On Sunday, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen proved he is still a force within the NFL. Last Monday night, after the Bills lost on an overtime punt return in the Meadowlands, questions immediately surfaced. How did such a dominant team fall to the unpredicted Zach Wilson-led New York Jets? How did they lead the whole game and then blow it in OT? And most significantly, is Allen okay? All longtime Allen haters and naysayers crawled out of the woodwork to gloat about what a reckless animal Allen is and how is leading the league in most interceptions since 2018. After Sunday’s 38-10 win at home over the Las Vegas Raiders, however, back into the shadows, the naysayers retreat. And good riddance!
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills, Remain In Elite Company
Josh Allen wows me every damn week. QB1 even has Dorsey HYPE!!! 😱🎯😂 #ShotTime pic.twitter.com/jRiRyftrc1
— Pierre Kingpin (@Pierre_Kingpin) September 18, 2023
Unlike his doubters, Allen did not feel the humiliation of his abysmal Monday night performance in Week 1 and ran away with his tail tucked. Instead, Josh Allen admittedly turned off his Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms in the week leading up to the Bills matchup against the Raiders and focused on his job.
In the face of adversity, Allen said, “I love feeling how I felt last week.” So, he loves to lose? Well, obviously not. However, Allen is saying that the lows make the highs feel all that much better. And that he chooses to use such losses as fuel to his advantage. Of course, this is not the first time Allen has had to bounce back from a multi-interception loss. He has done the same thing several times, making people wonder why Allen is so turnover-prone.
Why is Allen a Turnover Machine?
Okay, dial it back a little bit. Josh Allen remains a force in the league, so calling him a turnover machine is a little harsh. While there’s no denying that he has thrown the most picks since 2018, he also leads the NFL in passing and rushing touchdowns throughout those years. The reason for these wildly different stats is exactly how Allen puts it. According to the quarterback, his talent is a “double-edged sword.”
The bottom line is that Josh Allen is a phenomenal athlete who tends to get ahead of himself and that sometimes hurts the Bills. He can get a little overconfident, leading to him trying to make plays that aren’t there. Once he starts forcing throws, the downward spiral begins, and a game can quickly get out of control. While he knows this, he has still shown a tendency to let the recklessness overcome him, so will he ever settle down? Yes… And no.
Striking a Balance
Josh Allen appreciation post! Still flying high on this beautiful #VictoryMonday 🦬#BillsMafia #GoBills pic.twitter.com/byi1WPpMRm
— Peej (@PjEvans29203566) September 18, 2023
Aside from the more team-oriented statements that were made on Sunday, such as big steps forward in their run game, run defense (held running back Josh Jacobs to his lowest career stats of -2 yards), and Sean McDermott’s defensive coordinator abilities, Allen showed a significant leap in maturity. In years past, Allen has shown his Superman capabilities for consecutive weeks, only to revert to the turnovers and poor play. He has been called a rollercoaster by many national pundits for this trait. This game shows that Bills fans can relax for one primary reason: Balance.
Allen needs to be Superman when necessary and Mr. Checkdown/Handoff when necessary. While it takes patience and restraint to be as good as he is, scaling himself back with the win in mind is vital for both the Bills and Josh Allen. This game showed that, for the first time, he can balance Superman with boring-man.
Of course, it should be noted that in years past, Allen has not always had the help he needed to pull the reigns on himself. Former running back Devin Singletary and a lack of steadiness at the F tight end role have significantly contributed to Allen’s need to “do it all himself.” Guys like running back James Cook and tight end Dalton Kincaid are positioned to help him find the balance he needs this year, and Sunday’s game showed that in strides.
Looking Ahead
With the weapons around him this season, it’s scary to think about what Allen can accomplish now that he doesn’t have to do it all himself sans wide receiver Stefon Diggs. With two rushing TDs and three more added by throws to tight end Dawson Knox, wide receiver Gabriel Davis, and wide receiver Khalil Shakir, the steps have been built. And it goes without saying that with this type of balance, Allen remains a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.
Main Photo: Jamie Germano – USA Today Sports
