Carmichael Jr. finding out what may work for Bills offense

Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) – The Buffalo Bills were back on the practice field Tuesday for another session of organized team activities (OTAs) in Orchard Park.

New Bills offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. has liked the participation from his offensive unit, and says he's enjoyed getting to know his players over the last several weeks.

“Once they're in the building and to be around them and in meetings with them, I think that Joe's [Brady] still a big part of that, and Bo [Hardegree], the quarterback coach, and Kyle [Shurmur, the assistant quarterbacks coach] are a big part of it," said Carmichael Jr. before practice with the media. "But communication that happens in the meeting room and taking that onto the field has been a real positive.”

Before the players ever showed up, Carmichael Jr. was hard at work with the new Bills head coach, who was the offensive coordinator in Buffalo before taking over as head coach. He says there are some things that will be the same, and other things that aren't.

“Joe was really big on making sure we looked at the things that were done last year and either what changes do we have to make, or maybe minor adjustments. And there's also looking at some other teams in the NFL as well, because this is the time to do it," Carmichael Jr. said. "It's the time to look at some new thoughts, see how they work, and if they work, great. And the quarterback feels positive with, and if not, by the time we get to training camp we'll be moving on.”

In his Bills career, tight end Dalton Kincaid has played more than some people think he has. He's played in 41-of-51 regular season games, and Carmichael Jr. is going to make him a big part of the offense.

“When he's on the field, you're looking for ways to get the ball in his hands," he said of the fourth-year tight end. "He brings a lot of value to this team, and he's a guy we have the opportunity to make sure he's a big part of what we're doing.”

Brady and Carmichael Jr. haven't been on the same staff since 2018 with the New Orleans Saints, under the direction of Sean Payton. Carmichael Jr. says, of course, things have changed since then.

“There's been an evaluation of offenses that I've been a part of, and things that he's been. I think it's a collaboration of both of us talking, and other coaches here too that have their thoughts and ideas. And it's all coming together," Carmichael Jr. said. "Joe's the final decision maker. If he doesn't like it, then we don't need it and everybody's good with that.”

The Bills acquired wide receiver D.J. Moore from the Chicago Bears this offseason, and he's been getting out on the field with quarterback Josh Allen to start getting a feel for each other.

“It's been great for him and Josh to start to make a connection," Carmichael Jr. said. "The one thing I know is they go out there and they're learning each other. If you watch a rep and it just doesn't feel right to Josh and/or D.J., they're going to make sure they get that rep again, and make sure it feels right for both of them.

“I'm real excited about the players. [Moore]'s smooth, he comes off the ball and sometimes it feels like all of a sudden he's by a guy. So I think he's a great addition for this team.”

The Bills will be back for another session of OTAs on Wednesday.