Buffalo Plus Podcast Episode Summary

Episode: Bills camp SURPRISES, tips for Fisher FUN & possible free agent signings
Date: July 19, 2023
Hosts: Mike Catalana & Jenna Cottrell (Dan Fetes on vacation)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the Buffalo Bills’ training camp at St. John Fisher, discusses the impact of recent free agent moves (or lack thereof), makes predictions about players who might surprise, and provides practical tips for fans visiting camp and the Pittsford/Rochester area.

The conversation is candid, occasionally lighthearted, and offers both football analysis and insider advice for fans attending camp, including where to sit, best places for autographs, and local food and hangout recommendations. Technical issues, construction noise, and pets make for a fun, authentic podcasting atmosphere.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DeAndre Hopkins NOT Signing with the Bills (00:36–04:19)

• Jenna expresses no surprise at Hopkins signing with the Titans:

  “Just say you wanted to get paid the most. That's totally fair.” (00:50)

• Mike supports players doing what’s best for themselves financially:

  “If I was a player, I'd say I got to get the best deal for myself. ... Stop with all the other nonsense.” (02:14)

• Relief for Bills fans that Hopkins didn’t join a division rival or the Chiefs (03:32–03:41).
• Noted that the NFL free agent process is ongoing—many veterans could still sign as training camp begins.

2. Free Agents Still Available & Possible Bills Fits (04:19–07:29)

• Notable names floated: Ndamukong Suh, Julio Jones, Ronald Darby, Sammy Watkins, Jarvis Landry.
  • Mike: “There's a list of guys that you go, hmm, I know you saw a couple of them... teams sign players really well during the season, but during camp, there's going to be veteran free agents.” (04:23–05:12)
• Emphasis that veteran free agents often wait for the right situation and can have late impacts (ex. Suh with the Eagles).

3. Surprise Players to Watch at Camp (07:29–13:09)

Taylor Rapp (Safety)

• Mike: Predicts Rapp will carve out a significant role, not just as a backup.

  “I think Taylor Rapp is going to have a big role with this team ... Sean McDermott is going to find a way to get him on the field more. ... I think he’s going to be a positive surprise for them.” (07:50)

• Jenna: Agrees, notes Rapp’s fit for McDermott’s more creative defensive schemes.

Middle Linebacker Competition

• Jenna:

  “I really think it's [Tyrell Dodson’s] opportunity to squander. ... We've made a bit too much of [the battle].” (09:14–09:52)

• Dodson has the trust of coaches as a plug-and-play, floor-raising veteran; the team would love a younger player (Bernard or Williams) to win the job, but might default to Dodson’s dependability.
  • Mike: “He might be a guy they trust to not screw it up more than a guy they think can eventually become more so.” (16:30)
• Discussion on how the Bills tend to be risk-averse with rookies in crucial roles.

Other Surprise Candidates

• Deonte Harty (WR/Returner):
  • Mike: Predicts Harty will be a bigger weapon than expected–not just speed, but explosiveness. Cites positive feedback from teammates in minicamp.

    “He’s more of an explosive player, not just fast. ... He might give them a little more than people are expecting.” (19:00)

  • Jenna: “Players are like, Deonte Hardy... it's multiple guys saying that. It's like, okay, that's someone maybe fans should kind of key into.” (20:00)
• Importance of the offensive coordinator (Ken Dorsey) making the most of these role players and integrating creative options.

4. Offensive Coordinator Ken Dorsey: Pressure & Expectations (21:32–24:51)

• After a lackluster 2022, both hosts agree Dorsey faces major scrutiny in 2023.
• Mike:

  “There is so much pressure on him this year. If he’s a surprise, Jenna, right now, the surprise is that it goes well.” (21:32)

• Jenna: Worries less about an unexpectedly strong season, more about the wheels falling off:

  “My fear is that we’re surprised because ... the wheels could fall off, and they could fall off earlier than they did last season.” (22:35)

5. Stefon Diggs Situation & Media Relations (25:36–27:50)

• Both hosts frustrated by lingering questions over Diggs’ offseason absence.
  • Mike: Wishes Diggs would simply address the issue for clarity:

    “Fans care. They come up to us all the time. What's going on with Diggs?” (27:34)

• Jenna: Hopes for an early training camp media address from Diggs to “put it to bed.” (27:50)

Notable Shout-Out

• Praise for Dion Dawkins’ authenticity with media and in interviews (28:09–29:28).

Training Camp Tips & Tricks (29:38–34:43)

Where to Sit at St. John Fisher Camp (30:12–30:58)

• Best for watching practice:
  • Bleachers opposite the grandstand provide great views; especially for running back/receiver drills.
• Best for autographs:
  • Stay by the grandstand/railings on the “tunnel” (right) side and near the turf field behind the main stands.
  • Mike: “Josh signs for kids. ... He'll sign a baby before he signs an adult's football.” (32:31)

Autograph Tips

• Use player names, not just numbers (“Hey, Dalton” vs “Hey 88”) to get their attention (33:04)
• Creative, funny signs help stand out to players (35:09–35:15)

Where to Eat, Hang, & Explore in Pittsford/Rochester (35:29–41:20)

• Pittsford Pub: Classic, good food/bar vibe (36:02)
• Thirsty’s: “No frills” bar, locals and some players/executives show up (36:16)
• Pittsford Dairy: Excellent ice cream, local favorite, expect lines (36:57–37:27)
• Public Market: Food and bar scene, especially “Ziggy’s” for a younger crowd (40:54)
• Park Ave. area: Good for nightlife (41:04)
• Bar Bill East: For wings, if you haven’t been to the Buffalo location (40:33)
• K2 Brewery: Great food and beers, 15 mins from Pittsford (40:33)
• Genesee Brewhouse: Views of High Falls, classic Rochester spot (39:23)
• Food truck rodeo at the Public Market: Last Wednesday of each month (41:24)
• Other recommendations: Fairport for canal walking, Black & Blue for upscale dining.
• Note: Hosts hosting an event at Three Heads Brewing in August (41:49–42:06).

Notable Quotes

• Mike on Hopkins:

  “Stop with all the other nonsense. He went to the Titans, Titans gave him the best deal. … Do what's best for DeAndre Hopkins.” (02:14)

• Jenna on Dodson:

  “I really think it's his opportunity to squander...this is obviously a huge responsibility, but ... with the pieces you have in the secondary ... we've made a bit too much [of the middle linebacker question].” (09:14)

• Mike on Deonte Harty:

  “He’s more of an explosive player, not just fast. He might give them a little more than people are expecting.” (19:00)

• Jenna on Dorsey:

  “My fear, if we're looking at surprises is just how the wheels could fall off, and they could fall off earlier than they did last season...” (22:35)

• Mike on Diggs’ media silence:

  “Fans care. They come up to us all the time. What's going on with Diggs?” (27:34)

• Jenna on Dion Dawkins:

  “He is the same guy no matter who is interviewing him. ... He keeps it 100.” (28:09)

Memorable Moments & Callbacks

• Audio/Construction/Pet Interruptions:
  • Fun “inside baseball” as Mike podcasted outside due to home construction, with background dog cameos and tech struggles. (14:22–15:16)
• Dion Dawkins on national vs local interviews:
  • Compared favorably to other Bills & sports personalities (28:36–29:28).

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:36 – Episode agenda; DeAndre Hopkins discussion begins
• 04:19 – Other free agents & possibilities for Bills
• 07:29 – Predicted camp surprises (Rapp, Dodson, Harty)
• 13:09 – Middle linebacker debate/depth chart discussion
• 19:00 – Deonte Harty as a possible offensive surprise
• 21:32 – Ken Dorsey under pressure as OC
• 25:36 – Stefon Diggs offseason storyline/media issues
• 28:09 – Dion Dawkins praised for consistency
• 29:38 – St. John Fisher camp tips: where to sit/seek autographs
• 35:29 – Pittsford/Rochester food, drink, and sightseeing tips
• 41:49 – Announcement of Three Heads Brewing event

Conclusion

This episode provides both diehard Bills fans and out-of-town visitors with an engaging mix of football insight and local knowledge. The hosts break down the latest roster news, offer nuanced takes on key position battles, and give actionable tips for maximizing your Bills training camp experience, all in a relatable, conversational style. Whether you’re wondering about sleeper players, the middle linebacker saga, or where to get the best ice cream in Pittsford, this episode delivers.