Buffalo Plus: Bills Training Camp Recap – Josh Allen to Play in Preseason, Keon Coleman’s First Camp & Team Awards

Date: August 8, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fates

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, the Buffalo Plus team recaps the conclusion of the Buffalo Bills’ 2024 training camp at St. John Fisher University. Hosts Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, and Dan Fates share insights into Josh Allen’s preseason plans, the importance of away camp for team cohesion, key takeaways on new faces (notably rookie Keon Coleman), and a fun set of “Training Camp Awards”—from most improved to biggest surprise and camp darling.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Camp Atmosphere and Takeaways

• Productive and Positive Camp Mood:

  • The hosts agreed that despite many new faces, this camp felt calm, productive, and low on drama.
  • “This was a very productive, calm, relaxed, impactful camp.” (Mike Catalana, 01:35)

• Value of ‘Going Away’ for Camp:

  • The away setting at Fisher University promoted unique team bonding, especially helpful for integrating new players.
  • “Fisher offered yet again the opportunity for players to get to know one another...the team to gel in ways that, if you don’t have the same experience, it’s not quite the same.” (Jenna, 03:12)

• Adjusting to a New Roster Core:

  • The departure of some leaders (like Stefon Diggs) is felt, but the energy has been supplied by new faces rather than lacking.
  • “It didn’t seem like, oh my gosh, there’s this glaring lack of juice or anything like that.” (Dan, 03:43)

2. Josh Allen and Preseason Play

• Allen Will Play (But Don’t Expect More):
  • Sean McDermott announced the starters, including Josh Allen, will play about a quarter in the first preseason game against the Bears.
  • The hosts agree one appearance is plenty for Allen—avoid overreacting to results.
  • “This will be the only time he plays in the preseason.” (Mike, 07:10)
  • “If the offense looks great, that’s fine—bubble wrap him for week one. If the offense looks terrible, that’s fine—bubble wrap him for week one.” (Dan, 07:32)
  • On Allen’s attitude: “He still sounds like a guy who doesn’t want to play, but they want those guys on the field.” (Mike, 06:28)

3. Insights from the Locker Room & Team Chemistry

• OL Mustache Club:

  • The offensive line is united in growing mustaches—Josh Allen included; camaraderie is strong.
  • “I think that just adds up another notch on it. But there’s only three of us...it’s about just doing it together.” (Connor McGovern, 11:26)

• Mustache Ratings:

  • McGovern rates Josh’s mustache 8.3/10, his own 7.4/10; “Dave” (David Edwards) gets 9.1/10.
  • “Josh for just the mustache has all the enthusiasm that he does for playing in the preseason.” (Mike, 12:30)

4. Training Camp Awards

Most Improved Player

• Unanimous Pick: Kair Elam (CB)
  • Elam’s maturity, confidence, and consistency have stood out. Sean McDermott tabbed him as “the number three corner,” a huge step up from last year.
  • “He’s back as a legitimate player on the team.” (Mike, 14:06)
  • Dion Dawkins noted Elam has eliminated “distractions both inside and outside.” (Jenna, 15:15)
  • Notable detail: Elam’s sweating is so legendary he goes through three pairs of cleats per practice. (16:11–16:49)

MIA (Missing in Action) Player

• Chase Claypool (WR):
  • Looked the part physically early but faded due to injury and lack of reps—now likely on the roster bubble.
  • “He is physically jacked... But he needs to be on the field.” (Mike, 17:22)
• Mike Edwards (S):
  • Expected to be a starter, but injuries kept him sidelined most of camp—this has big implications for the defense.
  • “They penciled him in as the starter, and he’s not been on the field...that may be the most impactful.” (Mike, 18:17)
• Other mentions: Ty Johnson (RB, injured), Justin Shorter (WR, passed on depth chart), Cedric Van Pran (C, rookie, seldom discussed).

Biggest Surprise

• Jenna: Tyrell Shavers (WR) – Minor expectations, but steady progression and attention with possible roster impact.
  • “He’s made people pay attention to him in a way I don’t think anyone was expecting.” (Jenna, 21:41)
• Dan: Von Miller (Edge) – No knee brace, looking healthy and showing flashes, a pleasant surprise after last year’s struggles.
  • “For me, the big question...was how I was going to feel out here health-wise and I'm in a great spot." (Von Miller, 22:48)
• Mike: Mack Hollins (WR) – Signed as a presumed special teamer, but emerged as a real depth chart contributor, likely a starting WR.
  • “He catches the football... I did not see him in any form coming in after signing with the team.” (Mike, 25:43)

Training Camp Darling

• Winner: Mack Hollins (WR)
  • Fan favorite for his approachable, autograph-signing nature and surprising impact on the field.
  • “He’s usually the last player out signing autographs.” (Jenna, 27:32)
• Honorable mentions: Tyrell Shavers and Keon Coleman (fan/coach excitement).

Biggest Concern

• Tyler Bass (K):
  • Previously automatic, now showing inconsistency—a growing point of worry for hosts and, apparently, Sean McDermott.
  • “I have a slight concern with Tyler Bass.” (Dan, 30:32)
• Matt Milano (LB):
  • Concerns over his full return from a major injury, despite flashes in camp.
  • “My expectations for Matt Milano are...great point player...My feeling is, we may be hearing that [about his health] in October.” (Mike, 31:06)

Best Pass Catcher

• Consensus: Dalton Kincaid (TE)
  • “There was never a ball that was thrown to him where I went, 'Oh, he should have caught that.'” (Dan, 35:32)
  • Keon Coleman highlighted for his contested catches but needs more refinement vs. press coverage. Shakir (WR) also praised as highly reliable.

Position Group Most Confident In (non-QB)

• Dan & Jenna: Cornerbacks – Elam’s emergence, Jamarcus Ingram’s rise, plus rookie Hardy showing potential.
  • “You need corners...very confident in the corners.” (Dan, 36:07)
• Mike: Offensive line – Depth and reliability, with Connor McGovern and Alec Anderson praised, though some snapping issues remain.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dan on preseason overreaction:
  “I don’t want to look at preseason results and go, oh, we had this plan...Now because they went three and out and punted twice, we gotta have him play.” (07:32)
• Connor McGovern on mustaches:
  “It doesn’t matter how good it looks... it’s about just doing it together.” (11:26)
• Mike on Kair Elam’s transformation:
  “John Butler didn’t like him... He didn’t want him on the field.” (15:44)
• Jenna on Tyrell Shavers:
  “He has made people pay attention to him in a way that I don’t think anyone was expecting.” (21:41)
• Von Miller, upbeat and ready:
  “Health is wealth, and feeling great on the football field leads to that mental aspect... I feel great.” (22:48)
• On Mack Hollins’ unique habits:
  “He ate lasagna with his hands.” (Mike, 26:11)
• On Tyler Bass:
  “He is trying to pump him up, but he’s got to be good because that is a worry.” (Mike, 30:19)
• Dan on largest positive change:
  “The emergence of Kyer Elam. Jamarcus Ingram has been another guy that I think we've been wanting to talk about at camp.” (36:00)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:17 – Camp officially over; Allen to play in preseason
• 01:35–03:39 – Camp atmosphere and away camp impact
• 05:24 – Starters playing in preseason (Allen’s role)
• 11:01 – Mustache club (locker room chemistry)
• 13:07 – Training camp awards begin
  • 13:11 – Most Improved Player (Kair Elam discussion)
  • 17:12 – MIA Players (Claypool, Edwards, etc.)
  • 21:40 – Biggest Surprise (Shavers, Von Miller, Hollins)
  • 27:02 – Camp Darling (Hollins, Shavers)
  • 30:19 – Biggest Concern (Bass, Milano)
  • 33:15 – Best Pass Catcher (Kincaid, Coleman, Shakir)
  • 35:50 – Position Group Most Confident In (CBs, OL)
• 38:41 – Final thoughts: notable practice moments, wrapping up

Tone & Style

The hosts maintain a casual, friendly, and at times irreverent tone, peppering in inside jokes (mustaches, lasagna habits), behind-the-scenes tidbits, and plenty of Bills-insider analysis. The chemistry between Mike, Jenna, and Dan makes the factual breakdowns more engaging while never straying far from practical roster insight.

Summary Value

For listeners who missed this episode:

• You’ll get a comprehensive sense of the Bills’ training camp progress, who’s rising and who’s fading, and a behind-the-scenes look at both the locker room culture and fan stories.
• Key takeaways include Kair Elam’s resurgence, questions looming for the kicking and LB corps, optimism about the young pass-catchers (Kincaid, Coleman), and the positive impact of team bonding away from home.
• Practical, candid, and plenty of fun—that’s Buffalo Plus in training camp mode.