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Ep. 75 - Bring on the Ravens
30 Plays3 months ago
ONTO THE DIVISIONAL. The boys open the pod with a full recap of the Bills-Broncos game and dive into the areas where the Bills excelled on their way to the divisional round. The focus shifts to preparation for THE matchup of the playoffs (so far?) as the Bills host the Ravens at Highmark this Sunday. The boys break down the opponent and give their take on why this time may be different from earlier in the year. GO BILLS!!!!!!!!
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Transcript
Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:00:24
Speaker
Oh, what's going on, everybody? You're listening to the Let's Go Buffalo podcast, your favorite podcast for all things bills and savers. With the pals, Tom and Jake this evening. I'm doing my best Nigel impression. We miss him this evening, but we got episode 75 coming at you. Quick reminder before we get into it, go follow our social media accounts. They're all at Let's Go Buff Pod on Instagram, X and YouTube.
00:00:53
Speaker
if you're listening If you're watching on YouTube or listening, please leave us a like, drop a comment, ask us a question, whatever you feel. Helps us out with the algorithms. And Tom,
Sports Teams Update: Bills and Sabres
00:01:02
Speaker
let's get into it. How are you doing tonight, buddy? Dude, I'm good. I'm pretty sure you have to pay for somebody's AAA insurance. Get them out of a ditch that you just sent them in. Whoo! A little too sensitive. Hey, sensitive you know I love it. I love it. Let's fucking go, buddy. I'm good, dude. Happy happys Victory Monday. Hey, huh?
00:01:22
Speaker
Victory Monday indeed, Tom. What a game yesterday. How about those bills? I want to, I want to get all into it dissected, but, uh, I'm, I'm a little thirsty first. I don't know about you. Please count me down, buddy. Three, two, one.
00:01:40
Speaker
Cheers. I got a, cheers. I got a repeat tonight. So mine's not very fun at all, but all or nothing I've gone, uh, all. We've got the same beer all or nothing. So, you know what? It worked last week. Please continue to drink those. That's true. and this yeah If it works out this week, you're going out to the store and buying another. I have one more, one more in the fridge so I can, I can do it again, but but we're not going to put anything out to the universe, but no, we're not.
Beer Choices Discussion
00:02:04
Speaker
I know where, I know where they came from. What do you guys know? We are not. I got another flying bison here called cosmic drip IPA. A nice little 6% or it's super tasty. It's really good.
00:02:15
Speaker
That looks incredible, dude. what i I want to see that can again. Yeah, get in there. Get in there. ah Buffalo with with like like space cape on and everything. Yeah, just like, yeah, it's freaking awesome. Flying bison, dude. Another little local draft. Incredible. Incredible. Cheers to you. Cheers to everybody out there. Freaking go, Bills. Another year with the playoff win. In the back pocket, baby. In the pocket,
Sabres' Performance Critique
00:02:42
Speaker
dude. Real quick, before we dive dive into that game,
00:02:45
Speaker
We have to address the the saber-sized elephant in the room We're not really gonna talk about the saber snipe because there's not a lot of fun things to talk about they ah beat Ottawa for nothing and everyone was like a nice win a Commanding win. Yeah, that they could pray and then they went up to nothing on the Kraken on Saturday and had a goal scored against, and then the tires fell off the car. Completely blew the lead, completely blew the game. they're They're an embarrassment to watch, talk about, think about, and be
Buffalo Bills Playoff Recap
00:03:17
Speaker
around. So we're going to move on and talk about a fun team that's a serious team, team that can hold on mentally against opponents. So with that said, a more mental fortitude than a Rice Krispie treat? Something like that. yeah yeah Yeah. that's a line we're trying to cross here. We're getting completely undeserving of being talked about. So all right, just go past it but works for me. Tom, take it away. What happened yesterday? The freaking Buffalo bills trounced the Denver Broncos 31 to seven in the, uh,
00:03:56
Speaker
The wild card matchup this season, week one of the playoffs, absolutely dominant win started off kind of a little bit on the ropes, right? They, they played as close and they played it tight going in all throughout that first half. And then things started to break open um as we ah progressed and, and then it became a much more enjoyable. And what a, what a fun, what a fun game to watch.
00:04:17
Speaker
It was, it was an absolute pleasure, dude. I gotta to say the second half was a lot more fun to watch than the first half, but the hallway still, still watching the pills playoff game. Like we have gotten used to that, but boy, the the long drought years are still.
00:04:33
Speaker
reminder enough that but you got to enjoy these, right? Right. Yes. Yes, absolutely. right It could have i could have ended, right? And it can end it can end any one of these weeks coming up here. So it's yeah it's pretty fun. It's pretty cool. And it was it was a great game to watch. If you look like a beautiful day there in Orchard Park, like what a football day. It did, yeah.
00:04:51
Speaker
I can't ask for much more, considering the last couple of games were shoveling snow out and all that. True, right. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's that's very true. So um yeah, let's kind of touch on the
Josh Allen and Team Performance Analysis
00:05:02
Speaker
good. And then we have a couple bad and ugly things to talk about. And then we'll ah kind of look forward to this upcoming week. Jake, I'm going to let you take the first swing at the piñata here. ah what What was one of the one of your favorite things coming out of this game that was really fun to watch?
00:05:15
Speaker
oh Man well, I I want to talk about it with you because I think there's a lot to unpack there but we mentioned this before the game how There are a subset of players that might take even more pride in Josh Allen getting snubbed in certain ways That's the o-line and man did they show up on Sunday? Yeah read All five of them all six of them if you include Alec Anderson and I think you should because he played a big part in the win but Dude, just talk about setting the tone and giving the support needed for the run game and for Josh to make plays. It was a dominant effort.
00:05:53
Speaker
they cut they they They came out like somebody pissed in the Cheerios. Like somebody called their mom a bad name, you know? Like, holy cow. they They took over. They took over. At some point, there was nothing that that Denver Broncos could defense could do um except just take what was given to them. And that was just pancake block after pancake block, ice pick after ice pick.
00:06:15
Speaker
and just every, they they cho they got to do what they wanted. That they let Josh Allen in this offense do what they wanted. And that was dominating the ah the the the trenches. It was dominating the time of possession. This stat is ridiculous. The Broncos held the ball for 18 minutes and 17 seconds. The lowest in Broncos history for the last 40 years.
00:06:38
Speaker
No way. I didn't see that's that stat. The last, that was the lowest time of possession the Broncos has have had in the last 40 years. That's incredible, dude. Wow. Bonkers. And both teams had eight possessions. It wasn't that we had stolen possessions or it kind of had worked out. Like we had held the ball going into the half and they got the ball going out of the half. Like both teams had eight full possessions and the the bills just held the ball and just did what they wanted to do. It was, it was amazing. Yeah. That's not saying they didn't, they weren't effective I mean, that that first drive, right off right off the hop, crazy long pass. I haven't caught it, but next looks legit. i mean
00:07:15
Speaker
Yeah, yeah, he has a nice long haul. He really does. Yeah, that that touched on Detroit Franklin on set that broken coverage between um Douglas and Rapp. They came out. Douglas, after the game, did come up and say, hey, Rapp and I saw that differently. And we got back on the same page, and we got things going. And that was that was a breakdown. That was ah that was a miscue from the the Bills offense. And Bo Nicks definitely took the took the advantage of that.
00:07:39
Speaker
Um, I don't know, even if that wrap was there, it was such a good ball that I don't know if he was really getting there. He has a moon ball and this is that, that moon ball is really usually attributed to a guy like Russell Wilson who could just throw the ball, get it up and over and just awesome down the fields, um, throws.
00:07:59
Speaker
He's looking a little like like kind of like early hear the you know career Russell Wilson with that with that throw. So yeah, that that was ah that that that that play right there kind of gave Nervous Mafia an opportunity to kind of settle in and be like, oh, is this really going to be a different game than we were all planning? Yeah. well First off, for all of Broncos and Bo Nix's sake, hopefully he doesn't turn into late career. That's a little sin. Dude, yeah, I mean, it was a little bit of a hard stopper early on. It happened so quick. It was like, oh, boy, are we in for a shootout here? See if the offense pulls out more. Yeah, but you're right. They were able to kind of lock it down a little bit. The only one unanswered points was a nice way to respond. So yeah, that'll do.
00:08:50
Speaker
and that That does nice things for for a football team. yeah and we'll get We'll get into the defense in a little bit. But Tom, back on the O line, dude, 210 yards of rushing from the team. And that's that's attributable to that, man. I mean, yeah I noticed Alec Anderson being really physical and and clearing out a lot of room for James Cook to slice through a little bit. Tom, what else did you see? Like, was there anything else that they that you just noticed they were doing? Or is it just their dominant play that was really pushing them?
00:09:18
Speaker
it's there It's their timing. It's their communication. It's their ability to swing those tackles, both Spencer Brown coming from the right and Dion Dawkins coming from the left and use that interchangeably and just create space and create seams and run and run lanes for um both Ty Johnson and James Cook. James Cook came out of this game with 120 yards of um of rushing yards. Like he's, he's had probably closing in on eight, nine, or maybe even 10 games of a hundred plus rushing yards this season. Like he's, he's just been so good. I think, and what I really like is
00:09:51
Speaker
everything is starting to work together, right? The O line, their communication is solid, their spacing is solid, their timing is solid, which then opens up this lane for James Cook, who not only is really like, he has that slashing motion that I think is like the only way I can really describe it. Like he's able to kind of just cut his way through between two defenders that I'm like, every time I look at it on the broadcast, maybe it's just the angle, but it looks like there's no space whatsoever. But somehow,
00:10:19
Speaker
he sneaks his way through and all of a sudden he's through but he's also playing with a tenacity and a physicality that wasn't there last season. We've seen it multiple times this season but he's maintaining a physicality and willingness to push through blocks and push through tackles and it's just so cool to see all of that work in tandem and I think it just makes us more and more lethal, like every every bit of that is just just a problem for defenses to handle.
Player Highlights: Khalil Shakir
00:10:50
Speaker
Yeah, yeah, definitely. And just just big boy and people there was there was that one play in the first quarter, they just, they just basically picked up James Cook and carried him across across the first outline. Yeah, like snow plowed him straightforward, right? It was another 10 yards. It was it was a lot, right? And then James Cook met a defender going into the goal line and just said no, thank you and just continue to push.
00:11:13
Speaker
um just this physicality in a grit of of this this this rushing offense to just take what's theirs was a really big deal. And that's so hard to handle, right? When you're a defense, it's a it's embarrassing. It's hard to kind of turn that around. That's ah that's a momentum. That's a kind of unseen, I'm sure,
00:11:35
Speaker
like psychological, like momentum that you can just get an edge and just know that you're going to be able to get what you want. That's so hard to deal with when you're starting to try to come back from that and turn that around. I can't imagine. Yeah, agreed, man. Anything else you wanted to say on the O line or should we kind of shift back in the offense?
00:11:53
Speaker
Um, yeah, that's kind of, let's keep moving. That's Josh had an awesome day, right? He looks so good. There was a few times I thought throughout the night or throughout the afternoon was, man, he's missing some easy throws. And then all of a sudden we see the stat pop up. He's like.
00:12:08
Speaker
18 for 22 or something like that, right? He ended the game for 20 for 26, only missed six passes. A couple of them were seemed to be like really timely. um And I think you had a good point about that. It's like sometimes his his misses are a Kian Coleman who would have been wide open for a touchdown down the field. And it's like, oh, that it just stings. It feels like it's worth three missed throws, you know, or something.
00:12:34
Speaker
For sure. yeah it's it Yeah, they feel weightier, I think is is is what I said. Because they you're right, 20 for 26 is an awesome stat line. But sometimes, yeah they just they feel like they come in higher pressure situations or a a bigger missed opportunity. but Yeah, I, but by no means am I complaining about Josh out. I want to be clear on that. but But during the game, it felt like I had some ground to stand on to maybe complain about his accuracy during the game. And and it just wasn't right. He played great. He played really good. He, um he had control. He was able to be methodical and he had through with a touch. um He ended up with two touchdowns and then eight for 46 on the grounds. It,
00:13:13
Speaker
playoff Josh Allen is is a guy who's going to use his legs. I'm sure we're gonna see that. We saw that last weekend and we're gonna see it this weekend. um At the some point the gloves have to come off and that's a such a potent weapon for this offense and just a plus and on their column of A, you have a Russian quarterback and B, that guy's a galloping moose down the field named Josh Allen who's faster and stronger and bigger than everybody.
00:13:37
Speaker
Um, so where we, uh, we're going to see more of that. And it was just, it was great to see him have a really solid day. No turnovers. Knock on, knock, knock. We don't have that power. Bill's ma mafia. We
Trick Plays and Wide Receiver Strategies
00:13:48
Speaker
don't have that power. However, knock on wood, please. Um, and, but it was also really nice to see that we didn't need Josh to like put on the Superman cape to win this game. Right. We had this, we had this rushing offense that was taking care of business. Yeah. Agreed. I do want to, I want to ask you about Josh. So, uh,
00:14:05
Speaker
I thought I saw it, like a couple moments, there were times where he he did, he picked the right play, the smart play, take the check down, take the easy yards kind of thing. But there were some other plays, like that fourth and one pass to Ty Johnson, where it seemed like he maybe was trying to force a little something. Do you think that that was there, Tom? Or or am I being a little too over cautious? Like, I want those to not be there. I want the easy plays in the coming weeks against upper opponents.
00:14:32
Speaker
Yeah, no, that's a good point. But he actually talked. Josh talked about it in his post game presser. um And at least quote from his perspective, there wasn't an option to get at at at by that point of the play. He didn't have the option to either run or get a short pass. So he just wanted to give Ty Johnson a chance in the back, of the end zone, because after that, it was going to be, a you know, it was going to be a kick anyway.
00:14:53
Speaker
Um, well, no, it was a fourth and one. Now, excuse me. It was going to be a turnover on downs. So, um, he just like, Hey, you know, I said, Hey, F it, let's go try it. And it, thank God it worked out. What a catch, right? If I'm a Broncos fan, I'm pissed, but what a catch.
00:15:08
Speaker
That was yeah what what a catch. dude let's let's Let's give you some flowers for that too. Last week, one week ago, you're sitting here saying, boys, this is going to be a Ty Johnson game. And maybe he didn't take over the game like he did against Detroit. But still, he was involved. He was he was noticeable.
00:15:24
Speaker
incredible catch there in the end zone for that touchdown. Shout out to you, Tom. what What a prediction there. Thank you. Thank you very much. yeah I agree. I was hoping that it was going to be, well, I was expecting it to be a little bit more frequent and just kind of sprinkled in throughout the game plan, throughout the game. But no, he had he he made his presence known in both the run game and and the receiving game. Also, his blocking, man, this this the he contributed to the O-line dominance, right? where which this Bronco's defensive line is one of the best in the league.
00:15:53
Speaker
Perhaps the best in the league and they get the most. They've they've recorded the most sacks in the regular season against any team. And um Josh got sacked twice, right? Which is a lot for this ah this offense, but I think it's a testament to say that they they averaged three plus right and we held them to only two. um So I think I think that was just ah another win um in that offensive column. It was, uh, it was really cool to see.
00:16:21
Speaker
It was really cool to see Ty Johnson again being used as this third down running back or technically on that one fourth down, right? Like Josh claims and keeps proclaiming from the mountain tops that he's the best third about third, sorry, third down running back in the league. And I think that's absolutely true. The guy can block. The guy has great hands. He's he's just smart. He has football smarts. He knows how to get in space and stay in a play. and catch a touchdown on the back of the touchdown, you know, back of the end zone. Like that's so freaking cool. And I think he's such a weapon and so valuable to this team.
00:16:56
Speaker
Yeah, they clearly trust him and they should. What a pickup. What a pickup. but a pickup Thanks, Jets. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Discarded to the side of the road with you, Ty Johnson. Thank you. Come home, buddy. Come home. Yeah, dude. And on so on that play, it was a bit downfield. So let's talk about Josh and and looking at plays down the field. What did you notice there? I mean, it's been maybe a mark of concern earlier in the year, but it seems to be much less so now that we're entering the postseason stretch here. What'd you think of those kinds of plays? This game, he was awesome. He was perfect. He was 4-4-4 on passes down the field. um I think it was 4-4-4 and two touchdowns, right, um on passes 20 plus yards down the field, um which is a little uncharacteristic for this season's Josh Allen. But we'll take it, right? Like at some point, I guess you have to revert back to the mean. It was clear that with the
00:17:47
Speaker
Joe Brady and the offense was trying to set that up for later in the game. right So this is where the play action setups and everybody's all frustrated about first and 10 runs, second and 10 runs early in the game. There was times where I'm sitting here just scratching my head, just like, dear God, why why are we running it with with James Cook bouncing to the outside second and second and long? And we get nothing from it. Well, it's because it opens this up. And i while like yeah i'm I'm frustrated,
00:18:14
Speaker
This is at least makes it feel better, right? That it works when, it um, when it comes back around. But, uh, yeah, no, they they were awesome down the field. It was great to see the receivers, um, come to life. It was great to see Curtis Samuel be one of those seeing those, uh, receivers who everybody remember Curtis Samuel he playedd for this team. He sure does. yeah what What a day for him. Like he looked great. And that's, so that's another point I wanted to make. I've seen, I've seen some people.
00:18:43
Speaker
you know, loosely say like, oh, where's Amari Cooper been? What's Amari Cooper doing? And I think that's so misguided. Like, even if the ball's not in his hands, he still changes the way the offense looks and operates. And I don't think people are giving him the credit that he deserves and has earned for the way his career has unfolded. the the man The man commands to be covered. And that opens up opportunities for somebody like Curtis Samuel to have a day like he did. Three for 68 and a touchdown on top of it.
00:19:12
Speaker
Can't argue with that. what What are your thoughts on that? No, I completely agree. Yeah, I think there'll be an Amari Cooper game. I think this game was also not the game for our outside wide receivers. um That Broncos defense is so good, right? That's Pat Thortein. That's a Pat Thortein set. um This was going to be a tough game for Keon and Amari and Matt Collins to really make an impact in that passing game.
00:19:34
Speaker
But they're inside the field, the linebackers on the Broncos defense can and certainly were had by Gollio Shakir and Dalton Kincaid and the running backs, right? That's kind of where this weakness and where you could get some kind of get an edge. So I'm not surprised that the outside wide receivers didn't have much of a game, um just considering who we were playing, right? This is an excellence, like,
00:20:00
Speaker
high caliber defense that the bills offense kind of had their way with and that's all the more impressive, especially given the stakes, right? This is a game where they they needed to play really well and control this bills offense and it just that didn't happen. Whatever they tried, it wasn't working.
00:20:18
Speaker
Yeah, for sure. Old Mac Collins, yabba-dabba-doo. If you didn't see, he came into the stadium barefoot wearing like a Fred Flintstone costume yesterday. The full getup, right? The full, the full, the they the robe, the hat. It was just fucking awesome.
00:20:36
Speaker
Dude, what is the origin behind that? like what is he Is he just a fucking goofball that just likes putting on different kind of stuff to yeah go into the game? Who knows, dude? I think like i think he's an enigma, man. I think the somebody needs to do a documentary on Matt Collins. I've watched the shit out of that, dude. He's awesome. I love watching him do that. I know. I love his shit talk, dude. you see How about his personal foul?
00:21:01
Speaker
He didn't step over. He, he stopped over. Oh, you hear me. Let him know that was Pat Sertain too. That's top quarterback in the league. And Matt Collins, fifth wide receiver, and the bills wide receiver core just manhandled him. And was that, was that on a pun?
00:21:19
Speaker
So, um, you're thinking of two different place. The punt was, uh, um, Mac Hollins was coming down as the gunner and just drilled stole the soul of Marvin Mims just absolutely annihilate. I have no idea how Marvin Mims held onto that ball.
Special Teams Focus and Critique
00:21:38
Speaker
Dude. I, I heard and felt that hit through my TV.
00:21:43
Speaker
literally as far as possible You can legally hit a man. ah Matt Collins did it. um And then there was a little bit of chippiness after and it was a a personal foul on Marvin Mins tossing the ball at ah Reed Ferguson, of all people, right? Mr. Nice guy, just a big old teddy bear.
00:22:01
Speaker
What he was doing, he actually talked about it after the game. He came out. He was just saying, I was just trying to get it. It's called the K ball. It's the kicking ball. So that way it's not mixed in with all the other balls because the kicking is just so particular. Like it's the, you want a ball that's, you want, you want the right one, right? So the, the kickers, as they're, as they're kind of working through their, there their, their warmest and things, they kind of get to fix, they kind of pick which of the balls that were available for the game day. Hey, this is one that I'm using for kicking.
00:22:29
Speaker
Um, after everything. Yeah. Okay. Hold on. Hold on. No, this is something I don't know as, as a more casual football event. So I'm not trying to be cheeky or, or, or talk about deflate gate or anything like that. But are are the balls not all the same?
00:22:44
Speaker
They are all the same. They start the game the same, but every every time they're caught, every time they're landed on, every time they're running back, grinds it into the ground, it starts to write. It has a little bit of a a different shape, a different feel, a different texture. And kicking is so particular in a such a science that it makes a difference. so therere they So for example, talking from a place that I know in the NHL, they're switching pucks out every couple of minutes ah of game action. And those are vulcanized rubber. They're not changing.
00:23:14
Speaker
air inside of home. They're staying the same, but they still swap pucks out. Are they not swapping footballs out every every couple of plays? They are. Yeah, they are. They probably have. I'm going to guess. I don't know. I don't know behind the scenes. We should at some point get a Bill's maintenance guy on the podcast to ask him. um I bet there's 30 balls for the day. 15 on one sideline, 15 on the other.
00:23:36
Speaker
um And it's called the the the um the special teams unit um calls it the K-ball. And after every single punt, every single team, all 32 teams, all 32 long snappers, they'll go get the K-ball ah at the end of a punt. So that way it stays with them and they can use that ball again for the next punt.
00:23:57
Speaker
Yeah. ah Today I learned that is fascinating. You're welcome. Yeah. And so Reid was saying, hey, man, like I'm just doing the same. He literally does it every single play all year. He's done it. And he's just, I'm just trying to go get, pick up the K ball. And Marvin Mims probably thought he was just coming up to talk trash and was pissed that, you know, he just got annihilated in his stole state soul state. His soul snatched from him. Um, and, uh, yeah.
00:24:18
Speaker
The wires earned us a nice little 15 plus yards. but Actually, I think it was only like seven and a half because I think it was too close to the end zones. I think it was like halfway half the distance to the goal when I kind of want those ones. But ah yeah, we'll take it. Thanks. ri
00:24:33
Speaker
Uh, dude, I had another note on wide receivers. You, you did too. I know you did, but I think we need to talk about this guy a little bit. Let's talk about Khalil Shakir again, ah because it's, it's becoming a problem in a good way. How often we need to talk about him. The the dude just can't be brought down don after the, after stacking the ball. Nope. Uh, dude, and, and also on punt returning, filling in for Brandon Codrington, who was inactive this week with a hamstring injury. Um,
00:25:01
Speaker
Dude, we were all a little nervous about it because he hasn't been doing that all year. He he ripped one off for a good 20, 25 yards or something like that. I don't know if you have the number on it, yeah but man, looks good doing it. So good. I think that's an, yeah, unsung hero of the game that he fielded those really well. He didn't, there was no ball security issues, right? He made good decisions. Um, and he's of clearly lethal with the ball in his hand. Um,
00:25:26
Speaker
Yeah. So, good so cool to see. And good to know that if for whatever reason, a hamstring issue with, you know, conjured and continues, like we have a solution that can work and be safe. The big thing with special teams is you want them to be safe. You don't need them to all be explosive. You need them to be safe and not make dumb decisions. Both, both like, you know, keep Khalil Shakir feeling good and healthy, safe, and also keep the ball safe. I assume you mean both.
00:25:54
Speaker
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, exactly. Don't give the ball over in some dumb, stupid way. Like maybe a freaking fake punt. Hey, what are we doing? What are we doing? Tom, we're still on the good section, not the bad and the ugly. ah Well, report back. I will gladly report back.
00:26:15
Speaker
Um, yeah yeah, but I agree with you. Um, Shakir's contact balance is maybe second to none in the league. I don't know if there's anybody better. He has. The broadcast was saying like Jamar chase is the only guy that had more yards after catch or something like that. The only guy who has more and Jamar chase is arguably the best receiver in the league. Right. So.
00:26:37
Speaker
so Just you every time Shakir gets the ball, A, you know, you're he's going to catch it. He was six for six yesterday. He's back to his 100% catch rate ways. And, you know, he's going to do something with it. He's going to make something or nothing, right? He's just a little, you know, close magic magic magician. And he can, he can just turn you on it on your head and make you look the other way. And boom, all of a sudden he's five yards behind you.
00:27:01
Speaker
yeah sir such ah Just such a weapon. I've used that that ah that term a couple too many times today, but my God. Keep keep using it, dude. it's if it If the shoe fits, use it. right right that's not That's not the phrase. Anyway, it's moving on. um Dude, i'll I'll leave it up to you. We just kind of segue into the bad and the ugly. I do want to talk and have a conversation about the defense, but do you want do you want to get into a few of the bad and ugly, like that fake one first?
00:27:27
Speaker
Yeah, I do. I do. I i got bone to pick with Mr. Matthew Smiley. I don't know ah why you still have a zip code in Western New York, um but it should be removed. You should somehow be relocated to anywhere, how anywhere except Western New York.
00:27:43
Speaker
Have you tried Toronto? um we we love our Tom, Toronto's not that far from Buffalo. I'm so sorry. But anyway, that we that's true. You could probably still commute to the game. All right. um I think what you're trying to say is you are ri you want to fire Matt's body. Yes. Send him to the freaking moon. Try the lunar zip code. We're all working really big right now, Tom. That's all I'm saying.
00:28:06
Speaker
I don't know. I mean, it's such a frustrating thing because you can say, I mean, there's other places in the special teams unit that it works awesome. Tyler Bass was fantastic. He made every kick he needed to. um All of the long snaps were clean. Mack Hollins was able to get free and absolutely embarrass so ah you all a NFL of active player. Many of the other parts of this special teams unit worked out great, except for these really just stupid, give a team a reason to stick around mistakes.
00:28:42
Speaker
i it's It's despicable and unacceptable. I don't know how Sean McDermott, who's a man who clearly prides himself on consistency and details, can stand to have a guy like Matt Smiley on his coaching staff. I truly don't understand it.
00:29:03
Speaker
Truly, it baffles me. It just baffles me that you can allow these things to happen. That fake punt happened on a punt that was a right around the 50, right? Which is perfect area, just too far for really you to really go for it. I think it was like fourth and seven and it was going to be like a 56 yard field goal. Will Lutz is a great field goal kicker. So honestly, that probably could have been a good option. Um,
00:29:29
Speaker
And it just seemed like this is an opportunity that hey, they could this they could have stolen it, right? this is This is an opportunity. Sean Payton is is known for his ah his willingness to go for kind of wild and crazy things on special teams. He did it in the Super Bowl.
00:29:46
Speaker
Right. Of all things. Last time he was there with the New Orleans Saints. So I think it just should have been known that this he was going to do something like this. That's your way of taking a team like the Broncos who were eight and a half point underdogs who did not deserve to be in that game. At that point of the game, they needed to steal a possession. That's the way to do it. Right. And they did. Yeah.
00:30:07
Speaker
comfortable And they did, they got the ball. And just anyway, I don't know, so frustrating. I hope to God that somebody gets in his ear and starts to help make better decisions that we don't get kind of something, something silly like that happening again. And in the end this next week game and, um, because that's a silly way to lose out. For sure. Yeah. Agreed. Agreed. Both, both sides. Last time we played the Ravens, there was a trick play that didn't go so hot for the Bills.
00:30:35
Speaker
Exactly. like what do we you So the other thing, so the other bad and ugly thing, that the injuries, dude, there was some tough looking, looking down players on the field with some, some head and neck injuries, man, they were, they were making me sweat, you know, uh, yeah, you know, they
Injury Concerns and Defensive Acknowledgment
00:30:52
Speaker
did. So looking back now, I don't know if we've seen like an injury report or anything. How are we looking come going into next week? Anybody banged up or?
00:30:59
Speaker
I am, I've not seen, um, I've been ahead time today to kind of go out and find that I'm assuming Ray Davis is going to be in concussion protocol protocol. So I think we're going to be down Ray Davis for next week. The fact that Taryn Johnson and I want to say it was Cam Lewis was the other one. Um, they both returned to the game, I think is good news. So I think that they will be included. However, um, that's something to kind of keep an eye on for, um, this week as we go through, um, I would imagine Ray Davis is out, but I think the other two will be able to play.
00:31:30
Speaker
Good deal. Good deal. Yeah. Stop bleeding with your head boys. Yeah. Protect the noggin. Uh, should we, should we end on a high note here? Talk about the defense a little bit. Yeah. Yes. Yes, sir. Dude. I think, I think of of all the things of all the phases of this team, I think we were all nervous that defense was the one that maybe could let us down.
00:31:53
Speaker
This is a great response. We should continue to doubt them. Please. Everybody say everything you can to say that you don't think the defense can do anything and won't keep us in games because wowsers. Um, they were phenomenal. They had an answer. They had an answer for everything. Sean Payton and that bone X offense wanted to do. Yeah, that dude, they were great. And I think, I think the skepticism was warranted. I mean, there was some absolute shootout games going down the stress there against tough opponents. Yes. But, uh, they were pretty malleable.
00:32:24
Speaker
Bending quite a bit maybe not breaking but bending a lot um But dude yeah, they they they had answers for for the Broncos after you know, albeit not the first drive maybe on a broken coverage play but past that man Yeah, they were Superb, very solid. They did their classic, tighten down the ship, you know, tighten down the hatches and all right, let's figure it out and hold them and held them to seven points. Right. That was the only set only points they scored that game. And that was an offense that was over the last half that the of the regular season was averaging like 32 plus points a game. So.
00:32:57
Speaker
Holding them to seven is not nothing. It's not like we were holding up you know a mediocre offense to only a couple points. like this was a This was a real deal for them to be able to go in and and take over and take control. um I think what really helped was this D-line made their presence known. Well, no, they didn't necessarily get hit will i'm sorry get bow next to the ground. They didn't necessarily contain him and his legs.
00:33:24
Speaker
A few times, their pressure rate was unbelievable. They had, they pressured BONIX on 51.9% of all snaps, of all past snapics. So they made their presence known. Von Miller was awesome. It was so cool. And I think it was pretty clear that this Bill's team was kind of saving him for the for the, uh, the post season. Cause he up up for the record season, he was averaging like 25% of stamps, which was fine, right? Kind of right where he wanted. Cause he, especially cause he was effective on those 25% of steps he became in and he made it. He made, he did a good job. Um, he was up to 50% this game, which is, you know what, if he has to only play, hopefully just a handful of games here at a higher percentage. I think that's perfect for a guy like Von Miller of, all right.
00:34:06
Speaker
Gloves off buddy, go go go go seal up that ah and that ah Hall of Famer career and make your make a post-season impact and and bring something home. So really cool to see Von Miller step up and and really do a great job in both pass and run coverage.
00:34:24
Speaker
Yeah. A lot, of a lot of players get a bump when they're going against a former team like that, especially in a high stakes situation. So I hope, I hope he didn't burn all the juice in that game, you know, save some for the, for the stretch, man. Oh man. Did that, did he, uh, have his fun because, uh, so prior to the game, Patrick's retain was, was kind of backhanded complimenting Vaughn saying, Hey man, like we know that you're a, you know, a Broncos legends and you'll be remember remembered here forever, but.
00:34:52
Speaker
Now it's our time. Von heard it. Von heard it. After the game, he was wearing a Patrick Sertain shirt saying, have something along the lines of, Hey, you know, thanks for the shout out. And, uh,
00:35:06
Speaker
That's awesome. He had his flowers. He did one of the ah Michael Jordan from the ah the Michael Jordan documentary means of, you know, looking at the tablet. Oh, yeah. Are you sure? Kind of thing. Oh, it's so good. So that's that's incredible. Hell, yeah. I love that. You know what? Yeah. Talk your shit, buddy. Talk your shit. Keep talking a lot. A lot of offseason to talk your shit. Yeah. Have fun. Yeah. Have fun. So some any other notes on the defense here?
00:35:35
Speaker
No, um but except for it was nice to see them come in and play really well, right? And I think that's a confidence builder. I think that's something they can build on and carry through to this next week's game. This Ravens offense is a whole different beast, right? It's going to be a whole different ball of wax. And I think it was good that they had a good game this past weekend. So they can say, Hey, no, what no, we can, we can take care of business. We can absolutely hold our own and we can hold up our ends. I think that's a good confidence boost.
00:36:09
Speaker
Yeah, absolutely. Well, it's a good segue, Thomas. Let's get into the road ahead here. Yeah, pal tell me about it. Where are we going?
Upcoming Ravens Game Preview
00:36:17
Speaker
Divisional rounds coming right back to Highmark, baby. Orchard Park, New York. The Ravens are coming to Buffalo to play the Buffalo Bills Sunday, January 19th at 6 30 p.m. Under the lights, baby.
00:36:29
Speaker
um This is the matchup that the entire NFL is waiting for, it right? This is it. This is the, in my mind, the AFC championship. This is it. This is the AFC championship. The two MVP favorites, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, who are both have rightful cases for that award.
00:36:46
Speaker
um going head to head in a game that means everything. This is the game that both of them in their legacies, they both need to win. they This will make a big difference for whoever comes out on top here will make a huge difference and just another feather in the cap and another you know kind of help in your story and building your legends as one of the best quarterbacks um playing and today. So it's gonna be a heavyweight bout, dude.
00:37:15
Speaker
yeah well Well said, dude. I'm excited for it. I mean, I, I'm so nervous for it too. but yeah It's going to be, it's going to be electric at any way, any way you slice it. It's going to be an electric game. Um, I can't wait for it. Now is the, is the six 30 time confirmed? that Yes. Yep. Yep. This is confirmed. All right. Excellent. Excellent. Confirmed. Confirmed six 30 Sunday. Um, it's going to be a good one, dude. This is, this is going to be a game. Um, I.
00:37:45
Speaker
I want to kind of talk through kind of where I think theyre how the Ravens are going to attack us. And then I do want to kind of go in of why I think this game is not always indicative of what happened earlier in the season in week four. right um So clearly, the Ravens offense runs through Lamar Jackson and Derek Henry. That is the problem. That is the crux of the problem. ah How do you deal with two of the best and most um athletic and most dynamic players in the league right now who happen to get the lineup next to each other every single snap on the offense, right? Like just to kind of peel back the the curtain there, how cool must it feel to be Derek Henry Lamar Jackson be like, yeah, we're going to walk up to this line of scrimmage and it's the he's on my team. You know, like that's got to be a fucking great feeling. I mean, that's two of the best in the league. du I don't know how you face up
00:38:39
Speaker
face against that and knock it a little panicked. But I think the bills ah have kind of limited that a bit barring the game earlier in the year. Right. So the last few times that the bills have played against ah Derek Henry.
00:38:53
Speaker
Albeit these were not when he had Lamar Jackson next to him, he was playing on the Titans. um Including this last week, the um the earlier in the season game, the Bills have held Derek Henry under 100 rushing yards in four out of six matchups and under 60 yards in three out of six. So they know how to do it.
00:39:12
Speaker
when he's on the Titans, can they replicate that when he's on the Ravens? And that's my question, right? That's my question. They haven't done it when he's able to line up with Lamar Jackson in this offensive line and Patrick Ricard, their 300 pound fullback, who gets to you know kind of help clear space too. so I think they I'm really excited for the bills to have another shot at playing this offense because I trust Bobby Babbage and Sean McDermott to learn from those mistakes and be able to come up with a better game plan. Yeah, yeah, for sure.
00:39:48
Speaker
Exactly, like he's lining up with a great supportive cast. who Who was with him in in Tennessee? like keep they There were some good teams, but he was the he was the undeniable star of that offense. right you know It wasn't him going up with someone like Lamar Jackson who opens up so much space for for other things.
00:40:07
Speaker
So I have some thoughts on how we can attack that um that strength of theirs later on. But we'll get that when get to that in a few minutes here. um I think another big question mark for the Ravens offense is if Zay Flowers so is available. he at kt At the moment, he's still questionable. Harbaugh was in an interview today saying, we're going to be it's kind of and have to wait and see. We don't know.
00:40:31
Speaker
Say Flowers is just such a consistent and dynamic part of that offense. He's a catalyst, right? He helps move the ball. He's some of those short and quick answers so for Lamar to help get the ball fast and into space. And he's dynamic with the ball in his hands. So he would be a boon for them to have and a loss for them to not. So I think that's going to be something to pay attention to as we're looking at ah injury reports going into the weekend.
00:40:57
Speaker
yeah like we talked about withmaa cooper i think just opens up options elsewhere if he's yeah able to go so yeah you know, not an excuse if he plays or doesn't as far as far as matching up against this offense, but he certainly makes it a little scarier and gives it a little bit extra firepower. So yeah, totally. See, I think their big game plan is we got bigger people and you can't stop us.
00:41:24
Speaker
Right, that's that's the how the Ravens like to play offense. So we're going to see tons of to tight end and to running back sets with Mark Andrews Isaiah likely out there, Patrick record that 300 pound fullback I was talking about who might be the best fullback in the league.
00:41:40
Speaker
um I'm sure Reggie Gilliam and Kyle Eustach have something to say about that. But um he he might be. He's so good. Again, it's a, hey, we're just bigger than you. And at some point, so mass moves mass, right? And it's a physics problem. And you just can't deal with that. So um they're going to be very physical. This is going to be a huge test for Ed Oliver and Daquan Jones. um step up to the excuse me Step up to the plate, boys. Now's your chance. And do you think that that was kind of how they beat us earlier in the year. Big on big, just bigger on big and kind of bolt bowling through a little bit. ah yeah How do you think that went?
00:42:19
Speaker
Absolutely. And the big reason is because we did not have Matt Milano, Terrell Bernard, and Taryn Johnson. Our literal middle line of that defense. no The Bills are known, right? We've talked about this all season. The Bills are known for playing with smaller personnel and not matching and almost never going to base defense. We're almost always playing nickel defense with Taryn Johnson on the field as opposed to a third linebacker.
00:42:44
Speaker
Well, it's because Terrell Bernard, Matt Milano and Taryn Johnson can all play bigger than they are. They can all play the run really well. And there's such an impact on um in space, in pass protection, that they kind of counteract this, wait a second, we can't run you you know they don't they don't have this downhill 250 pound running back or linebacker kind of ah defending the run ability. But they're able to be such weapons in other places that it kind of counteracts all that disadvantages.
00:43:19
Speaker
so They're the reason that the bill scheme works. And we had bail inspector Dorian Williams. Like we had all these players who are down the death threat for a reason and are not starting linebackers for this bill's defense, trying to fill in and play against the best rushing ah offense in the league.
00:43:38
Speaker
I have a lot more faith in Matt Milano, Terrell Bernard, and Taryn Johnson to put up a better defense against this rushing offense. Who knows? They could still have their way. Absolutely. They are so, so good, the Ravens, I mean. um But I think this is our best defense and our best kind of um ah response to ah to an offense like that.
00:44:02
Speaker
Yeah, and they probably will. I mean, we like to give light boxes. We like to let other teams kind of run the ball, move the ball to there to their fancy through the 20 yard line to 20 yard line, but lock it down in the in the red zone. Totally. yeah yeah with With a run offense like that, it scares me, but I think they probably will have a lot of success doing that. Got to stop them before they punch it in the mouth.
00:44:26
Speaker
I completely agree. I think there's an op also a good possibility we'll actually see base defense this this this game um because we have Matt Milano and Terrell Bernard on the field. I think that Dorian Williams will join them a few more snaps than normal um and it won't just be Taryn Johnson playing um nickel. So I think we'll see that to kind of match up to some of their bigger personnel.
00:44:48
Speaker
um And yeah, I think that's going to be a big kind of difference maker in this matchup. That's my, that's my biggest thing. That's difference between playing week four and playing division around all the playoffs here of how the bills could have a better chance. Yeah. And on the other side of the ball too, there's some pieces that were either not there or have now become better acclimated talking about some of those. I mean, we've we've mentioned his name a couple of times, but first and foremost, Mario Cooper is on the team now.
00:45:19
Speaker
Yeah, I think he wasn't even he wasn't even a ah bill right he was still on the Browns he was still suffering with to Sean Watson. So, um, I think he's an awesome response, I think having letting Keon play a full season's worth of games and get more um acclimated with Josh and just more familiar with how he wants to play. I think seeing Curtis Samuel against the Broncos start to kind of come to life a little bit.
00:45:43
Speaker
I'm excited. I would love, he's been disappointed all year, disappointing all year. I think it's because he was injured. He was taking time to get acclimated with the offense and it just wasn't coming together yet. Maybe maybe it's going to come together now. It came together last week and that was awesome. Yeah. and Maybe it doesn't. I mean, that's the whole mantra of the offense is everybody eats. So it may, maybe he doesn't, maybe he's invisible, but maybe this is a Mac Collins game or Dalton Kincaid pops off or, you know, there's other options. So.
00:46:13
Speaker
Right. Totally. um I think the fact that the run game has kind of solidified at earlier on in the in the year, we saw that the offensive line still figuring out and kind of ironing out some communication kinks. I think that is completely figured out. So I think that's a plus in our column. And I think we got to remember that Josh Allen was dealing with that broken hand. Remember, he broke his left hand.
00:46:35
Speaker
yeah Um, in that, uh, rate of the openings game of the season against the Cardinals. So he was still dealing with that. I'm, I'm assuming that's much more healed. Sure. He's got a fingernail that ripped off this past game, but whatever, you know, like it's Josh Allen, the guy's one of the toughest in the league. He's going to play through that. He's going to be fine, but a broken hands, a broken hand, you know, like, that'll hamper you. Yeah. There's not much you can do about that. Yeah. Yeah. week We, we go week early in the season.
00:47:04
Speaker
Um, so the offense, how about mashing up against the Ravens defense? talk Talk to me about them. I don't know that much about their defense, to be honest with you. Who am I watching for? What are they good at? Where where are their weaknesses? it's it's Their game is run defense, man. Their game is run defense is, um, they're a pass offense has, was able to be had a little bit early on in the season and it improved going, um, kind of going into the pro season. Um, but they were the, they allowed the least yu amount of yards per game with 77.2 yards on the ground. Um,
00:47:34
Speaker
which is incredible, is so good. um in But however, it's going to be good on good with this Bill's Excellent Run game. um They also allow the six fewest rushing yards to quarterbacks. So we're going to kind of see, I know Josh is, we kind of talk about just Josh's legs being ah um an advantage and um something that should be used. We'll see if they'll be able to capitalize on that. um I bet at least in short yarder situations for sure. Maybe Josh isn't coming out of here with 50 plus yards, but I'm sure in some situational kind of spots in the game. I'm sure we'll see Josh turn the wheels on. I can guarantee you Josh Allen is a better runner than many of the quarterbacks they played earlier this year, probably including Josh Allen with a broken hand earlier in the air
00:48:19
Speaker
That's a good point. That's a very good point. So some names to watch up front on the interior defensive line is Michael Pierce and Travis Jones. So good. They play more traditional nose tackle as opposed to kind of like a three technique that we'll see Daquan Jones or a five technique that we'll see at our play. um So they kind of play stuff they're more run stuffing, big body dudes. Roquan Smith is also one of the best run defenders in the league. So I'm sure he's going to make his impact known.
00:48:47
Speaker
um So yeah, um we got Kyle Hamilton in the back ah playing safety. it's they they got They have a squad. So it will be a very physical game. And I think it's going to be whoever can really establish physicality first. It's whichever, and and it's going to start up in the trenches, right? Thank God we got dudes who have a chip on their shoulder, have an MVP candidate to defend, and really make ah make us make a stance for.
00:49:17
Speaker
I really think our offensive line is going to, they're going to come out with having some problems with, uh, with this, uh, Bill's D line and, or sorry, Raven's D line and, uh, make, and really make their presence known. I hope so, man. I hope so. And I mean, get a good script. We've seen time and time again where the bills like to play with the lead and how much it can deteriorate if they don't. So start strong.
00:49:44
Speaker
middle strong finish, right? Yeah. Well, that was the problem that we saw early in the season, right? the The Ravens got ahead real quick and boom. Well, also sudden we're playing from behind and that's not a spot that the bills could do very easily. Um, especially against one of the best teams in the league. Right. Um, so I think the, the bills need to figure out a way to keep the lead or at least keep it on neutral game script. I, uh, I don't know if I want to say this. I think that,
00:50:12
Speaker
If the bills win the toss, the right move is to defer, right? There is a statistical advantage for you winning a game if you defer when you win the the coin toss at the beginning of the game and get the ball at the um at the half.
00:50:25
Speaker
However, I think there, I would not blame them for wanting to take the ball at the beginning of the game and go up, make a statement, get points on the board and start from there. So I guess I think that I think statistically you want them to defer, but I could also see the argument for taking the ball and in knowing you're going to go, so but you got to score at that point. You got to go get it. Yeah. I was going to say, it puts a lot of pressure on you to then capitalize on it.
00:50:50
Speaker
But yeah I think the the game earlier in the year, I think it was early on where Derek Henry ripped off a massive yard. First game of the drive. First site. First drive of the game. First drive of the game. Yeah. So and then, you know, then you're battling back uphill. And that's I mean, we literally saw different execution, different team, different players. But that's what we saw happen yesterday. Got to avoid that against this team because the Ravens are going to make you pay for it a lot more than the Broncos will. And that's all respect to the Broncos. They're a good team, but the Ravens are.
00:51:19
Speaker
Like you said, it's this this feels like it's for the conference. So I yeah i think
Game Predictions and Home Advantage
00:51:25
Speaker
it is now. Thank God. The final point that I want to send us off on is that ah we're playing at Highmark, baby. We're playing at home. But ah Bill's fans, Bill's mafia. If you're going out there, you're going to be at this game.
00:51:37
Speaker
make Make your presence known. Give them hell. Make it terrible for this raven's offense to try and do anything whatsoever without being disrupted. They are actually really well known for making mistakes, meaning pre-snap penalties, doing different stupid things to kind of shoot themselves in the foot. Well, guess what? Help them there. Help them out, right?
00:52:02
Speaker
I think playing at home in front of this bill's crowd is such a huge advantage for the um the bills this this weekend. I can't say it enough. i think I think Bill's Mafia is really going to make their mark on this game. I hope so. It's it's so fun watching watching on TV, seeing the crowd disrupt ah an offense like that. so yeah go make a make I think it's going to make a difference. so At least I sure hope so.
00:52:29
Speaker
Should we do some score predictions, bud? Yeah, I think we should. Uh, I'll go first if you don't mind. I think it's going to be an absolute nail biter. I think it's going to come down to kind of whoever has the ball last kind of, kind of a game. I can't sit here in good faith and pick the Ravens to win. So i'm picking the bills, but one point game 31 30. That's my you tight one. Yeah. I'm going to, I'm going to say, I'm going to kind of i pretty much agree with you. I'm going to have a little bit kind of a larger spread here. I'm going to take in the the bills 31 24. I think they're going to take care of business. I think this is, this is a team that has a lot to prove um playing at home with an offensive line who's ready to just go, just tear somebody's heart out. Like I think, I think the bills are going to be able to put it together.
00:53:14
Speaker
Um, yeah and now lastly, our compadre Sir Nigel, I would like everybody to know that his Twitter handle is Nigel underscore Croston. Um, and he's going to send everybody to the cardiac unit. His, uh, his, his prediction was 38 35 bills on a T bass field goal to close the game.
00:53:35
Speaker
And he would also like to add that it'll be a 48 yard or so. It's right in that sweet spot where you're really not. It's not a chip shot, you know. Oh, my God. Oh, I almost spit out my coffee when I read what he what he said. Like, oh, dude, what are you doing to us? That's just cruel on you. They could very well be. They could very well happen. It could very well happen to be the other way, too, which sucks. But yeah, dude.
00:54:03
Speaker
It's sure good. We will see. We will see. yeah Go Bills, pal. It's going to be a fun game to watch. Absolutely, dude. So, folks, enjoy this one. This is, again, you can never take the playoffs for granted. this is This is a gift, watching this Buffalo Bills team. So enjoy it. Have fun. I hope you have a good plan for watching. And hell yeah. Go Bills, baby.
00:54:29
Speaker
Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for spending some time with us. Please give us a like and a follow on Instagram, X, TikTok, and our YouTube channel at Let's Go Buff Pod. These are my pals, Jake and Nigel. My name is Tom, and you're listening to the Let's Go Buffalo podcast. We're sending you love wherever you are. Go Bills. Go Savers. Let's Go Buffalo.