Bills Defensive Growth, Linebacker Concerns & Brad Riter Conversation

The Buffalo Bills have plenty of talent on defense, but is that talent playing anywhere close to its potential? On this episode of **Talking Buffalo**, Patrick Moran breaks down three key defensive players who desperately need to step up and explains why linebacker may be the one position where general manager Brandon Beane needs to look outside the organization for help. Patrick discusses the disappointing early-season performances of **Cole Bishop, Christian Benford and Ed Oliver**, examining why their improvement could dramatically change the trajectory of Buffalo's defense. He also questions whether Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams are good enough to anchor the linebacker position and makes the case for giving younger talent an opportunity. Despite the defensive concerns, Patrick remains confident in Josh Allen and the Bills offense, believing Buffalo's biggest offensive problems are self-inflicted mistakes rather than a lack of talent. **Later in the episode**, Patrick shares his appearance on Brad Riter's *Riter Radio* on WGR 550. The two revisit a podcast recording disaster that cost them an entire interview before diving into a candid conversation about Buffalo sports media, social media trolls, handling criticism, and the changing landscape of sports journalism. Brad also discusses his return to WGR, working alongside Tim Graham and Owen Parker, and why the station's new programming format has been such a positive experience. It's a combination of Bills football analysis, behind-the-scenes media conversation, and a few laughs along the way. ### Key Takeaways - **Three Bills defenders must improve:** Cole Bishop, Christian Benford and Ed Oliver need to return to their previous levels of performance. - **Linebacker is Buffalo's biggest personnel concern:** Patrick believes the Bills should explore a trade while considering opportunities for younger players and Shaq Thompson. - **The offense isn't the biggest problem:** Josh Allen and company remain capable of putting up points if they eliminate turnovers, penalties and mental mistakes. - **Brad Riter talks media and social media:** A candid discussion about online negativity, blocking trolls, criticism and the difference between legitimate journalism and social media commentary. - **Behind the scenes at WGR 550:** Brad shares his experience returning to Buffalo sports radio and working with Tim Graham and Owen Parker. Today’s episode is brought to you by the law offices of William Mattar. Hurt in a car, call William Mattar. 444-4444. Call William Mattar today to get the compensation you deserve. Also want to give a shout out to First Response Breaks for their support. If you’re a fan of full size NFL game style or custom helmets that come with licenses of authenticity, then First Response Breaks is a group you should following on Facebook. Big thank you as well to Ranger Services for their support. Ranger Services is your go to source For Dumpster Trailer rentals. Worried about damaging your driveway with a bulky dumpster on your beautiful driveway? Well Ranger has you covered. His rubber wheeled trailers will protect your driveway from any damage and allow you to get rid of your waste! Thinking about renting a bagster? Well don’t. They don’t fit much and will sit on your front lawn for weeks killing your lawn. Call ranger for one of his dumpster trailers . His quick in and out service will make your project quick and easy. Please be sure to subscribe to Talking Buffalo on the audio side, even if you usually watch the show via YouTube. Several of the links to follow Talking Buffalo can be found right here. Also if you’re not yet subscribed to Talking Buffalo on YouTube, please do so and be sure to hit the LIKE button on the videos, it really helps with the algorithm! ♦♦♦♦♦ *Follow Patrick Moran/Talking Buffalo Podcast*  Substack: Patrick Moran’s Substack Twitter:  @PatrickMoranTB Blue Sky: @PatrickMoranTB.bsky.social Instagram: @PatrickMoranTB Facebook: Talking Buffalo Podcast  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.