Doubt. Frustration. Skepticism.
That’s where I stood when Josh Allen first entered the NFL. The arm talent was undeniable — a cannon strapped to his shoulder — but he played like a man who believed he could hurl a football through concrete. Dangerous throws. Reckless scrambles. More turnovers than a bakery on Thanksgiving morning. Frankly, I didn’t see greatness.
But now? Now I see something else entirely.
Josh Allen didn’t just improve — he evolved. His transformation from wild gunslinger to strategic maestro has been remarkable. With his new $330 million contract (including a record-breaking $250 million guaranteed), Allen has earned every dollar. Buffalo didn’t just reward past performance — they bet the house that Allen’s best football still lies ahead.
Strengths: The Arsenal of a Franchise Quarterback
Arm Like a Howitzer
Josh Allen doesn’t just throw passes — he fires missiles. His deep ball isn’t just impressive — it’s majestic. The kind of throw that arcs high, hangs in the air like a hawk circling prey, and lands perfectly in stride with his receiver. Defenses know it’s coming, yet they can’t stop it.
During a showdown with Miami last season, Allen stood on his own 40-yard line and launched a pass that traveled nearly 70 yards in the air, spiraling like a drill bit. It hit Stefon Diggs in stride — touchdown. One flick of Allen’s wrist, and Miami’s secondary looked like they’d just watched a comet blaze past.
Athleticism and Mobility
Allen isn’t just big — he’s built like a linebacker. At 6’5″ and 237 pounds, he bulldozes through defenders like a runaway snowplow. Quarterbacks aren’t supposed to stiff-arm defensive linemen, yet Allen has a highlight reel filled with defenders tumbling off him like bowling pins.
In a pivotal game against Baltimore, Allen broke free from a collapsing pocket, shook off a would-be tackler like a dog shaking off water, and rumbled 30 yards downfield. Defensive backs, normally eager to deliver a hit, hesitated — unsure whether to tackle him or ask for his autograph.
Big-Game Grit
When the moment swells, Allen rises. In last season’s playoff win against Miami, he accounted for five total touchdowns — zipping passes through traffic, scrambling for critical first downs, and orchestrating a two-minute drill with surgeon-like precision.
Leadership and Resilience
Josh Allen doesn’t just lead with words — he leads with fire. Whether barking encouragement in the huddle or lowering his shoulder for an extra yard, Allen’s toughness electrifies his teammates.
The Unsung Hero: Dion Dawkins and the Offensive Line
Behind every great quarterback lies an unyielding offensive line, and Buffalo’s front five have been the silent sentinels of Allen’s success.
At the forefront is left tackle Dion Dawkins, a stalwart protector who has been instrumental in safeguarding Allen’s blind side. Dawkins’ consistent performance earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2021, 2022, and 2023, underscoring his value to the team.
Complementing Dawkins is right tackle Spencer Brown, whose development has solidified the edges of Buffalo’s offensive line. Brown’s athleticism and tenacity have been pivotal in both pass protection and run blocking, providing Allen with the confidence to execute plays without the constant threat of pressure.
The interior line, featuring guards David Edwards and O’Cyrus Torrence, along with center Connor McGovern, has formed a formidable wall against opposing defenses. Their synergy and communication have been key in maintaining a clean pocket, allowing Allen the time to dissect defenses and make precise throws.
Buffalo’s innovative use of jumbo packages, incorporating a sixth offensive lineman like Alec Anderson, has further enhanced their offensive versatility. This strategy has not only bolstered the running game but also provided additional protection for Allen, contributing to the team’s offensive efficiency.
Collectively, this offensive line has been instrumental in Buffalo’s offensive prowess, allowing only 14 sacks during the 2024 season — the fewest in the NFL since 2009. Their ability to neutralize pass rushers and create running lanes has been a cornerstone of the Bills’ success, enabling Allen and the offense to operate at an elite level.
Weaknesses: The Cracks in the Armor
Overconfidence in the Arm
Allen’s greatest gift — his arm — can be his greatest curse. Sometimes, he trusts it too much. He’s the guy who believes he can thread a pass through a keyhole at 30 yards. Against Cincinnati last season, Allen attempted a deep shot into triple coverage — a pass that screamed, I can make this happen. He couldn’t. It was picked off.
Ball Security
For all his strengths as a runner, Allen carries the ball like a man holding a loaf of bread at a family picnic. Over the last two seasons, he’s fumbled 15 times, often while fighting for extra yards. His competitiveness is admirable, but sometimes he forgets that discretion is the better part of valor.
Emotional Edge
Allen’s passion is a double-edged sword. After a costly interception against the Jets, Allen flung his helmet on the sideline, frustration boiling over. That fire drives him, but it needs to burn in the right direction.
The Turning Point
So what changed? How did Allen go from reckless rookie to franchise savior?
Coaching. Buffalo’s offensive staff sculpted an offense that played to Allen’s strengths — structured yet flexible, aggressive yet disciplined. More importantly, Allen himself matured. The man who once tried to win every play with a miracle pass learned patience. He learned that sometimes the smartest play is a throwaway, and that punting isn’t surrender — it’s strategy.
Overcoming Adversity
Allen’s ascent is even more remarkable considering the challenges he faced during the 2024 season. The Bills’ defense struggled, allowing an average of 27 points per game — a stat that often spells disaster for quarterbacks.
When your defense is hemorrhaging points like that, quarterbacks are left playing with larger fields, reduced margin for error, and constant pressure to deliver. For Allen, this wasn’t a deterrent — it was a proving ground.
In games where Buffalo’s defense struggled, Allen’s ability to rally the offense kept the Bills afloat. He turned shootouts into showcases, trading blows with opposing quarterbacks like a prizefighter refusing to stay down.
Furthermore, Allen adapted to significant changes in his receiving corps. The departure of Stefon Diggs — his most trusted target — and another key receiver from the previous season could have unraveled Buffalo’s offense. Yet Allen found a way. With Diggs gone, he built new connections and kept Buffalo’s air attack potent, finding ways to distribute the ball to emerging talents.
MVP Controversy: Was Allen the Right Choice?
Here’s where things get complicated. While Allen’s MVP campaign was impressive, Lamar Jackson arguably had the stronger statistical case. Jackson’s numbers — particularly in passing efficiency and rushing production — painted the picture of a quarterback who was every bit as deserving.
Some would argue that Jackson’s numbers made him the more deserving MVP — and there’s merit to that argument. Statistically, Jackson outshined Allen in key categories, yet Allen’s leadership, clutch performances, and ability to keep Buffalo afloat despite defensive struggles likely swayed voters.
Would I have been happier with a tie? Absolutely. (Frankly, a tie would have been the fairest outcome.) But even so, Allen’s MVP win felt like a fitting acknowledgment of his remarkable growth and the way he carried his franchise.
Why He Deserved the Contract
Buffalo didn’t just pay for what Allen has done — they paid for what he will do.
I wasn’t always convinced. Now I am. Allen’s evolution, supported by an exceptional offensive line and his ability to thrive despite defensive struggles and receiver turnover, has made him one of the game’s best. And for Buffalo, he’s worth every penny.
RM Sydnor
Notes On Scorecard 
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