Buffalo Plus Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: Bills Awkward energy, Diggs drama and Von's return
Date: May 24, 2023
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes
Overview
This episode dives into the Buffalo Bills’ offseason narrative, zeroing in on Josh Allen’s renewed motivation, ongoing “awkward energy” between Stefon Diggs and the team, Von Miller’s injury comeback, and position battles as the team navigates OTAs (organized team activities). The Buffalo Plus team debates the Josh-Diggs dynamic, evaluates positional depth, and delivers locker room insight on headline stories and behind-the-scenes updates.
Key Topics & Discussion
1. Josh Allen’s Motivation and Mindset
Timestamps: 00:46 – 06:23
- Mike highlights Allen’s public statements about being “more motivated than ever,” remarking that Allen appears to have a personal point to prove—possibly to himself, the coaches, or even teammates.
- Notable Quote [01:19] – Mike: “He’s motivated more than he’s been and he’s focused more than he’s been. And I find that really interesting.”
- Dan contextualizes this among NFL elites, drawing comparisons to Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, who cultivate slights for extra motivation, especially after adversity.
- [02:31] – Dan: “Isn't this what all the great quarterbacks do?... The great quarterbacks have to find something.”
- Jenna notes that Allen’s tone differs from the typical “everyone doubted me” narrative; Allen instead speaks in terms of personal responsibility and bringing a championship to Buffalo.
- [04:19] – Jenna: “It’s not like, ‘no one believed in me;’ it’s like, ‘believe in me.’”
- Team discusses the exhaustion factor at end of last season, Allen’s public ownership, and the burden of expectations as the face of the franchise.
- Notable Moment [05:52]: The group laughs that Allen saying “I’m motivated” is considered “outspoken” for him, signaling how rare it is for him to be so publicly assertive.
2. The “Awkward Energy” – Diggs Drama and the Josh-Diggs Relationship
Timestamps: 07:39 – 16:35
- Mike raises concern over Diggs’ OTA absence—not just as a matter of attendance, but as a marker of distance or vibe shift in the usually tight Allen-Diggs bond.
- Jenna and Dan both settle on “awkward” as the feeling describing the situation, emphasizing that while Diggs missed OTAs last year, the context is different after his emotional sideline displays and locker room exit to end 2022.
- [11:01] Jenna: "Awkward is the word I would use to describe this."
- They clarify it’s not open tension nor a trade issue, but rather a weirdness that feels like a hangover from the season's end—something fans and media are picking up on.
- Dan points out the difference between truly voluntary absences and “awkward energy” that feels less contract-driven (as with Jordan Poyer) and more relationship-based.
- Mike speculates that Allen’s public motivation statements might even be aimed at Diggs, inviting speculation about their dynamic.
- [15:06] Mike: “What if he’s talking to Diggs when he’s talking about his dedication?”
- The group agrees things will likely smooth over by mandatory minicamp, but the “awkward energy” will linger in the narrative until an overt show of unity or communication settles concerns.
3. Von Miller’s Comeback and Approach to 2023
Timestamps: 17:55 – 24:38
- Von Miller attended OTAs and guaranteed he’ll be back “no later than week six,” possibly week one, following his ACL injury.
- [18:42] Mike jokes to his wife, who had ACL surgery, “You’re going to be Von Miller. You’re going to be back fast.”
- Dan and Jenna agree there’s no need to rush Miller back, especially given his age (34) and importance during late-season/playoff runs.
- Mike strongly advocates caution, suggesting the ideal scenario is for the Bills to “pick up” Von midseason, similar to a trade-deadline reinforcement.
- [20:39] Mike: “I don’t want him playing week one. The six weeks is the idea... What they want from Von Miller is to get him ready, get him on the field.”
- The group references Miller’s status-driven optimism, but ultimately stress that Buffalo should protect his long-term availability, letting youngsters like Epenesa and Basham show what (if anything) they can do in early weeks.
4. Ed Oliver, Contract Years, and Defensive Line Outlook
Timestamps: 25:12 – 30:33
- Jenna prompts a discussion on Ed Oliver’s critical “prove-it” year and whether he mirrors Tremaine Edmunds’ contract/valuation situation.
- Mike notes the Bills value D-tackle more than linebacker, meaning spectacular play could earn Oliver more money, perhaps even pricing him out of Buffalo.
- [26:15] Mike: “They’d be thrilled if he played his way out of Buffalo because he was spectacular and they didn’t want to pay him.”
- Dan warns against being fooled by a “contract year” blip—consistency matters, not just flashes.
- The trio speculate on which “fringe” defensive players might be this year’s “best shape of their life” candidate, a tongue-in-cheek Bills preseason trope (e.g., Spencer Brown, Boogie Basham, Gabe Davis).
- [29:24] C: “We could also have a Gabe Davis in the best shape of his life, too.”
5. Cornerback Competition & Sean McDermott’s “Meritocracy”
Timestamps: 30:33 – 39:31
- The podcast dives into a likely CB2 competition: Christian Benford vs. Kaiir Elam, with Dane Jackson in the mix, opposite presumed CB1 Tre’Davious White.
- Mike lauds Benford’s play over Elam when healthy, noting McDermott’s willingness to let competition, not draft status, dictate playing time.
- [31:38] Mike: “I love the fact that Benford earned a one spot last year over the number one pick.”
- Dan argues Benford outperformed Elam last season, citing upside and “free” play that comes with lower expectations.
- [35:59] Dan: “I thought Christian Benford was better than Kyair Elam last year... the only thing that prevented Benford from playing more was injuries.”
- Jenna wonders about Tre’ White's role and whether, post-injury, his lockdown status is permanent—though it’s ultimately agreed he’s still the top guy if healthy.
- They discuss versatility and how players like Taron Johnson and Benford allow Buffalo to field varying defensive packages.
6. Dorian Williams and the Mystery of MLB
Timestamps: 39:31 – 45:29
- New linebacker Dorian Williams is currently working in the middle, despite pre-draft hints he’d begin on the outside.
- Mike finds it “odd” and suggests the Bills want to test his football IQ and learning curve at MLB.
- Dan recalls a similar situation with Terrel Bernard a year prior, seeing the logic in giving draft picks middle reps to gauge leadership and versatility.
- Jenna theorizes they intentionally downplayed MLB plans post-draft to limit external expectations:
- [43:42] Jenna: “I kind of get why Beane said he’s going to start on the outside... Maybe put these really high expectations [if open about MLB].”
- The hosts predict a less-stable, less-every-down role for this year’s MLB, structurally compensating for the loss of the athletic Tremaine Edmunds with more rotating/role splitting.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
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On Josh’s Motivation:
“He’s motivated more than he’s been and he’s focused more than he’s been... I think he’s trying to say... ‘I’m still Josh and I’m going to show it to everybody this year.’” — Mike, [01:19]
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On Diggs/Allen Dynamic:
“I would like to see in the Buffalo Plus shop a T-shirt that says awkward energy.” — Mike, [10:51]
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On Von Miller:
“I don’t want him playing week one. You want Von Miller when you need Von Miller.” — Mike, [20:39]
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On Defensive Competitions:
"It’s meritocracy... the better guys are going to play." — Mike, [37:12]
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On Position Battles:
“When you draft somebody in the first round, you expect him to be a starter... I don’t think that we would have seen Kair nearly as much with how well Benford played if it hadn’t been for injuries.” — Dan, [38:28]
Notable Timestamped Segments
| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|---------------------| | Josh Allen’s Motivation | 00:46 – 06:23 | | Awkward Energy: Diggs-Allen Relationship | 07:39 – 16:35 | | Von Miller Injury Update & Strategy | 17:55 – 24:38 | | Ed Oliver, Contract Years, D-line Depth | 25:12 – 30:33 | | CB Competition: Benford vs. Elam/Role of Trey | 30:33 – 39:31 | | Dorian Williams at MLB vs. OTA Expectation | 39:31 – 45:29 |
Tone & Style
The discussion is candid, sometimes irreverent, but always grounded in the hosts’ years of on-the-beat experience. Listeners are treated to playful banter, nuanced speculation, and a clear separation between sourced information and reasonable conjecture. The hosts blend football analysis with a wink at fan culture, often referencing inside jokes (e.g., “best shape of their life season”) and audience questions.
Final Takeaways
- Awkward Energy is, as the hosts frame it, the defining feel of the Bills’ offseason, stemming from the unresolved Diggs-Allen dynamic and the emotional hangover of last season’s abrupt, drama-laden end.
- The roster’s foundational strengths remain, but uncertainty at MLB and ongoing defensive back competitions are storylines to track—potentially impacting defensive identity.
- Von Miller’s recovery and Ed Oliver’s contract chase are pivotal for the 2023 unit’s ceiling—but managing egos and vibes, particularly with star skill players, might prove even more important.
End on classic Buffalo Plus note: The team jokes about “awkward energy” being not just the episode name, but a potential T-shirt—summarizing both special access and comedic touch that make the podcast a must-listen for Bills fans craving more than just box score analysis.