Locked On Bills - Daily Podcast On The Buffalo Bills

Can the Buffalo Bills’ defense bounce back and power a playoff run in 2026? With the pass rush disappearing late last season and big names like Joey Bosa and DaQuan Jones gone, all eyes are on Ed Oliver, T.J. Parker, and Michael Hoecht to step up. Jim Leonard’s arrival promises a more aggressive scheme with extra blitzes and movement—will it finally get this unit rolling?

Joe Marino digs into what went wrong with the run defense, why the Bills struggled on third downs, and which key stats just have to get better. From tackling issues to a stale stunt rate and a revolving door at linebacker, the defense’s makeover is underway. Can this new-look squad earn the right to rush the passer and shut down big plays? Stay tuned for a straight-up look at how Buffalo’s D can get back on track and keep Super Bowl hopes alive.

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Buffalo Bills fans are buzzing—could Skyler Bell be the next breakout wide receiver in Buffalo? The fourth-round pick from UConn brings blazing speed, big hands, and a knack for turning short catches into big gains. Joe Marino digs into Bell’s college tape, highlighting his sharp route running, creative role in the Huskies’ offense, and all-around versatility lining up inside, outside, and in motion.

But it’s not all smooth sailing—can Bell fix his ball tracking and get off the line faster against NFL corners? The conversation breaks down his upside compared to guys like Khalil Shakir, where he still needs to grow, and how quickly he might make an impact catching passes from Josh Allen. Bills Mafia, get to know your newest weapon and what he might bring to Joe Brady’s evolving offense.

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Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Gametime

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Buffalo Bills offense faces pivotal changes as Josh Allen pushes for more passing firepower in 2026. Can Buffalo’s superstar quarterback overcome a career-high 40 sacks, help Dalton Kincaid stay healthy, and unleash Khalil Shakir beyond his “screen merchant” label? Fumble issues with James Cook and costly penalties from Dion Dawkins threaten to hold the Bills back, even as newcomers like DJ Moore and Skyler Bell join the mix.

Joe Marino breaks down six crucial offensive areas—run rate, sack rate, target depth, snap counts, ball security, and penalties—that must improve for the Bills to reach elite status. Insights highlight James Cook’s workload, Dalton Kincaid’s impact on scoring, and whether a more aggressive aerial attack is the key. Will the retooled offense propel Buffalo to the top of the NFL rankings, or do lingering weaknesses remain? Don’t miss this bold look at the Bills’ path forward.

Visit https://www.thejoemarino.com/ for details on Substack, Subtext, Merch and more! 

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If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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FanDuel

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Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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00:00 1 o'clock Sunday games discussion

07:04 Joe Brady's coaching challenges

14:58 Key stretch for the Bills

17:46 Tough upcoming game schedule

21:54 NFL teams' upcoming season questions

27:37 Discussing the Lions' season opener

35:36 Balancing work and Christmas logistics

37:56 Jurassic Park reference discussion

46:42 Evaluating pass-rushing techniques

49:34 Analyzing a player's role

55:21 Media fragmentation and coverage challenges

01:01:06 Analyzing the Sabers' struggles

 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Square

If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

Indeed

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Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

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Buffalo Bills face a daunting 2026 with a schedule packed full of prime time clashes, fierce road stretches, and playoff contenders. Can Josh Allen and Joe Brady’s offense hit the ground running against the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions to set the tone for a successful campaign?

Joe Marino analyzes Brandon Beane’s roster’s path through pivotal matchups—six prime time games including showdowns with the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and New England Patriots. Key topics include rest advantages, the timing of divisional games, and the late-season push against the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. With a mix of cold-weather battles and the challenge of few rookie quarterbacks to exploit, the Bills’ playoff hopes could hinge on how they navigate tough opening and closing stretches. Are the Bills built to thrive with their demanding 2026 slate and seize a top seed in the AFC?

Visit https://www.thejoemarino.com/ for details on Substack, Subtext, Merch and more! 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Square

If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Rocket Money

Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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