Buffalo Plus Podcast: Bills Training Camp Day 3 Recap
Date: July 27, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes
Episode Overview
This episode offers a detailed breakdown of Day 3 of Buffalo Bills training camp, focusing on Josh Allen’s sharp offensive start, the emerging chemistry with new receivers (especially rookie Keon Coleman), and a strong defensive finish highlighted by three late interceptions. The hosts also discuss the evolving dynamic under offensive coordinator Joe Brady and touch on defensive coordinator Bobby Babich’s growing presence.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Josh Allen's Electric Start
- Seven-on-Seven Dominance:
The hosts agree that Allen looked particularly sharp in early passing drills.- “Seven on seven for Josh Allen is comical for a lot of quarterbacks...he's dealing, he's moving around.” — Dan Fetes [01:36]
- Key completions to Dalton Kincaid, Keon Coleman (deep ball), and Dawson Knox set an early tone.
- Khalil Shakir also praised for executing a tough rub route on the sideline.
- Distribution of Targets:
- Different from past camps, the ball is being spread around:
“It wasn't just everyone was eating...This is all over the place.” — Jenna Cottrell & Mike Catalana [05:26]
- Different from past camps, the ball is being spread around:
2. Keon Coleman’s Early Impressions
- Coleman’s personality more subdued and focused now that camp is underway.
- “I was expecting to get, like, the laughs...but it was a lot more dialed back...now it's time to work.” — Jenna Cottrell [03:51]
- Coleman is showing physicality and strong hands in one-on-ones against Rasul Douglas and Taron Johnson.
- "He went over top of [Douglas] and then he won on a little slant route inside on Taren...those are the ones where they're trying to knock it out and you gotta have strong hands..." — Mike Catalana [05:28]
- Veteran humility noted (“Keon helped him [Douglas] up”), contrasting with how Stefon Diggs might have celebrated.
- “[That’s] being deferential to a veteran in that moment.” — Dan Fetes [07:36]
3. Receivers Building Chemistry (& Miscommunications)
- Still work to do building timing with new additions, notably Marquez Valdes-Scantling (MVS).
- MVS and Allen not on the same page: three interceptions in a short stretch.
- “It was three interceptions in about a span of five plays.” — Mike Catalana [10:48]
- “Josh seems to keep tweaking things with MVS...they’re not on the same page.” — Mike Catalana [11:58]
- Receivers and Allen were seen in discussions post-practice with Joe Brady, indicating ongoing attempts to rectify timing and routes.
- Passing game is still a work-in-progress:
“He is a fast, tall wide receiver...Josh is also having to get used to this.” — Mike Catalana [12:57]
4. Competition at Receiver & Pass Catcher Predictions
- Hosts share their predictions for who will lead the Bills WRs in receiving yards:
- Jenna: Khalil Shakir
- Mike: Curtis Samuel
- Dan: Marquez Valdes-Scantling
- “But it’s early. It’s not even August.” — Mike Catalana [13:24]
- Lively debate around expectations for MVS given career stats.
5. Joe Brady’s Offensive Influence
- Notable increase in pre-snap motion, helping Allen diagnose defenses:
- “It'd be a short list...to mark down the plays that the Bills don’t have some form of pre snap motion.” — Mike Catalana [14:38]
- “I love it. The best offenses in the league...San Fran, Miami, pre snap motion. It gives you the answers to the test.” — Mike Catalana [14:57]
- Mike admits he’s not quite at “Daboll” levels of admiration for Brady, but is optimistic about the offense’s direction.
6. Defense Finishes Strong
- After a rough first two days, the defense “fought back,” ending the session with three key interceptions (Kair Elam, Taylor Rapp, Christian Benford).
- “Good for Kair. Even though he was right place, right time, it was a big celebration moment.” — Dan Fetes [10:05 & 15:44]
- Defensive energy and camaraderie are growing under new coordinator Bobby Babich.
7. Bobby Babich’s New Role
- Babich adapting from position coach to defensive coordinator:
- “Said, ‘I don’t know what to do with my hands’...he kind of just looks like a kid waiting for the school bus.” — Mike Catalana [16:37 & 17:23]
- Discussion of the Bills' family-centric camp environment, with Babich’s family present in Rochester.
8. Matt Milano’s Status
- Milano’s gradual return noted, with some cautious optimism:
- “Matt Milano, he's working back, and it's only a matter of time until he's Matt Milano. I believe in him.” — Jenna Cottrell [20:24]
- Mike points out Milano’s sharp coverage against Curtis Samuel in drills.
- Hosts caution that optimism is tempered given prior injury returns (Tremaine Edmunds, Von Miller).
9. Practice Highlights & “Pass Catcher of the Day”
- Dalton Kincaid earns “Pass Catcher of the Day” for reliable hands and tough catches.
- “Kincaid, you just are used to it. Caught that one right over here on a little out...ran down the sidelines...” — Dan Fetes [18:40, 18:52, 18:57]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Keon Coleman’s approach:
“I think he's a pretty serious football player...they didn’t draft him for his personality, they drafted him for his play.”
— Mike Catalana [04:29 & 05:12] -
On Joe Brady’s system:
“The best offenses in the league…pre snap motion. And also it helps give you the answers to the test before the ball is snapped.”
— Mike Catalana [14:57] -
On defense’s turnaround:
“I was happy for the defense because they made some plays, because I thought they got handled in the last two days...it is good for the defense to have their day and get to do some celebrating.”
— Dan Fetes [15:44]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 01:36 – Josh Allen’s 7-on-7 hot streak
- 03:51 – Keon Coleman’s focused demeanor
- 05:28 – Coleman’s contested catches in one-on-ones
- 09:58 – Three defensive interceptions in quick succession
- 10:48 – Detailed breakdown of interceptions, Olave/Allen miscommunications
- 14:38 – Pre-snap motion in Brady’s offense
- 15:44 – Defense steps up after shaky prior days
- 17:23 – Bobby Babich’s adjustment as defensive coordinator
- 18:40 – Pass Catcher of the Day: Dalton Kincaid
- 20:24 – Matt Milano’s progress report
Tone & Atmosphere
The episode is energetic and conversational, combining deep football insight with camaraderie and light humor. The hosts bounce between analysis and personal anecdotes, while regularly poking fun at each other and referencing their ongoing debates and running jokes.
Summary
Day 3 of Bills camp saw Josh Allen start on fire, spreading the ball among new and familiar targets, but also highlighted the ongoing need to build chemistry—especially with receivers like MVS. Keon Coleman impressed not just with his plays but his professionalism. The defense rebounded late with multiple takeaways, offering hope for a stronger, more balanced unit. Changes under Joe Brady are obvious, and the defensive staff is making its presence felt. With key veterans like Matt Milano working back, and plenty of position battles ongoing, both sides of the ball look poised for a fiercely competitive August.