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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Most Recent Episode

PlayAction
A bloody nose, a short week and a mess in Miami

The Bills may be banged up in a few spots but Josh Allen and company had no trouble with the Jets on Sunday and will look to strengthen their hold on the AFC East when they host the struggling Dolphins on Thursday night.

Lance Lysowski and Katherine Fitzgerald discuss what is working for the Bills, what isn’t for the Dolphins and what to watch for on Thursday.

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

 

00:22:23
Sep 16, 2025 12:38 PM
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More Episodes

PlayAction
Following an unforgettable comeback, the Bills look to improve and ground the Jets

The Bills have plenty of momentum following an opening week comeback victory over the Ravens that still has fans talking. They also have several things to address as they prepare for a week two division matchup. Lance and Katherine discuss defensive concerns, a new-look Jets offense and more unbelievable plays from Josh Allen.

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

00:16:51
Sep 10, 2025 12:29 PM
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PlayAction
A Bills season with plenty of potential and high expectations

The regular season is here and the PlayAction Podcast is focused on every aspect. Katherine and Lance will get you ready for the big Sunday Night Football season opener between the Bills and Ravens. 

Plus, they look at the Bills roster on both sides of the ball following training camp and preseason play.

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

 

00:28:21
Aug 28, 2025 2:13 PM
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PlayAction
The Bills are searching for answers at safety

The Bills trip to Chicago last weekend was rough by any standard. This week, Katherine and Lance share thoughts and perspectives from the forgettable preseason game and the joint practice you didn’t get to see.

Plus, there’s plenty of concern at the safety position and it is likely that Josh Allen will not take a snap during any of the preseason games.

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

 

00:20:08
Aug 20, 2025 12:24 PM
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PlayAction
Cook cashes in

James Cook is once again participating at practice after agreeing to a new $48 million contract with the Bills. Lance Lysowski and Katherine Fitzgerald discuss the specifics of the deal and share thoughts on what it means for the team moving forward. They also look at the players next in line for a new deal as the Bills play “cap gymnastics.”

Plus, Katherine and Lance get you ready for the Bills preseason game on Sunday in Chicago. The Bills QB battle continues, the receivers are banged up and the Bears starters are looking to earn their spot with a new coach watching. 

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

 

00:17:42
Aug 14, 2025 9:50 AM
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PlayAction
There are rookies worth watching at Bills camp

Katherine and Lance discuss the Bills rookie class as training camp in Rochester winds down. Both believe there are players worth watching as preseason games approach.

Plus, they share thoughts on James Cook and his decision not to take part in practice. Also, they explain why you should boo if the Bills go for two in the preseason games.

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

00:16:28
Aug 6, 2025 4:38 PM
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PlayAction
Maxwell Hairston and other Training Camp injuries

Katherine Fitzgerald and Lance Lysowski are back for more NFL Training Camp coverage, where the team has dealt with many setbacks, most notably Maxwell Hairston sitting out with a knee injury. 

Who can we expect back for preseason and who will cover for those injured players? It's not all bleak though, tight end is getting stronger with Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid both back on the field. 

Looking forward to preseason, Mike White and Mitch Trubisky will be battling for backup quarterback and our writers are excited to see how the Bills fare in that first game against the New York Giants in Orchard Park. 

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

 

00:15:31
Jul 31, 2025 3:45 PM
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PlayAction
Hard Knocks is at Bills camp and James Cook is on the field

Katherine Fitzgerald and Lance Lysowski team up for the newest edition of the PlayAction podcast. Streaming in from his first Bills training camp, Lance tells us what he’s seeing in Pittsford.

While it's still early, our reporters are already noticing Joe Brady's eagerness to grow. Katherine and Lance are not surprised to see James Cook show up to camp despite his desire for more money.  

Plus, they dive into the deep wide receiver core and who Josh Allen is building a connection with on the field. With Hard Knocks cameras everywhere, there's even more eyes on the team as they start to build camaraderie.

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

 

00:14:39
Jul 24, 2025 3:30 PM
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PlayAction
Preview: The James Cook matter, training camp ... and welcome, Lance Lysowski

Jay Skurski welcomes a familiar name but a fresh face to the Bills beat in Lance Lysowski for our latest PlayAction podcast, brought to you by Picasso's Pizza.

Jay and Lance open the show by discussing how the legendary Mark Gaughan helped welcome Lance to the beat, even in retirement, and how Lance got up to speed with the team and players after moving over from the Sabres side of the Pegula sports empire.

They then get to business — namely, the business of James Cook's contract talks with the Bills, or perhaps the lack thereof. Jay and Lance each give their take on where the sides stand and what they're looking for.

Discussion of the Bills' revamped defensive line — in particular, Joey Bosa. He's not the only wild card in the Bills' pass rush, but he's perhaps the splashiest. He comes to Buffalo after a long stint with the Chargers but some significant recent injury history. Then there's Greg Rousseau, who could solve a lot of problems for the Bills if he turns the corner and becomes a next-level pass rusher — which, frankly, is what the Bills are now paying him to be.

Finally, Jay and Lance discuss training camp. Most of the hard offseason work is done. Now comes the (somewhat) long wait to St. John Fisher in late July.

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

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

00:00:57
Jun 19, 2025 12:25 PM
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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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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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