Buffalo Plus Podcast (May 28, 2024)

Episode: Joe Brady on the JOSH ALLEN offense, why Shakir is cool and Mike talks about the glory days
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell
Guest/Subject: Joe Brady, Bills Offensive Coordinator

Episode Overview

This episode provides insider observations from Bills OTAs, focusing on Joe Brady’s first off-season as the official offensive coordinator, the emerging role of Khalil Shakir, and personnel changes within the receiver room. The hosts break down how the offense is being reshaped around Josh Allen, offer personal anecdotes (including Mike’s connection with new defensive lineman Austin Johnson), and touch on leadership dynamics evolving within the Buffalo locker room.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Joe Brady’s Leadership & Offensive Philosophy

• Brady as Official OC: After taking over mid-season last year, Joe Brady now has the full reins. The hosts note a shift in confidence and presence from Brady in his new role.

• Alignment with Josh Allen: Brady was direct that the offense is built for and around Josh Allen.

  • Quote: “Look, at the end of the day, this is Josh Allen's offense, right?”
    —Mike quoting Joe Brady ([03:09])
  • Mike emphasizes that it’s rare for coaches to publicly anoint their star player so clearly, contrasting with coaches like Bill Belichick.

• Handling of the New Receiver Room:
  The coaching staff is adapting to a completely reimagined WR room, with only Khalil Shakir being a returning contributor who caught passes from Allen last year. Brady is seen as open, approachable, and confident — “he sounds like a future head coach” (Jenna, [02:44]).

Khalil Shakir’s Evolving Role

• Increased Opportunity: With Diggs and Gabe Davis gone, Shakir is positioned to see a major uptick in targets and leadership responsibilities. Mike notes that over 200 targets from last year need redistribution ([05:43]).

• Work Ethic and Mentality:

  • Shakir is described as calm, focused, and “confident without being arrogant.”
  • Quote: “He's just got it together. I mean, I think he is a confident without being arrogant athlete.”
    —Mike Catalana ([06:33])
  • Shakir is intentionally working on being more vocal for the new WRs while still leading by example.

• Teamwork Ethos:

  • Shakir highlights that WRs must be selfless — running routes for each other’s success, not just their own.
  • Quote: “You could be running the clear out for the other guy because on the next play or another play, he's running the clear out for you. And that's when a team ... is working together.”
    —Mike paraphrasing Shakir ([07:34])

Wide Receiver Room: Uncertainty and Potential

• Discussion centers on whether the receiver group can meet the demands of the offense, with every member expected to do more than they've shown so far. Even promising rookie Keon Coleman is singled out for a highlight-reel catch in practice, but faces first-NFL-game nerves ([10:25]-[10:39]).

  • Quote: “When you look at this Bill's wide receiver group, every guy in that group needs to do more or you hope they do more than they've ever done on an NFL field.”
    —Mike Catalana ([09:32])

• Energy and Personalities:

  • Mac Hollins brings significant energy and a unique personality, often practicing barefoot and leading vocally ([11:19]).

Practice Observations & Insights

• Keon Coleman: Made notable catches and is described as an “animal” by Shakir ([10:25]).
• Demar Hamlin: Intercepted a Josh Allen pass during a red zone drill; the hosts joke about “Comeback Player of the Year” ([12:03]).
• Austin Johnson: New defensive lineman connects with Mike over shared high school roots and coaching. Johnson’s athletic journey and fit with the Bills are discussed in depth ([12:45]-[15:12]).

Locker Room Culture & Leadership

• Shaping Locker Room Dynamics:
  New faces mean more leadership responsibilities for quieter players (like Shakir and Taron Johnson) who aim to lead authentically and inclusively ([06:54]-[07:34]).
• “Everybody’s Gonna Eat”:
  Emphasis on team-oriented offensive schemes, suggesting a more balanced distribution of opportunities versus last season’s “star and supporting cast” setup ([08:34]).

Defensive Coordinator News

• Play-calling Duties:
  • Taron Johnson hinted that Bobby Babich Jr. is currently calling defensive plays, though McDermott hasn’t publicly settled on that arrangement ([18:27]-[18:47]).

Mike Catalana’s Nostalgia & Personal Stories

• Connection with Austin Johnson:
  Extensive storytelling about their shared New Jersey high school and legendary basketball coach ([13:00]-[16:14]). Adds human interest and ties Bills’ current roster to local roots.
• Mascot Banter:
  Mike and Jenna swap high school mascot stories (“Hermits” and “Blue Streaks”), lightening the tone ([16:14]-[16:35]).

Notable Quotes & Moments (By Timestamp)

• 03:09 — Joe Brady via Mike:
  “Look, at the end of the day, this is Josh Allen's offense, right?”
• 06:33 — Mike on Shakir:
  “He's just got it together. I mean, I think he is a confident without being arrogant athlete.”
• 07:34 — Mike paraphrasing Shakir:
  “You could be running the clear out for the other guy because on the next play or another play, he's running the clear out for you. And that's when a team ... is working together.”
• 09:32 — Mike:
  “When you look at this Bill's wide receiver group, every guy in that group needs to do more or you hope they do more than they've ever done on an NFL field.”
• 10:25 — Shakir on Coleman:
  “Keon Coleman is an animal. I love that.”
• 11:19 — Jenna and Mike:
  “Who brings the most energy to practice every day?” “Mac Hollins.”

Segment Timestamps

• Joe Brady Interview/Discussion – [01:48]-[04:40]
• Khalil Shakir’s Development & Mentality – [04:40]-[07:34]
• WR Room Turnover, Keon Coleman, Mac Hollins – [09:32]-[11:45]
• Practice Observations (Demar Hamlin INT, Coleman’s Catches, Hollins’ Energy) – [11:54]-[12:45]
• Mike’s Austin Johnson/High School Story – [12:45]-[16:14]
• Leadership, Locker Room, General Vibes – [16:14]-[17:15]
• Defensive Coordinator Play-calling Insight – [18:21]-[18:47]

Summary

The episode captures the shifting sands of the 2024 Bills offense: a humble but assertive OC in Joe Brady, immense pressure and opportunity for Khalil Shakir, and a doubt-laden but high-upside receiver room ready to support Josh Allen’s leadership. It’s football talk layered with personality, personal history, and optimism tempered by realism. The hosts mix analysis with light-hearted banter, making it engaging for die-hard and casual fans alike.

For further coverage and future episodes, the hosts encourage visiting Buffalo Plus on YouTube and subscribing for updates.