Buffalo Plus Podcast - July 28, 2023

Episode: Buffalo Bills STANDOUTS, Poyer and Hyde are back and family day at Fisher
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes
Main Theme:
A deep dive into early Buffalo Bills training camp standouts, the return of veteran safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, and the unique family day atmosphere at St. John Fisher College. The team explores player progress, position competitions, and behind-the-scenes moments with veteran insight and friendly banter.

1. Episode Overview

The episode centers on the first three days of the Buffalo Bills’ 2023 training camp. The hosts share their observations about team intensity, the impact of new and returning players, and the ways veterans are shaping the camp’s tone. Family day activities and interviews with key Bills figures highlight the team’s culture off the field.

2. Key Discussion Points & Insights

Early Training Camp Impressions

• Increased Competition & Maturity

  • The team notes a heightened level of healthy competition, with offense and defense trading wins during practices (01:00).
  • Practices feel more focused and mature, with limited “chippiness” or on-field fights despite the heat (01:39–02:52).
  • “There's a little different vibe than we saw last year.” – Mike Catalana (01:15)

• Role of Coaches, Especially Sean McDermott

  • Mike highlights McDermott’s direct involvement as both head coach and defensive coordinator, literally seen switching hats on the field and interjecting more than in past years (02:52–03:38).

Veteran Leadership & Sense of Urgency

• “Window Closing” Mentality

  • Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Hyde, and Poyer emphasize urgency, acknowledging their seniority. Diggs remarked, “He understands he has more football behind him than in front of him.” (03:38)
  • New additions are mostly experienced NFL players, contributing to more methodical and organized practices.

• Impact of Veteran Presence vs. Youth

  • There's recognition of the importance of battle-tested maturity, but they note few rookies making an immediate splash—highlighting TE Dalton Kincaid as the main exception (05:02–05:20).

Standout Players and Position Battles

• Dalton Kincaid (TE)

  • Struggles early in blocking against established players like Shaq Lawson, but is being moved around to test and develop his skillset (05:21–06:44).
  • “They’re gonna see at what level Dalton Kincaid can block, but he ain’t blocked before.” – Mike Catalana (05:56)
  • Creative (but non-specific) usage reported; both Kincaid and Dawson Knox talked about different alignments.

• Balen Spector (LB)

  • Receiving snaps with the first-team defense — an indicator of true competition for linebacker spots (07:26).
  • Makes the "play of the day" by giving up a deep pass to Stefon Diggs, illustrating the tier difference between starter talent and hopefuls (08:15–08:38).

• Deonte Harty (WR)

  • Noted for his small stature (listed at 5'6") and surprising speed, with potential for a unique role in the offense (09:04–10:29).
  • “He looks like a nice blend between the gadget style that Isaiah Mackenzie brought while being a little bit more polished in the receiving game.” – Jenna Cottrell (10:29)

• Trent Sherfield (WR)

  • Surprises with strong catches and reliability, potentially more significant than a typical depth signing (12:00–13:39).
  • “If Trent Sherfield has any impact on this team, we’re going to be a problem. Shocking. Dan’s Wrong.” – Dan Fetes (12:44)

• Defensive Depth

  • Spector and Tyrell Dodson are notably in the mix at LB; Terrel Bernard referenced as undersized but athletic (14:22–16:42).
  • “You’re not going to replace Tremaine Edmunds like frame wise with what you have. So maybe that’s why they were like, all right, we’ll go lighter, more ability to cover.” – Jenna Cottrell (16:27)

Returning Stars: Jordan Poyer & Micah Hyde

• Perspective After Uncertainty

  • Both faced potential ends to their Bills careers—Hyde recovering from injury, Poyer nearly leaving in free agency (17:28–19:26).
  • “Poyer was gone… The way it worked out, the money wasn’t there.” – Mike Catalana (18:32)
  • Their approaches: Hyde plays with more urgency, “I’m trying harder now because I know I have fewer training camps left.” Poyer savors each day with perspective, trying “to be present in the moment.” (20:05–20:48)

• Rare Time Together

  • First time since 2021 that Hyde, Poyer, and Tre’Davious White have been on the field together, highlighting past playoff challenges without their full defensive core (21:25–21:49).

Family Day at Camp

• Players and Their Kids

  • “Family day” allowed families on the field, creating memorable moments for fans and players (22:01–23:14).
  • “Micah Hyde brought his son and daughter up to the podium… his son interrupted the press conference, saying, ‘Daddy, you have a big head. You also have big teeth.’” – Jenna Cottrell (23:48)

• Human Side of NFL Life

  • Hosts reflect on the importance of seeing players as humans—not just athletes—especially for fringe players whose careers are on the line (24:16–24:58).

Lorenzo Alexander Interview

• Life After Football

  • Alexander, a former key player and special teams standout, discusses coaching, going back to school, and helping NFL players transition out of football (25:54–27:17).
  • “I’m not retired from life. I’m just retired from the NFL.” – Lorenzo Alexander (27:09)

• Special Teams Chat

  • Alexander uses his career as an example for young Bills hopefuls, emphasizing the importance of special teams in making and sticking on a roster, especially amid rule changes (28:22–29:14).

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Camp Vibe:
  • “There’s a little different vibe than we saw last year.” – Mike Catalana (01:15)
  • “It's more methodical, it's more organized practices than I have seen in years past.” – Jenna Cottrell (04:23)
• On Veterans’ Mindset:
  • "He understands he has more football behind him than in front of him." – About Stefon Diggs (03:38)
  • "I’m trying harder now because I know I have fewer training camps left." – Micah Hyde (as told by Dan Fetes) (20:12)
  • "He said football doesn’t define him, that there are more things..." – About Jordan Poyer’s attitude (20:32)
• On Dalton Kincaid:
  • “Dalton Kincaid can block, but he ain’t blocked before. They were not asking him to do that in college. He needs to at least be competent in that.” – Mike Catalana (05:56)
• On Deonte Hardy:
  • “He is fast… he has that shake, he has that wiggle that Beasley would have.” – Jenna Cottrell (10:43)
• On Family Day:
  • “Micah Hyde brought his son and daughter up to the podium... ‘Daddy, you have a big head… you also have big teeth.’” – Jenna Cottrell (23:48)
  • “I’m not retired from life. I’m just retired from the NFL.” – Lorenzo Alexander (27:09)

4. Useful Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening Camp Impressions & Team Maturity: 01:00–02:52
• Sean McDermott’s Coaching Style: 02:52–03:38
• Veteran Mindset & Leadership Comments: 03:38–05:02, 17:28–20:48
• Kincaid & Young Player Standouts: 05:20–08:09
• Play of the Day (Diggs Deep Reception): 08:15–08:38
• Deonte Harty’s Role in Offense: 09:04–10:43
• Trent Sherfield’s Emergence: 12:00–13:39
• Linebacker & Defensive Depth: 14:22–16:42
• Discussion on Hyde, Poyer & Trey White Unity: 21:25–21:49
• Family Day Highlights: 22:01–25:14
• Lorenzo Alexander Interview: 25:54–28:22
• Special Teams Rule Impact: 28:22–29:14

5. Tone & Chemistry

The episode is conversational, mixing detailed reporting with lighthearted banter and self-mockery (e.g., “Dan’s Wrong” mugs, jokes about past predictions). There’s a consistent sense of camaraderie, expertise, and fan-oriented enthusiasm throughout.

Summary

This episode offers a rich, insider perspective for any Bills fan or NFL observer intrigued by team development, veteran leadership, and camp culture. From nuanced details about coaching and new player integration to emotional family day moments, the Buffalo Plus team provides both technical insight and human stories. Notable player performances, especially from fresh faces like Kincaid, Hardy, and Sherfield, set the stage for an intriguing preseason, while the return of Hyde and Poyer anchors the defense in experience and urgency. The inclusion of off-field moments, such as family activities and former player Lorenzo Alexander’s guidance, underscores the all-around depth and humanity of the organization.