Buffalo Plus Podcast (August 3, 2022)

Episode: 5 Bills players standing out at camp and how McDermott should treat his vets during preseason

Overview:

The Buffalo Plus team—Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, and Dan Fetes—discuss the emerging standouts at Buffalo Bills training camp, analyze how Head Coach Sean McDermott should handle veteran players during preseason, and dive into injury updates and implications for the coming season. With a focus on roster development, scheme transitions, and preseason strategy, the conversation blends behind-the-scenes insight and spirited debate typical of the show.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Players Standing Out at Camp

• Isaiah McKenzie - Training Camp Star

  • McKenzie is described as having a new mindset, taking advantage of his opportunity as a key slot receiver.
  • Mike, Jenna, and Dan agree he has been the "training camp MVP" so far due to his consistent performance, dynamism, and lack of any significant "off days."
  • McKenzie’s improvement is likened to his breakout Patriots game in Foxborough last season.
  • Quote (Mike): “It almost feels like he’s a new player now...he knows this is his chance. He’s taken advantage of it. He looks great on the field.” (00:46)
  • Quote (Dan): “They’re calling more plays where he’s in as a first or second read, which I think is very telling...I think he’s been the training camp MVP so far.” (01:34)

• Chad Hall (WR Coach) - Underrated Influence

  • Jenna points to Chad Hall’s energy and positive impact on receiver development (Gabe Davis, McKenzie).
  • The group speculates about Hall’s coaching future and his aptitude for play-calling roles.
  • Quote (Jenna): “To see the development of the receivers throughout his time in Buffalo has been pretty intriguing…” (02:23)

• Gabe Davis - Ready for the Next Step

  • Mike and Jenna analyze Davis’s evolution from role player to potentially "every game, every down" #2 WR.
  • The panel notes Davis’s challenge is to demonstrate consistency, not just standout moments.
  • Fantasy football discussion is used as an informal litmus test for Davis’s projected volume.
  • Quote (Mike): “He can move from being a flash, really good, versatile player to an every game, every down...and Isaiah from a gadget guy into being a regular contributor in the slot and other places.” (05:27–06:56)

• Ed Oliver - Defensive Disruptor

  • Dan spotlights Ed Oliver’s “Aaron Donald-esque” performance in camp, noting his quickness and disruptive presence.
  • Von Miller’s influence and excitement about playing with Oliver is emphasized.
  • Quote (Dan): “He has looked Aaron Donald-esque at training camp...Josh—or Aaron Donald—has spent more time next to Josh Allen than most running backs have in training camp. He has just been quick.” (11:02)
  • Quote (Mike): “The one flaw for Ed is his size...he’s the same size as Aaron Donald and then you say, but that’s the exception, not the rule.” (11:47)

2. Wide Receiver Room Strength & Depth

• Concerns raised about the WR unit compared to previous years, particularly after Cole Beasley's departure.
• The development of Davis and McKenzie (and their ability to step up) is critical, with Stefon Diggs’ own maturation highlighted as a blueprint.
• Chad Hall’s coaching is again credited, and the group discusses the challenges of cementing Davis as a top-25 WR.

3. Injury Updates & Implications

• Jordan Poyer’s Elbow Injury:

  • Initial panic as his injury appeared worse than it was; updated prognosis is 2–3 weeks out.
  • Discussion about recognizing the real risks of preseason and adjusting accordingly.
  • Quote (Jenna): “It went from being, ‘hey, I’m a reporter here,’ to like, ‘hey, I’m a human being here, and this person is really struggling.’” (18:01)
  • Quote (Mike): “I think it’s about...really close to best case scenario with Poyer. From what we saw, I thought it was going to end up being some sort of fracture, something that could need surgery.” (17:28)

• Micah Hyde’s Minor Training Camp Injury:

  • Relief that both injuries were not serious; prompts strategic rethink for preseason exposure for starters.
  • A reminder that major injuries could derail the season, raising questions on managing veteran rep counts.

4. Preseason Strategy: Managing Veterans

• Sean McDermott’s Dilemma:

  • Mike advocates for a “less is more” approach; stresses the importance of health over excessive preseason snaps.
  • Debate between sticking to predetermined play counts for starters (e.g., Josh Allen) versus adapting on the fly depending on O-line health and live-game conditions.
  • Quote (Mike): “The goal is to be healthy, getting ready to go out and play the Rams in that first game...” (15:03)
  • Quote (Dan): “If Bobby Hart is anywhere near Josh Allen on a football field, I would be holding my breath every snap.” (22:31)

• Josh Allen’s Snap Counts:

  • Debate ensues:
    • Dan suggests 25 snaps is prudent for Allen under Ken Dorsey’s new OC regime (19:47).
    • Jenna argues the staff often sticks to a predetermined plan unless circumstances (e.g., O-line woes/sacks) force an audible.
  • The issue of preseason utility is raised, with all agreeing it's more useful for young players; for established stars, the risk often outweighs the reward.
  • Quote (Mike, with tongue-in-cheek): “Preseason football is so stupid. It’s stupid for the starters, the guys you know are going to be playing, and I think they’ve all evolved.” (25:25)

5. Around the AFC East & League: Perspective on Bills vs. Division Rivals

• The situation in New England and Miami is contrasted with Buffalo’s stable, advanced operation.
  • Patriots described as mired in play-calling confusion; Dolphins as overhyped due to training camp highlights (particularly Tua-to-Tyreek).
  • Quote (Mike): “In New England, they're talking about a failed defensive coordinator or a clueless head coach...or it's Belichick...this is what they're talking about there.” (27:21)
  • Quote (Jenna, on Dolphins’ hype over a Tua-to-Tyreek Hill pass): “The talk out of Dolphins camp with that play, it just seems excessive.” (30:02)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Isaiah McKenzie’s emergence:
  • “He still has a ball. He’s still very popular...But I think he’s got a little different mindset. He knows this is his chance.” — Mike (00:46)
• On Chad Hall’s coaching future:
  • “I wonder if he can transition to a play-calling role...in the 2022 NFL that teams start to put on their radar because of what he’s done.” — Mike (03:21)
• On the risks of preseason play:
  • “You got certain amounts you gotta do, and it’s true, they can get hurt. But if he’s on the field for 30 more practices and scrimmages...it increases the chances something can happen.” — Mike (15:03)
• On O-line injuries and Allen’s preseason snaps:
  • “If Bobby Hart is anywhere near Josh Allen on a football field, I would be holding my breath every snap.” — Dan (22:31)
• On Dolphins’ optimism:
  • “It seems like you’re just trying too hard with that…” — Jenna (31:25)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:46 | Start of discussion on camp standouts; Isaiah McKenzie focus | | 02:23 | Chad Hall’s impact and WR development | | 05:01 | Comparison of current WR corps to previous years | | 06:56 | Transitioning Davis and McKenzie into more prominent roles | | 11:02 | Ed Oliver’s strong camp and D-line impact | | 14:08 | Managing preseason injuries to Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer | | 17:28 | Poyer’s injury relief, sideline perspectives | | 19:47 | Debating Allen’s preseason snap count & risk vs. reward | | 22:31 | The problem of O-line depth & preseason lineup permutations | | 25:25 | “Preseason football is so stupid…” (Mike) | | 27:21 | AFC East comparison; instability in NE and MIA | | 30:02 | Mocking Dolphins’ training camp hype |

Tone & Style

• Conversational, knowledgeable, occasionally lighthearted and irreverent.
• Panelists balance sharp, evidence-based critique with playful banter (e.g., Dolphins hype, preseason frustrations).
• Frequent use of analogies (golf, baseball) and inside references to past Bills seasons/events.
• Encourages listener engagement and debate; admits to some off-mic disagreements.

Summary Takeaways

• Camp standouts: McKenzie, Davis, Ed Oliver are ascending; Chad Hall is becoming a respected developmental coach.
• Preseason approach: Less is more for essential starters—keep them healthy; adjust starter snap counts to O-line health and game flow.
• Injury luck: Avoiding disaster with Hyde and Poyer, reminding the coaching staff of the preseason’s real risks.
• AFC East context: Bills’ operational stability and talent growth contrast with the Patriots’ uncertainty and Dolphins’ hype-driven optimism.
• Big picture: High expectations for the Bills, but success hinges on balancing preparation with injury avoidance as the regular season nears.