
this with more Trust the podcast here on the Gear
Radio Network. And we are back here on Trust the
(28:09):
podcast Around the NFL brought to you by Go Frost Yourself. Chris,
I will take this this week. That is okay because
again moment of silence for John being on location on
assignment Around the NFL, brought to you by Go Frost Yourself.
Located in Rochester, New York. Go Frost Yourself does what
other local bakeries do not. They bake from scratch, creating
recipes themselves and using the best fresh ingredients they can
(28:31):
to find delicious flavors for customers.
Speaker 1 (28:33):
Daily.
Speaker 2 (28:34):
Molly and Jen Hi, Molly, Hello, Jen have worked tirelessly
to create what Go Frost Yourself has become today, and
their passion can be tasted in the items they baked.
Whether you find yourself looking for an item for a
special occasion like your daughter's third birthday, thank you Molly
and Jen for that those cupcakes kicked ass or or
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Now over to our unpaid intern, the Holy One, Chris Downey,
(29:18):
the Holy Jackwagon for a round the NFL.
Speaker 4 (29:23):
Thanks Ryan. We had a slew of games here in
Week sixteen, and then Week seventeen started off on Christmas Day.
Here in time of recording, we've had Thursday Night football.
You know, look at an AFC playoff picture. The Chiefs secure
the number one seed. You know, Buffalo can't chase them
down at this point, even with their being the one
in the fifteen and one for the Chiefs, Bills sitting
(29:46):
you know, game up here on the now three seed Ravens,
who overtook the three seed with their thirty one to
two win over the Texans on Christmas Day. Houston the
other loss for the Bills this year, one of the
other losses nine and seven in the South. You know,
the four seeds are there for the AFC and one
(30:07):
wild card is Pittsburgh, who now is a game back
of Baltimore. Obviously, both of them have divisional games that
close out Week eighteen coming up next weekend. Hoping, you know,
maybe it shakes out a little bit favorable for Buffalo,
but right now it could be Ravens coming to Orchard
Park in the divisional round.
Speaker 1 (30:25):
But let's not get too far ahead.
Speaker 4 (30:28):
Final two spots up for grabs Chargers and Broncos both
a couple of games up here on the Colts and
Dolphins and Bengals. Bengals are making a stride with Joe
Burrow's miraculous and incredible season still coming coming down to
the line here on the NFC side, Ryan first fourteen
win team could be a wild card seed here as
(30:48):
the Vikings are tied for the Lions at thirteen and two.
Not you know, both of those teams can't be in
the top four unfortunately, as the Lions currently hold that
spot at the thirteen and two, the top seed Philadelphia
one game back at twelve and three, and then the
Packer is the third NFC North team currently locked into
a playoff spot at eleven and four. A couple more
(31:10):
seeds are still up for grabs the NFC West and
NFC South or lackluster to say.
Speaker 1 (31:15):
The least this year.
Speaker 4 (31:16):
The Falcons at eight and seven, the Rams at nine
and six, and then the Commanders at ten and six
round out teams that currently have playoff spots, with the
Seahawks and Buccaneers, you know, just on the outside looking in.
That's about it for the playoff picture. Obviously some seeding
still to shake out, but it looks like Bills are
(31:36):
Bills are going to hold down the number two seed
barring anything crazy the next two weeks and then match
up with either the Broncos or the Chargers in the
wild card round. Still some seeds here to go around, Ryan,
that's I mean, we got to it's crazy.
Speaker 1 (31:54):
You talk about perfection.
Speaker 4 (31:55):
The Bills needed to be perfect to at least one
lost maximum to you know, get to that final playoff spot.
Speaker 1 (32:03):
I mean, it is, it is, But I know you
got your words.
Speaker 2 (32:06):
I know you got your words.
Speaker 1 (32:07):
You're doing a great job.
Speaker 2 (32:08):
I didn't know that you're gonna do this live, breaking
the fourth wall. I was gonna make a joke and
I was gonna poke fun at you because the way
we do it, obviously, christ you record your stuff, we
throw it in, we put the podcast together.
Speaker 1 (32:19):
It sounds great.
Speaker 2 (32:21):
But I was very surprised you did it live. I
appreciate that, but I wanted to ask you because again,
this is a better life than dead topic. But at
what point, and maybe it's got to be soon at
what point do teams start bitching and moaning and saying, hey,
I don't care that you finished nine and eight or whatever,
(32:42):
you don't deserve a home playoff game over the Vikings,
who are really really good but now essentially have to
play every game on the road because the team that
beat them has you know, one less or one more win,
or they have the same record, but because they beat them,
they don't get a home playoff game. That seems kind
(33:03):
of silly.
Speaker 4 (33:04):
Yeah, well, right now, it looks like the Vikings if
it holds chalk as to what it is, the five
seed would be obviously the Vikings top wild card. The
lowest conference winner is the Falcons. They're the only team
from the NFC South to make it. They're currently sitting
at eight and seven. The Bucks are also at eight
and seven, but they're out of the playoff pictures. So
the winner of the South either're Tampa Bay Atlanta is
(33:26):
going to host the Minnesota the red Hot Vikings and
Sam Donald, which is a weird, weird statement to say,
considering Sam Donald's career to this point, but that's just
I mean, it's a damned if you do, damned if
you don't. You're rewarded with the home playoff game for
winning your division. But also if you are not a
(33:46):
good team, you're not a great team, you might be
welcoming a great team. But I mean that's the joy
of the playoffs. You never know what could happen with
you know, you can win fourteen to fifteen games and
then go and lose on the road in the playoffs
simply because you didn't want sixteen games or something.
Speaker 2 (34:01):
Well, I mean you're looking at it too. This this
week also could be a could be a big well,
will be a big matchup for the for the Packers
and Vikings, because obviously you've got green Bay coming to Minnesota.
You mentioned green Bay's eleven, You mentioned Minnesota's thirteen and two,
but green Bay's eleven and four. Green Bay wins that
game all of a sudden, that could flip too. But
(34:23):
I mean, the Vikings are really freaking good, and I
don't I don't really see that changing. But looking, I
mean looking right now, it's like the playoff picture as
is as loaded as I think we've ever seen it before. Yes,
if just resetting this right now to take a look
(34:45):
here right now, Chris, I mean, in the in the NFC,
it's thirteen going down. It's win wise thirteen twelve, nine, eight, thirteen,
eleven and ten. AFC is fifteen twelve, eleven, nine, ten,
nine to nine.
Speaker 4 (35:02):
I'm thankful that we need to go through the AFC,
even though it could be Baltimore and Kansas City to
get to get to the super Bowl. But going back
to the NFC, you want your fun. Your last weekend
obviously is the TBD Flex weekend of games for the NFL.
The Vikings do travel to Detroit, and that could be
for the division. So you know, unlike the Bills, who
(35:24):
have clinched the East as of twenty six days ago,
I believe they could be you know, resting guys.
Speaker 1 (35:30):
The Chiefs could be resting.
Speaker 4 (35:31):
Guys, whereas the Vikings and Lions will have to go,
you know, potentially all out to you know, get that
home field advantage throughout the playoffs and have the NFC
go through their Minnesota or detroitude.
Speaker 2 (35:42):
I mean, that game, that game has to be if
if that does matter, If that game does matter, and
Detroit wins this week and Minnesota obviously wins this week,
that's got to be the eight twenty game on Sunday
Night Football next week. I mean, because again you've got it.
It's fifteen, it'd be fourteen and two. At fourteen and two, yes,
(36:05):
right right.
Speaker 4 (36:06):
Yes, And Detroit beat Minnesota by two earlier this year,
so Detroit does have that that tiebreaker going into that
game if records are offset by a game.
Speaker 2 (36:20):
Sorry, I was texting my wife back here, So yeah, again,
looking at it right now, if you're just going through,
I know, if the season ended today, which John, I know, John,
it does not end today. If the season ended today
and you are selecting the criteria on the ESPN NFL
Playoff machine, the criteria being win percentage, you'd have Kansas
(36:42):
City as the one in the AFC, Denver at Buffalo,
Los Angeles, Chargers at Baltimore, the eleven and six Chargers
at the twelve and five Ravens, and then the eleven
and six Steelers at the ten and seven Houston Texans,
Which that would'll be fun, Chris, because if that does happen,
both of those teams have looked relatively uninspired. And also
(37:02):
there are some rumblings this week out of Pittsburgh that
there may be a bit of a locker room cancer.
There's somebody on that team that is really just dogging
it and pissing a lot of people off. In the
NFC one seed Detroit at fifteen and two, again, that
would be a tie because again the win percentage is
the same. So again you go from you could go
from the outhouse to the penthouse, the five seed to
(37:23):
the one seed if you win that game, or Detroit
could finish the season at fifteen and two.
Speaker 1 (37:26):
Who to thunk it.
Speaker 2 (37:27):
But if we say Detroit going with vibes home game
something at football, my presumption there being you'd have Detroit
as the one in the first round, by Green Bay
at Philadelphia. That would be a slober acker of a game.
Twelve and five green Bay at fourteen and three Philadelphia.
You'd have twelve and five Washington with Jade and Daniels
the presumptive rookie of the year at the three seed,
(37:48):
Los Angeles Rams, who are eleven and six, who've really
turned their season around, fourteen and three Minnesota Vikings at
the ten and seven Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Speaker 1 (37:55):
So Chris, I'm getting.
Speaker 2 (37:57):
Pretty lit up. We're gonna have to do ourselves a
A playoff preview edition of Trust the Podcast, part of
the playoffs because holy guacam holely.
Speaker 4 (38:05):
Brother exactly, and you know, obviously it could shake out
where you know, if it holds chalk, Buffalo and Baltimore
have a collision course and divisional but you know that
AFC North is still up for grabs and obviously the
Chargers are you know, Chargers and Broncos are both still
solid teams that could give you know, any team.
Speaker 1 (38:25):
Or run for their money in the playoffs.
Speaker 4 (38:26):
So you know, I think I think Buffalo kind of
I wouldn't say lucked out, but if they can lock
down the two seed this week, as we'll talk about
Week eighteen, is you know, your quasi bye week as
I've been talking about for the last month, that you know,
can kind of help things, help.
Speaker 1 (38:45):
Things out a little bit.
Speaker 4 (38:45):
While you know where the two seed used to get
a buy in the in the olden days, back in
our day, Ryan, you know.
Speaker 1 (38:53):
And John's day. John, How you doing, Nora?
Speaker 2 (38:55):
Now, wrap your thing up so it can be it
makeing official because it's it's live.
Speaker 4 (38:58):
So it's like that, that's okay, you know what this is,
first time doing it live.
Speaker 1 (39:02):
Let me enjoy it.
Speaker 4 (39:03):
So you know, that's that's what we're looking at aroundfl well.
Thanks Chris, Thanks Ryan John. I would say back to
you too, but you know you're on location, so Ryan, go.
Speaker 2 (39:17):
F yourself, San Diego our look ahead. Cleaned up from
loose endier roster move. Linebacker Balan Specter placed on the
io with a calf injury. Linebacker Nicholas Morros signed to
the active roster. Per Buffalo Rumblings quote. Marrow made the
team's initial roster and was part of the squad for
the first thirteen weeks of the season. He appeared mostly
on special teams, playing one hundred and eighty two snaps
or sixty five percent of the team's total time or
the team's total during the time framed. He also played
(39:37):
on forty four defensive snaps for six percent of the
team's total. Had just three tackles on the season before
being released. But again, he knows the team, he knows
the playbooks. So good move by the Buffalo Bills. There
the injury report. Safety Tomorrow Hamlin and safety Taylor Rap
limited this week after being limited all last week and
missing the game verse the New England Patriots. Both Hamlin
(39:57):
and Rap are questionable for Sunday's game, but Rap did
shed the non contact jersey and was in a regular
jersey on Friday, so it looks like he might be back.
But excuse me. If the Buffalo Bills need to call
up a safety's it may not be Kareem Jackson because again,
he's had three game day call up betweens Buffalo will
need to make a corresponding move to actually sign him
(40:19):
to the active roster, or it could be time for
Michael Hide to make his season debut. Keep an eye
on roster elevations on Saturday. Cornerback Rasool Douglas and linebacker
Matt Molino full participants after missing last week's game versus
New England. They are set to go on Sunday. Before
we jump into the quick preview of the game, wanted
to mention too. Damar Hamlin's Hearts Act was signed into law.
(40:45):
Says here by Elena Getzenberger ESPN. The holiday week brought
early good news for Buffalo Bills safety Tomorrow Hamlin, with
President Joe Biden dark Brandon signing into law bill that
aims to improve access to resources for heart health around
the country. He advocated for the bill and worked down
the bill. He being DeMar Hammlon with Senator Chuck Schumer.
It's the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness and Research and AED
(41:10):
Training in Schools Act of twenty twenty four HEARTS Act.
What happens here is the law will help put automated
external defibrillators in defibrillators in schools and make CPR training
more accessible by creating a grant program at the US
Department of Health and Human Services to support CPR and
AD training and elementary and secondary schools with the purchase
of ADS, funding AD and CPR training and development of
(41:33):
cardiac emergency response plans. So pretty cool thing for DeMar
Hamlin in his quest again to educate and make people
aware of what happens and what needs to be done
when an incident like his where he was brought back
to life with an AED. So I love to see
(41:53):
that he is still advocating for that and pushing as
hard as he possibly can now. Chris Week seventeen The
Bills versus the Goddamn Jets, The New York Jets one
p on CBS Buffalo locks up a two seed, but
a win on Sunday or help if they don't win
and other people do lose. I believe, I believe they
just have to win in the room because if they don't,
then Baltimore can still get it.
Speaker 1 (42:11):
But that was dumb.
Speaker 2 (42:12):
The New York Jets four and eleven, two and six
away third in the AFC East last week a thirty
to seventeen loss to the Airson the Cardinals a four
game losing streak. I was gonna ask John's take on
the Jets, but I'm gonna pass on that because John's
not here. Shockingly, on the day we have to ask
Hi about the Jets. He's on location busy. I get
it only making jokes. ESPN matchup predictor Chris seventy one
(42:32):
point six percent of America b lows. Buffalo grabs lucky
win number thirteen this week against again big Daddy favorite,
the god damn Jets. Who you got and why?
Speaker 1 (42:44):
Thank you for the big Daddy reference.
Speaker 4 (42:45):
I did not know you put that in there until
I read just now ahead of you, so I appreciate it. Welcome,
but no, it should be Buffalo. I mean, this was
the Jets team that was predicted to win the East
or finished second, mind the Dolphins, and it's not the case.
I think Buffalo learns from last week. Defense gets healthy
Josh's healthy offense is healthy. I don't think there's any
(43:09):
issue getting win thirteen locking up that two seed on
this the regular season home finale at the at the Ralph.
Speaker 2 (43:19):
So let me see here quick. The one thing I
wanted to pop up was the weather Orchard Park on Sunday,
set to be fifty nine degrees with light rain. Josh Allen,
the Buffalo Bills are going to ball out their final
game regular season game in the one pm time slot,
although the Patriots game would end up being one pm
two so could be wrong. But Rich Samini points out
(43:41):
on ex Twitter Elon Musk's stupid investment. The Jets injury update.
Wide receiver Devonte adams Hip return to practice and looks
good per the Jeff Ulbrich booz. How you say the
guy's name? Quarterback Sauce Gardner hamstring and defensive tackle Quinn
Williams with a hamstring. We'll try to play, but it
sounds if he so the Jets could be out the
two best defensive players. I got the Bills taking the Jets.
(44:05):
I'm gonna say thirty four to thirty four to twenty
Josh Allen, Big day. Maybe he'll pass Thurman Thomas's rushing
touchdown record franchise record either way. As Chris Berman always says, Chris,
no one, No one circles the wagons like the Buffalo
(44:27):
bills For Chris Downey, I am Ryan Wolf. We are
trust the podcast.
Speaker 4 (44:34):
You are not.
Speaker 2 (44:35):
We'll catch you, same time, same place next week.
Speaker 1 (44:37):
Again.
Speaker 2 (44:38):
Congratulations go out to John Somino on his now impending nuptials.
Maybe we'll podcast live from the wedding. No, we will not,
But with that being said, as always, thank you for
tuning in. We'll catch you, same time, same place next week.
As always, go bills. The preceding presentation has been brought
(45:12):
to you by a The Gear Network.
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