PlayAction

PlayAction

Concise Buffalo Bills analysis from The Buffalo News' Katherine Fitzgerald and Mark Gaughan. PlayAction provides 15 minutes of sharp conversation on the games ahead, combining their extensive knowledge of X's and O's NFL strategy with deep insight of the Bills’ players and coaches. Full episodes are available here. buffalonews.com/podcasts/play-action

The PlayAction podcast is fueled by Picasso's Pizza. We are Buffalo Pizza since 1980. 

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PlayAction
Preview: Here's how the Bills did in the 2025 NFL Draft

Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald come together one last time for this special episode of the PlayAction podcast. With the 2025 NFL Draft behind us, our writers tell you everything you need to know about the nine new additions to this roster. 

With a heavy defensive draft class, it's no surprise that the Bills have added six defensive players, first of which being cornerback Maxwell Hairston. Mark and Katherine dive into Hairston’s place on this team, what stands out about the other picks and which veteran players have more competition to worry about on the field.

Lastly, Mark Gaughan says farewell to the Buffalo News after 43 (and a half) years of devoted journalism. We wish him all the best in his retirement!

The Buffalo News PlayAction podcast is fueled by Picasso’s Pizza.

Full episodes of PlayAction are available at buffalonews.com/podcasts

00:01:05
Apr 29, 2025 3:13 PM
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More Episodes

PlayAction
Preview: Here's what the Bills need heading into the NFL Draft.

Two weeks out of the NFL draft, Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald discuss pretty much every position on the Bills roster, except for quarterback, in this episode of the Play Action podcast. With the 30th pick, Mark and Kathrine discuss strategy on securing a cornerback, the position they both agree is of most need for the Bills. 

Plus, they talk about promising options at the defensive line and the depth of this class when it comes to running backs: is there reason to draft more in light of James Cook asking for more money on his contract? 

The Buffalo News PlayAction podcast is fueled by Picasso’s Pizza.

Full episodes of PlayAction are available at buffalonews.com/podcasts

00:01:04
Apr 10, 2025 3:54 PM
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PlayAction
Preview: How the Bills scored an F- in player reports

Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald report to us from Indianapolis for this epsiode of PlayAction. Our writers tell us everything they're seeing at the NFL Combine and how it applies to the Bills.

Plus, they discuss the contract extension on Khalil Shakir, the future of our young players and how the Bills managed to rank 23rd out of 32 teams in player surveys.

The Buffalo News PlayAction podcast is fueled by Picasso’s Pizza.

Full episodes of PlayAction are available at buffalonews.com/podcasts

00:01:06
Feb 27, 2025 5:56 PM
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PlayAction
Preview: Soul-searching after another Bills playoff loss to the Chiefs

This season the Bills managed to exceed the expectations of many all while leaving fans frustrated with how it ended. Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald discuss how it went wrong against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game and what role coaching has in the disappointing outcome.

Plus, it is time to start talking about what the roster will look like next season. Some big names could be on the way out.

The Buffalo News PlayAction podcast is fueled by Picasso’s Pizza.

Full episodes of PlayAction are available at buffalonews.com/podcasts

00:01:08
Jan 29, 2025 3:35 PM
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PlayAction
Preview: The Chiefs once again stand between the Bills and a trip to the Super Bowl

The Bills impressive season comes down to another matchup against the Chiefs. This time it is in Kansas City and for the AFC Championship. Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald look at the matchups that might make a difference on Sunday and discuss how the Bills can finally find a way to get past Kansas City in the playoffs.

Plus, Mark and Katherine discuss how the Chiefs always seem to find a way to win close games and they share some thoughts on the magnitude of the matchup.

The Buffalo News PlayAction Podcast is fueled by Picasso’s Pizza.

Full episodes of PlayAction are available at buffalonews.com/podcasts

00:00:48
Jan 22, 2025 1:31 PM
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PlayAction
Preview: The Ravens have plenty of all pro players for the Bills to focus on

The attention will be on Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry on Sunday when the Bills play against the Ravens in a Divisional round playoff game in Orchard Park but there are plenty of other Ravens players who can impact the game. Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald run through the list and detail what the Bills must do to stop them.

Plus, Mark and Katherine share thoughts on the Josh Allen versus Lamar Jackson MVP debate. The votes are already in as the two quarterbacks prepare to play against each other in the playoffs.

The Buffalo News PlayAction podcast is fueled by Picasso’s Pizza

Full episodes are available at buffalonews.com/podcasts

00:01:07
Jan 15, 2025 2:7 PM
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PlayAction
Preview: It’s playoff time and the pressure is on the Bills defense

Everyone needs to step up in the playoffs but that is especially true for the Bills defense as they prepare to take on the Denver Broncos in Orchard Park on Sunday. Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald look at the wild card matchup from both sides of the ball and share who needs to improve for the Bills to move on.

Plus, Mark and Katherine share details on the stories they are working on this week. That includes a detailed look at the Bills leadership committee and how the group will be relied upon during the playoffs.

The Buffalo News PlayAction podcast is fueled by Picasso’s Pizza.

Full PlayAction episodes are now available to subscribers at buffalonews.com

 

00:00:58
Jan 8, 2025 1:1 PM
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PlayAction
A closer look at the state of the revamped Bills offense

The addition of wide receiver Amari Cooper paid dividends for the Bills with a win over the Titans on Sunday. Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald say Cooper’s addition and Josh Allen’s decision making are reasons to be optimistic. At the same time, there are still concerns on the offensive side of the ball for the Bills. Mark and Katherine go over it all.

Also, Mark and Katherine preview Sunday’s matchup against the Seahawks in Seattle. They discuss how the Bills defense has a difficult task in front of them.

The Buffalo News PlayAction Podcast is fueled by Picasso’s Pizza.

00:16:22
Oct 23, 2024 12:50 PM
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PlayAction
Here’s how Amari Cooper elevates the Bills offense

The Buffalo Bills made a big trade to improve the offense by bringing in Amari Cooper from Cleveland. Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald discuss why this was the right move and how it gives the Bills options on offense.

Mark and Katherine also discuss the Bills effective power running game and the impressive performance by Ray Davis against the Jets. Plus, they look ahead to the Tennessee Titans who come to Orchard Park with just one win on the young season.

The PlayAction podcast is fueled by Picasso’s Pizza.

00:19:50
Oct 16, 2024 12:30 PM
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PlayAction
Josh Allen needs to find his receivers again to beat the Jets on Monday night

It is only week six but the Bills (3-2) vs. Jets (2-3) matchup on Monday night will have a huge impact on the AFC East division race this season. 

Mark Guaghan and Katherine Fizgerald look at the matchup from all sides. They discuss how Josh Allen needs to connect with his receivers in order to avoid a repeat of the poor offensive showing in Houston. In addition, they examine the condition of veteran Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and discuss what impact the Jets firing of head coach Robert Saleh might have on the game. 

The PlayAction podcast is fuled by Picasso's Pizza. 

00:16:27
Oct 10, 2024 12:23 PM
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PlayAction
Von Miller is suspended and Stefon Diggs awaits the Bills

Von Miller has been suspended for four games by the NFL. Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald discuss why the league acted now and what Miller’s absence means for the Bills going forward.

Mark and Katherine also take a close look at the upcoming game in Houston. The Bills will face an improving team that now includes Stefon Diggs. It is a matchup that fans have been looking forward to but Mark and Katherine believe the Texans have plenty of other players the Bills need to focus on as well.

The PlayAction podcast is fueled by Picasso’s Pizza.

00:18:46
Oct 2, 2024 12:28 PM
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PlayAction
Bills vs. Ravens is a marquee matchup with MVP level quarterbacks

The Bills have no time to celebrate the blowout victory over the Jaguars. It's on to Baltimore and another primetime matchup.

Mark Guaghan and Katherine Fitzgerald look at how the Bills stack up against the Ravens on both sides of the ball. Plus, they compare Josh Allen to Lamar Jackson and they look at how sustainable the Bills early season success is. 

The Buffalo News PlayAction podcast is fueled by Picasso's Pizza. 

00:15:33
Sep 25, 2024 12:0 PM
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PlayAction
A new challenge for the Bills banged up defense

The 2-0 Buffalo Bills host the 0-2 Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football this week. Despite Jacksonville’s slow start, they will be a challenge for the Bills banged up defense. Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald share their thoughts on the matchup in the latest episode of PlayAction.

Plus, Mark and Katherine discuss how the Bills offense can improve from the poor performance against Jacksonville last season in London. Also, they talk about the moving parts on the Bills defense and how the team has managed to find success despite all of the injuries.

The Buffalo News PlayAction podcast is fueled by Picasso’s Pizza.

00:18:36
Sep 18, 2024 11:19 AM
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PlayAction
The Bills have a short week to prepare for the speedy Dolphins

The Bills annual game in Miami is on a Thursday this year and it turns out, that may not be a bad thing. Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald explain why a quick turnaround for the Bills could work to their advantage against the Dolphins. 

Plus, Mark and Katherine look at how the Bills matchup against Miami on both sides of the ball. No matter the position, slowing Maimi down will be a tall order for the Bills. 

The PlayAction podcast is fueled by Picasso's Pizza. 

00:18:34
Sep 10, 2024 12:10 PM
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PlayAction
The PlayAction Bills season preview

The regular season is finally here and Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald has some thoughts to share on how 2024 will play out of the Buffalo Bills. 

In this episode, Mark and Katherine share insight from the locker room as the roster came together after the preseason. Plus, they have a preview of the week one matchup against Arizona and they give their opinion on some of the big questions facing the Bills this season. 

The Buffalo News PlayAction Podcast is fueled by Picasso's Pizza. 

00:22:28
Aug 29, 2024 12:26 PM
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PlayAction
Here's what to focus on as the Bills regular season approaches

The Bills are dealing with plenty of injuries with one preseason game remaining. Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald run through the report and let you know which ones are of particular concern. 

Plus, Mark and Katherine look at who's up and who's down this Bills preseason and they let us know what to watch for in the final preseason game again Carolina. 

The PlayAction podcast is fueled by Picasso's Pizza. 

00:17:32
Aug 21, 2024 4:39 PM
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PlayAction
How much Josh Allen do you want to see in the preseason?

How much playing time should Josh Allen get during preseason games? Mark Gaughan and Katherine Fitzgerald discuss the star quarterback and his playing time after he saw game action against Chicago.

To start the podcast, Mark and Katherine look at the injuries on both sides of the ball and how some of the anticipated position battles are not playing out as hoped. 

The PlayAction podcast is fueled by Picasso’s Pizza.

00:17:27
Aug 13, 2024 5:18 PM
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