Buffalo Plus Podcast: Training Camp Stars, Defense Ahead of Offense, OBJ to Buffalo?

Episode Date: August 11, 2022
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This episode wraps up the Buffalo Bills 2022 training camp, with hosts Mike, Jenna, and Dan breaking down camp superlatives, analyzing the offensive and defensive units, and debating the buzz around Von Miller recruiting Odell Beckham Jr. to Buffalo. The trio blends insider observations and humor for an engaging, behind-the-scenes recap, highlighting standout players, personalities, and the state of the Bills heading into preseason.

Camp Superlatives

Best Hair (00:42)

• Mike awards the entire tight end group for best hair, citing Dawson Knox’s curly locks, Tommy Sweeney’s slicked-back look, and O.J. Howard’s dreads.
  • “You’d say hair bands in the old days. That’s a hair position group right there.” (Mike, 01:40)
• Jenna shares a story about Knox having to straighten his hair as a rookie as a hazing ritual, resulting in the infamous "Lord Farquaad" look.
  • "Shaq complimented me… Dawson says to this day, he looks like Lord Farquaad from Shrek." (Jenna, 02:32)
• Dan gives a nod to linebacker Baylon Spector and wide receivers coach Chad Hall for their distinctive styles.
• The group note Von Miller’s triangle hair design and "diamonds surgically implanted into his teeth," with Dan quipping, “When you officially don’t know what to do with your money.” (Dan, 04:18)

Most Popular (Not Named Josh Allen) (04:40)

• Dan nominates Von Miller: “Vaughn knows how to play the game. He is really smart, thoughtful, answers… Charismatic. Everything you would want.” (Dan, 05:03)
• Mike adds that Stefon Diggs is a “star” who interacts playfully with fans, making autograph sessions engaging and memorable. He also notes Trey White’s fan impact, even though White was limited to rehab.
• The group note surprising jersey trends with many Ed Oliver, Poyer, and other less-expected names spotted at camp.

Most Likely to Succeed (10:10)

• Mike calls Ed Oliver the future All-Pro: “I think Ed’s got a chance to be an All-Pro player this year… he’s been a superstar in camp.” (Mike, 10:29)
• Jenna highlights Gabriel Davis, sharing a new nickname ("Gabby") and emphasizing his increased confidence and role.
• Dan says if watching practice blind, he'd assume Gabe Davis is the #1 WR, adding, "he has portrayed at camp… maybe that's partly because we know what Stefon Diggs can do…" (Dan, 11:40)
• Dan also predicts Isaiah McKenzie will fly under the radar for most defenses and have a “career year.” Jenna echoes that Josh Allen named McKenzie as a standout from camp. (13:11)

Most Improved (15:33)

• Jenna spotlights Tommy Sweeney, returning from myocarditis, making impressive catches, and winning support from teammates.
• Mike picks Siran Neal: “I've seen him a lot line up more on the outside and I think they’re looking to see if he can give them any of that… he's getting better and better at what he does…” (Mike, 17:21)
• Dan calls out Dane Jackson for a “quiet, good camp” and stays positive even with tough assignments against Diggs and Davis.
• The hosts discuss how the cornerback situation remains fluid as Trey White recovers.

Offense vs. Defense: State of the Bills (22:23)

Offensive Concerns (22:23)

• Jenna raises the question: Are they worried about the offense's struggles?
• Mike: “I would say, you know, like a parent—I’m a little disappointed.”
  Notes offensive line inconsistency and the ongoing adjustment to new coordinator Ken Dorsey. (23:24)
• Dan references Allen’s trust: “Josh Allen said, I trusted Dable with my life. And then there was a slight pause and then he went, and I feel the same way about Dorsey, too.” (Dan, 23:50)
• Mike points out the difference between preseason practice and real games: “When they kick it off in L.A., first game, none of that matters.” (Mike, 26:42)

Preseason Perspective (25:33)

• Dan jokes about the over-analysis of preseason: “It’s a rule. I will not talk about training camp runs. I won’t tweet about it.” (Dan, 25:47)
• Jenna adds: “For some of the rookie guys? Absolutely. Huge, necessary, needed. The older guys? Yeah…” (Jenna, 26:24)

The Defense’s Edge (24:31)

• The defense is seen as highly motivated and ahead of the offense: “They love beating up the offense and then talking trash to them.” (Mike, 24:31)
• Vibe is that practices are more useful than preseason games for established vets.

Odell Beckham Jr. to Buffalo? (29:18)

• Dan leads off the OBJ talk, citing Von Miller’s Instagram recruitment:
  “This is a high reward, zero risk situation… you wouldn’t be asking Odell to be your top wide receiver.” (Dan, 30:26)
• Jenna sees chemistry benefits if OBJ joins while recovering from injury: “In terms of team chemistry... his role would be different, and it gives him time to get acquainted.” (Jenna, 30:51)
• Mike plays devil's advocate about spending money on OBJ before paying Jordan Poyer:
  “You talk about when guys get paid, what it does in the room. That’s just a little bit… especially about the wide receiver—first of all, I think Gabe Davis handles everything…” (Mike, 31:41)
• Diggs’ influence is discussed: “I think he has ultimate say bringing in OBJ. Yeah, I think he’s the one…” (Jenna, 36:15)
• On the locker room handling big personalities:
  • “The Bills have handled everything that we thought would be a distraction to derail… it is a very tight building that they run in there, and I don’t think bringing in OBJ is any kind of circus.” (Dan, 35:21)

Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the transformation of Josh Allen’s reputation:
  “Five years ago, they laughed for the wrong reason… now they laugh, like, ‘Oh, they got Josh Allen.’” (Mike, 34:05)

• On OBJ's timeline:
  “I don’t want to say it’s better that OBJ is injured… I just mean, like, timeline wise, I think he’s someone that can grow with the team.” (Jenna, 34:55)

• On possible tension with Poyer’s contract if OBJ is signed:
  “If I were Poyer and I saw the Bills sign Beckham, I’d be like, really? It would kind of be like…” (Jenna, 37:42)

Noteworthy Timestamps

• 00:42 – Best Hair segment
• 04:40 – Most Popular (excluding Allen)
• 10:10 – Most Likely to Succeed
• 15:33 – Most Improved
• 22:23 – State of the Offense
• 29:18 – OBJ recruitment discussion begins
• 36:15 – Diggs’ influence on OBJ decision

Tone and Chemistry

Throughout the episode, the Buffalo Plus team keeps things energetic, direct, and playful—insider observations are mixed in with affectionate ribbing, fan anecdotes, and honest assessments. Their combined experience is evident in both access (practice stories) and perspective (clear understanding of what matters in camp).

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive wrap-up of key training camp storylines, celebrates both known and unsung contributors, and offers a realistic gauge of concerns and expectations as preseason nears. The OBJ-to-Buffalo discussion is equal parts rumor and thoughtful roster management. Overall, Buffalo Plus’s familiarity with the team brings fans both plenty to chew on and a sense of Bills pride going into the next phase.