Talking Buffalo

On this episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran is joined by recurring guest Aaron Quinn of Cover 1 to discuss a trio of hot topics. They start with the Masters, where Tiger Woods shocked the world on Sunday by completing a comeback once thought improbable, winning the 15th major of his career and his first in 11 years. Moran talks about how he was so nervous he literally couldn’t sit still while watching, naming this Woods triumph one of his top five favorite sports memories of his life. From there they talk about the much anticipated Game of Thrones finale season premiere and get into a discussion over whether weekly shows or binge watching makes for better television viewing. While both enjoyed the premiere Quinn felt a little let down while Moran was giddy about the plethora of long awaited reunions. Both expect the tempo to pick up over the last five episodes and Moran claims that not having a vested interest in any specific character will make the final episodes less stressful for him to watch. However, the main focus of the podcast is on their latest Buffalo Bills four round NFL mock draft and the guys deliver a third in a series of four. This mock features four of five new picks from last week, including essentially a redshirt defender for 2019 in round two and a wide receiver in the third that sparks a conversation revisiting how all the work the Bills put into the offensive line during free agency has afforded them the luxury of selecting players based on value over need. It’s a must listen for Bills fans that provides excellent insight to the draft, now only nine days away. You can follow Aaron Quinn on Twitter @AaronQuinn716 and check out the work of his colleagues over at Cover1.net. Sandwiched between Moran and Quinn is a movie of the new Pet Sematary now in theaters, a remake of the 1989 thriller by Sean Chandler. Chandler’s the host of one of the popular movie review Sean Chandler Talks About” on YouTube, which is up to nearly 100k subscribers and growing daily thanks to Chandler’s engaging daily content. Next time you’re on YouTube, make sure to check out and subscribe to his Sean Chandler Talks About channel. Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets ♦♦♦♦♦ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran scores a rare interview with former Buffalo Bills 1992 first-round draft pick John Fina on a variety of topics. Fina talks about growing up in Arizona and playing football on the defensive side of the ball before eventually getting switched over to offensive tackle, a position he originally hated. He discusses his recruitment that led to him going to the University of Arizona and what the process was like between the end of his college career and the NFL draft, including not thinking he would be a first-round pick until legendary coach Bill Belichick told him otherwise. Fina recalls his reaction to finding out he was going to Buffalo with the 27th overall selection in 1992 and what it was like being in the locker room with the likes of Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith, Darryl Talley, etc. Fina became the starter at left tackle in his second season in what would be the Bills last of four straight Super Bowl appearances. John also talks about being the first player in team history to have the franchise tagged place on him in 1996 and shares his feelings about playing for Marv Levy. The interview is littered with great stories, including a Ralph Wilson/New Orleans tale and John recalling a time where he composed himself from punching out a nasty fan in the parking lot. They also talk about John’s son, Bruno, who has become a big football star as the same high school his dad played at. Bruno already has offers from USC and UCLA and is well on his way to being a name to look out for in the future. After that, Moran is joined by Joe (@BuffaloWins) for another installment of “The Run-In With Joe.” Today Moran is asking Joe about his experience of being among the 80,000-plus in attendance at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey for Wrestlemania 35 last weekend. Joe fought being sick to partake in Wrestlemania activities, not just the main show but also WWE Axxess and a few Indie shows as well. He talks about the Wrestlemania card being fun but long, escaping heavy traffic right after the show ended and points out a few of his highlights, favorite ring entrances and reveals if Wrestlemania is worth the investment. The two also discuss Tyler Dunne’s Bleacher Report story that recently went viral regarding Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former head coach Mike McCarthy’s alleged tumultuous relationship, including an angry Rodgers firing off at Dunne over published comments by former teammates in the story. They also take a look into the final season of Game of Thrones beginning Sunday, offer a prediction for how it ends and debate whether they’d rather watch their favorite shows on a weekly basis or binge-watching at once. Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets ♦♦♦♦♦ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast covers a trio of topics. First up, Aaron Quinn of Cover 1 joins for another Buffalo Bills four round mock draft done in real time that results in four out of five picks being different from last week. The two break down a myriad o f scenarios for the Bills based on how the board may play out and discover there’s a fair argument for the team not selecting defensive tackle Ed Oliver with the ninth overall pick despite being arguably the most talented player at arguably their biggest position of need. Patrick and Aaron unexpectedly end up with three skilled position players among their five selections and lay out why offensive line can still be in play early, even after all the recent free agent additions. After that Chad DeDominicis, managing editor of Die by the Blade joins Moran to discuss the Buffalo Sabres firing of Phil Housley. Moran asks Chad if he found the move surprising considering Terry Pegula’s assumed vote of confidence in Arizona just two weeks ago and the now former head coach’s comments just 24 hours before his dismissal. DeDominicis discusses what went wrong with Housley as coach, the subsequent failures of general manager Jason Botterill through two years, who could be a good fit as the next head coach and what needs to be added to the roster for a new coach to have a realistic chance at success. Moran finishes the episode with an extensive review of Wrestlemania 35, including his thoughts on Kofi Kingston and Seth Rollins both winning, the iiconics pulling off the stunner of the night, the return of Thuganomics John Cena and Ronda Rousey deserving more respect for the recent explosion of women wrestling. Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets ♦♦♦♦♦ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews WGRZ-TV Sports Director Adam Benigni on a variety of topics. The two chat for nearly an hour and we get all the details of Benigni’s journey from a youth growing up near Boston all the way to his 20-year plus and counting career at WGRZ in Buffalo. There were many stops and decisions along the way that shaped his journey, especially deciding to attend Syracuse University for college after being accepted at two other schools, including USC. Benigni discusses how the opportunity to join WGRZ in 1997 came about and that on his very first day the Buffalo Sabres hired Lindy Ruff as their head coach. Adam has several takes on a number of sports media topics, including being able to balance the line between friendship and competition when it comes to his colleague and how it’s been covering Terry and Kim Pegula since they became owners. They also spend time talking about a serious bicycle accident in the fall of 2016 that saw Adam struck by a car while riding his bike, causing a severe concussion and other significant damage to his body including dental. He discusses his road back to recovery and his passion for cycling, including being a big part of the annual Ride for Roswell which raises money for cancer research. Before wrapping they spend a little time talking about the dismal Buffalo Sabres and finishing with the Mini-Lightning round, where we learn Adam’s fond of Florence (Italy), cooking and would love to be able to rock out a U2 song at karaoke. You can follow Adam on Twitter at @AdamBenigni and check out his work at WGRZ-TV online if you’re not in the Buffalo market to see the local news on television. After Adam’s interview Joe (@BuffaloWins) joins for another installment of ‘The Run-In With Joe.” Today it’s all about Wrestlemania 35 and the guys have a full preview. Moran runs down all the matches while Joe has insight and a prediction for each. The two disagree on a handful of them, including Kurt Angle losing his retirement match, Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre and the Uso’s retaining the Smackdown tag team title. They also discuss how Kofi Kingston could end up getting screwed over again, what may happen if Ronda Rousey isn’t taking time off after Wrestlemania and what John Cena’s role in the show will be. Joe ends the segment with a final take on what he perceives to be a weird act among some Buffalo Bills fans. Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets ♦♦♦♦♦ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SHOW SPONSOR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews Eric Wood, former Pro Bowl center for the Buffalo Bills and host of the “What’s Next With Eric Wood” podcast. This is Wood’s second appearance on the podcast, first appearing on Episode No. 47 last August. Back then he was just months removed from prematurely retiring because of his neck injury. Today the two discuss how big the adjustment was for Wood to become a spectator during a football season for the first time since before high school. They also discuss his new podcast, which even before its debut peaked all the way in the top 15 on the Apple Podcast sports podcast charts. Wood elaborates on the premise of his show, which includes a different guest each episode where they discuss among other things their transition into a new chapter of life, something still a work of progress for Wood. Wood also gives his thoughts on a completely Buffalo Bills revamped offensive line, including new center Mitch Morse before defending Buffalo in wake of Antonio Brown publicly refusing to go there in a trade. You can follow Eric on Twitter at @EWood70 and be sure to check out his “What’s Next With Eric Wood” podcast. Also featured on the podcast is Sean Chandler’s movie review of Dumbo. Sean’s a friend of the podcast and talented content producer. Be sure to check out and subscribe to his Sean Chandler Talks About channel on YouTube, which features daily movie/entertainment content and has drawn nearly 95,000 subscribers. Sandwiched between the segments is Aaron Quinn of Cover 1. Aaron and Patrick discuss Ed Oliver and the likeliness of the Bills moving up from nine to draft him. They also do a Bills four round mock draft in real time with a computer simulating the other 31 teams. They’re stunned to see a guy fall to them at nine and Chris surprisingly passes over tight end Irv Smith Jr. for another prospect at pick No. 40. A running back goes in round three while the fourth nets them a safety and wide receiver. They also do the Moran-Alytics Interest Meter and Patrick throws his typically Buffalo Sabres hissyfit before agreeing Tom Brady sucks. You can follow Aaron on Twitter @AaronQuinn716 and check out Cover1 at www.cover1.net. Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets ♦♦♦♦♦ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SHOW SPONSOR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews Shelby Waddle, wife of new Buffalo Bills offensive tackle LaAdrian Waddle and becoming somewhat a Buffalo social media celebrity of her own. In the days since Waddle signed his one-year deal with the Bills, Shelby’s been heavily engaged with Bills fans on Twitter, demonstrating both her sense of humor and willingness to strike at trolls who take shots at her. It’s quickly made her a popular Twitter follow. Moran talks to Waddle about her growing up near Detroit, paying her own way through school and working as a manager for a company. Her “normal” life would change when striking up a relationship with LaAdrian, originally via Twitter (she “slid” into his DMs) and eventually in person. Although she admits neither can fully recall all the details of their courtship, she reveals one of the more memorable proposal tales you’ll ever hear. While the bulk of the conversation is light there’s serious subject matter involved as well, including late 2015 when their lives got flipped upside down after LaAdrian was cut from the Detroit Lions, exactly one year to the date of tearing his ACL. Of course, there’s always a silver lining and in this case Waddle was claimed by the New England Patriots within 48 hours of his release. Three full seasons, three Super Bowl appearances and two championship rings later things worked out for the best. Shelby discusses her personal feelings towards Tom Brady and close relationship that her and LaAdrain have with Rob Gronkowski, a Buffalo native hated by the majority of BillsMafia in part due to the dirty hit he inflicted on Tre White two years ago. Waddle says while she understands the feelings of Bills fans, she’s very much a fan of Gronk the human being and doesn’t concern herself with blow back because of her previous New England ties. They finish up with the Mini-Lightning Round, where among things we learn about Shelby is her rapping to Kid Rock’s “Cowboy” at her wedding and being a big fan of Toronto. You can follow Shelby on Twitter at @MrsWadd68. After that Moran is joined by his friend Joe (@BuffaloWins) for another installment of “The Run In With Joe.” Today the guys are analyzing Buffalo Bills and Sabres owner Terry Pegula’s press conference from Arizona earlier this week and share their feelings about whether the Bills should get a new stadium, where it should be located and if it should be domed. Patrick nearly loses his cool when the conversation turns to Sabres talk, visibly bitter at how ugly this season got under the watch of embattled head coach Phil Housley. The two also get semi-heated over Antonio Brown, excited about Game of Thrones and spend a little time talking WWE before Joe ends the segment with a take on the perception of Buffalonians. Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. ♦♦♦♦♦ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SHOW SPONSOR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran scores an interview with arguably the greatest offensive tackle in Buffalo Bills franchise history. Will Wolford joins for an extremely rare interview covering a wide variety of topics. Going all the way back to the start, Wolford talks growing up in Louisville, Kentucky with basketball as his favorite sport, only playing youth football because his father made him. Wolford became a two sport star in high school, making honorable mention for All-State in basketball. However, it was football that presented the best opportunities despite suffering some key injuries and an illness. He was recruited by Notre Dame, Kentucky and Tennessee among other teams and ultimately chose Vanderbilt after Notre Dame pulled their offer, where he became a standout guard and tackle and All-SEC selection. Wolford parlayed his talent and size into a first-round NFL draft pick in 1986 when the Buffalo Bills moved up to No. 20 overall in a trade with San Francisco to take him. Wolford recounts the draft process and his feelings the moment he realized he was going to Buffalo. He stepped into an organization that was horrible as a rookie, coming off consecutive 2-14 seasons. Wolford recalls players smoking cigarettes in the locker room with cases of all over as well. He also tells a stunning story of a 1986 game in Tampa where the team knew a loss would result in Hank Bullough’s firing. Most of the veterans despised Bullough as coach and the team intentionally lost the game, leading to his ouster and the arrival of Marv Levy. Wolford talks about the turnaround and what would become the Super Bowl era of Bills football, the memories he had in Buffalo and the bittersweet emotions after signing the contract with Indianapolis in 1993 that contained the infamous “poison pill” clause making it impossible for Buffalo to match. Will explains in great detail the conflict with the deal and the heartbreak not only he felt, but his wife as well. The interview wraps with an update of Wolford’s post-career, what he’s up to now and his thoughts on his nephew John Wolford, who’s tearing up the AAF with Arizona. Of course, no Moran-Alytics Podcast guest star interview is complete without the Mini-Lightning Round, and we learn of several Wolford favorites, including a city in Australia as his favorite place to visit. He’s not on Twitter much, but you can shoot John a follow there at @Wolf6769. After the interview Moran does his first Buffalo Bills four-round NFL mock draft in real time. The computer makes simulated selections for the other 31 teams and Moran makes five picks for the Bills, explaining his rationale for each. It’s a segment he’s planning on doing each episode between now and the NFL draft that begins on Thursday, April 25th. Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. ♦♦♦♦♦ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SHOW SPONSOR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews NESN Boston sports reporter and host Courtney Cox about her life and career. Cox talks about growing up in Lowell, Massachusetts and eventually going to Boston College, where she was not only a member of the cheerleading team but a captain by her junior year. She would give it up for her season to start focusing on making sports journalism her career and it’s clearly a decision that paid off. After stints honing her craft in Charlotte, North Carolina at the ACC Digital Network and the LAX Sports Network back closer to home, Cox landed her job at NESN in Boston during the summer of 2016 and she discusses how each opportunity came about. Cox also has several takes on the sports media, reveals how she deals with occasional idiots that troll her on Twitter and offers sound advice for aspiring sports journalists. We also learn among other things that Cox loves Nashville, knows how to deal with dates from people that just wish to talk sports, wants to have dinner with Tyrion from Game of Thrones and isn’t bothered with name comparisons to the Courtney Cox that played Monica on Friends. You can follow Courtney on Twitter at @CoxCourtney and be sure to check out her work at NESN.com. After the Cox interview Moran does an AMA (Ask Me Anything) segment where fans of the podcast were asked to submit sports and pop culture questions to be answered. Among the topics Moran hits on are his favorite current and past Buffalo sports reporters, the biggest go-to song to get a party started, three things Kim Pegula should do with the Buffalo Sabres this summer and why so many who leave Buffalo for greener pastures end up missing it. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews former nine-year NFL veteran guard Kraig Urbik about growing up, the process of getting to the NFL and his time with the Buffalo Bills among several other topics. Urbik played six seasons in Buffalo including several as a starter. He talks about being part of an unheralded unit that helped pave the way for impressive Bills team rushing totals despite the lack of overall team success and recalls a few of his favorite Buffalo memories, including the blizzard that forced the team host a Monday night game in Detroit. He also reveals that he’s very much still a Bills fan and recalls getting to finally see an actual Buffalo pre-game tailgate after retirement. Kraig also talks about growing up as a kid who started playing football in middle school and parlaying his size and worth ethic into a scholarship at Wisconsin, becoming one of the best offensive linemen in the conference. He finishes with the traditional Moran-Alytics Podcast Mini-Lightning round and we learn about a few of his favorites; including Peaky Binders, London, Eric Wood and Anthony Bourdain. Follow Kraig on Twitter @KraigUrbik. After the chat with Kraig, Tone Pucks joins for another installment of “Pat with Pucks.” Today the guys are discussing all of the Bills free agent additions as a whole and how much they think it improves the team, particularly on the offensive line. Tone (@TonePucks) tells his legion of 132 Twitter followers that he’s liked every acquisition, including Frank Gore and gives his theory on how the running back situation will play out. They then turn their attention to the Buffalo Sabres and as expected the mood quickly goes somber. Pucks reiterates his disdain for Phil Housley as the head coach while Moran wonders if this train wreck of a season half will ultimately cost the team being able to re-sign Jeff Skinner. Tone finishes with a Sabres related “Puck Drop” containing uncharacteristically evident emotion. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews Locked on Bills podcaster and The Draft Network writer Joe Marino on several Buffalo Bills, NFL free agency and draft related topics. The two run through every player the Bills have acquired since free agency started earlier this week and Marino offers analysis on each, his opinion on their contracts and where they should fit in. He has particularly strong takes when it comes to the additions of running back Frank Gore and kick returner Andre Roberts. With free agency well underway and team needs a little more apparent after the big wave of signings, they discuss the NFL draft and Marino points out a handful of players he sees the Bills targeting with the ninth overall pick, including a pair of prospects that may surprise you. They also discuss the Antonio Brown trade that nearly was and Marino reveals what NFL team has disappointed him the most since free agency started. Before football talk they spend time discussing about Joe’s professionally produced Locked on Bills podcast, and Moran asks Joe the process he uses to put out three to four episodes every week. You can follow Joe on Twitter at @TheJoeMarino. Be sure to check out his work at The Draft Network as well as his Locked on Bills podcast. After Joe’s interview, Moran plays a full non-spoiler movie review of the megahit “Captain Marvel”, reviewed by Sean Chandler. Sean’s a talented and hugely popular YouTube content creator who was recently a guest on the Moran-Alytics Podcast, where he discussed the path that saw him go from part time hobbyist to a full-time profession of producing movie and television related content on YouTube nearly daily. Be sure to go to Sean’s YouTube page, “Sean Chandler Talks About” and join the more than 90,000 subscribers. Also hit the bell next to it so you can get notified whenever Sean posts new content. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews WIVB-TV sports director Josh Reed on a variety of topics. The two discuss Reed growing up in a small town in Ohio a Browns and Indians fan, playing football in high school and winning a state championship. Reed went to Kent State for college and tells a revealing story of once being an unmotivated student who temporarily dropped out of school before his father convinced him the hard way that doing well in college would be in his best interest. Reed worked in Hagerstown, Maryland after school before spending a decade working in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania as a sports anchor and reporter. His run there ended in August of 2015 when he was offered the sports director job at WIVB-TV Buffalo. Reed offers his take on several sports media topics as well as advice for aspiring sports journalists before wrapping up with the Mini-Lightning Round, where we learn a handful of Reed’s favorites, leading to a fascinating Whitey Ford story. Follow Josh Reed on Twitter at @4JoshReed and make sure to check out his work at WIVB-TV. Immediately after Moran is joined by Aaron Quinn (@AaronQuinn716) of Cover 1 for their recurring segment. Today the guys are all about talking football on the heels of NFL free agency beginning. Quinn offers insightful breakdowns of all four Buffalo Bills early verbal agreements: Kevin Johnson, Frank Gore, Tyler Croft and Mitch Morse. They also discuss some of the big moves going on around the league, including examining if Jacksonville overpaid for Nick Foles before ending the segment with a take on the A-Rod/J-Lo engagement. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this milestone Episode No. 100 of the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran has an interview with Tim Graham of The Athletic on a variety of topics. Graham first did the podcast all the way back on the second episode and there’s been much change in his life over the past year. At the time Graham was still at The Buffalo News but a few months after the podcast aired, he moved on to The Athletic as part of an exodus of Buffalo News sports writers who left for a variety of reasons. Graham tells Moran in detail how his decision to leave went down. They also spend time discussing the impact The Athletic has made on the sports content consuming community, how reuniting with an old boss helped make the transition smoother, his thoughts on the rise of Athletic teammate Matthew Fairburn, the process of his radio show and defending of colleague Mike Rodak from idiot Twitter troll attacks. Graham then does the traditional interview-ending “Mini Lightning Round” and we learn among other things what line of work he thought about getting into, the athlete he wish he could’ve covered more than any other, what his favorite Twitter handle is and what three famous dinner guests he’d most like to entertain. You can follow Tim on Twitter at @ByTimGraham and subscribe to The Athletic, where you get supreme local and national sports coverage for one low monthly price. Immediately following the Graham interview Moran’s joined by Joe (@BuffaloWins) for another installment of “The Run In With Joe.” Today the guys are dissecting several published reports linking the Buffalo Bills to two premium free agent offensive linemen. They also debate what method the Bills may use to add talent at wide receiver and tight end, discuss cornerback Kevin Johnson visiting the Bills this week and have thoughts on the re-signing of Jordan Phillips. Joe also does the Moran-Alytics Podcast Interest Meter, where he scores and offers takes on topics including Josh Rosen, Lebron James, RKelly and Ronda Rousey. The segment ends with Joe blasting Moran over his previously tweeted Rocky movie power rankings. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews Buffalo Bills long snapper Reid Ferguson, who recently signed a three-year extension to this past January to remain with the team. The two discuss Ferguson growing up in Georgia and he talks about his father first convincing him to give long snapping a shot as a means to get on the field more. It certainly worked as by the time Ferguson was finishing high school he was the No. 2 long snapping prospect in the entire country. He reveals why he chose LSU over Tennessee and San Diego State –a decision he says he wouldn’t hesitate to do again. Ferguson also describes how a potential conflict of interest with his agent led him to deciding to sign with the Bills instead of the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2016. He also reflects on the magical feeling that came with being part of the team that ended a 17-year playoff drought in 2017 while not spending time dwelling on a disappointing team campaign last season. They wrap up discussing one of, if not their favorite TV of all time “The Office” where Reid reveals his favorite three episodes before finishing with the traditional Mini-Lightning Round, where we learn a handful of fun facts about him –including his favorite sports movie, Twitter follow and three celebrities he’d love to have over for dinner. You can follow Reid Ferguson on Twitter @SnapFlow69. Immediately after, Moran is joined by a returning Tone Pucks for their first “Pat with Pucks” segment in a month. Pucks describes what it is about Buffalo Sabres head coach Phil Housley that’s always made him a skeptic while also placing plenty of blame for Buffalo’s huge collapse on the players as well. They also talk Bills, including Pucks discussing two positions he thinks the team will sink its biggest resources into while Moran remains convinced running back Lesean McCoy may still end up a former Bill before the 2019 season begins. Puck finishes with a prediction that the soon returning Game of Thrones will be the most epic final season in TV history. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran is joined by #BillsMafia pioneer and founder of 26 Shirts, Del Reid for an interview taped at a diner in Sarasota, Florida. Reid was in Moran’s neck of the woods for a company event and the two got together to meet in person for the first time, even though Reid originally appeared on a past episode last May via telephone. The two sat down outside on a patio over coffee (plus chicken and waffles for Del) and talked about a handful of topics, including some of the great adventures and people Reid’s been able to work with since 26 Shirts launched and has continued to grow. In particular Del recounts stories on former Buffalo Bills greats Thurman Thomas and Darryl Talley and also discusses what it feels like to be a bit of a local celebrity himself these days. You can follow Del on Twitter at @DelReid, check out the BillsMafia official website and be sure to visit 26 Shirts, where you can order a variety of shirts with a percentage of every purchase going to a worthy charitable cause. Immediately after that Moran checks in with his buddy Joe (@BuffaloWins) for another edition of “The Run-In With Joe.” Today the guys are locked on the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, or at least Moran is. They attempt to read between the lines following the media gathering with Bills head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane, including a strong feeling the Bills will sink considerable resources into the tight end position, not so much at cornerback and feel pretty confident that Spencer Long’s role on the offensive line truly still is to be determined. They also discuss the absolute implosion of the Buffalo Sabres that saw them go from having an 83% chance of making the playoffs at the end of November to all-but-mathematically eliminated by this first day of March. They wrap with a little wrestling talk in light of WWE having their best week of television program in a long time, and Joe hits his finisher to highlight a disdain he has for award shows. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews YouTube content creator Sean Chandler of the “Sean Chandler Talks About” channel on a variety of topics. Chandler talks about how a love for discussing movies and television shows first motivated him to start making videos on YouTube. The channel came from humble beginnings but over time has grown to an impressive 87,000 subscribers. Chandler shares tips for aspiring content creators on methods that helped him expand his brand to the point he recently quit his “daytime” job to focus on full-time YouTube creating. Chandler also gives a review of “Fighting with My Family,” the new movie based on the life of WWE star Paige. Moran then transitions to Chandler’s series of videos dedicated to The Office, including his ranking of the 10 Best Episodes Of The Office Ever. They run down his list and Chandler explains why each ranked episode. You can follow Sean Chandler on Twitter at @KirkNeverDied and check out his YouTube Channel for daily videos. Before that Moran is joined by recurring segment guest Aaron Quinn of Cover 1 to discuss this week’s NFL Combine. They run down a list of intriguing prospects Buffalo Bills fans should be paying close attention to at the combine, focusing on some of the draft’s top offensive prizes. They also go through some of the top free agents soon to be available and each pick a guy from the list they’d like to see Buffalo sign the most. They also turn on the Moran-Alytics Podcast Interest meter, where Quinn registers his level of interest and adds takes on the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, Antonio Brown, Manny Machado, the Buffalo Sabres and more. Moran also has an honest take on Bradley Cooper. You can follow Aaron Quinn on Twitter @AaronQuinn716 and be sure to check out Cover 1 for all your Bills draft and free agency needs. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the future award winning Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews longtime NFL Insider Adam Caplan on a variety of football and Buffalo Bills topics. This is Caplan’s second appearance on the podcast, first appearing on Episode No. 21 last May. Caplan offers his thoughts on Joe Flacco being traded to Denver, reveals the team Nick Foles is likely heading to per his sources, who the frontrunners for free agent running back Le’Veon Bell appear to be, potential trade fits for wide receiver Antonio Brown and talks about a handful of veteran quarterbacks that could be with new teams in 2019. The attention then turns to the Bills and Caplan is tasked with giving fans a big reason to be optimistic going into free agency and the draft. He discusses if Lesean McCoy was actually close to being deal to Philadelphia near the trade deadline last year, has insight on what new signee Spencer Long’s role with the team is expected to be and shares what he hears around the league when it comes to Josh Allen. You can follow Adam Caplan on Twitter @Caplannfl. After that Moran is joined by his buddy Joe (@BuffaloWins) for another installment of “The Run-In With Joe.” Both guys are absolutely heated at the Buffalo Sabres after watching a promising season that not long ago saw them atop the NHL standings go completely down the drain. They discuss if Phil Housley deserves to be fired and more importantly how much blame Jason Botterill deserves for the implosion. Moran suggests more blame should be assigned to the players, going as far to say the locker room may have its share of coach killers while Joe attributes their demise to a lack of talent. They also spend a little time talking WWE and Joe explains why he thinks Vince McMahon called up a bunch of NXT stars during the road to Wrestlemania instead of immediately after it. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this special, one-year anniversary edition of the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran welcomes the same guest he had for the very first episode of the podcast. Buffalo Bills beat reporter and radio on-air personality Sal Capaccio of WGR550 joins Moran to celebrate and talk sports, and props to Sal for batting through an illness to do the interview. When Ssal was on the podcast exactly one year ago today, the two spent a full hour discussing Sal’s life and career, dating back to his childhood. It was a fun conversation that covered dozens of topics yet had very little Buffalo Bills talk. It’s the polar opposite this time around. Patrick takes listeners to a tour around the Buffalo Bills roster and at each positional stop Capaccio, who is the Bills sideline reporter offers insight on where the team stands and what moves may be coming during the offseason. In particular Sal has interesting takes on Spencer Long, Lesean McCoy and Levi Wallace as well as a discussion about what wide receivers and tight ends would make for great fits. Before the interview concludes Sal has thoughts on the New York Yankees winter and the gradual crumbling of the Buffalo Sabres, including examining if head coach Phil Housley could be in trouble if the season doesn’t turn around soon. You can follow Sal on Twitter at @SalSports and of course be sure to check out all his written work as well as live and archived audio at WGR550.com. Before this anniversary pod wraps, Moran hands out his semi-recurring Moran-Alytics Podcast MVP award to a newfound love for coffee and LVP to the imploding Sabres. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the future award winning Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran is joined for a second time by John Vogl, Buffalo Sabres writer for The Athletic. When John was first on the podcast back in early July of last year, he had literally just started at The Athletic after leaving The Buffalo News following 16 years on their staff. Vogl reviews how the transition has been over the past nine months and highlights differences he’s found in his work flow as a result of the change. From there they dive into the Sabres and John’s pleased at how much more fun it’s been to cover the team this year with them in a thick of a playoff race through the middle of February, a far cry from most seasons over the past decade where it’s deadline trade sellers and draft lottery positioning dominating Buffalo headlines. Vogl also feels the Sabres 10-game winning streak early in the season was in some ways a curse because of the lofty expectations it created and also provides insight into two prospects the Sabres could potentially move before the NHL trade daedline while being candid about Phil Housley’s future with the team if they falter down the stretch. Both being wrestling marks, Moran and Vogl wrap up with a little WWE talk, hitting on Charlotte Flair being brought into the main event at Wrestlemania, Dean Ambrose’s imminent departure from WWE potentially being a work, and a possible Mania’ opponent for Daniel Bryan. You can follow John Vogl on Twitter at @BuffaloVogl and be sure to get an online subscription to The Athletic, where Buffalo fans not only get tons of Bills and Sabres coverage but also access to all acclaimed national writers on The Athletic staff. Following that, Joe’s (@BuffaloWins) back for another installment of “The Run-In With Joe” and it’s a lively one. They begin by highlighting this as the perfect time to begin your Game of Thrones viewing binge with the final season now just 58 days away. That seems to be the extent of things they agree on, because they spend the next several minutes bantering and arguing about how the Buffalo Bills should approach the offseason in regards to how they should spend their money and resources. Moran thinks Buffalo should invest very heavily on the offensive line via free agency and the draft while Joe prefers more skill position players and predicts the Bills will invests heavily on defense. Joe is also married to the ideal that the Bills are being modeled after Carolina but Moran’s not ready to agree. They also go through the Moran-Alytics Podcast Interest Meter, where Moran runs off several sports and pop culture topics while Joe scores his interest level on a scale of 1-10 and has a take for each. Among the topics covered are Joe Flacco, James Harden, The Los Angeles Lakers, pitchers and catchers, Frozen 2 (yes!) and Journey. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the future award-winning Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran scores an interview with one of the most versatile and talented members of the national sports media. Sports Illustrated senior writer, podcast co-host and star of The Wilder Project Charlotte Wilder joins for a wide-ranging interview. The two talk about Wilder growing up near Boston the daughter of an accomplished writer, setting a desire early in Charlotte’s life to follow in her mother’s career path. She explains (rather humorously) why she ended up at Colby College and how the experiences of writing for several publications helped prepare her for the opportunity that would come at Sports Illustrated. While the interview is generally lighthearted Moran asks Wilder about an enlightening post she penned for Boston.com in 2015, where she revealed she’d been dealing with anxiety since sixth grade. Wilder provides outstanding perspective on mental health. Charlotte also discusses her Most Valuable Podcast she co-hosts with Jessica Smetana and The Wilder Project for SI TV. She reveals that a new season is coming soon while discussing past guests, including PFT and Big Cat from Pardon My Take. They finish with the traditional Moran-Alytics Podcast “Mini Lightning Round” and Charlotte reveals among several things her favorite city to visit, athlete to cover, Twitter follow and three guests she’d most enjoy having for dinner. You can follow Charlotte Wilder on Twitter at @TheWilderThings and check out all her work at SI.com. After the interview Moran has takes on Sunday night’s Grammy’s show, including Alicia Keys as host, Cardi B. winning Best Rap Album and being blown away by a Brandi Carlile breakthrough performance. Recurring guest Aaron Quinn (@AaronQuinn716) of Cover 1 then joins for another segment, where the two talk about Kareem Hunt signing with the Browns as well as a tweet from Benjamin Allbright that suggested the Bills had interest in the troubled running back and what it may mean for Lesean McCoy’s future. They also discuss some mock drafts out there that have Buffalo tacking an offensive tackle in the Top 10 plus the Moran-Alytics Interest Meter, where Quinn scores and offers a tak a bunch of topics, including Phil Mickelson, Anthony Davis and AEW. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast features Patrick Moran and his buddy Joe with an extended edition of the recurring “Run-In With Joe.” Today the guys are talking about how rottenly spoiled the Boston sports fan base is, particularly those 30 years and under. Simply put, Moran is convinced they can’t relate to other sports fan bases. As evidence, Moran points out how over the last 18 years the Patriots have been to the playoffs 17 times (with six championships), the Red Sox 10 times (four championships), the Celtics 14 times (one championship) and Bruins 12 times (one championship.) Meanwhile the Buffalo Bills have seen one playoff game during that span with the Sabres in danger of missing the playoffs for an eighth straight year. They also talk about the Bills being tied with Arizona for dead last in next year’s Super Bowl champion odds at 150-to-1 while debating the future of Bills running back and biggest “star” player Lesean McCoy. They also deliberate the significance of another Carolina connection, Ken Dorsey being added to the Buffalo coaching staff. They also talk a little WWE regarding Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair and Dean Ambrose before Joe (@buffalowins) manages to work in church, germs and handshaking reluctance all in one take. Moran ends the segment pondering if he’ll ever forgive Joe for not immediately recognizing one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s. Moran also has a take on NBA superstar/oversensitive jerk Kevin Durant in the podcast opening and admits he’s stoked for the Grammy’s on Sunday thanks to Alicia Keys later in the episode. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran chats with ESPN Buffalo Bills beat reporter Mike Rodak about a handful of New England Patriots and Bills topics. Rodak was previously a guest on the podcast back last May (Episode No. 25) and then we learned plenty about Mike beyond his ESPN job, including his upbringing, education, career journey and his takes on a ton of sports media, social media and fun human interest topics. Today’s conversation is more to the point as Rodak weighs in on the Patriots perhaps now the greatest dynasty of all-time, not just in football but all of sports. He also has insight as to why the Patriots aren’t on the same popularity level as some of other all-time great dynasties in other sports, talks about what makes them nearly unstoppable, warns fans that they’re not going away anytime soon and offers his opinion on why we may not have seen the last of Gronk. Mike also has takes on a handful of Bills topics, including Lesean McCoy’s future with the team, what incumbent offensive lineman may be back in 2019 and a position the team may spend heavy resources on that most fans probably don’t expect. You can follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeRodak and check out his work at ESPN.com. Immediately after Moran is joined by his buddy Tone Pucks (@tonepucks) for another installment of “Pat with Pucks.” The two are complaining about the Super Bowl, a lackluster 2018 NFL season in general, the NBA owning a lot of Super Bowl week and a discussion about the ongoing Buffalo Sabres struggles. Also, Patti LaBelle, Human League and Culture Club somehow end up getting worked into the segment. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran has an extended interview with Sports Illustrated senior writer Alex Prewitt. Born in Manhattan but raised in Northern Virginia, Prewitt talks about growing up a sports fan of many athletes but never completely attached to one team. A baseball player as a youth, Prewitt decided to attend Tufts University in Massachusetts in part because it would give him an opportunity to play D-III college baseball. While already sensing sports journalism may be his career path before arriving on campus, his vision began to take shape while at college. He went to intern at several high profile places and ultimately would land his first big job covering the University of Maryland football and basketball beats for the Washington Post. Despite having zero experience covering hockey and seeing a total of one NHL game live previously, Prewitt was eventually assigned the Washington Capitals beat. Prewitt crammed and honed his craft, excelling at covering the spot and it ultimately led him to an opportunity at Sports Illustrated in 2015. Going there and leaving the Washington Post is a decision Prewitt calls the toughest decision he’s ever had to make. The interview covers his entire career, his lukewarm feelings towards Twitter and a brilliant feature story he wrote on Buffalo Sabres franchise center Jack Eichel before giving his opinion on if the Sabres will find themselves in the playoffs at the end of the regular season. You can follow Alex on Twitter @Alex_Prewitt and be sure to check out his work at Sports Illustrated. There’s also another “Run-In With Joe” segment featuring Joe (@BuffaloWins). Today the guys are discussing a story written by Tim Graham of The Athletic that outlined the challenges the Buffalo Bills face when trying to attract prominent NFL free agents. It quickly turns testy as they disagree on how the Bills should spend money in regards to salary cap ramifications. They also have a discussion about a few WWE topics, with Moran calling Becky Lynch the biggest star in the company today, male or female while Joe has a take on being excited over the potential future of AEW. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran chats with WROC-TV Rochester sports reporter/anchor Dan Fetes on a variety of topics. Fetes talks about being born and raised in Webster, New York and growing up a fan of the Buffalo Sabres and Atlanta Braves. He liked playing sports as a child while also learning young that it was fun to “play” sports reporter. It’s a path that led him to SUNY Fredonia for college; giving him both an opportunity to play baseball and learn about the sports journalism profession. Fetes talks about how going to a small school had its advantages and ultimately helped hone his craft. Fetes also reveals his biggest influences in the sports media, describes his favorite and least favorite parts about his profession, offers his take on social media, gives Sabres fans insight on some of Rochester’s top prospects and goes through the Mini-Lightning Round, where we learn of his fondness for Genny Light, The Replacements, Pat McAfee and Chipper Jones among others. You can follow Dan Fetes on Twitter @DanFetes and check out his WROC-TV work by clicking here. Moran also has a segment with Aaron Quinn (@AaronQuinn716) from Cover 1. The two spend time talking about the Senior Bowl from last week, with Quinn analyzing a handful of prospects he thinks could be good fits for the Buffalo Bills. He also discusses how the pair of University at Buffalo prospects, Tyree Jackson and Anthony Johnson fared at the Senior Bowl and explains what the Cover 1 (http://www.cover1.net) “Lofton Exercise” means. Quinn also takes part in the Moran-Alytics Interest Meter, offering scores and takes on a handful of sports and pop culture topics. Sandwiched between the interviews is Moran’s offering on WWE’s Royal Rumble from Sunday night. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com in advance of Sunday night’s Royal Rumble. An acclaimed veteran pro wrestling scribe, Johnson has been writing for Pro Wrestling Insider since it first launched in 2004, nearly 15 years ago. During that time it’s become one of the most informative and widely recognized wrestling “dirt sheets” in the entire industry. Johnson describes in detail how a harrowing accident would begin his path to becoming a full-time wrestling writer. After that the attention turns to the 32nd edition of the Royal Rumble, being held Sunday in Phoenix and the two run down the entire card from top to bottom with Johnson offering thoughts and a prediction for each. They spend considerable time discussing matches involving the women and agree the road will ultimately lead to women main eventing Wrestlemania this spring. Johnson also discusses “The New” Daniel Bryan, predicts two title changes on the Smackdown side and guesses the direction for Finn Balor after he clashes with Brock Lesnar for the Universal title. You can follow Mike on Twitter @MikePWInsider and check out tons of free content at PWInsider.com. Mike also informs listeners on how they can become elite subscribers on the site. Prior to Johnson’s interview Moran has his buddy Joe (@BuffaloWins) on for an installment of The Run-In With Joe. The guys re-visit last week’s AFC and NFC championship games and decide if changes need to be made regarding the overtime possession rule while debating if pass interference penalties should become challengeable by coaches. They also discuss the Buffalo Bills offensive line and try to figure out if Bills GM Brandon Beane will bring back any of the three pending free agent linemen that began the season in Buffalo as starters. They disagree on how resources should be spent on the position, with Moran saying the team would be best served spending big O-Line money in free agency while offering up two names he’d like to see signed. Joe disagrees and thinks they can find O-Line help in the draft and wants more resources spent on the skilled positions. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews longtime Buffalo sports media veteran Kevin Sylvester on a wide variety of topics, dating all the way back his growing up in Waterloo, New York. During a career that’s now spanned more than two decades, Sylvester’s pretty much done it all when it comes to sportscasting, particularly in the Western New York region. He’s worked on the radio side at WGR multiple times as well as WBEN while also spending 11 years with the Buffalo Sabres in several different roles. Sylvester runs through what those experiences have meant to him. They also spend time discussing some of Sylvester’s current projects, ranging from co-starting Buffalo Sports Page with fellow local media guy Paul Peck to co-hosting the Half Hour Hockey Show with Kevin Snow to his work on PGA Tour Radio covering various professional golf events. The topic then turns to the Sabres and Sylvester offers his thoughts on the team’s recent slide and if missing the playoffs could result in the firing of Phil Housley at season’s end. They finish up with the Mini-Lightning Round where we learn several of Kevin’s favorites, including the three dinner guests he’d love to have, his favorite non-sports hobby and the Twitter handle that’s his biggest must-follow. You can follow Kevin on Twitter @KevSylvester and be sure to check out both Buffalo Sports Page and the Half Hour Hockey Show. After that interview Moran is joined by Tone Pucks (@tonepucks) for another installment of “Pat with Pucks.” Today the guys are discussing the AFC and NFC championship games at Sunday and Moran admits to the world that by the end of the day he found himself actually rooting for Tom Brady. Pucks weighs in on the blown pass interference call costing the New Orleans Saints a trip to the Super Bowl and the two spend time talking about the Buffalo Bills, including agreeing on being fine with the team using a top 10 pick on a defensive lineman and eagerly awaiting to see how the team addresses the tight end position once they inevitably release Charles Clay. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran has an extended interview with the executive sports editor of The Buffalo News, Josh Barnett on a variety of topics. Barnett talks about growing up in White Plains, New York as a child before passing up a scholarship elsewhere so he could attend Syracuse University with dreams of sports journalism on his mind. His path eventually led him to the Philadelphia Daily News, where he became sports editor and eventually executive sports editor. From there in 2012 he went on to work at the USA Today, where he took charge of sports magazines and non-daily’s before running the national high school sports digital platform. Ultimately it led Barnett to The Buffalo News in 2017. He describes the process of that happened before addressing the widely publicized and controversial 2018 spring at the News that saw an exodus of veteran sports writers leave via buyouts for a reported variety of reasons. Barnett provides insight from the News side of things, talks about the difficulties and adjustments that came with the many exits, goes over some of the new additions to the staff and has a take on The Athletic opening up a Buffalo division that’s sprung the most competition the News has had for eyeballs in several years. Seeing they’re both big wrestling fans (Barnett actually does some writing for PWI), they end the chat by talking WWE and Barnett has thoughts on what’s contributed to a lackluster handful of months, the women’s secondary angles becoming a problem, and looks ahead to some potential Wrestlemania matchups. You can follow Josh on Twitter @ByJoshBarnett. Immediately after is the return of “The Run-In With Joe” on the heels month hiatus that saw Joe spending time in Buffalo drinking a lot a lot of craft beer and hating on Jim’s Steakout. Joe’s (@BuffaloWins) commentary on one of Moran’s favorite sub joints has him unhappy, as does Joe confessing he was never a fan of the classic TV show Happy Days. They do put aside different opinions to talk about the recent struggles of the Buffalo Sabres that have seen them fall out of a playoff spot while also examining the possibility that Bills GM Brandon Beane may be willing to try and orchestrate a trade for Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran chats with Cover 1 podcaster and contributor Aaron Quinn about a variety of topics. The talk about Cover 1, including how Quinn got his start with the site and what makes it unique in how they cover the Buffalo Bills. They also discuss the Cover 1 Podcast and Quinn’s role with it and we learn what Hall of Famer led Quinn to becoming a Bills fan. From there they talk NFL playoffs from last weekend, including being forced to marvel at how the New England Patriots manage to annually play their best football in January. They run down the conference championship games and pick a winner. After that the attention shifts to the Buffalo Bills and Quinn reveals who he considered the team’s MVP this season, offers thoughts on Josh Allen winning him over, spends time identifying some players that would look good wearing a Buffalo uniform in 2019 but realizes many of the players the Bills may target will face stiff competition from Indianapolis. The interview wraps with the Moran-Alytics Interest Meter, where Moran runs off a series of random sports and pop culture topics and Quinn rates his interest on a scale of 1-10 while tossing a few takes along the way, including saucy ones on R. Kelly and O.J. Simpson. You can follow Aaron at @AaronQuinn716 and be sure to check out Cover1 at www.cover1.net Before signing off for the day, Moran hands out his weekly MVP award to the imminent return of one of his favorite TV shows while slapping the LVP on the Philadelphia 76ers for waiting absurdly too long to finally retire the number of one of the team’s all-time greats. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran welcomes a returning Joe Yerdon of The Athletic in a chat covering the Buffalo Sabres and the company he writes for. When Yerdon was first on the podcast back in mid-September he had just begun his stint with the newly formed Athletic Buffalo division. Today he discusses how that job has been going, including what it’s been like creating a formidable one-two punch with colleague John Vogl. Moran asks Yerdon how the arrival of The Athletic has helped bring out the best not just in him and his writing partners but all local media covering the Buffalo Sabres and Bills beats, with the winners being the sports fan having more quality content to consume than ever before. The attention then turns to the Sabres and he offers his take on their surprising first half of the season, a campaign thus far exceeding any realistic preseason expectations. He talks about the monumental 10-game winning streak that put Buffalo on the map around the league and the inconsistencies that have sometimes plagued them since. He also has thoughts on Jack Eichel’s recent injury, Jeff Skinner being left off the NHL all-star team, the team’s crazy upcoming schedule, Phil Housley’s fate if Buffalo fails to make the playoffs and much more. You can follow Joe on Twitter at @JoeYerdon and of course check out The Athletic at www.theathletic.com. Immediately following Yerdon’s interview, Tone Pucks (@tonepucks) joins for another installment of “Pat with Pucks.” On the heels of a survey sent to season ticket holders, the two debate if the Pegula’s should build a new stadium in downtown Buffalo or renovate the current one in Orchard Park. After having a little time to digest the season, Pucks offers his take on where he thinks the Buffalo Bills are at in their rebuilding process and what he thinks expectations should be for the 2019 offseason, a win total the two disagree on. They also spend time doing the “Pucks Interest Meter”, where Moran offers up a series of sports topics and Pucks replies with how much (or little) of interest it is to him with a few comments about each before they conclude the segment by agreeing on which NFL home favorite is most likely to lose this weekend. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran has a lengthy interview with newyorkupstate.com Buffalo Bills writer Ryan Talbot spanning a variety of topics. The two begin by talking NFL playoffs, including the ransom Nick Foles is getting ready to collect in free agency in a few months, the outside possibility that it could be Foles and not Carson Wentz that sticks around in Philadelphia, Lamar Jackson’s awful outing against the Chargers, and Talbot opines that Tom Brady is actually the worst AFC quarterback remaining in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Moran doesn’t trust the Rams in the NFC and admits he rooted against Jackson last weekend for his own selfish reasons. Naturally the talk eventually turns to the team Talbot writes about and he discusses how the Bills 2018 season was pretty on par with what he assumed it would be last August. That’s not necessarily a criticism, as most expected Buffalo to take a step back from their playoff appearance last season, and Talbot feels a lot better about the quarterback room now than he did this time a year ago. Talbot also gives his thoughts on Charles Clay underwhelming during his four seasons as a Bill, the chances Lesean McCoy sees a reduced role in the offense as well as a potential contract restructuring, power ranks his team MVP and LVP for the season, and breaks down the Bills signing of CFL star wide receiver Duke Williams. The chat is also littered with Talbot giving Bills fans a handful of potential free agent targets and college draft prospects. You can follow Ryan on Twitter at @RyanTalbotBills and check out his excellent work at www.newyorkupstate.com. Before calling it a wrap, Moran hands out “Terrible Tweets” to terrible Chicago Bears fans and Moran-Alytics Podcast MVP to the greatest female TV comedy actress ever. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast is taped at a spot where Patrick Moran demands credit for unearthing what he considers the best chicken wing hidden gem in Western New York— The Audubon North in Amherst. There, Moran is joined by New York Upstate Buffalo Bills beat reporter Matt Parrino for a lengthy chat about the Bills—after they rave about the wings and chicken fingers. Parrino just completed his first year covering the Bills beat after spending the past handful of years working in the UFC and living in Las Vegas. Moran asks him how things went during his ‘rookie” season and the two discuss some of the challenges that came with 2018, relationships formed with his colleagues and his favorite road trip of the season. From there they transition into a Bills 2018 season review and Parrino offers his take on many topics, including the surprising emergence of both Robert Foster and Levi Wallace, the failures of Kelvin Benjamin and Nate Peterman, Lesean McCoy’s future, the changes coming on offense and of course plenty of Josh Allen talk. You can follow Matt on Twitter at @MattParrino and check out his work at newyorkupstate.com. Be SURE to go check out The Audubon North (3025 Sweet Home Drive) and try their wings. We went with 10 Hot Cajun Double Dipped and 10 Hot wings and they were amazing. Seriously and you have my word this is no paid endorsement— Audubon North literally may be the most underrated place in all of Western New York for wings, and that’s not even what they’re known for! The chicken fingers are even better. Trust me, you won’t be sorry and I don’t recommend spots lightly— this is easily a top five chicken wing joint in the area. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this very different episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran hooks up with his buddy, Tone Pucks for their semi-recurring “Pat with Pucks.” Typically the segment is taped via Skype with the two 1,300 miles away, but with Moran being in Buffalo for the holidays they hook up at a North Buffalo Starbucks with Moran’s mobile podcasting gear, and mediocre audio ensues! After a little small talk they get into the Buffalo Bills, starting by reflecting on the great career of retiring defensive tackle Kyle Williams before turning their attention to Sunday’s big 42-17 season finale victory over Miami. Pat and Pucks go over performances from Josh Allen, Tremaine Edmunds and Shaq Lawson—all of who may have played their best game of the season. They also select the 2018 Bills MVP and LVP, and neither select the same guys. Some time is spent discussing the Buffalo Sabres, who are somewhat reeling following that record-setting 10-game winning streak earlier this season. Pucks (@tonepucks) is concerned about Jason Botterill’s willingness to pay the price to acquire another top six forward and is flat-out pissed off after Jack Eichel was given a “maintenance day” from practice by Phil Housley on Sunday. Of course, there’s “This Week in 80’s Music”, which this time highlights the top 10 songs from 31 years ago this week in 1987. Both are merely lukewarm to the selections, sans a one-hit wonder that gets Pucks excited. Before leaving, Tone uses his Puck Drop on people celebrating a vicious block on a defenseless player while Moran has Notre Dame haters for his Pat Peeve of the Week. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran has some of the guys on from the 716 Sports Podcast for a chat. Justen, Jeff, Mike and Steve join to talk about their tremendously underrated sports podcast. The guys talk about how the podcast came to be and some of the strengths that make their show pleasing for fans. One of their biggest strengths is the professional sounding audio they produce, an art often taken for granted in today’s world where many hobby podcasts are so hastily recorded and thrown together that the audio can be unlistenable. The other thing that makes the 716 Sports Podcast a great show is their willingness to engage in topics beyond just the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. Sure, there’s plenty of conversation on both teams, but the guys go out of their way to include discussion on the Bandits, Beauts and many other Western New York matters that rarely get on-air time elsewhere. There’s also a cool story about how FIFA for EA Sports and beer (of course) get them through the lean times. It’s a podcast all Buffalo sports fans should have in their podcast rotation. You can follow the 716 Sports Podcast on Twitter @716SportsPodcast and check out their website/podcast at www.716sportspodcast.com. Before the interview Moran has an extended monologue, where he tells listeners how much he hates Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook for screwing him out of a Moran vs. Moran fantasy football championship matchup, and gives everyone an update of how the Knowledge McDaniel story (go back to episode No. 59 for full context) ended up playing out down in Florida. Finally, Moran-Alytics Podcast MVP to a Buffalo Bills great and LVP to Pro Bowl complainer awards are handed out before putting this episode to bed. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews Kevin Snow, co-host of the Half Hour Hockey Show on a variety of topics. Along with Buffalo sports media mainstay Kevin Sylvester, Snow helps anchor one of the best Buffalo Sabres focused podcasts you’ll find anywhere. Snow talks about how their podcast got started, the process he and Sylvester go through each episode with a heavy emphasis on producing professional sounding audio. Their show recently featured Danny Briere, one of the most popular former Buffalo Sabres in team history as a guest and Snow let’s fans know what Briere’s up to. The focus then shifts to hockey and Snow admits his surprise with how well the Sabres have played this season. They discuss Jack Eichel’s ascension from potential franchise player to legitimate superstar as well as the steady rise of rookie Rasmus Dahlin before Snow drops a hot take on Jeff Skinner being far different than former Sabre Evander Kane. They end by talking about the “Conquering New Ground” book on Ronda Rousey that Snow had published in 2017, including his personal thoughts on Rousey as a person and performer. You can follow Kevin Snow on Twitter @kwsnow, catch the Half Hour Hockey Show on Soundcloud (as well as tons of other platforms) and order Snow’s Ronda Rousey book on Amazon. After that Moran is joined by Michael Necci for their “Necci Digs It” segment. Today they’re expressing frustration over some fans being upset that the Buffalo Bills victory over Detroit on Sunday meant dropping four slots in the NFL draft order. They also comment on the continued rise of Robert Foster, the steady play of Lorenzo Alexander, the uselessness of Charles Clay and the absurdity over Josh Allen vs. Tyrod Taylor continuing to being a thing with social media. They also premiere the Necci Interest Scale, where Necci measures his interest on several sports and pop culture topics. You can follow Mike Necci on Twitter at @manecci. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran indulges himself with WWE talk and in doing so enlists the assistance of one of the best wrestling minds around. Jason Solomon of the Solomonster Sounds Off podcast joins for an extended interview. The two discuss several topics, including Solomon’s podcast he’s been at since 2007. We find out how he got started on it more than a decade ago, what his process is, some of the incredible wrestlers he’s interviewed through the years and what’s been his key to longevity. From there they transition into WWE talk and Solomon offers his insight as to why WWE is failing so miserably lately, evidenced by plummeting ratings. The two agree part of it is an abundance of heel and face turns, so much that it’s hard to keep tract of them. They conclude by running down Sundays’ TLC pay-per-view card and Solomon offers insight and predictions for each match. Well, most anyway as he saves a few for his own podcast airing the day of the show. You can follow Jason on Twitter at @solomonster and check out his award-winning podcast at solomonster.podbean.com as well as all the standard podcasting platforms such as Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Sticher, etc. Directly before the Solomon interview, Moran has the recurring “Run In With Joe” segment featuring his buddy Joe from New York City (@buffalowins). The two quickly agree Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is essentially playing by himself on offense at this point, and Moran gives Joe a list of five Bills players that he thinks has the most to play for over their last three upcoming games. The two also hit on the Buffalo Sabres bouncing back after a five-game winless streak and talk a little Buffalo sports media, as it appears the Buffalo Maven is no more, at least in regards to Bucky and Sully writing for it. Finally, the Moran-Alytics Podcast MVP award is handed out to Tre’Davius White for non-football reasons. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews one of the driving forces behind the growing success of Trainwreck Sports. Zach Sheldon AKA “Maniac” joins the podcast for an interview about a variety of topics. The two spend time talking about Trainwreck Sports and the ways in which it’s grown over the past few years covering sports in Western New York. Maniac discusses what prompted him to join Trainwreck and how collectively they’ve grown and transformed it into a brand an increasing amount of Buffalo sports fans are familiar with. He also talks about separate podcasts Trainwreck Sports puts out covering the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and the UB Bulls respectively, some of the guests they’ve landed on their shows and reveals what’s planned in the near future for one of the true growing outlets of Buffalo sports coverage. You can follow Maniac on Twitter @zachsheldon and check out all the audio, video and written content from Trainwreck Sports at www.trainwrecksports.com Immediately after that Moran is joined by Michael Necci (@manecci) for a second consecutive week because hey—if it’s not broke don’t fix it, right? The two discuss the Buffalo Bills loss to the New York Jets; a game the Bills were seemingly in control of throughout until the final minutes. They offer takes on Josh Allen perhaps already becoming the biggest riverboat gambler (apologies to Ron Rivera) in the NFL, Robert Foster emerging into a star, the defense playing well enough to win but again failing to close a game out, and dig a grave for soon-to-be former special teams coach, Danny Crossman. They also hit on a few other items from the NFL, talk a little hoops, try to figure out if the New York Yankees are all-in for Manny Manchado, and marvel at how amazing Lady Gaga was in “A Star is Born.” ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews the greatest kicker in Buffalo Bills history. Steve Christie joins the podcast for an extended 40 minute interview. The two discuss Christie growing up in Canada playing soccer before starting to kick for his high school football team. It ultimately led to a scholarship at William & Mary for college and Christie continued on to the NFL, signing with the Tampa Bay Bucs as a rookie in 1990. After two losing seasons in Tampa, Christie’s career took a major arc when he signed with the Bills in 1992. Christie recounts the call he got from Bill Polian that convinced him Buffalo was the right fit, and what it felt like competing with the very popular Scott Norwood during training camp. Not only did Christie win the job, he went on to become the Bills all-time leading scorer. Christie spends considerable time talking about his nine-year Buffalo career, including the crazy, emotional 32 point comeback against Houston in the playoffs, of which Christie nailed the game-winning overtime field goal. He also talks about his Super Bowl record 54-yard field goal against Dallas, the pain of losing to Tennessee in the playoffs and offers great insight into several former teammates, including Andre Reed and Jim Kelly. Immediately after that Moran is joined by Joe (@BuffaloWins) for another “Run-In With Joe” segment. Joe offers his thoughts on the Bills cutting Kelvin Benjamin, Josh Allen’s progress, the Buffalo Sabres recent mini-slide and closes with a take on WWE champion Daniel Bryan, who’s enjoying a nice heel run. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran chats with KCTV5 Kansas City sportscaster, Tom Martin about a variety of topics. The two talk about Martin growing up in Houston, Texas before choosing Missouri for college over Syracuse (among others) to pursue sports journalism. Martin spent time honing his craft in Missouri and Louisiana before making his way to Buffalo in 2015 after landing a job at WIVB-TV. Martin looks back on his time in Buffalo, speaking very highly of the city and its people while explaining the difficult decision he faced before ultimately moving on to a job at KCTV-5 in Kansas City in August of 2017. Martin discusses the excitement that covering the Kansas City Chiefs has brought this season, including the unworldly emergence of Patrick Mahomes as a superstar quarterback. Of course, the Chiefs were rocked with scandal this past week when star running back Kareem Hunt was dramatically cut from the team just one day after video emerged on TMZ showing Hunt committing physical violence against a woman in a hotel hallway. Martin offers his perspective on Hunt and makes a prediction on if we’ll see him back in the NFL again. Before heading out Martin goes through the Moran-Alytics Podcast traditional mini-lightning round, where among other things we learn of a romantic city to bring your lover and three unorthodox guests at his dream dinner table. You can follow Tom Martin on Twitter at @TomKCTV5 and check out his work at KCTV5.com. Immediately following that, with “Pat with Pucks” segment partner Tone Pucks on the injured (sick list) Moran has a chat with buddy Michael Necci (@manecci) about the Buffalo Bills in his Moran-Alytics Podcast debut. They discuss how much Josh Allen won them over following his performance on Sunday, the special teams gaffes and penalties that frequently make watching the Bills insufferable, and Necci has a take on rookie linebacker Tremaine Edmunds before a quick preview of what to expect in future segments between the two. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran has an interview with Rochester based sports reporter (13WHAM-ABC) Jenna Cottrell on wide variety of topics both heavy and light. Only in her mid-20’s as the time, Jenna was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer a few years ago. She discusses first feeling sick late in 2016, being diagnosed and her initial reaction, the support that’s helped through her battle and for the time being, defeating the deadly disease. Amazingly, her brother also had cancer at just 15-years old. On a more lighter note, they discuss last year’s NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers when Jenna, while shooting video for her station on the sideline was in the wrong place at the wrong time as Mike Evans and Tre’Davius White got caught up near the end zone and Evans was sent barreling into Cottrell, who literally went flying with camera in hand. The video went viral and because she wasn’t injured was able to laugh about it afterwards. There’s plenty of other ground covered, including Cottrell growing up in Saratoga Springs, how a basketball game between Syracuse and UConn decided her college fate, how the opportunity at 13WHAM came about as well as her takes on sports/social media issues and of course, Cottrell does the mini-lightning round at the end of the interview and Moran learns they have something in common when it comes to favorite movies. You can follow Jenna Cottrell on Twitter at @jennacottrell and check out some of her work at 13Wham Sports in Rochester. Immediately after that Moran is joined by his buddy Joe from New York City for his recurring “The Run-in With Joe” segment. Joe (@buffalowins) is pretty annoyed when Bills fans get mad over Josh Allen to Tyrod Taylor comparison from last week, talks about the amazing job Jason Botterill has done building the Buffalo Sabres into a (current) winner, weighs in on the Washington Redskins claiming Ruben Foster off waivers and is disgusted with WWE programming of late, particularly Monday Night Raw. He also gives a Netlix recommendation for fans to watch. Before signing off on this episode, Moran hands out “Terrible Tweets’ hardware to Piers Morgan. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast features another installment of “Pat with Pucks” as Tone Pucks (@tonepucks) joins Patrick Moran to discuss Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and 80’s chart topping music from 1982. The two begin by discussing the Bills 24-21 victory on Sunday over the severely underachieving Jacksonville Jaguars, a game that turned the Bills way after Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette was ejected in the third quarter for fighting with Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson. They discuss that series of events as well as the job rookie quarterback Josh Allen did in perhaps the best performance of his young career. Also, Kyle Williams may literally be ageless and Tone Pucks, an official himself, explains how bad he thinks the officiating crew was in this game. After that they talk about the red hot Buffalo Sabres, who find themselves riding a nine-game winning streak as of Tuesday. Pat and Pucks compare the excitement of Jack Eichel and Jeff Skinner playing together to the days of Pat LaFontaine and Alexander Mogilny while singing the praise of head coach Phil Housley for the way he’s brought along Rasmus Dahlin on the blue line. They also examine if Jason Botterill may end up a buyer at the NHL trade deadline a few months down the road. In “This Week in 80’s Music” Moran runs down the Top 10 songs on the billboard charts from 36 years ago, the week ending November 27, 1982. Featured on the charts were songs from Don Henley, Ton Basil and Lionel Richie among others. We also find out Moran’s first crush during this rundown while Pucks plays sing-a-long to Hall & Oates and Neil Diamond tunes. Before getting out Tone Pucks gives the Pegula’s a little love in his Puck Drop, while Moran berates fans and the media for the #PayJeffSkinner hashtag. Finally, a trio of early Moran-Alytics Podcast segments return: A Buffalo columnist earning “Terrible Tweets”, The Jaguars decision-makers receiving LVP and Moran’s daughter capturing MVP honors. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this Black Friday episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran chats with newly appointed Buffalo Sabres beat reporter over at the Buffalo News, Lance Lysowski in a wide-ranging interview. With Lysowski completely new to the Buffalo sports scene, this is a “getting-to-know” type conversation and Moran finds out more about Lysowski’s background, including growing up a hockey fan in Youngstown, Ohio and attending Kent State for college. Lysowski talks about his path, one that eventually would lead him to a revamped Buffalo News sports department. Lysowski discusses spending the past few years covering the Pittsburgh Pirates before the Buffalo News opportunity came about, working alongside Mike Harrington now, what area he has settled in, his initial thoughts on Buffalo, chicken wings (he’s not seasoned enough to know beyond Duffs and Anchor Bar yet) and much more. You can follow Lance Lysowski on Twitter at @LLysowski and check out his work at covering the Sabres beat at The Buffalo News. As the podcast closes, Moran plays another track from talented electric guitarist and rock vocalist Robben Ford, whose new studio album Purple House was released two weeks ago. The single is called “Bound for Glory” and you can order the album at: https://robbenford.lnk.to/PurpleHousePR. Be sure to check out Robben’s website www.robbenford.com for music, tour dates, news and plenty more. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran talks with the managing editor of Wrestling Inc., one of the biggest and best wrestling websites in the world. Managing editor Nick Hausman joins to podcast to recap an eventful WWE Survivor Series from Sunday night. Among the main topics discussed is the unmistakable rise of women wrestling in WWE, Brock Lesnar sort of dismantling new WWE champion Daniel Bryan, the shine potentially wearing off for Asuka, the idiocy that is Enzo Amore and why they even bothered with a kickoff show match that didn’t even count on the Raw vs. Smackdown Survivor Series tally sheet. Nick also reveals the story behind him playing Dominoes with WWE legend The Godfather in Chicago on Sunday night. You can follow Nick on Twitter @WIncRebel and check out the Wrestling Inc. website at www.wrestlinginc.com Before that Moran is joined by Tone Pucks (@tonepucks) for their recurring “Pat with Pucks” chat. Today they’re discussing the Buffalo Sabres blazing start, including firing back at critics chastising franchise center Jack Eichel over only having four goals through the first 20 games. They also discuss the solid goaltending of Carter Hutton and continued growth of rookie stud defensemen Rasmus Dahlin. They then turn their attention to the returning from their bye week Buffalo Bills. Considering the parity in the middle of the AFC, Moran’s still upset over the Bills not beating Houston a few weeks ago and inserting themselves into the wild card playoff conversation (yes, playoffs) while Pucks shares what he hopes to see with the Bills over their last six games. Before getting out the two revisit the Billboard Top 10 songs from this week 34 years ago, because why the hell not. During the opening segment of the podcast, Moran can’t hide his excitement about the growing possibility of an “The Office” reboot. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran is joined for a second time by long-time Buffalo News sports writer Mike Harrington. Harrington was first on all the way back on Episode No. 11 in April, where they took a deep dive into his life and career. This time the conversation is more straightforward with an emphasis on the team Harrington diligently covers, the Buffalo Sabres. The two discuss Buffalo’s hot start that has them sitting among one of the NHL’s better teams after 18 games. Harington talks about the importance that Jeff Skinner and Carter Hutton have brought to the team, how he feels team captain Jack Eichel is progressing in his fourth year in the league, an evaluation of overall number-one draft pick Rasmus Dahlin and more. Harrington also discusses some of the adjustments and whirlwind that became his life both personally and professionally after several veteran sports writers left The Buffalo News earlier this year for a variety of reasons. It’s been a year of transformation at The News and Harrington provides plenty of insight as to how things have moved forward. You can follow Harrington on Twitter at @ByMHarrington and of course check out his work at the Buffalo News. Immediately after Moran is joined by his buddy Joe (@BuffaloWins) for another edition of “The Run-In With Joe.” Today the guys are talking about Tim Graham’s radio show and whether they agree with Tim having on O.J. Simpson as a call in guest earlier this week. They also discuss the Buffalo Bills releasing Nate Peterman and the extremely gracious parting words many fans and local media had for him, as well as Joe’s realistic best hope for the rest of the Bills regular season before they end things by recapping an incredibly wild week of WWE action that saw Becky Lynch get injured and Smackdown put the heavyweight title on a heel-turning Daniel Bryan in seemingly makeshift fashion the very next night. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast is all about “Pat with Pucks” as Tone Pucks joins Patrick Moran for their weekly conversation on a wide variety of topics. The two go over what was an incredibly week to be a Buffalo sports fan. The Buffalo Bills dismantled and embarrassed the New York Jets, 41-10 on their own turf behind an improbable dominant performance from Matt Barkley, who hadn’t started a game at quarterback since 2016. Who stood out from this game that may actually matter to Buffalo going forward and Nate Peterman’s potential return to the Bills is discussed. Moran and Pucks (@tonepucks) talk about the Buffalo Sabres promising 9-6-2 start to the NHL season, including a pair of thrilling victories last week; a 6-5 overtime win in Montreal and erasing a two goal deficit inside the final three minutes to score a home shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks. Jack Skinner has been sizzling hot and Pucks has a take on what he thinks the Sabres may have to ultimately sacrifice to lock Skinner up long term. Of course, both professional teams pale in comparison to the success of the UB Bulls so far, both football and basketball. The basketball team being ranked in the AP Top 25, making it the first Big Four school to achieve that since 1970 and today’s Puck Drop features a rant on Nate Oats being the best coach to come through Buffalo since…. Marv Levy? The episode isn’t limited to just Buffalo sports. Moran informs Pucks that the Chick-Fil-A set to open in Western New York at the end of this month is overrated and the two go over the Top 10 songs on the billboard charts for this week exactly 35 years ago as Tone Pucks once again shows off his vocal prowess. It’s a segment that can go “All Night Long” ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, NFL insider and reporter Benjamin Allbright joins for a second time to talk with host Patrick Moran about a handful of topics. His first appearance back on Episode No. 13 in April was one of the most downloaded episodes to date. Today he discusses Dez Bryant signing with the New Orleans Saints, a scoop Allbright had first but didn’t get credit for the work. He talks about the frustration that sometimes comes with scoops more/less being stolen in the industry and chimes in on if Bryant’s addition will help the Saints offense. The two also spend time talking about the Buffalo Bills as Allbright elaborates on his pre-draft thoughts on Josh Allen and how his feelings have been altered since. When it comes to the team itself, he shockingly thinks Buffalo is merely competent quarterback play away from being a playoff caliber team. Allbright also drops a hard truth about Chad Kelly and sticks to his guns on a preseason Super Bowl prediction. You can follow Benjamin Allbright on Twitter at @AllbrightNFL. Immediately following Albright, Joe from New York City (@BuffaloWins) joins Moran for his “Run-In With Joe” segment. Joe’s trying to refrain from political talk with only moderate success before they turn their attention to the Buffalo Bills, and possibly the most uninteresting matchup of the NFL season looming Sunday against the New York Jets. They also talk about Lesean McCoy’s future with the team before turning their attention to WWE talk, including a brief review of Crown Jewel and a look ahead to Survivor Series. Joe ends the segment with his finisher, a strong take on people who use the salary cap as an excuse for Buffalo’s offensive inactivity. As has been done a few times previously on this podcast, the episode ends with the playing of an original music track by a talented non-mainstream artist. Today’s selection is “Tangle With Ya” from electric guitarist and rock virtuoso Robben Ford, whose new studio album Purple House drops today. You can order the album at: https://robbenford.lnk.to/PurpleHousePR and be sure to check out Robben’s website www.robbenford.com for music, tour dates and news. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran is joined by his segment co-partner Tone Pucks for a full podcast worth of “Pat with Pucks” that discusses many topics. The Buffalo Bills suffered another humiliating loss on Sunday, this time at home to the Chicago Bears, 41-9 in a contest that saw their offense as anemic as ever. The blowout loss poses the question that by investing so heavily in the offseason on the defensive side of the ball, is Bills management going about trying to build a contender the wrong way in today’s NFL? Several other Bills related topics are deliberated, including if Sunday should be the end of the road for Nate Peterman for good as well as examining if Lesean McCoy and Charles Clay should be part of the organization going forward after this season. Also, Moran wonders why in God’s name would head coach Sean McDermott kick a field goal when he was team was trailing by four touchdowns in the second half, notices the offensive line rearing its ugly head yet again and the two firmly agree one the weakest link to the Bills defense. After the dust settles from Bills talk, Pucks (@tonepucks) hits on the Buffalo Sabres semi-surprising good start to the NHL season while Moran grudgingly is forced to give props to a team he hates more than life itself, the Boston Red Sox after they won another World Series. The segment takes a fun turn as the two reminisce about the Billboard Top 10 songs from 30 years ago on this date in 1988 before Pucks hits his Puck Drop on a Sabres forward he doesn’t think will be with the team long term and Moran reveals his Pat Peeve of the Week— having to wish everyone a Happy Birthday on Facebook. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews one of the more engaging writers of the Buffalo sports media scene over the past two decades. Bucky Gleason, writer for the Buffalo Maven and sports talk radio host at 1270 The Fan joins the podcast for a wide-ranging interview. The two start at Gleason’s youth, talking about him being born and raised in Hamburg, New York and his love of sports, particularly basketball at a very young age. Of course, Gleason would go on to be best known for his 20 years at The Buffalo News. Gleason talks about his time there, including thoughts on one of the biggest legends to ever work there, Jim Kelley. Alongside several others, Gleason made headlines earlier this year when he accepted a buyout offer and abruptly left the News. Gleason offers his opinion on the series of events that led him to decide a buyout was his best course of action. The discussion turns to Gleason’s current ventures. He reveals what led to opportunities to write for the Buffalo Maven as well as the Bucky and Sully radio show, both alongside his colleague and friend Jerry Sullivan. He talks about the highs and lows of each, his brotherly relationship with Sullivan and why he thinks his show is different than other shows around. They wind down with Gleason’s strong takes on the Buffalo Sabres tank era before finishing off with the Mini-Lightning Round, where we learn among other things he nearly became a State Trooper instead of a sports journalist. You can read Bucky Gleason’s work at the Buffalo Maven website and be sure to check out the Bucky and Sully radio show weekday mornings between 9:00am and noon on 1270 The Fan ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews a very talented sports reporter at WGRZ-TV Channel 2 in Buffalo, Heather Prusak on a variety of topics. The two discuss Prusak’s growing up in the Town of Hamburg (New York), why she had her heart set on staying nearby to attend Syracuse for college, and they retrace the career steps that led to Prusak’s opportunity at WGRZ-TV, including stints at the college’s Citrus TV and a video production internship with the Buffalos Bisons that saw her go above and beyond. Moran also gets Prusak’s takes on several sports media topics, discuss what it is about Western New York that remains so endearing to them before ending the conversation by putting Prusak through the Mini-Lightning Round where we find out many of her favorites, including a surprising favorite Twitter follow and a country music superstar among her three most desired dinner guests. You can follow Heather on Twitter (@haprusak) and of course check out her work at WGRZ.com when she’s not on the air at Channel 2. Immediately after that Moran is joined by his buddy Joe from NYC (@buffalowins) for another installment of “The Run-In With Joe.” Today the two are discussing a historically shocking evening of WWE Monday Night Raw this past Monday, both in the real world and kayfabe. WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns announced at the beginning of the show that he has Leukemia and has to immediately leave to focus on his health and family, which got Moran and Joe thinking about the saddest sports moments they could remember. During the entertainment portion of the show, Dean Ambrose shockingly turned on his partner Seth Rollins seconds after the two captured the tag team titles, which got the guys reminiscing about the most shocking heel turns ever. They talk Chad Kelly’s latest disaster and buzz about a potential strain between Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane before Joe hits his finisher on the reputation of blue collar football. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran hooks up with his buddy Tone Pucks for an extended edition of “Pat with Pucks” to gab Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, UB Bulls and MLB World Series. The Bills were humiliated in Indianapolis Sunday by the previously one-win Colts, 37-5. It was an afternoon where the offense turned the ball over five times and the defense was no better — powerless to stop neither Andrew Luck nor the suddenly potent Indianapolis run game. Moran and Pucks sift through the mess, or at least what they saw from it after each admitted neither stuck around to see all four quarters. Is this the worst Bills offense ever? Does it really matter if Derek Anderson or Nate Peterman are the quarterback? How many players on the offensive side of the ball will be back in 2019? Why does Bills radio announcer John Murphy says Bills quarterbacks “fired” the ball so often? If this is an elite defense then why did the unit look like it quit in Indy? How much blame should Sean McDermott receive and has the shine worn off the Bills second-year head coach? All these Bills topics and more are discussed. The two also talk the Sabres and their surprising 5-4 start over their first night games; a beginning to the season that had Pucks eating his own Twitter words over the weekend. Thoughts on Jeff Skinner, Rasmus Dahlin, Sam Reinhart and Buffalo’s goaltenders are also hit on during this segment. Not to be forgotten are the 7-1 UB Bulls and a huge ESPN2 home contest looming against Ohio on Tuesday, October 30th as well as World Series predictions between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. This episode concludes with a “Puck Drop” on Sabres general manager Jason Botterill, the “Pat Peeve of the Week” on the NFL not flexing the Bills out of Monday Night Football and Moran shouting out the potential for a Mariah Carey implosion at an upcoming Buffalo concert next spring. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A fan favorite returns on this episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast as Patrick Moran has a chat with Buffalo Bills super fan Ezra Castro, better known as Pancho Billa. Castro was a guest on the podcast back on Episode No. 43 and it was a deep dive interview covering many topics including his childhood, how he became a Bills fan, his cancer diagnosis and subsequent fight with it and several memorable stories. Today’s chat is more of a follow up as Moran checks in to see how Poncho is feeling these days while also getting his take on what he’s seen from his beloved Buffalo Bills so far this season. Castro also provides a few fun stories from his latest game day tailgating experiences. You can follow Castro on Twitter at @Panchobilla1. There’s also a Go Fund Me page set up to help support his ongoing fight with cancer at Pancho Power. Immediately after that Joe from NYC (@Buffalowins) joins Moran for his “The Run-In With Joe” segment. Today the guys are running through the list of Bills quarterbacks that have started since Jim Kelly retired, which now sits at 19 following the announcement Wednesday that newly signed Derek Anderson will get the starting nod this Sunday. Joe power ranks the best and worst of those quarterbacks and gives his insight on Anderson, which (spoiler alert) is not very flattering. They also debate whether Josh Allen’s elbow injury is a blessing in disguise, if the likelihood of a Lesean McCoy trade has increased with Allen on the shelf and if Kyle Williams could emerge as a trade candidate before Joe ends with a take on concussions in the NFL. This episode ends with an original track, “Run to the River” by talented Buffalo-born country/pop artist Caitlin Koch. You can check out her bio, tour dates and other information on her website at www.caitlinkoch.com ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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 the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran has an interview with Tampa Bay Bucs rookie defensive end and Buffalo, New York native Demone Harris. After spending the first five weeks of his rookie season on the Tampa practice squad, Harris was promoted to the active roster and made his NFL debut this past Sunday in Atlanta. He provides perspective on the experience and seeing on the opposing sidelines stars like Julio Jones and Matt Ryan as well as a guy he considers a mentor, Steven Means. The two also discuss Harris not being drafted this past April but grateful for the opportunity to go to Tampa and his feelings when he was initially waived before being brought back the next day to the team’s practice squad. They talk about the culture change of living in Tampa after previously being in Buffalo his entire life. Harris (@demoneharris) also shares his feels about his two alma maters: the University at Buffalo and Bishop Timon High School before giving strong opinions on a topic previously covered on the Moran-Alytics Podcast, “The Knowledge McDaniel Story” Immediately after that interview concludes Moran is joined by Tone Pucks for their “Pat with Pucks” segment. After watching the Buffalo Bills blow a game Sunday in Houston they could’ve easily won, today the two are wondering if Nate Peterman’s Bills career should be over for good. They also discuss if Sean McDermott should put Josh Allen back in the lineup as soon as he’s physically able to go or if the Bills head coach should reverse course and determine the rookie would benefit from spending multiple weeks on the sideline learning. McDermott’s performance as coach, Bills special teams and Kelvin Benjamin are among other Bills topics on the table. The two end with quick hits on the Buffalo Sabres and MLB playoffs before Tone uses his Puck Drop to obliterate the UFC. ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.