Buffalo Bills STANDOUTS, Poyer and Hyde are back and family day at Fisher

Summary

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.

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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.

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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).

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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)

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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

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[A]

Buffalo, your interactive look at the week in football, brought to you by Connors and Farris.

[B]

Nah, I wasn't stirring up. Y' all need to stay off my Twitter. That's a little weird.

[A]

Oh, one game closer.

[C]

Let's go.

[B]

Bill's Mafia.

[C]

What's up, baby?

[A]

I'd like to think I'm not too much of a psychopath. Y' all know we're hitting for you, know what I mean? Rolls Royce driving, private jet flying.

[B]

Thanks, everybody. Thank you.

[A]

Go Bills.

[C]

All right. Welcome Back to the Buffalo Plus YouTube channel, presented by Connors and Farris. Our podcast today, I'm joined by Mike Catalana, Dan Fates. I am Jenna Cottrell. Before we get started, please be sure to, like, comment and subscribe to the Buffalo Plus YouTube channel. If you enjoy our coverage of training camp, we're still here at Fischer. The first three days of practice wrapping up. The Bills will be off tomorrow. But, Mike, first couple days of camp, what has stood out to you so far?

[B]

Competition. I love it. And Dan mentioned, like, a guy like Diggs making plays as the veteran on the offensive side. Outside of, you know, playing in quarterback position, he's the most important guy. And then you start to see it with other guys, too. And I know this happens in every camp, but when you see it play out, you see different players get their opportunities to either shine or fail. That's what happens in training camp. I think the practices have had an edge to them, a good one. I think the defense is one some days, the offense is one another. I think it's been the offense today in this last day, but I think that's fun to see. I think there's a little different vibe than we saw last year.

[A]

I think it's a more mature vibe. And I mean that in the sense of I've seen a lot because of their maybe being newer pieces, like a guy like Trent Sherfield and Deontay Hardy. And I know we'll get to them in a little bit, but I've seen Josh more coaching even. Even with adult and Kincaid. So you talk about the competition. I also see this as a big, like, learning again. I do think the intensity has been up. We haven't had any fights. We're three days in, no fights.

[B]

And it was hot.

[A]

And it was very hot. We are undercover here.

[C]

Yeah, you can. We're probably sweating in one of the.

[A]

Tents, but, yeah, I just think that it's. It looks like a lesson, you know, almost that. That feel of lesson and teaching and coaching.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah. I will say I Feel like two things. One, we're in a hospitality tent, which reminds me of when EJ Manual hit the hospitality 10 a couple years ago.

[B]

Beautiful throw.

[C]

And then two, I agree with. The more focus, the more mature. I feel like because of that maturity, you see, like when it's practice time, it's that intensity is ramping up. And it is early on. But I think this group, their practices haven't been crazy long. I feel like last year, the first week had a lot longer of practices, but I feel like at the same point, it's a lot more on task of what they're doing. And. And that's something that I think will be. Maybe they're not practicing as long, but it's more beneficial because the reps that they are getting.

[B]

And I've really noticed Sean McDermott, defensive coordinator, when you're watching him, the switching hats, switching hats, jumping in. And look, no matter who you are as a player, even if you've been doing this and you're a veteran, Sean is now in charge. He's the overall boss. And he certainly has a different personality than Leslie Frazier did. They're different in that way. I was watching, they were in the far field, something happened, and Sean jumped in. And in the past, as the head coach, I didn't see that as much. I think he deferred to his coordinators, and that's the way he did it. Oh, no. This was headset, baseball cap, Sean, and he was right in the middle of it.

[C]

I say switching hats, like, legitimately, though literally, he has two hats. He has the headset with the baseball cap and then the coveted trademark Sean McDermott enormous white hat that he also wears as well.

[A]

We talked a little bit about, too, this urgency. You know, Josh talked about it, that he feels the window is closing for some of the older guys. And we heard that, you know, today from guys like Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, as well as Stefan Diggs, who said the first day of camp that he understands he has more football behind him than in front of him. With some of the new pieces they brought in, and they are newer guys they brought in, but it's not like it's a ton of young guys. Like, if you think of like a Damien Harris, a Trent Sherfield, Deontay Hardy, these guys have been around the league. And it goes back to when we talked about how I go just today when we were just recording this, I go, there haven't been any fights. And I go, it reminds me of Von Miller at the last year when he's like, I'm way too old to fight. Like, it seems like some of these guys are like, we're here to get it working. Yes, there's intensity, but there isn't a. There's no chippiness. No, it really is more. Even Shaq Lawson is a guy who's more veteran of just being like, yeah, I gotta fight. Like, I'm not gonna push and shove anybody. It's more methodical, it's more organized practices than I have seen in years past.

[C]

That's why I say the focus part, because that's. The fighting can be somewhat of a distraction or letting your emotions get the best of you, which is. It's hot. So I would understand that. But I think with having guys that do bring that maturity, you're right. They don't want to waste their energy on things like that. Now, that's not to say that some of the fringe guys or the younger guys couldn't get into a fight next week, but I just think you see that. That poise out of this team that maybe we haven't seen and years prior.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, look, there's a reset. There's no question in my mind that's sort of a message. And there's enough veteran players that have been through it. But Dan's point is a really good one. I'm trying to think of the super young guys, you know, the rookies, but there's only a few. Right. It really is Kincaid in that way.

[C]

Looks good.

[B]

But. But I want to talk about one thing with Kincaid because I'm going back and forth on this.

[A]

Mike and I were fantastic.

[B]

We're standing there watching to move into Kincaid and look, they're going to try things with him. They're going to see how he does. And there's times as a tight end you're sort of setting that edge and well, the defender, defensive player would set the edge, but he's trying to block, make an edge. And he was up against Shaq and Shaq just tossed him aside his lunch. In like a second he was gone. And he made the play in the backfield again. He's figuring out blocking, but you heard Dawson Knox yesterday sort of chuckle when he said that's what it takes in this league. They're gonna see at what level Dalton Kincaid to block, 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. And I think they're testing that out.

[A]

And again, I know we can't talk about Strategy, but it was where he lined up. I looked at Mike and I said like, hey, like we obviously talked. They talked about at length about lining him up in the slot, that he's this not 11 personnel, it's the 11 and a half personnel and all these things. And he lined up and I was in there. And all of a sudden, again, there is nothing that means less in training camp than running plays without pads on it. It could not mean less. But to see Shaq Lawson go, yeah, like, yeah.

[B]

Just walked by him and I said there.

[A]

It's like, yeah, again, he's going to have to learn again. Dawson Knox, I talk about blocking, was not a good blocker when he first came in the league. He is now a serviceable blocker. He's an average blocker for a tight end. But it was one of those things where it really clicked to me.

[B]

By the way, Dan's right. They don't want us to speak of strategy. But in Dawson Knox's news conference, and I'm quoting him, he's like, yeah, sometimes he's on the inside and I'm on the outside and we're up against the line and I took a handoff in practice that is from Dawson Knox, not from us in Buffalo. Plus, I am just repeating so in terms of strategy. But you know, you find that. And the reason I bring that up is there's other guys who are. He's getting an opportunity to show the different things he can or can't do.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And then there's a guy like Balin Spector getting an opportunity to play with the ones today at linebacker again. I think they're going to test these guys out. I think TDOT is still in that spot. Tyrell Dodson. But Spectre got some run there and I think somebody asked Jordan Poyer about him and how he's looked good. I mean, he's a player that. He's talking about Spectre. So just another guy getting opportunities in that competition that we talked about.

[C]

I think competition is the biggest part in terms of. That's why he was with the. With that grouping and all of that stuff. But sometimes you just see talent versus not talented. Different levels of talent, different levels of talent. And Balen Spector today, I think the.

[A]

Play of the day, I'm sure it'll be out there. I'm sure by the time this gets posted, the Bills will have posted it, I'm sure.

[B]

Oh, you mean. Cause he gave up a touchdown to Stefan Diggs.

[A]

It was the play of the day. 50 yard completion from Josh to Stefan. And it was one of those things where he catches it, the ball goes up in the air. And Mike and I are sitting there, we're like, oh, where's that going? Who's covering him? And then I go, spectre, covering him.

[B]

Well, let me tell you something.

[A]

I'm putting the call there.

[B]

The fault there is on defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. I mean, that is not a good matchup.

[C]

In the words of Josh Allen. Milk check.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

That is not who you want on Diggs.

[A]

So it was in front of Cam Lewis.

[B]

Cam Lewis, Yeah.

[A]

So it's beautiful. Not exactly against Hyde and Poyer.

[B]

Listen, when fans are out here at camp, they usually cheer the offensive plays. If I was to cheer the offensive play and just don't pay any attention to what they were doing on defense. Yeah, don't worry about. That one's a plus for the offense. We won't worry about it for the defense.

[C]

Yeah, agreed. Some other guys that have stood out so far. Deontay Hardy. I shouldn't say stand. It's like looking at him next to some of the other guys. It is crazy. What is he listed at, 5, 6?

[A]

He's listed at 5, 6 on the bills roster.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.

[C]

I don't know about that.

[B]

He is tiny. He's not a small.

[A]

What do you. What do you mean?

[C]

What do you mean?

[A]

Five, six. What do you mean?

[B]

He is. Is. He was standing next to Khalil Shakir, who is not a giant by any stretch, and he towered over him. He is. But I gotta tell you, man, that guy is gonna have a role with this offense. And I just practice, they're moving him around. We won't say exactly where, but he's in a lot of spots and they look to him. And you will if you come out here to camp again, Dan made the point, or you guys made the point. It's one thing to see what's written in the program. We. When you see him on the field, I mean, it's Darren Sproul's height, but not as stocky of a player. If you remember Darren Sprouls from a few years back in the NFL, it's hard to be a small player in this league. He's really small. But I'm telling you, that guy's going to have a role with this team.

[C]

He is fast. I feel like we've seen that speed. It was funny. I think it was Josh Allen talking about how Hardy might just walk around like he's a slow walker but he saves his speed. Speed for the field because he's a slow walker but you can see that speed. And that's been. That's been something I feel like this Bill's offense has really been hoping for and searching for.

[A]

Again, we're early in camp and all these things. He feels like a nice blend between the gadget style that Isaiah Mackenzie brought while being a little bit more polished in the receiving game. Like a Cole Beasley.

[C]

That is a great. I would agree with that.

[A]

He kind of seems like a blend of those two guys. Seeing watching him do his individual drills, seeing his footwork, seeing the way that he runs his routes. He has that shake, he has that wiggle that Beasley would have. Well, obviously he brings all of the gadget style that you see with Isaiah.

[B]

Yeah. And look, we loved Isaiah, loved having him here, but I don't think he was a pinpoint technique playbook kind of guy. I don't think he was ever that way. I think Deontay Hardy has been in different systems and I think he brings that to the table when he comes here. Isaiah was. Was more of that guy and then they tried to make him into more of the regular wide receiver, Brian Dable. Yeah, but. But I'm saying is when they tried to move him into that role, he had not really had that regular wide receiver role. He had moments. He had that game in Foxborough and all this thing. I think Hardy brings that and you said he brings a little difference because.

[A]

Of his more professionalism, more polish at that.

[C]

Polish.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I think they wanted Isaiah to continue to evolve and maybe that wasn't in his skill set.

[A]

Can I talk about another wide receiver that to me really popped today. Trent Sherfield.

[C]

Yeah. New York City.

[A]

I really thought. And again another comparison. He looks right now at training camp as what Gabe looked like in his first two years.

[B]

Yeah, that.

[A]

Where obviously you don't have the highest ceiling or expectations. I thought really coming in here, a wide receiver five kind of guy, like that's kind of where I thought he fit in. He's bounced around. This is his fourth team in the last four years but had a one handed catch earlier today. Tweeted that out and a couple of just really nice catches lining up everywhere, moving all around. I just think he looks like he could be a more of a factor on offense that I think we did a blog and I said if Trent Sherfield has any impact on this team, we're going to be a problem. Shocking. Dan's Wrong.

[C]

Possibly turn the mug.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But I just think he's looked really strong. And again, I think that we talk about the competition at cornerback, number two at middle linebacker. I have no idea what they're thinking about wide receivers after Gabe and Diggs.

[B]

If I can just add one thing there, I'm going to predict this. When we talk to Trent Sherfield, he is going to mention the snaps he got in the spring because Diggs wasn't there and Josh made the point of it. Now, Josh is always effusive in his praise for his teammates.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

But he.

[C]

Wow. Great word.

[B]

You like that one?

[C]

That's a credit.

[A]

That's a $10 word.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I've had some fines this week. I'll take the credit about Sherfield. And it's easy to go, oh, yeah, because, you know, Diggs isn't there and he's saying this, and he did get a lot of opportunity in the spring to get him acclimated to it. So I think he's sort of, to use the, you know, cliche, he's hitting the ground running and he really is. And he has looked really good.

[C]

I feel like when we did the podcast or the blog a couple weeks ago and you talked about Trent Sherfield, I posed as. It's found money. If he can be a piece of this Bill's offense, that would be found money, because we weren't expecting him to be. But what we've seen out on the field, and look, the pads aren't on yet. What's the first day of pads? Is that Sunday?

[B]

I don't know if they've. They announced it. I know Hyde said today he can't wait. Right. With the pads on. But, yeah, it would seem to be a day, you know, coming off a day off that they would do that on Sunday, but we'll see what they end up doing. Put the pads on. Thud up.

[C]

Time to thud up.

[B]

That is you.

[C]

I do like that sound, though.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Like the. Yeah.

[B]

Thud.

[C]

Thud. All right, any defensive players?

[A]

Is there any 24 hours later?

[C]

Are there any. Nah, still not high. Are there any defensive players that have kind of flashed for you?

[B]

Well, it's funny that I said that about Spectre. I was not really thinking as much about Diggs beating him down the field, but I'm interested in him. No, because when they had the full ones out there and for two stretches, he was playing there, and again, I think they liked a lot of. He's one of those guys in college, made a ton of plays. He's an athlete, he can run all those things, but he's a late pick. And you really thought of him as more of a special teams guy. And I'm not saying he's going to start at linebacker for this team, but they are going. Right.

[C]

That's, that's.

[B]

Honestly, no, I'm saying is. But they're going to see what guys can do. They're going to give them an opportunity. And I think we're going to see a rotation to that of different guys getting their moments to play with the ones.

[C]

I think because this team is so good and it's, it's. The competition needs to be there because you got to be the best. You got to win it in that role. And I think the Bills are very much like, who's going to earn it? And they're going to let everyone have an opportunity. And then what's the saying? The cream rises to the top.

[B]

Look at you.

[C]

Little cliche. But. But literally that, that's, that's just how it is.

[A]

Speaking of other linebackers, Terrell Bernard is still very small.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. Physically. I, we talked about this before. When you look at certain players, he. He does not look like his position. Like Murray, like savior's. Murray does not look like a running back. He's a, he would be a pass rushing, outside linebacker, defensive end. I mean, he's a giant, you know, and so you look at Bernard and you would say, you would say safety. He's standing next to Poyer and height. He doesn't look that much different, but he's an athlete. They like a lot of his traits. We'll see.

[A]

But my hot take. Oh, but my hot take from last year was that he was going to add 35 pounds of muscle and then be the middle.

[B]

35 pounds.

[C]

Insane.

[A]

I think it was 20. I think I said he'd add.

[C]

Still. That's insane.

[B]

God, he needs the James Harden fat suit to put on 35 pounds.

[C]

I will say you're not going to replace Tremaine Edmonds like frame wise with what you have. So maybe that's why they were like, all right, we'll go lighter, you know, more ability to cover that type of stuff. But. But yeah, it seems like there's quite a big discrepancy.

[B]

I'm going to say this. You know, the things, the limitations for Tremaine Edmonds and then he got paid, so good for him. Yeah, but they will miss the things that he did. Game in, game out, play in, play out. At least you knew his youth. You're snarling oh, the new young.

[A]

There's a new young guy.

[B]

So you guys know we always reference the Tremaine was always, he's young. He's young. He's young. The new young guy is Kyrie Elam. He's young. He is young, but he's young. And you guys know what we mean. They'll reference him as being young.

[C]

Young.

[B]

Tremaine is going to be making his acceptance speech to the hall of Fame one day, and they're going to say he's a young guy because they love saying he's young. Well, maybe not the hall of Fame.

[C]

Yeah, this is.

[A]

You know what I mean. The guys that spoke at press conferences today, Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde, guys that are not young, even though Jordan Poyer says he feels like he's 26, all those things are great. Micah Hyde said he feels great. But it was a different perspective. And it goes back to how they handle it and how they approach training camp. Because, Mike, you said this is your 35th, fifth training camp. So for them, this is their. I think it's Hyde's 11th and Poyer's 12th. And just the understanding of how they approach it, because we can always do the same story of what's it like for these veteran guys, but I think it is a little bit different where these guys faced uncertainty. They're very close. But definitely, again, Hyde thought that there was a chance that he may never play football again after his injury, and Poyer didn't know what he was going to do with free agency. So to have them both back, it is unique, special to have them both back.

[B]

Janet, Dan's right. He's saying he faced uncertainty.

[C]

Right.

[A]

For like the third time today.

[C]

But no, we had, though. You were wrong.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

35 pounds of muscle.

[B]

It's not as much fun, though, when you just admit it. It's better when we bring it in that you're wrong.

[A]

I know, but I let the first two slide. That's the point. The third one I like, jumped up.

[B]

Let's be honest about Poyer and Hyde here. Poyer was gone.

[A]

Yeah, gone.

[B]

Like I thought at that point, and I think he did, and I think the team did, which was great, that they kept the communication going. He was going to sign elsewhere. He was gone.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

The way it worked out, the money wasn't there. And it's easy to say, I think, because Hyde looked like he was ready to come back. But, you know, you give a guy a whole offseason, it's. It's a, you know, injuries, like he had it's the type of thing that guys could rethink. You never know what a guy is going to do. So if you go back to, what, seven. What is it, seven years ago when they first came in here? I guess it's seven.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

Seven years ago. And we knew Hyde was the big signing. Poyer was more of like, guy who had been hurt. Giving him a chance.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And all of a sudden it became Poyer and Hyde, Hyde and Poyer. And to still have them out there, I think is. Is phenomenal. But it was so cool. Real good chance that that wasn't going to happen.

[C]

Well, I love too, when you got to talk to them today about their. Their kind of. Their different approach in the way they look at things, like, obviously they're a tandem. They work so well together. They play their best ball besides one another. But the way they approach things on the field, both being veterans, I thought was interesting.

[A]

I asked them the same question about how do you approach training camp knowing that they're, you know, prefacing. Stefan Diggs comments that he understands that there's more football behind him than in front of him. So. So how do you approach that? And Mike made a good point. And I said, I go, that's not. I'm going to do my story on today. And Mike goes, well, you don't want to just say like, oh, they're packing it in because they're in their 12th training camp. But it was for. I asked him the same question for Hyde. He goes, urgency. He goes, I'm trying harder now because I know I have fewer training camps left and that young guys are probably looking at me going, what the hell is this old guy doing?

[C]

Flying.

[A]

Flying around because he knows that he has fewer moments left. For Poyer. He said he was perspective. So he said that football doesn't define him, that there is more things, that he's just cherishing these moments because he knows that there'll be times when he doesn't get to walk through, you know, training camp with his buddies that he goes, he's trying to put his phone away, be present in the moment, savor this. Because football has given him so much. So here you have one guy kind of taking a breath, smelling the roses and kind of embracing it while you got Micah Hyde being like, like, we gotta go now.

[B]

Yeah. And he's also in the last year of a contract.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And that plays into it. Not necessarily that well. It can be. Teams make a decision. It also plays into it in terms of what the player wants to do that is an end date for these guys. It can be. And, you know, it's easy for people to say, if you could you keep plumbing. We see them out there with their families. There are moments these guys are like, there is life beyond this, as much as they love it, that they look around.

[A]

I'm human. And one last thing before we get to the family, because I know that that was your favorite part of today. Hyde Poyer and Trey White have not been on the field together.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

Since 2021, Thanksgiving in New Orleans.

[C]

Wow.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Again, we talk about the expectations of this defense and where maybe they have not performed up to par in playoff games and things like that. They've gone through two playoffs without their top three guys altogether. Again, that when. When he said that, when Poyer said that, I went, no, it's not.

[B]

It's right.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Because I forgot about just the way that it worked.

[C]

Well, I feel like you can tell they are savoring it more. Trey White before practice, signing autographs, making time with some of the.

[A]

As many as Josh. Like, he's signing a ton.

[C]

Trey has done so much. And then Jordan Poyer walking out of the tunnel, like, you can just tell in that recognition of like. And again, you're right. They hope that there is more football and great football ahead. All those things. But really taking the mental stock of, like, what this all means and how this is not. This is not a given. This is not something that, you know, it's just an expectation. So I thought that was really cool. And then today, yeah, on Friday, they had the families out there. You got to see these guys with their loved ones, their children running around. And just the videos of it is just amazing. And we got to talk to Jane Jackson, who I thought was just like, you could tell he was so proud and just what it meant to have his son DJ There, who's three years old, you know, playing with the football, them out on the field together and just being what that meant to just so many guys just having that opportunity.

[B]

Big smiles. I mean, these guys, big smiles. Look, they're with their families. But I thought for Dane, and I don't even know at his young age of a guy seeing there. There with his kids, like, someday his son. His son is not really going to remember Dane's career. Maybe as he gets a little older, it can be the case. But, man, that video, I mean, you think about that of them out there. And by the way, every one of these kids is adorable.

[C]

Oh, my God.

[B]

But dj, they were awesome. That kid was awesome. And he's just at that age 3. He's throwing the ball back and forth. And I'm thinking, I, I think they embrace it. I really do think they embrace it because they see it. But it's fun to see. And I, I mentioned this on the air, you know, sorry. Sean McDermott preaches family. Family. They do live that. Yep. And they embrace that. And I think it's a good mix for these guys. They go to work, they do their job, then they get tomorrow off. A lot of them go back to Buffalo, do whatever, and they're back here for Sunday. I thought it was great to see.

[A]

Speaking of cute kids, Micah Hyde brought his son and daughter up to the podium to which his son interrupted the press conference saying, daddy, you have a big head. And then Micah was kind of confused and looked at him and laughed. And then he goes, you also have big teeth. Another kid that, that stole the show. So again, cool moments. And again, I think that goes back to. We've complimented Sean for his open door policies and all those things like that. It's also another one of those moments that we're human.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

These guys are more than football players. They have families. And again, I know that even in our perspective, you know, in our, our job, like we have to criticize plays and things like that, they are human beings. When you criticize us.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

We also have jobs, you know, and we're also people. People too. So. Yeah, I think it's just every once while these days are really very much needed.

[B]

And that's why I think it needs to be, you know, not to preach this, but it's the level of criticism. Criticize Dane Jackson or Micah Hyde, you miss a play. They're pro football players, what they get paid for. But you're right, you see them as dad.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Nothing else. He's there as a dad or husband. He's there. And you see their families and they're all excited for him. And guess what? There's some families out here with a place player and that player is not going to make the team.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And then their life changes. So all those things can happen. That's, it's, it's good perspective. And you. I really, I love seeing that part. And this is where it's a little different than other times of the year. Once the season starts, yes, they have time at home with their families, but out here on the field, I thought it was great.

[C]

I think that's one of the things that I do love about having camp here is just the, the, the Opportunity for fans to get to see up close and personal their favorite favorite players. And then for the players, you get to see them in that light of them being a father, of them being a partner, like, of what that means. And it does. I think it makes it more human. But you could see, like, people in the stands today, like, it was cool to watch them see their favorite football player in a different light. And I just think all that is just such a cool, really unique experience. I mean, Shawn McDermott talked about it. Not a lot of teams still travel away for camp and just to have the atmosphere, it really is cool.

[B]

And there was another player that had his son at camp today. His name is Lorenzo Alexander.

[C]

We got a chance to talk to him.

[B]

He is the best. First of all, I swear, he's only been a few years out. The dude could just put on the pads and go play, though. What did he say to us? I don't want to get hit anymore.

[A]

I left it all on the field.

[C]

I don't want to get hit. Yeah.

[B]

But I want Jenna to say so. Jenna asked him about seeing the growth of Josh Allen becoming the star.

[C]

Yeah, like, Josh Allen is now a household. Like, he's becoming that he's a superstar. And Lorenzo's, yeah, man. I got a. I got a lot of misread or unread text messages, and maybe the phone calls from him aren't returned as quick. Harder to get in around a golf. But he just talked about the ascension of what Josh has been able to do and how humble and how hard working Alan has been. And just to see Lorenzo seeing him as like, a guy, a young guy, come in and galvanize the team and what that success has meant. It's. It's. I think for Lorenzo, it's. It's got to be really cool to see, especially knowing, you know, he. He comes back, he wants to be a part of it. Then he just, too, talked about the talent on this team and where this team is going. He's just such a great guy to talk to. I love his perspective, but it is funny. He's like, yeah, it's really hard to get a call back now.

[B]

A couple quick things on Lorenzo. I asked him, what are you doing? He's helping to coach his kids. He's working as an analyst.

[C]

He went back to school.

[B]

Oh, he got his master's. He did that. He's doing work for the NFL. I'm like, aren't you retired? He goes, I'm not retired from life. I'm just retired from the NFL.

[C]

And I loved this too. He talked about the NFL. His job is also to help players getting out of the league or essentially how to assimilate back and make sure you take care of your money, take care of your mentals, like all that stuff that I thought it was really cool because that's a really important job. And I think he's a guy that has, I feel like he's like 50.

[A]

Like he's one man gang.

[B]

He's just, he's, he's, he's had that so much experience. So I'm gonna go back to perspective. When he was signed, it was Rex Ryan and Doug Whaley who brought him in.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And I was doing the games at the time, so I was in the production meeting. And Rex goes, they brought him in as a special teamer.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Rex goes, you know who's been our best guy in that spot? Lorenzo Alexander. Can you. I mean, he's kind of like, can you believe it?

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

How well he has played. And it unlocks something in Lorenzo that year. So you got to give Rex credit in that way. That unleashed something.

[A]

Didn't expect this to happen in this video.

[B]

It unleashed something, I think in Lorenzo, maybe it gave him the opportunity to say, we're looking at you not just as a teams guy, but as a defensive player. And let's be honest, he was really good for this team.

[C]

He was, absolutely. And he talked about how using that special teams opportunity and turning it into a full time role. And I would have to imagine he's having a conversation with Tyrell Dotson.

[B]

He said the that and he's also talking to these other young guys. He goes, you better do it on teams because that's how you.

[A]

That's why I hope these new rules to the kickoff, you don't lose that for so many guys like Lorenzo Alexander. He was 8, 9 years in the league doing special teams. Really. And then he became a Pro bowl sack guy. But before that he cut his teeth and made a paycheck flying down the field on kickoffs and punt returns. So obviously the new rule, you can fair catch anything inside the 25. It's just like a touchback. It's the college rule. But yeah, just that was one of the things when we think about rule changes, was one of the ones where I go, what's going to happen with some of those fringe roster spots where guys make. The guys make teams because they're that guy.

[B]

And some teams may cut some corners on special teams, try to get by without something. And it may work for 90% of the time. But those few other plays can come.

[A]

Bills have never been A team, especially McDermott. Being the McBean era has never really cut corners on teams.

[B]

No, no.

[C]

It's not Sean McDermott's way. Kidding me.

[A]

The sun has just defeated me.

[C]

Yeah. I don't think you're that sunburned.

[B]

No, I think he's just. It's a long day.

[C]

It is a long day.

[B]

Long three days.

[C]

All right. Anything else, gentlemen?

[B]

I don't think so. It's been fun. They're back at it on Sunday. It's supposed to cool down here in Pittsford, so they said the heat is taking a break a little bit, so. And then it'll ramp up quickly. And then before we know, another couple weeks, we have the first preseason game, so.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

But right now, three days in the books and competition has been the key.

[C]

A couple reminders. We have a bunch of Buffalo plus content as well. Yeah. Like comment subscribe. We also have the Instagram channel. Buffalo plus.

[A]

We have the TikTok three to five reels a day.

[C]

Yeah. We have a bunch of stuff on there. We also have the 24 hour Jenna.

[A]

Plus videos on top five moments.

[C]

Buffalo.

[A]

It's a top five Buffalo.

[C]

I need to post that to TikTok.

[A]

Along with Mike having your senior moment when you re literally reread a comment 20 seconds after I read it.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

We had some good outtakes today. This might be.

[C]

We did. Yeah.

[B]

That was including that moment when I reread a comment.

[C]

Tape delay.

[A]

Dan Cottrell.

[C]

Dan Cottrell.

[A]

Dan Cottrell was a good one too.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Anything you remember from yesterday now just popping in your head?

[C]

No, no, no.

[B]

Clarity.

[C]

Yeah. I was say, shockingly enough, I got. I got a good laugh out of that. I'm not gonna lie.

[A]

I just remember.

[C]

I just remember you actually zoomed in on my face perfectly. Cuz it was a little.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Oh, yeah. All right. And the Buffalo plus, we were having.

[A]

A conversation and Jenna just out of left field. I remember what we said yesterday.

[B]

Well, you know what it is? Half the time she's not paying attention to us.

[C]

Oh, I might. I might. So now not high though. Not high, not high. Go to the Buffalo plus store as well. BuffaloPlus store dot com. Get your Dan is wrong mug.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And occasionally you can turn it the other way.

[C]

Koozies too, which are fun if you check those out. Bucket hats.

[A]

I think we need bucket hats.

[C]

Okay, I can look into that. I don't. Not really a bucket. You. Absolutely not. You look like a toddler. Yeah.

[B]

I'm not a buckler hat guy.

[C]

That's. That's fair. All right. Thank you for joining us. For Mike Catalana and Dan Fates. Not Dan Cottrell. I'm Jenna Cotrell. We'll catch you next time on Buffalo plus, like, comment. Subscribe. Thanks, guys.