ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- As the sun finally beats down in western New York on the outdoor practice fields at One Bills Drive, a learning process is underway during organized team activities.
Quarterback Josh Allen and the offense's biggest offseason acquisition, wide receiver DJ Moore, are getting comfortable while the new staff settles into its flow.
Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael is an important addition for new head coach Joe Brady, who worked under Carmichael on the New Orleans Saints (2017-18). Brady, a first-time head coach, is balancing his new responsibilities while calling plays and having final say on the offense. Carmichael, who spent 2009 to 2023 as the Saints' offensive coordinator, provides a veteran presence and sounding board. He also helps to ensure that messages Brady wants conveyed to the whole offense are passed along.
As everyone works together, there's also the opportunity for new ideas.
"If [Brady] doesn't like it, then we don't need it, and everybody's good with that," Carmichael said. "But 'Hey, Joe, this is something we did two years ago.' Show the video.... And it's just a matter of whether Joe feels comfortable with it or not, and something for the quarterback to feel comfortable with as well."
Carmichael, who has worked with several quarterbacks including future Hall of Famer Drew Brees, described getting to know Allen as fun.
AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes "I just think that he's got a great personality," Carmichael said of Allen. "He likes to keep it light, but when it's time to get serious, he does.
"But it's just... overall, him going out there executing. And obviously his ability."
And when it comes to Buffalo's new WR1 in Moore, Carmichael is excited.
"He's smooth," Carmichael said. "He comes off the ball, and sometimes it feels like all of a sudden, he's by guys."
With so many new faces in the organization, building chemistry and familiarity are crucial. That process is helped by strong returning leaders such as Allen and will continue through the summer. The quarterback plans to get the pass-catchers together between the end of mandatory minicamp and the start of training camp to help develop chemistry.
Here are some other quick-hit thoughts and observations from this week's OTAs:
Potential position change
At Tuesday's OTA, one former Bills draft pick tried out a new position.