The BILLS offseason RECAP: The GOOD, the BAD, the FUTURE and a HOF ANNOUNCEMENT

Summary

Buffalo Plus Podcast — Episode Summary

Episode: The BILLS offseason RECAP: The GOOD, the BAD, the FUTURE and a HOF ANNOUNCEMENT
Date: June 18, 2024
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This episode of the Buffalo Plus podcast dives into a comprehensive recap of the Buffalo Bills’ 2024 offseason. The hosts discuss the highlights and concerns from OTAs and minicamp, establish expectations for training camp, debate roster strengths and weaknesses, analyze the transition to a new offensive core, and round out with a celebratory announcement regarding Mike Catalana. The insider tone is candid, insightful, and rich with behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Good: Defensive Standouts and Secondary Depth

• (01:57) Dan Fetes kicks off by praising the secondary. The hosts see promise in the group—even as the team moves on from long-time stalwarts Poyer and Hyde—citing increased athleticism and positive signs from players such as Rasul Douglas, Christian Benford, and notably Kair Elam.

• Kair Elam’s resurgence is highlighted repeatedly. Jenna shares how increased opportunities in the absence of Douglas and Benford have allowed Elam to shine and rebuild his confidence:

  • "He just looked like a guy that also got opportunities more at OTA's minicams because Raul wasn't there, Benford missed time..." (02:58 - Jenna)
  • Mike recounts how Elam rebounded from earlier struggles, mentioning the psychological challenge of handling adversity and the positive reception from teammates and coaches.

• (06:11) The group notes how Elam is embraced by teammates and coaches after his positive plays — a sign of a potentially changing narrative for a player once “written off.”

• Rasul Douglas gets a shoutout for his mindset and self-awareness, especially referencing his “contract year” mentality (10:29 - Dan).

• Matt Milano’s return is also considered a big positive. Seeing him back on the field after recovery is a morale boost for the entire defense.

  • "I'd be more concerned if he still wasn't doing something…I'm encouraged by the fact that we're seeing him out there moving around." (14:31 - Jenna)

Notable Quotes

• "I [love] the present and the future for the secondary…They're going to be more athletic…There was a comfort level with those guys (Poyer and Hyde). I think there's a level of athleticism now." (01:57 - Dan)
• "There was a time where it's like...how bad is Josh or how bad is that receiver that like. And then all of a sudden it was, no, it's not because somebody else is messing up. It's...because Kair is making a play." (05:09 - Jenna)

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2. Managing Expectations: Draft Picks and Fan Perception

• (07:29–09:59) The panel discusses how the perception of draft picks is defined not only by round but also by actual impact, using examples like Keon Coleman and A.J. Epenesa.
• There’s a focus on how first- and second-round designations shape fan expectations, and the challenges for newcomers to live up to those labels.
  • "It's how fans view the player and the expectations. Bean has talked about it." (09:07 - Jenna)
• They also riff on the differences between actual draft position and the weight of being the team's “first pick.”

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3. Offensive Concerns and Changes

• (15:01–16:39) Shifting to the offensive side, the group expresses concern with injuries, chemistry, and overall performance of the new-look offense.
  • "It's a lot of change, a lot of different players. It's not pretty watching it." (15:10 - Dan)
• The hosts discuss head coach Sean McDermott’s decision to hold a third day of minicamp, interpreting it as a sign of urgency rather than punishment:
  • “I think he knew going in though...They need as much Runway as they can before the season, in my opinion, especially on...the offense, considering how many new faces there are.” (16:14 - Mike)
• They reflect on McDermott’s public frustration with the offense during OTAs:
  • “This is our 10th OTA week. We gotta be able to run a play right.” (15:55 - paraphrased from Dan citing McDermott)

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4. The Reality of Change: Hope vs. Proven Production

• (21:06–25:10) The panel lingers on the uncertainty of depending on a roster full of new or unproven wide receivers. Every WR, including rookies and free agent additions, is projected to deliver more than they've ever shown:
  • "Every single guy at the wide receiver position. There is a hope that they all do considerably more than they've ever done in the NFL before." (22:08 - Dan)
• The need for “realistic expectations” and the danger of overhyping potential was emphasized:
  • "A recalibration is probably more accurate." (25:42 - Mike responding to Jenna)
• James Cook’s hands and Khalil Shakir’s health stand out as immediate concerns for offensive consistency.

Notable Quotes

• “This unknown, this hope is a dangerous thing…there's got to be realistic expectations, especially after what we've saw.” (25:09 - Jenna)

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5. Roster Gaps: Defensive Edge and Pass Rush

• (27:33–29:39) The next camp wish-list item is a proven edge rusher—someone to stabilize the pass rush, especially as questions persist around Greg Rousseau's ceiling and Von Miller’s best role after last year’s recovery.
  • "I still think they need an edge rusher…I know you're not gonna be able to pluck another Leonard Floyd out of free agency, but damn, that dude's a mercenary that you just pay and he goes and attacks the quarterback." (27:33 - Jenna)
• The hosts debate the team's apparent faith in Rousseau and options for maximizing Von Miller as a part-time situational threat.

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6. Lighter Moments & Hall of Fame Announcement

• (31:18–36:19) The latter portion is celebratory and warm, with the team surprising Mike Catalana with a gold jacket tribute to commemorate his upcoming induction into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
  • "Mike is being inducted this fall into the New York State Broadcasters hall of Fame." (31:44 - Jenna)
  • The hosts share playful banter about induction speeches, jacket styles, and Mike’s career milestones.
• The chemistry and mutual respect among the hosts are evident, offering fans a human, behind-the-scenes look at the Buffalo Plus team.

Notable Quotes

• "This is pretty cool, actually…this is nice." (32:00 - Dan, after donning the jacket)
• "Well, thank you. It's a very nice honor." (34:04 - Dan)

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "They're going to be more athletic...It may take an adjustment. I'm not diminishing Poyer and Hyde, there was a comfort level..."
  (01:57 – Dan Fates)
• "He just looked like a guy that also got opportunities more at OTA's minicams..."
  (02:58 – Jenna Cottrell)
• "I kind of wrote [Kair Elam] off...for him, this clean slate...has been huge."
  (04:01 – Mike Catalana)
• "Matt Milano is the other one. Just seeing Matt Milano back on the field..."
  (11:22 – Jenna Cottrell)
• "The expectations are lower. And now it's at least possible for him to meet or exceed that..."
  (07:04 – Dan Fates)
• "It's a lot of change, a lot of different players. It's not pretty watching it."
  (15:10 – Dan Fates)
• "Every single guy at the wide receiver position. There is a hope that they all do considerably more than they've ever done..."
  (22:08 – Dan Fates)
• "A recalibration is probably more accurate."
  (25:42 – Mike Catalana)

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Important Segments & Timestamps

• Defensive optimism & secondary future: 01:57 – 06:59
• Kair Elam’s journey & expectations: 02:58 – 07:29
• Draft pick expectations & pressure: 07:29 – 10:29
• Offensive struggles & minicamp context: 15:01 – 17:32
• McDermott’s stance on change & practice: 19:33 – 21:06
• Wide receiver room transition & risks: 21:06 – 25:42
• Edge rusher need & pass rush depth: 27:33 – 29:39
• Hall of Fame surprise & celebration: 31:18 – 36:19

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Looking Ahead: Training Camp & Future Storylines

• The panel expresses urgency for improvement and clarity at multiple positions, especially on offense and the defensive edge.
• Training camp will be a crucial litmus test for the team's new-look offense, defensive depth, and overall chemistry.
• The hosts promise continued daily updates from camp and mailbag episodes to keep fans engaged during the preseason lull.

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Episode Tone & Final Takeaways

• The discussion is frank, informed, and tinged with humor—even when dissecting challenges. While the defense inspires optimism, offense is a "wait and see" proposition with a need for patience and realism.
• The show closes with genuine appreciation for Mike Catalana’s broadcasting achievements, giving fans a peek into the camaraderie that fuels the Buffalo Plus podcast.

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For more Bills insights, subscribe to Buffalo Plus on YouTube and follow their updates throughout training camp and the 2024 season.

Transcript

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[Dan Fates]

This is the.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Buffalo plus podcast brought to you by Connors and Ferris.

[Mike Catalana]

Welcome back to the Buffalo Plus Podcast, presented by Connors and Ferris, Mike Catalana, Dan Fates, I am Jenna Cotrell. Please be sure to like, comment, subscribe and share the podcast the Buffalo Plus YouTube channel. If you enjoy our work, really appreciate it.

[Jenna Cotrell]

It only takes a second.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, yeah, we really certainly do. So on this episode we're going to talk about what we liked from mandatory minicamp in the spring, what we did not like from the spring of off season activities as well as what's ahead, the future, what we want to see at training camp, all of those lovely things. So Mike, we'll start with you and let's start with the good because we're about the positives on this channel. The positives. What did you like out of the bills OTAs mandatory minicamp? What you've seen from Buffalo this spring.

[Dan Fates]

I like the defense and I love the present and the future for the secondary. I do. I they can coach them up. They're going to be more athletic. It may take an adjustment. I'm not diminishing Poyer and Hyde. There was a comfort level with those guys. I think there's a level of athleticism now. I'm a I loved the piece you guys did on Rasul Douglas. Yeah, I love the way he talks.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Love Rasul.

[Dan Fates]

He just comes in and he's like, yeah, you know the way he described what last year was. Po just told me where to be and that's what I did. And now he'll know it. I'd love met. I always have liked Benford's mentality. Kair Elam looks like maybe he's got a little something.

[Mike Catalana]

He made some plays.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. And all the combinations in the secondary. When we see Mike Edwards and I have great, great faith in McDermott and Babich and those guys to coach him up.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, My first thing was, was Kair just with how well again, maybe it's just a fresh look, a fresh set of eyes. He can turn the page, whatever it is, however you want to look at it. He just looked like a guy that also got opportunities more at OTA's minicams because Raul wasn't there. Y Benford missed time because of family obligations, things like that. So, like he was one of those guys that we always said, like demar was that spot too for a few years when Micah and. And Poyer didn't show up, like demar got all the first reps and I think that was a big part for him. And then he comes in and has 94 tackles the season that Micah injures his neck. So that was the one thing I thought individually, like Chase Claypool was also really good and we've addressed that a bunch. I just don't know how much that still is going to actually impact the season. Like if Kyer Elam is good, like Mike said, like the defensive secondary is top tier.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

They like, they don't have a sauce gardener. They don't have one guy that can shut them down. But like the depth that they could have would be really, really impressive.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. You kind of touched on what I was feeling of Kyer Elam and I think, you know, and I think I can include my, I can include myself in this grouping that I kind of wrote him off. I kind of thought of, you know, what, he was the bill's number one pick in 2022. Like, he hasn't come to fr. When he was in that Pittsburgh game before he had the interception, I was like, oh no, it's Kyer Elam. And I think for him, this clean slate that you mentioned has been huge. The ability for him to get time on the field this spring, having John Butler be with another team, I think all of those things have been impactful and I think we're starting to see what Kyer can do. And he talked about how this was really the first time in his career that he has struggled and I think for a lot of players that can make or break your career is how you handle that. And it seems like he is taking things in stride. So I've been impressed so far. Now, what does that mean going forward, you know, will he be able to find a spot on the field? That's another question. But I just think for what we've seen from him and the improvements made, you know, at first I was like, oh, okay, you're young. But then he continued to make plays where you're like, okay, he, he had a really good off season.

[Jenna Cotrell]

There was a time where it's like, oh, he had a play. It was like, boy, how bad is Josh or how bad is that receiver that like. And then all of a sudden it was, no, it's not because somebody else is messing up. It's, it's because Kair is making a play.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, I did like, you know, we were in London and he had a rough, rough game. Calvin Ridley and all that, stood up and talked. Now, maybe to a lot of you, that doesn't mean anything. I will tell you this, it means something. In that room amongst the players, he stood up like an adult and he talked about. And I also never got the feeling like he was like, I'm sorry, I screwed up, I lost the game. I do think he maintained a level of confidence. Now we're saying all this again. I'm talking about him being in the mix to play because for a time last year it was break glass correct to put Kair in the game.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

It just was.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Jamarcus Ingram got got time.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. And they would, they sat him down in those games. He's a talent. He is a talent. That's what they drafted. It wasn't working. Doesn't guarantee that it'll work, but it was encouraging.

[Mike Catalana]

I also think you look at the reaction of other players during practices when other, when guys make plays and I feel like to see the defense get so excited when Kair had picks or just a nice play, all that stuff, I think it kind of gives the insight of, you know, what are his teammates feel about him? How do they feel? Because if a guy's not liked and makes a great play, some people be like, oh, okay, cool. You can kind of read the room in that way. But, but seeing the other defensive players get super excited for Kair, I'm like, okay, you know what? Maybe it just took a little bit more time to gel, but maybe that's where we're at now. And, and now his confidence, instead of kind of dwindling, it can continue to grow.

[Jenna Cotrell]

But it wasn't just his teammates, it wasn't just that. It was Bobby Babich, which you're like, okay, like he's obviously fired up because his defense makes a stop in practice. It was also Sean McDermott, like, like that is when it goes to where.

[Mike Catalana]

Where Sean, it's gotta be Brandon Bean too.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, you're right.

[Mike Catalana]

It's gotta be as well. Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

But also to of you're out on the field as number one pick, failed expectations. Now you're out on the field, you're still a number one pick, but like, the expectations are lower. And now it's at least possible for him to meet or exceed that. And then you go, hey, wait a minute. Maybe Kair can be on the field. Maybe he can help them. Yeah, and, and play a more prominent role.

[Jenna Cotrell]

But we've also, and we always joke around the analogies. We've talked about how much easier it is for the golfer that's from behind to make shots and to chase down the person that's leading rather than, okay, I can just go and play free. I don't need to worry about if I mess up, I'm already behind anyway. But when you're that leader, it's tough. When you come in, is that first round pick, the Bills traded up, you've got to be the guy to, are you replacing, you know, Trey White, all these things. It is very tough to make the shots when you need to, if we're sticking with the golf analogy. Whereas if you're a guy that's in third place, that's five back, you may drain an Eagle because it's just like, hey, why not? And that was what? That was Benford. Yeah, Benford came in, it was just like, screw it, I got nothing to lose. And he was great. He's been great since.

[Mike Catalana]

I don't think we talk enough about how much we set the expectations around. You know, where a pick is, is placed.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Like Keon Coleman Beans talked about it.

[Mike Catalana]

Because for him it's, it's really important. But I think as fans, a lot of times it's like, well, Keon Coleman's the Bill's first pick this year, but he was the first pick of the second round and fell out of the first round because all 32 teams passed on him. Like, I think you don't believe that. Well, I think the Bills could have had him before.

[Jenna Cotrell]

No, I know. That's what I'm saying. I think it's a double. How the pick shakes out with Keon being on that cusp is how you'll view him. If he's great, you're gonna be like, what a steal in the second round. If he stinks, you're gonna be like, man, they still used a high 33rd overall pick right to take.

[Dan Fates]

But he was the. What, the eighth. What was he, seventh or eighth?

[Jenna Cotrell]

I thought they had six or seven.

[Dan Fates]

Wide receivers going before him, so.

[Jenna Cotrell]

But you see what I'm saying.

[Mike Catalana]

No, I.

[Jenna Cotrell]

And I agree with your point of. It's how fans view the player and the expectations. And Venus talks about it. He hasn't told you the fan. But you should also consider that when you're putting expectations on a player.

[Dan Fates]

But also, the Bills went into this draft needing a receiver and he's the guy they got. Whether they got him 21st or 31st, they're like, Keon's our guy.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

And he. But he was the only one they drafted.

[Dan Fates]

I know.

[Mike Catalana]

That's another.

[Jenna Cotrell]

And they traded back twice.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Once with the Chiefs. I digress. I'm not gonna get all upset on a Monday here, but yes, no, I agree.

[Mike Catalana]

I just think of like AJ Epanessa was the Bill's first round pick that year, but he was in the second round and I think a lot of people thought, oh my God, this guy. Like, they almost held him to the same standards of a number one pick because he was the first player selected from Buffalo.

[Jenna Cotrell]

And that's again, if you haven't heard it, Bean has talked about how even if you love a player and you see value, you know, like, oh, I'm going to go up and get this guy in the second round because I don't want to wait to the front he goes, that's unfair. And it's not smart in the following the board because then that guy is going to have the expectations of a second round pick when maybe he's only a third round, you know, evaluation.

[Dan Fates]

He's. But the player's gonna go, I'll take that second round money over the third round money.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, yeah, I'll take. I'll take the pressure.

[Dan Fates]

Right. Give me the money.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah. Give me the cash.

[Dan Fates]

Fill my pockets with green. I believe is what Russell Douglas said.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, I do love that.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, how about the fact that he said, I'm in the contract here contract year.

[Jenna Cotrell]

The only thing I wish I would have done when I asked him was also we didn't talk about UNO and how the UNO game is going.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

And the cheating scandal that was once.

[Mike Catalana]

Who is alleged.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Apparently it was.

[Dan Fates]

I'm trying to remember.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Oh, it was the corner. The. The bad podcasting. It's the veteran corner, Dane Jackson. Nope. He got stiff armed to oblivion by.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, Norman, Josh Norman.

[Jenna Cotrell]

He said he had a bunch of. He goes they'd go around once and he went from six cards to one card.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, that's pretty funny.

[Mike Catalana]

That is good.

[Jenna Cotrell]

It was Josh Norman.

[Mike Catalana]

Okay. Is there any other bright spot you found through off season, maybe on the offensive side of the ball?

[Jenna Cotrell]

Nope. Matt Milano is the other one. I would have him.

[Mike Catalana]

That's a great point.

[Dan Fates]

Just seeing him on the field.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Just seeing Matt Milano back on the field. And I know we had talked about this on one of the previous podcasts, and I don't remember where it was, but I talked about the notes that I have of how good Bernard and Milano were together. So they played together for four straight games. Now, granted, I understand this is brought the Jets, Vegas, Washington and Miami, but that was Miami. That was the big bad Miami offense coming off scoring 70 points.

[Dan Fates]

Like, can we pause for just one sec? Don't actually pause the podcast. This is just Dan setting himself up to pat himself on the back about Terrell Bernard.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I don't think so.

[Dan Fates]

Continue. Oh, yeah, it is. Everything you say comes back.

[Mike Catalana]

Also, there is an inside baseball. There's a joke that we make about. Did you know the Dolphins scored 70 points?

[Jenna Cotrell]

Shout out Matt Beauvais. He listens. He was just on this pod.

[Dan Fates]

Ye. That was when we were in the press room in Washington.

[Jenna Cotrell]

No.

[Dan Fates]

Was it in Washington?

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes, it was in Washington because wasn't in London.

[Mike Catalana]

I thought we were together.

[Dan Fates]

I thought it was in London.

[Mike Catalana]

No, because the London game was.

[Jenna Cotrell]

It was week three when Miami scored all the points. So we were in Washington.

[Dan Fates]

Okay.

[Jenna Cotrell]

And then he was like, at one by one, people came in and went, oh, my God, 70. Like four different people. And then Bovet comes in and with his phone, he's like, guys, you know, Miami scored 70. And it was like. So the rest of the time it was.

[Dan Fates]

Did you know my scored 70?

[Jenna Cotrell]

So the jets game, they had an interception. Milano had an interception. They only allowed 289 yards. They had three sacks. I know. That's part. Part of what gets lost in that game is that it ended on the punt return. It wasn't the defense's fault. Brandon was against Zach Wilson. I understand that. Week two, they dominated. Bernard had six tackles, Milano had four. They each had an interception. They only allowed 240 yards of offense.

[Dan Fates]

Was that why no.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Raiders.

[Dan Fates]

Raiders. Oh, yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

And then week three, we joked around about it with Bovet, but if you ever need good video of a Bills defensive player, just go to the commander's game.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, it's crazy.

[Jenna Cotrell]

They had nine sacks, only allowed 230 yards for five turnovers. Bernard had an interception, two sacks and a fumble recovery. And then obviously the game against Miami, they only allowed 20 points in that game. Bernard had another fumble recovery and Milano had 10 tackles and they forced two turnovers. So in those four games that those two guys have played together, they only allowed 12.3 points per game. And they only allowed 288 yards per.

[Dan Fates]

Game and turned it over. And crazy amount, too. The turnovers were Great.

[Jenna Cotrell]

In the four games, they combined for 55 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries and four interceptions.

[Dan Fates]

Playmakers. Both are big playmakers and they have been. And this is where we've seen it. So now to get the two of them together and the Milano thing, it's taken a little while.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And now listen, they. The off season let him ramp up at the right time and all, but even at this, and hopefully by camp he is more ready to do things. But.

[Jenna Cotrell]

But it's a step in the right direction. To see him out there with the pads, like all of that stuff to me was just a. Hey, I'd be more concerned if he still wasn't doing something.

[Dan Fates]

Yes.

[Jenna Cotrell]

To go. Hey, man. Like, is he going to be ready now in six weeks to go? And then what are we looking at? Timeline. I'm. I'm encouraged by the fact that we're seeing him out there moving around.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. I think that is. It was a. A moment for the team, I think, to see a guy like that get back on the field. A sigh of relief. I think we described it as before and I think that's exactly what it is. And he'll continue to grow as we get closer to training camp and beyond that. So definitely very encouraging things that we were concerned about.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Daniel, the offense. Throw a dart. I was again. Hey, guys, it's just June. It is just June.

[Dan Fates]

That's why we. We really say this. I'm not overreacting to it. It's a lot of change, a lot of different players. It's not pretty watching it.

[Jenna Cotrell]

No. The injuries in the offense are what I had. The things that weren't good. And we kind of joked around about it. Practicing for a third day of the mandatory minicamp. It's not a bad. It's more of that, like the. If there's the good, the bad and the. Huh. Like. Okay.

[Dan Fates]

And did McDermott come into camp with the idea that he. It's a little bit of a tone setter or do you think it. They convinced him by the lack of mean. You guys heard him say at the OTAs about the offense.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yep.

[Dan Fates]

He yelled. What did he say? Like, this is.

[Jenna Cotrell]

This is our 10th OTA week. We gotta be able to run a play right.

[Dan Fates]

Is not happy. So in terms of what he thinks they should be and where they are, it was below. And then at the. At the mandatory camp, it just. It just wasn't good.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

But I wonder if in his mind, he was already thinking about it or it was just like, all right, fellas, you're staying another day.

[Mike Catalana]

I think it was definitely already on his mind. Mind. I think he knows that this team needs a lot. As much time as they can get. They need as much Runway as they can before the season, in my opinion, especially on. On the fence, considering how many new faces there are. So that, to me, I was surprised because we haven't seen that in so many years. But I think for McDermott, it's. We need as much time on task as possible, and Thursday gave us that opportunity.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I'll still push back a little bit. Even if he had the inkling of doing the third day and practicing, I know that. I'm sure that they. Not in the building. Not in the building. I'm sure they could have earned that third day off if their offense was better.

[Dan Fates]

They would have. Need to have a hell of a day, too.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Right.

[Dan Fates]

Because day one was bad.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Right?

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

But I'm saying is that, like, even if, like, we were just talking before we started rolling, like, hey, do you think he got in the player's ears, like, four weeks ago? Was like, hey, I know, man. Minicamp, we've usually taken the third day off, but a lot of new guys. I just want to make sure that we're. We're up to speed. So there's a. There's a possibility of. I don't think he.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, go ahead.

[Jenna Cotrell]

But then, you know, saying, like, hey, but you can earn it. You can earn the third day off.

[Dan Fates]

And. And I don't think he wants to be punishing his team in June. I think he wants to set a tone of what it's going to be.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Right.

[Dan Fates]

And this is why when people talk about training camp, you know, the schedule is now out and everybody can see it online of when they're going to be practicing. Very similar to the past. But I know when people talk about at some point, would they not have training camp and all, it's going to be also a tone setter for them.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

This is what he loves about camp. It is a major shift. How many captains are gone?

[Jenna Cotrell]

Five.

[Dan Fates]

All Josh, basically. Yeah. So it's. It. I Just think he's, he wants to establish that a little bit and say it's not to our standard. Even if he knows it's not going to be what it was, it wasn't to his standard. So stay another day. And the players did commit those three days. If you're there, that's part of the thing. But I'm sure that was.

[Mike Catalana]

I think he knew going in though. I feel like you have to, because here's the thing, I think you set the expectation. You're going for three days for your team and then if they earn it, which they have in the past, you say, you know what guys, we had a great job.

[Dan Fates]

Here's how we'll know.

[Jenna Cotrell]

But that's why I'm saying they didn't earn it. That's why it's still a little. Even if you're saying we're going to do three days, there's always an out if you perform well for two days.

[Mike Catalana]

I think we're disagreeing on different stuff. I guess to me I was kind of like, oh, I was kind of surprised they went a third day because based off of history. But if I'm McDermott, I think you knew all along you most likely were going.

[Dan Fates]

I will, I will say that I have sources that tell me. Let's see, the camp was on which days of the week? It was on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, on Friday when Mr. Josh Allen was playing golf at Oak Hill. So what now? Did he cancel a Thursday round to play on Friday? By the way, my sources also say he shot 83. I don't know if that's 100% accurate, but that's pretty good round at a very tough course.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Well, this was the 1. Sean McDermott spoke after the third practice and he was asked why did they practice. We've given pretty much paraphrase it. But this is what he had to say with a short press conference after the Bills wrapped up mandatory minicamp.

[Sean McDermott]

You guys are all circling around for a one liner of we need to practice.

[Mike Catalana]

Anything specific like this year versus previous years where you felt like you needed the third day?

[Sean McDermott]

Well, not necessarily other than, you know, obviously a high percentage of new players, new faces. So we're the more reps we can get, the better. And listen, I would say, I would add, I appreciate the players willingness and their attitude when they went out there. Not all teams are practicing on the third day of minicamp and I appreciate their attitude.

[Dan Fates]

What's your message to the players as.

[Sean McDermott]

They leave the facility and welcoming them.

[Dan Fates]

Back six weeks from now?

[Sean McDermott]

Yeah, I'll be ready to go make good decisions in the off season. The off season, I should say this period of time, four week period of time when they leave us to. When they come back to St. John Fisher and. And be ready to go be in shape and. Because it's going to be a challenging camp.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, they. So just like what we've all saying, they need it. The other thing too is Brandon Bean was asked about change.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

And how he has seen the team. You know, it's been transition year in things like that. How have. And I know we've talked about change, maybe beaten change to, you know, like a dead horse. But like where do you guys see the progress of the change? And is it too early to say this isn't working or that working or again, pushing forward to the future?

[Mike Catalana]

I think it's too early to say. And I also think that this is the ugly part, if that makes sense. I think when you first have so many new players coming and new, you know, an offensive coordinator putting in his offense, like, like there's so much change going on right now that I really didn't expect it to go pretty. But there's also the level of fear of this is very discombobulated and will they be able to figure things out now? I think for this team they have a lot of time. I mean we haven't even touched into training camp and all that stuff. But I definitely think, I don't want to say I've recalibrated my expectations for this season because that sounds, that does, that sounds strong. But I think it's important to remember that there is going to just be specifically on the offensive side of the ball. There's gonna, you're gonna have to rely on a lot of players to take steps forward that we have. Maybe they're capable of, but you're projecting a lot and that's where you can run into trouble.

[Dan Fates]

It's right on the money. They had other players that they were hopeful for. Like they knew what Gabe Davis had been. They were hoping for him to be better, but at least they had seen him in a bill's uniform, not that one perform. They knew what Diggs was. Right. They knew what they had. Mitch Morris is your center. Like all these things. Poyer and Hyde, like you knew what you had, especially at the wide receiver position. Every single guy at the wide receiver position. There is a hope that they all do considerably more than they've ever done in the NFL before. Every one of them. There is not a single guy that you go, well, this guy is whatever. Whatever they have done, if they all do that again this time, which is unfair to like Cam Coleman, he hasn't played in the league. But if they all do what they've done, this is going to be a bad year.

[Mike Catalana]

Hope, oh, no, not hope.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Can open one hand and shit in another.

[Dan Fates]

Now that doesn't mean that these guys won't do it. I've heard some people listen, I think we try to keep it with the way we really try to keep it a buck. Yes, yes, I do think we do.

[Mike Catalana]

100 like 100 like one.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. Wow.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Way over my head.

[Dan Fates]

Do we have to. I have to teach him all this stuff.

[Mike Catalana]

I know so much math.

[Dan Fates]

Serious. I know. Janet was giving us a math lesson beforehand. By the way, if you want some from Janet, let her do the percentages. Really bad at that tax is 6%. Here is a thousand dollars. Oh my God.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I didn't put some of that in there.

[Mike Catalana]

It's so bad.

[Dan Fates]

Wait a minute.

[Jenna Cotrell]

No, no.

[Dan Fates]

But anyhow, I'm saying is in this case, like some people will be like, well, this guy is this. And Keon can be. Listen, all that could happen. Quick flash here. It's not all going to happen. You know what I mean? Every guy is not going to be great this year. You need a few of them to really step up. And I do think they have some. Curtis Samuel, I think is a talented guy who has played with less players around him. I think he could be really good. Keon's a rookie. Like all these things, they just don't have the baseline.

[Mike Catalana]

That's.

[Dan Fates]

They do have a low floor and a potential for a high ceiling. Yes, but the floor is low because these guys haven't done it.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Just joking around with some friends this, this weekend in the fact of like, oh, what do you think the Bills offense is going to look like and what have you seen at mini camp and things of that. And I was like, wasn't great offensively. There's still time. Again, I really like Joe Brady. All these things he was asking, oh, wide receivers, all these things. And I was like, it could end up being that Josh Aano is trying to decipher three players over the middle of the field between Kincaid being 20 yards downfield, Shakir being 10 yards. And then you have MVS. No, Curtis. Curtis Samuel going five yards. And I go. And then what will happen is Josh will go around the outside and run for 12 yards. And I go, that could be the Bill's offense. And I go, and they'll win 11 games and they'll make the playoffs.

[Dan Fates]

Like.

[Jenna Cotrell]

And again, looking at what the future is, there's still time. There's. There's no need to panic yet. It's just, you heard Shamader say, like, this is going to be a challenging camp. This unknown, this hope is a dangerous thing. It's dangerous especially for the fans in the sense of you get your hopes up thinking, hey, Keon could catch a thousand balls and King Cage should. Should be a Hall of Fame tight end. Like, there's got to be realistic expectations, especially after what we've saw. You don't have to change anything. But Jenna said it right. A recalibration is probably more accurate.

[Mike Catalana]

I. In terms of other things that concern for this off season. The James Cook drops as well. Yeah, I think we saw that. Obviously that was a piece of his game last year and at camp to have some of the drops that he did have, you know, ball security is huge.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. Turnover the way he started out. Yeah, yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And turnovers are massively impactful. So I just. That to me is something. And then Khalil Shakir's health, you know, we saw him. He left the field now. He. He was around for practice the other days. He. Did he not. He did not practice. Right.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Did not practice. But he believes that he's gonna be okay.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, all those things. But it's. It's scary how much that that could. Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Again, that's what happened last year. All of a sudden, Gabe goes down and Trent Sherfield's running deep routes against. In the playoff game.

[Dan Fates]

I am hopeful that there was a photo taken of the wide receiver group before they left or at least when they come to camp. It is a wild looking bunch.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

You have.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Well, first of all, 6, 4 and 5, 10.

[Dan Fates]

Yes. And they are like, they line up. They put out some groups out there that it look like, you know, the Dallas Mavericks front line.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And then other times it's like, you.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Know, it's like, whose little brother got on the field?

[Dan Fates]

Yes. And you say it. It's a very, very different group.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Didn't you?

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, it was good. It is a very different group that you see out there. I did not realize how small Hamler is. Yes, he is. He's small.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. So they have a few of those groups out there, but it is an interesting bunch. You know, one guy with no shoes on, you know, Keon with, you know, his puffer jacket and I mean, they. They got.

[Mike Catalana]

They got eaten cookies.

[Dan Fates]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

All right, what's ahead? What we want to see at camp.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I think, I think they need an edge rusher. I want and I don't. Again, this was something I thought about as we're walking in here. I don't have a free agent in mind right off the top of my head, but I still think they need a. A guy like we talk about, like what is AJ Epanessa's ceiling and is that good enough to make a consistent impact for this bill's defense? So I guess that's why I'm looking at it where it's like, I know you're not gonna be able to pluck another Leonard Floyd out of free agency, but damn, that dude's a mercenary that you just pay. And he goes and attacks the quarterback. I still think they, whatever Vaughn is, we kind of know what Greg's. Greg Russo's ceiling is.

[Dan Fates]

I just, I don't know. They must think it's higher too. They already gave him the fifth round fifth year option.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah, why wouldn't you?

[Dan Fates]

Okay. Why would you? They obviously think highly of them. You don't have, you didn't have to do that.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I think that under the control it'd be more expensive to go out and get a, a free agent.

[Dan Fates]

Right. But you are going to pay him a lot of money next year in that fifth year option.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Right, but my point is they would have to pay somebody else more.

[Dan Fates]

Right. Somebody that they might think is a better player. They. I think they have a lot of cheap move. I don't know that fifth year options. A lot of money. It's a lot of money.

[Jenna Cotrell]

They obviously have 28th or a 30th overall pick.

[Dan Fates]

It's still a lot of money. I'm saying is. I think they think Russo can take a step up. I really do believe they think he's.

[Jenna Cotrell]

They also thought that about.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, I know they did. I'm not saying that they're right. I'm saying is that they do and they. I also think they feel Vaughn can become the part time edge rusher this year. Cut down his snaps a lot, put him in. He's got to show a lot more because he showed. I mean he can say what he wants. He showed nothing last year.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Is this 13th year in the league?

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, he's. If he's going to play 25 snaps in pass rushing situations, he has to be highly impactful when he's out there doing that.

[Mike Catalana]

Facts.

[Dan Fates]

And that's the thing. So if they don't have that guy or do they get another guy who can play more of a First and second down role. And you really can save Von for what you think he can do for you. Listen, Von Miller is a guy with a history of being a great pass rusher in big situations that went away last year.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Correct.

[Dan Fates]

And he was coming off an injury. But my point is, maybe they can't find Leonard Floyd, but maybe they can find a guy who gives them more snaps on the outside. And Vaughn becomes that guy where it's a limited number of snaps, but he can be effective in that way, which is a role he's never really played. No, I mean, he used to get a ton of snaps. Honestly, he didn't. He didn't do anything really out there last year, so. No. The Russo thing, I think is. It was pretty casual. They were like, good. We're going the fifth year. I like the guy, but again, you're, you know, you're committing to that to another year. What's mayor? I don't know. Did I say something?

[Jenna Cotrell]

I don't know.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, jeez. I thought I said something.

[Jenna Cotrell]

We're leaving all of that in. Mike thought.

[Dan Fates]

I thought.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I thought. I thought there was a death.

[Mike Catalana]

You offended me.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. I don't know.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, I asked Dan. He's like, just go get the jacket. I was like, should I just get up? He said, yes. So, so dramatic.

[Jenna Cotrell]

But we're in the midst of a.

[Dan Fates]

Hall of Famer, everybody.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. Breaking news, special announcement. A gold jacket for Mr. Mike Catalana.

[Dan Fates]

They're gonna think I'm going to Canton.

[Mike Catalana]

You should be.

[Jenna Cotrell]

You are.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Am I putting this on?

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, it's gonna be really hot. But Mr. Mike Catalana has been.

[Dan Fates]

This is all size.

[Jenna Cotrell]

This is awesome.

[Mike Catalana]

Hey, it looks pretty good. I'm not gonna lie. No. Mike is being inducted this fall into the New York State Broadcasters hall of Fame.

[Dan Fates]

Look at that. Thank you. Wow. I got gold.

[Mike Catalana]

Speech. Speech. Speech.

[Dan Fates]

It was all me, by myself. I did it all. Well, thanks. This is. This is pretty cool, actually. Yeah, that's. This. This is nice.

[Jenna Cotrell]

We'll get it tailored.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, yeah. We can get it. I'm trying to work on a patch.

[Dan Fates]

Where I'm going to wear. When am I wearing.

[Mike Catalana]

We're going to put it in the rafters.

[Dan Fates]

We know some. There's guys who wear it.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

All over the place.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And there's guys who don't.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Just wait till you.

[Dan Fates]

This is the right color, though.

[Mike Catalana]

I know.

[Dan Fates]

I mean, this is the color.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Well, that's the buttons.

[Mike Catalana]

So the actual. The actual buttons are black. But I could not find one in your size. That had the black.

[Dan Fates]

Well, this is not his. But I'm saying is. No, this is. But this is the. This is. Now, listen, just so and years right, this. I am not going into Canton. It's not the Pro Football hall of Fame.

[Mike Catalana]

No. But it's the New York State. New York State Broadcasters hall of Fame.

[Dan Fates]

And it'll be an event down in. In New York City.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, look at that.

[Jenna Cotrell]

During the season hall of Fame podcast now.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, I know.

[Mike Catalana]

You thought. Oh, my God. You thought your take.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I don't know.

[Dan Fates]

You walk.

[Mike Catalana]

It takes on Greg Russo offended me.

[Dan Fates]

It's.

[Jenna Cotrell]

It's gonna be really good because this is going to be the open. And the fact of Mike being like. What did I say? Honey, is everything okay?

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, it's fine.

[Dan Fates]

Well, you just bolted.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, I asked Dan. I. I would have thought you jacket.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I would have thought you would have said, hey, I'll be right back.

[Mike Catalana]

I said, I texted you.

[Jenna Cotrell]

So abrupt.

[Dan Fates]

You guys are very.

[Mike Catalana]

Should. I said, should I just get up? And you said, yes. So I was like, okay, I'll just get up.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. Well done.

[Jenna Cotrell]

No, you said, should I get it?

[Mike Catalana]

No, I said, should I just get up? You can't read. We should have known that.

[Dan Fates]

That's why they're not hall of Famers yet.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh, you weren't able to read, Dan.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Dyslexia is a real thing, everybody. It's a real thing.

[Dan Fates]

Hey, I like the look of the. I'm gonna keep wearing this. This is good. I may wear it on the air today.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

What do you think? Can you imagine if I walk down this?

[Jenna Cotrell]

I think you should. I mean, you don't have to, like, hold microphone.

[Mike Catalana]

No. Very happy for you.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Well, thank you. It's a very nice honor. And yeah, I don't want to give the other one away because there's somebody else that you guys know that is actually going in same, but I'll let that be announced.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

That's cool.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, that's cool. Yeah, I know.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Congrats, Cat.

[Dan Fates]

Thanks.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, we're really proud of you.

[Dan Fates]

Thank you. I appreciate it. Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Way to go, dad.

[Dan Fates]

Nice.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Way to go. I bet in 40 years, is it really gonna be. Not quite. Like when I started snubbed for 39 years. Yeah. Yeah, I know. I'm like, where's the call? So they got. I got the call. It was actually a really cool call.

[Mike Catalana]

Wait, will you explain? Can you want to explain the call?

[Dan Fates]

It was David Donovan from the New York State Broadcasters. I'm driving to work. The phone rings and it kind of. In our little world, it reminded me of the. The profile, because I love watching that. And now the way they do it is great. Now, that's for those guys. That's a whole nother level.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I love how he keeps bringing it back a little because, well, that's how we know.

[Mike Catalana]

Like, that's.

[Jenna Cotrell]

That's the only. Most people.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

But he called me up and he's got. I got great news for you. And he says, this is the best part of my job, which is, you know what they say. And then he says, you've been elected to the New York State Broadcasters hall of Fame. It's really cool. I mean, it's New York State. Like, it's.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And it's, you know, and there's some, you know, some prominent people that have been elected.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

So I'm joined. I've joined the group. But it was a very cool call and the guy was great. And now it's set up for an event.

[Jenna Cotrell]

He's putting a good word for your. For your kids one day.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Well, you know, a guy.

[Dan Fates]

I'm a tough voter, so, you know, if I get a chance to vote.

[Mike Catalana]

Be like, you were a first ballot. That's pretty cool. That's pretty cool ballot.

[Dan Fates]

Jeter Ripken, Catalan from the gym. And Bruce, first ballot.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Not Thurman.

[Dan Fates]

Thurman was second ballot. Thurman. Oh, Thurman was. Should have been first ballot. Should have been a first round pick. But he was neither. Bruce was number one overall pick.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Interesting.

[Dan Fates]

There we go.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Virginia Tech.

[Dan Fates]

That's right. That's it.

[Mike Catalana]

Look at you. Okay.

[Jenna Cotrell]

All right.

[Mike Catalana]

Anything else?

[Dan Fates]

Wow, this is cool. Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

I stayed all the way to the end. Please, like, comment, subscribe. But also we'll probably do a couple more mailbags.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Like, throughout to get us through this lull because we know you guys seem to really like dependable videos coming out on Tuesday morning and things like that. So we're going to keep doing our best, but again, we now have, like 38 days until the start of camp, so we'll go through. Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And just so you guys know, if you remember from last year at camp, we're doing videos basically every day that there's a camp. And during the season, we're gonna be doing a lot of Thursday Night Live.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Shows.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes, those did.

[Dan Fates]

Which would be fun.

[Jenna Cotrell]

Those did Numbies.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. Those were always really fun. Okay, great. For Dan Fates and the hall of Famer.

[Dan Fates]

Look at that.

[Mike Catalana]

The hall of Famer. Michael Catalana. I'm Jenna Castle. Thank you for joining us here on Buffalo Plus. Please be sure to like, comment, subscribe, share. We'll catch you next time. Here. Woo. My.

[Dan Fates]

I'm wearing this around the house.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh my gosh. I feel bad that you thought that I was mad.

[Dan Fates]

Well, I wasn't thinking about this.