Buffalo Plus Podcast: Bills Camp Day 2 – Josh Allen, Curtis Samuel Shines, James Cook Talks New Deal

Date: July 25, 2025
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes
Episode Theme:
An in-depth breakdown of Day 2 at Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher, highlighting offensive and defensive performances, emerging players, and exclusive insights from James Cook on his contract situation.

Main Themes & Purpose

• Diagnose the early differences between the Bills offense and defense in camp.
• Spotlight standout individual performances ("Pass Catcher of the Day" and "New Dude of the Day").
• Analyze the roster’s ongoing positional battles.
• Provide insider details from James Cook’s press conference regarding his contract status.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Defense Is Ahead of the Offense – And Why That’s Not Alarming

• Timestamps: 01:10 – 04:29

• The hosts agree that, as usual in NFL training camps, the defense is currently ahead of the offense.

  • “The Bills defense is ahead of their offense at this time of the year.” – Jenna (01:15)
  • Offenses need time to gel, especially when trying new concepts or integrating new personnel.
  • The defensive advantage is also a result of predetermined practice scenarios (i.e., 3rd and long), giving the defense the upper hand.

• Mike contextualizes: “It was unusual that the ball was hitting the ground more than usual today.” (00:00, repeated at 02:59)

• Discussion of crowd reactions to big plays, usually favoring the offense during practices.

• Dan explains the learning curve: “The offense is obviously trying new things… you may be running third and long, so the defense has the advantage in some of these situations, so it’s no need to panic.” (02:28)

• Jenna adds: “Offense is about timing, and they don’t have their timing. Even with the guys they have worked together. Defenses react and go.” (03:51)

  • The defense appears more effective because the offense’s timing isn’t yet in sync.

2. Defensive Standouts & Roster Rotations

• Timestamps: 04:29 – 10:21

• New Dude of the Day: Maxwell Hairston (CB, rookie)

  • Dan: “Maxwell Hairston looks the part…what was I always saying leading into the draft…have something that can make up for other deficiencies. Maxwell Harrison…his speed makes up for so much.” (04:32)

• Mike notes the learning curve: “When they go to that level, where they will trust him is when the technique comes aboard. Because NFL players will torture you if you’re not right.” (05:44)

• Demar Hamlin (S)

  • “I saw him flash a little bit today, made a couple of plays. Got big reaction today, too.” – Mike (06:58)
  • Hamlin’s value lies in reliability: “He has the framework of knowing what’s expected of him. Again, you do know where the floor is. You do know where the ceiling is. But I think that they’re pretty close together.” – Jenna (06:58)

• Discussion of heavy rotation on defense, especially at safety and corner: “There’s safeties that are rotating in and out. Like you’re seeing all these guys get going and out…” – Dan (07:44)

3. Offensive Depth and Wide Receiver Battles

• Timestamps: 08:28 – 09:29, 18:06 – 20:07

• On offense, most positions are set, but WR depth and TE3 remain open.

  • “If you went through the offense, we pretty much know... Lineup three through five for the wide receiver spots and the third tight end.” – Dan (08:54)
  • WR Christian Benford stood out on Day 1, but he wasn’t the focus among observers on Day 2. (09:29)

• Pass Catcher of the Day: Curtis Samuel

  • “Curtis Samuel. Number one. He made two—one went off his… really nice catches. It’s that number one. I’m hanging on there.” – Mike (18:15)

• Keon Coleman also impresses with a couple of nice plays in 11-on-11, though he lost a rep to Hairston. (18:54)

• Veteran status and injury history discussed for Samuel: “He comes here. Didn't happen last year. He's still on the roster, let's be honest. Because of what he's making.” – Mike (19:30)

  • Samuel projects as WR4 but has moments of looking like a solid contributor.

4. James Cook’s Contract Situation – Honest and Relaxed

• Timestamps: 12:19 – 17:34

• Cook’s press conference detailed; more open and candid than usual.

  • “I thought he was very candid today. At times, James is very quiet…He felt very comfortable and relaxed today talking to the media.” – Dan (12:36)
  • When asked about being at camp: “It’s my job. I’m here to participate. I need to participate on the field so I don’t get fined. Okay.”
  • Cook spoke about wanting his teammates to know he’s committed, echoing GM Brandon Beane’s praise of his competitiveness.

• On confidence in a new deal:

  • “I'm not going to let this go. Like, I'm going to keep fighting for what I deserve, I want.” (13:49)
  • On if it’ll work out in Buffalo: “Wherever it is, it'll get worked out wherever it is.” (13:49)
  • Jenna summarizes: “It just feels like James is like, I'm gonna get it, whatever it is, wherever it is. And being. Being like, we're open. We're open.” (14:09)

• Mike breaks down the risk: “What he is risking being out here is to get injured like any other time when he hasn't gotten paid... he's worth more than that. So he's protecting himself. He’s making decisions. So is Brandon Beane.” (14:20)

• Hosts commend Cook for professionalism and communication:

  • “Cook has done a good job… saying, like, I'm about my business, and also, I am here I am doing everything that is expected of me.” – Jenna (15:12)
  • “I always am on the side of the players. Make as much money as you can. It is generational wealth to set up your entire family...” – Dan (15:40)

• Candid quote from Cook, showing self-awareness and zero regret:

  • “He was also asked if he regrets any of the social media posts. He said he goes, nope, I don't regret anything... I thought it was hilarious when he said, I like my money. That's why he showed up at minicamp.” – Dan (16:12, 16:41)

5. Miscellaneous Camp Moments & Notable Debates

• Timestamps: Scattered throughout, especially 10:06 – 23:13

• Size and potential of Dion Walker highlighted. “He is huge… Sean said he does not have any limitations. They’re just gonna go and see how it is.” – Dan & Mike (11:11)

• “Pass Catcher” and “New Dude” segments include fun banter.

• Camp Skirmish: Jackson Hawes and AJ Epenesa tangled; nominal “first punch of camp.” (21:07)

  • “First punch of training camp. Did not expect it to be from... AJ. Never be on my bingo board.” – Dan & Jenna (21:13–21:34)

• Weather debate: Some felt the heat, others denied it (22:05–22:43), providing comic relief.

• Listener shout-outs and pride in community support.

• Banter on grading players on a curve, recognizing expectations differ for rookies, depth players, and veterans.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Defense Outpacing Offense:
  “The Bills defense is ahead of their offense at this time of the year.” – Jenna (01:15)

• On Rookies and Learning:
  “Maxwell Hairston is still very raw when it comes to technique…but his speed makes up for so much.” – Dan (04:32)

• On James Cook's Mentality:
  “It's my job. I'm here to participate…so I don't get fined. Okay.” – James Cook (reported by Dan, 12:36)

  “I'm not going to let this go. Like, I'm going to keep fighting for what I deserve, I want.” – James Cook (13:49)

  “I like my money. That's why I showed up at minicamp.” – James Cook (16:41)

• On Player Professionalism in Contract Years:
  “I always am on the side of the players. Make as much money as you can. It is generational wealth...” – Dan (15:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:10 – Defense ahead of offense: reasons and context
• 04:29 – Maxwell Hairston & defensive standouts
• 06:42 – Demar Hamlin’s reliability & role
• 07:44 – Extensive rotation in secondary
• 12:19 – James Cook’s candid press conference comments
• 14:20 – Cook’s contract risk and self-interest
• 16:12 – Cook’s business attitude (“I like my money”)
• 18:15 – Pass Catcher of the Day: Curtis Samuel
• 21:13 – Jackson Hawes & first training camp scuffle
• 22:05 – Heat/humidity debate and locker room climate comments

Tone & Language

The episode retains Buffalo Plus’s signature blend of insider analysis, candid player insights, and humorous, self-aware banter among the experienced hosts. Frequent gentle ribbing and casual language make the in-depth analysis accessible and entertaining.

Conclusion

Buffalo Plus’s Day 2 camp recap offers a balanced perspective between early camp caution and excitement over emerging talents. The defense predictably leads, but standout moments from rookies and the offense’s proven contributors add optimism. James Cook’s professionalism amid tough contract negotiations stands out, as does his humor about “liking his money.”

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