Buffalo Plus Podcast: 5 Takeaways from the End of Buffalo Bills Camp & Stef Diggs Gets Spicy

Date: August 10, 2023
Hosts: Mike Catalana & Jenna Cottrell (Dan Fetes on paternity leave)
Podcast: Buffalo Plus: A Buffalo Bills Podcast

Episode Overview

This episode recaps the final day of the Buffalo Bills' 2023 training camp at St. John Fisher University, highlighting key incidents, standout performances, and the hosts' five major takeaways. The show gives listeners exclusive insight into player dynamics (especially the fiery Stefan Diggs), position battles, and the evolving chemistry of the team. The hosts contrast this year's camp with last season’s and discuss expectations for the upcoming preseason and regular season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. End-of-Camp Drama: The Diggs–Elam “Spicy” Incident

• Stefon Diggs Injury Scare & Skirmish (00:41–03:16)
  • Stefon Diggs left practice momentarily after an aggressive rep with CB Kaiir Elam, appearing in pain and attended by trainers.
  • Diggs confirmed he was fine when leaving, but tension flared between him and Elam over Elam’s physical play.
  • The next rep: Elam’s physical coverage against Trent Sherfield drew words from OC Ken Dorsey and further jawing with Diggs.
  • Quote:
    "Elam, pardon me, pisses people off when he plays. He just does. And one of those people is Diggs." — Mike (02:22)
  • The altercation wasn’t a fight, but a notably fiery, "spirited" exchange, with both offense and defense getting involved.
  • End-of-camp tensions led to more skirmishes, including a minor fight involving Tommy Doyle.

2. LB Battle: Dodson vs. Bernard

• Middle Linebacker Competition (05:34–07:54)
  • Terrell Bernard left early with trainers but was later seen on the field, seeming OK.
  • The battle for MLB remains unsettled ("one has a good day, the other has a better day").
  • Tyrell Dodson exhibits visible leadership, always first in line, with a starter’s demeanor.
  • Quote:
    "Tyrell Dodson looks like a starter. I would agree." — Mike (07:54)
  • But hosts stress the decision isn’t final, and actual tape/performance will determine the starter.

3. Preseason Starters: Keep Allen & Diggs Out?

• Risk vs. Reward (08:05–09:29)
  • Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs won’t play Saturday; hosts agree they should sit out all preseason games to avoid injury.
  • Quote:
    "Put them in bubble wrap. Yeah, it’s fine. Everything will be fine. That’s how I feel about it." — Jenna (09:29)

4. Dalton Kincaid: A Breakout Camp

• Rookie Standout & the Offense’s Two Tight End Sets (09:44–20:11)
  • Kincaid consistently made plays, excelling at catching even off-tipped passes.
  • Hosts rave about his readiness and huge role in the offense, often drawing more targets than Dawson Knox.
  • Quote:
    "Dalton Kincaid does [carry himself like a starter]. I mean, he’s a rookie. He’s never played … he’s out there all the time." — Mike (19:08)
  • Knox had a quiet but solid camp; the Bills appear set to utilize two-tight end sets frequently.

5. Wide Receiver & Defensive Depth Impressions

• WR Room: Sherfield & Hardy Impress (20:11–22:10)
  • Deonte Harty and Trent Sherfield are praised for reliability and offering a "change of pace."
  • The WR3 spot could be an X-factor.
  • Shakir described as “steady,” though hosts hope he’ll get more chances.
• EDGE/Defensive Line: Rousseau to Break Out (22:10–23:10); Epenesa’s Role (24:34–25:35)
  • Hosts have high expectations for Greg Rousseau, who’s entering year three with added physical and mental maturity.
  • Sean McDermott called A.J. Epenesa “a pivotal piece,” surprising the hosts and indicating a potential uptick in his role.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On Stefon Diggs’ Practice Antics (11:30):
  "Diggs is as popular a player as they have had with this franchise." — Mike
  Hosts discuss Diggs’ connection with fans and showmanship, highlighting his popularity.

• On the Difference from Last Year (16:13):
  "Last year, when the Bills were Super Bowl favorites, they kind of had that air of like, ‘our shit don’t stank’ … this felt like a little bit more like, no, we're here to work." — Jenna

• On the Energy of Camp (17:28):
  "Oddly, the fans were more excited this year than they were last year … a lot of energy in the place." — Mike

• Kincaid’s Ascendance (19:08):
  "Dalton Kincaid does carry himself like a starter … he’s out there all the time." — Mike

• On Benford at CB2 (25:37):
  "I think there’s still a chance Christian Benford could be starting at cornerback two in week one—for two years in a row." — Mike
  "He just has those instincts. Kair, too, he’s very handsy, and they’re not gonna let that slide." — Jenna

Takeaways Recap (Organized per Discussion)

1. Camp ended with high energy and a few tempers flaring, notably involving Stefon Diggs and Kaiir Elam. (00:41–04:51)
2. Middle linebacker job is completely up for grabs between Dodson and Bernard; no winner yet, but Dodson acts like a leader. (05:34–07:54)
3. Dalton Kincaid has turned the heads of media and coaches alike, looking like a top contributor in year one as a pass-catching TE. (09:44–20:11)
4. Trent Sherfield and Deonte Harty have likely upgraded the WR room’s versatility, offering valuable depth and unique skills. (20:11–22:10)
5. Defensively, Greg Rousseau looks primed for a breakout, while AJ Epenesa’s role may be more significant than expected. Christian Benford could emerge again at starting corner. (22:10–27:04)

Additional Observations

• Team Chemistry: A noticeably business-like, focused vibe with fewer distractions compared to previous years—a "proper mix of football and fans." (15:06–16:13)
• Fan Engagement: Enthusiastic crowds and “intimate” access at Fisher noted as a camp highlight. (17:28–18:26)
• Roster Notes: Some minor injuries but team exits camp relatively healthy.

Timestamps for Key Sections

• Diggs–Elam skirmish: 00:41–04:51
• LB battle insight: 05:34–07:54
• Preseason play for Allen/Diggs: 08:05–09:29
• Dalton Kincaid’s impact: 09:44–20:11
• WR/DEF depth (Hardy, Sherfield, Rousseau): 20:11–23:10
• Epenesa, Benford at CB2: 24:34–27:04
• Team/fan energy and camp tone: 14:24–16:13

Final Thoughts

Overall, the hosts agree this was one of the Bills’ most successful, focused, and healthy camps. The team seems poised and locked in, with intriguing competitions still unfolding and new pieces ready to make an impact. The chemistry and professionalism signal a determined mindset heading into the season.

Hosts:

• Mike Catalana
• Jenna Cottrell

Listen for:

• Real-time practice scuffles and team dynamics
• How Dalton Kincaid’s camp changed perceptions
• Why this Buffalo Bills team feels different entering 2023

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