On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by broadcaster Steve Bermel to talk both Buffalo Bills and Sabres, including discussing why defensive edge Greg Rousseau's not making any impact for the Bills early in addition to how the Sabres are looking just one week before the NHL season begins.

Prefacing as usual by saying it feels kinda lame to overly criticize and nitpick the Bills when they're 4-0 and already the last remaining unbeaten team in their conference, there's still plenty of room for improvement and particularly on the defense side of the ball. Perhaps that starts with Rousseau, who signed a four-year, $80 million extension this offseason but has been almost eerily quiet on the stat sheet through his first four games, picking up just eight tackles with 0.5 sacks and zero tackles for a loss. Watching the tape it doesn't show that Groot's necessarily playing "bad" perse, but he's certainly not having the impact everyone expected him to give out there so far.

Also three key Bills veterans were limited practice participants on Wednesday after missing last Sunday's win over New Orleans. Matt Milano, Ed Oliver and Spencer Brown were all on the field and the discuss what they saw from limited clips and a sense of how they think things will play out this week.

On the hockey side, Buffalo hosted Pittsburgh in their final home preseason tilt just before the recording of this podcast. The guys discuss what they saw from the game, what they've seen from the team recently, how much if at all are they concerned about a few injuries and plenty more.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveBurmel.

The Talking Buffalo online merch store is now live! You can purchase t shirts, hoodies, zip ups, crewnecks and polos in a couple of different styles and colors. Visit our online page for pricing and options and while there, check out Buf on Weck for tons of cool gear!

Major props to Talking Buffalo sponsor, Sonny Red’s at 1841 Abbott Road in Lackawanna, just minutes from Highmark Stadium. We consider them THE most underrated spot for wings, pizza and other great food in Western New York plus it’s a great place to drink and have a great time. Also big thanks to Imperial Pizza and their two locations (1035 Abbott Road and 1655 Main Street), home of not only great pizza and tons of other delicious eats but also the best everyday lunch special in town.

♦♦♦♦♦

Follow Patrick Moran/Talking Buffalo Podcast

Substack: Patrick Moran’s Substack

Twitter: @PatrickMoranTB

Blue Sky: @PatrickMoranTB.bsky.social

Instagram: @PatrickMoranTB

Facebook: Talking Buffalo Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by Matt Warren of SB Nation for their weekly chat about several topics, including their analysis and grades positionally for the Buffalo Bills from their Week four win over New Orleans as well as their next opponent, a prime time divisional matchup against New England.

It felt like a mixed bag of performances for the Bills this past Sunday against a Saints team many thought Buffalo would completely roll over. That didn't happen and resulted in plenty of criticisms from fans, content and creators and the media over the past few days. How much of that does Matt agree with? Will he be generous with the grades at some hot topic positions like defensive tackle, linebacker, cornerback and heck----the entire defense? Plus, what did he think of the coaching game plan and play calling execution?

They then take a look at a New England Patriots team that is 2-2 on the season and in Patrick's opinion anyway is clearly the second-best team in the division and the biggest "threat" to the Bills. It could be interesting come Sunday night, as Buffalo's potent rushing attack will face a New England defense that's been one of the best run defenses in the league through the first month of the season.

That plus are the Ravens in big trouble, are the Chiefs all the way back, will the Bengals be able to hold on until late in the regular season when Joe Burrow returns and plenty more.

The Talking Buffalo online merch store is now live! You can purchase t shirts, hoodies, zip ups, crewnecks and polos in a couple of different styles and colors. Visit our online page for pricing and options and while there, check out Buf on Weck for tons of cool gear!

Major props to Talking Buffalo sponsor, Sonny Red’s at 1841 Abbott Road in Lackawanna, just minutes from Highmark Stadium. We consider them THE most underrated spot for wings, pizza and other great food in Western New York plus it’s a great place to drink and have a great time. Also big thanks to Imperial Pizza and their two locations (1035 Abbott Road and 1655 Main Street), home of not only great pizza and tons of other delicious eats but also the best everyday lunch special in town.

♦♦♦♦♦

Follow Patrick Moran/Talking Buffalo Podcast

Substack: Patrick Moran’s Substack

Twitter: @PatrickMoranTB

Blue Sky: @PatrickMoranTB.bsky.social

Instagram: @PatrickMoranTB

Facebook: Talking Buffalo Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is going over several of his biggest takeaways after spending time watching back the film from the Buffalo Bills 31-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Highmark Stadium to earn their fourth consecutive win to start the season.

It was a mixed bag for the Bills on Sunday as it usually is, plenty of good things to highlight as well as bad to criticize but of course it's always most important to remember that winning in the NFL is never easy and the Bills have now done so four times without a loss and in doing so are the only remaining undefeated team in the AFC.

This episode's always a favorite for Patrick because unlike the immediate instant live reaction shows that follow games, there's an opportunity to sleep on some thoughts to remove some instant emotion and more importantly spend hours the next day going through the film and seeing what your gut instinct was right and wrong about. A few things Patrick immediately acknowledges and discusses that differ from the live postgame show is not giving enough credit to Cole Bishop for his interception near the end of the first half and being far too critical initially on right tackle Ryan Van Demark and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones.

Not a lot of time is spent talking about the offense because they were their usual stellar self, but the defense and in particular the run defense remains ghastly. Patrick points out several instances from the film that between missed tackles, being out of position and just not winning their reps was at times hard to watch.

Speaking of, Patrick saves his biggest criticism for linebacker Dorian Williams, who had perhaps the worst game of his career. That's discussed and plenty more including how Curtis Samuel's return effected the offense and much more.

The Talking Buffalo online merch store is now live! You can purchase t shirts, hoodies, zip ups, crewnecks and polos in a couple of different styles and colors. Visit our online page for pricing and options and while there, check out Buf on Weck for tons of cool gear!

Major props to Talking Buffalo sponsor, Sonny Red’s at 1841 Abbott Road in Lackawanna, just minutes from Highmark Stadium. We consider them THE most underrated spot for wings, pizza and other great food in Western New York plus it’s a great place to drink and have a great time. Also big thanks to Imperial Pizza and their two locations (1035 Abbott Road and 1655 Main Street), home of not only great pizza and tons of other delicious eats but also the best everyday lunch special in town.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by Joe From Queens for plenty of live reaction not long after the Buffalo Bills had way more ugly moments than desired but still beat the New Orleans Saints, 31-19 to remain undefeated through four weeks.

There's plenty of things to conversate about both good and bad. Patrick and Joe don't usually agree on much but one thing feels universally apparent about a month into the season---the offense scoring 30+ points per game and the defense playing pretty bad feel equally sustainable. Add them up and it's making for what should be an absolute roller coaster of the season.

Of course the ultimate factor is always the scoreboard. The Bills are 4--0 and did more than enough to win. The guys talk about how James Cook continues to emerge into not just a good player, but a superstar in this league. Cook ran for 117 yards and a touchdown and has run for over 100 yards in three straight weeks.

Josh Allen obviously had a good game and Khalil Shakir did damage on offense, while rookie Deone Walker continued to impress on defense.

It wasn't all pretty and the guys run down several players who were not good---including Dorian Williams, Tre White (who got benched for parts of the day) and Taylor Rapp.

Again though, all that matters is the Bills are undefeated heading into Week five against New England in prime time. That and plenty more including Joe's Mt. Flushmore.

The Talking Buffalo online merch store is now live! You can purchase t shirts, hoodies, zip ups, crewnecks and polos in a couple of different styles and colors. Visit our online page for pricing and options and while there, check out Buf on Weck for tons of cool gear!

Major props to Talking Buffalo sponsor, Sonny Red’s at 1841 Abbott Road in Lackawanna, just minutes from Highmark Stadium. We consider them THE most underrated spot for wings, pizza and other great food in Western New York plus it’s a great place to drink and have a great time. Also big thanks to Imperial Pizza and their two locations (1035 Abbott Road and 1655 Main Street), home of not only great pizza and tons of other delicious eats but also the best everyday lunch special in town.

♦♦♦♦♦

Follow Patrick Moran/Talking Buffalo Podcast

Substack: Patrick Moran’s Substack

Twitter: @PatrickMoranTB

Blue Sky: @PatrickMoranTB.bsky.social

Instagram: @PatrickMoranTB

Facebook: Talking Buffalo Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran has a preview of the Buffalo Bills week four tilt against the New Orleans Saints at Highmark Stadium this coming Sunday, including keys to the game for Buffalo, five bold predictions and a stab at the final score.

The Saints have won four straight in Orchard Park and haven't lost to the Bills on the road since 1983. Spoiler alert--that's highly likely to change. Buffalo comes into this game at least 15.5 point favorites and a little more on other betting sites for good reasons. The Bills are undefeated and one of if not the most complete team in the NFL whereas New Orleans comes stumbling in winless, with a "shaky" quarterback situation and no real team identity.

Patrick spends some time catching Buffalo fans up to the Saints, the good, bad (plenty) and ugly (also plenty). That said, this is the NFL and anything can happen and Patrick runs down three keys for the Bills ensuring they stay undefeated heading into a prime time divisional home game matchup against New England the following week.

Five bold predictions for the games are also offered, including an old veteran getting an interception, a breakout game for a defender who should've already had one by now and a good game ins tore for a depth skilled position player. That plus we all know Patrick's not picking against the Bills when they're playing the Saints---but does he like Buffalo to cover the spread? That and plenty more.

The Talking Buffalo online merch store is now live! You can purchase t shirts, hoodies, zip ups, crewnecks and polos in a couple of different styles and colors. Visit our online page for pricing and options and while there, check out Buf on Weck for tons of cool gear!

Major props to Talking Buffalo sponsor, Sonny Red’s at 1841 Abbott Road in Lackawanna, just minutes from Highmark Stadium. We consider them THE most underrated spot for wings, pizza and other great food in Western New York plus it’s a great place to drink and have a great time. Also big thanks to Imperial Pizza and their two locations (1035 Abbott Road and 1655 Main Street), home of not only great pizza and tons of other delicious eats but also the best everyday lunch special in town.

♦♦♦♦♦

Follow Patrick Moran/Talking Buffalo Podcast

Substack: Patrick Moran’s Substack

Twitter: @PatrickMoranTB

Blue Sky: @PatrickMoranTB.bsky.social

Instagram: @PatrickMoranTB

Facebook: Talking Buffalo Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by broadcaster Steve Bermel to talk plenty of Buffalo Bills and a little Buffalo Sabres too, including discussing a few factors a bit under the radar that've helped allow the Bills to get off to another great start.

You couldn't have written the script much better for the Bills to start the season, beginning with a perfect 3-0 record that includes a huge win over Baltimore that could prove valuable come on the end of the regular season. They''ve done it by scoring at least 30 points in all three games while continuing to get key takeaways on defense that helps make up for the unit being so leaky. The guys discuss three factors on why this team remains so good, from an offensive line that never does and probably never will get the league-wide credit it deserves, an unselfish team-first attitude that starts with the MVP quarterback and the "Everybody Eats' mantra living on so they don't live in fear of a No. 1 wide receiver going down that could wreck their offense.

They also spend some time talking about the Bills complex injury situation. Ed Oliver and Matt Milano continue to make progress per Sean McDermott, but does Sean hold them out even if they're near 100% seeing that they're playing the Saints at home on Sunday? How about Spencer Brown, who didn't practice on Wednesday with a calf injury. They also talk about the latest news, potentially significant concerning first round pick Max Hairston's ongoing recovery from his training camp knee injury.

Across town, the Sabres have won their first two preseason games and meaningless or not, they've looked pretty good in doing so twice against Columbus. The guys talk about a few things they've liked very early on from Buffalo in training camp and the preseason and go over a few things they're hoping to see as they go into the regular season soon and try to end their 14-year drought. That and much more.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveBurmel.

The Talking Buffalo online merch store is now live! You can purchase t shirts, hoodies, zip ups, crewnecks and polos in a couple of different styles and colors. Visit our online page for pricing and options and while there, check out Buf on Weck for tons of cool gear!

Major props to Talking Buffalo sponsor, Sonny Red’sa t 1841 Abbott Road in Lackawanna, just minutes from Highmark Stadium. We consider them THE most underrated spot for wings, pizza and other great food in Western New York plus it’s a great place to drink and have a great time. Also big thanks to Imperial Pizza and their two locations (1035 Abbott Road and 1655 Main Street), home of not only great pizza and tons of other delicious eats but also the best everyday lunch special in town.

♦♦♦♦♦

Follow Patrick Moran/Talking Buffalo Podcast

Substack: Patrick Moran’s Substack

Twitter: @PatrickMoranTB

Blue Sky: @PatrickMoranTB.bsky.social

Instagram: @PatrickMoranTB

Facebook: Talking Buffalo Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by Matt Warren (SB Nation) to go over the Buffalo Bills positionally and assign a grade from their Week three performance last week against Miami before taking a look at Buffalo's next opponent, winless New Orleans.

As they're doing throughout the season, Matt and Patrick are converging to analyze the Bills position-by-position and come up with a letter grade for how each group looked the game before. This week's a little "overdue" because the Bills played last Thursday, but there's still plenty of interesting talking points to hit on with this game. How do you grade Josh Allen on a night where he threw for three touchdowns without a turnover but wasn't necessarily at his best? How about the cornerbacks, who looked strong against the run but gave up some plays in the passing game? Did the Bills prepare well for Miami or did they get a bit lucky? The guys go over all.

Also, it's hard to fathom the Bills not beating New Orleans this Sunday no matter how hard you try, but the guys take a look at the Saints and come up with a few things that Buffalo could get hurt by if not careful.

They also take a look around the league at some of the bigger happenings from the rest of Week three and talk about a pivotal Week four matchup between Baltimore and Kansas City plus much more.

The Talking Buffalo online merch store is now live! You can purchase t shirts, hoodies, zip ups, crewnecks and polos in a couple of different styles and colors. Visit our online page for pricing and options and while there, check out Buf on Weck for tons of cool gear!

Major props to Talking Buffalo sponsor, Sonny Red’s at 1841 Abbott Road in Lackawanna, just minutes from Highmark Stadium. We consider them THE most underrated spot for wings, pizza and other great food in Western New York plus it’s a great place to drink and have a great time. Also big thanks to Imperial Pizza and their two locations (1035 Abbott Road and 1655 Main Street), home of not only great pizza and tons of other delicious eats but also the best everyday lunch special in town.

♦♦♦♦♦

Follow Patrick Moran/Talking Buffalo Podcast

Substack: Patrick Moran’s Substack

Twitter: @PatrickMoranTB

Blue Sky: @PatrickMoranTB.bsky.social

Instagram: @PatrickMoranTB

Facebook: Talking Buffalo Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by blogger and podcaster Chris Ostrander to talk Buffalo Bills and Sabres topics, including why we should even care that the Sabres are back in action with four preseason games slated for this week.

It's not easy to get those who aren't already diehard Sabres fans to care a great deal that training camp and the preseason has commenced, especially considering how bad they've been for so long and not having the most eventful summer of transactions, not to mention it's still September and the Bills are off to a fantastic start. But there's definitely reasons that all Sabres fans should care, even if they're currently disenfranchised with the current product. As the guys talk about for starters, there's an awful lot at stake for this organization, none so more than the danger that a 15th straight season of no playoffs could result in the fans that've been hanging on by a thread with supporting the team finally saying that's enough and letting go. Even if they dont, as Chris explains another bad season almost certainly means the organization will start over yet again, with a new coach and a new general manager, which almost always leads to huge roster turnover as well. Could another terrible season force guys like Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch to want out? Heck, in Tuch's case is all this a reason he hasn't signed an extension already?

Moving to the football side things couldn't have started better for the Bills as they're 3-0 and already have a commanding lead in the AFC east. Their sixth straight division title already looks like a formality but the guys talk about that hardly being the goal. The Bills have to be considered the favorites right now to end up the top seed in the AFC---the guys go through the rest of their schedule and conclude it's not really that daunting to finish as a team that wins at least 13-14 games.

That plus a chat on if the media, content creators and fans are unfairly critical of a team that's undefeated to start the season and much more. Be sure to follow Chris on X at @2ITB_Buffalo and check out the Two in the Box blog in addition to the Instigator Podcast.

The Talking Buffalo online merch store is now live! You can purchase t shirts, hoodies, zip ups, crewnecks and polos in a couple of different styles and colors. Visit our online page for pricing and options and while there, check out Buf on Weck for tons of cool gear!

Major props to Talking Buffalo sponsor, Sonny Red’s at 1841 Abbott Road in Lackawanna, just minutes from Highmark Stadium. We consider them THE most underrated spot for wings, pizza and other great food in Western New York plus it’s a great place to drink and have a great time. Also big thanks to Imperial Pizza and their two locations (1035 Abbott Road and 1655 Main Street), home of not only great pizza and tons of other delicious eats but also the best everyday lunch special in town.

♦♦♦♦♦

Follow Patrick Moran/Talking Buffalo Podcast

Substack: Patrick Moran’s Substack

Twitter: @PatrickMoranTB

Blue Sky: @PatrickMoranTB.bsky.social

Instagram: @PatrickMoranTB

Facebook: Talking Buffalo Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.