On this rare weekend Saturday episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by sports broadcaster and recurring guest Steve Bermel to discuss a handful of Buffalo sports topics, including taking a long and perhaps painful look at what's kept the Buffalo Bills from reaching or winning a Super Bowl during the McBeane era.

Following a 17-year drought Buffalo Bills fans obviously have a ton to be happy about. Buffalo has won the AFC East five consecutive seasons and have also won at least one postseason game each year during that run. They've also appeared in two AFC championship games and of course, have the reigning NFL MVP in quarterback Josh Allen. Life's been mostly good. However, this is also a team that has been Super Bowl favorites almost every year during that time and going by the ultimate standard and measure of success, have fallen short.

The guys dive into four reasons, the biggest in Patrick's eyes for Buffalo failing to get over the hump and reach the Super Bowl for the first time since the early 1990's. That includes a defense that's been perfectly fine during the regular season but utterly imploded in every playoff elimination loss under head coach Sean McDermott. Speaking of, situational coaching has killed them on more than one occasion during this run, as has the lack of an edge rusher or cornerback making a truly meaningful play and last but not least, the most untimely drops from receivers. All are discussed.

Also, Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic wrote an excellent story on the Buffalo Sabres this week and appeared on this podcast a few days ago to provide insight on it. The guys talk about that. They also talk about Steve being in the booth a few weeks ago and getting to call the Buffalo Bandits winning their third consecutive NLL championship in front of their rabid fans at the Key Bank Center. That and more.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveBurmel.

Major props to Talking Buffalo sponsor, Sonny Red’s at 1841 Abbott Road in Lackawanna, just minutes from Highmark Stadium. We consider them THE most underrated spot for wings, pizza and other great food in Western New York plus it’s a great place to drink and have a great time. Also big thanks to Imperial Pizza and their two locations (1035 Abbott Road and 1655 Main Street), home of not only great pizza and tons of other delicious eats but also the best everyday lunch special in town.

Special thanks to local Buffalo band, Orange Zest for allowing us to use their awesome single, “Old Friends” as the new official intro music for Talking Buffalo. Check out Orange Zest and be sure to support not only them, but local music!

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