By Justin DiLoro / Billswire.usatoday.com
The injury Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen sustained against the Houston Texans in Week 6 has kept him off the field ever since. While it’s unfortunate that Allen has missed time on the field due to the ailment, there is a silver lining to his involuntary time on the bench.
Allen has used the time off the field to take careful observation of the offense. In particular, the rookie watched the preparation of veteran Derek Anderson during the Monday night game in Week 8.
“Just kind of how he controls the walkthrough like I was talking about before. I never saw walkthrough as a chance to really get better. He came in here and as soon as he took over that walkthrough, he was demanding the guys to be in the right spots, he was firing the ball where it needed to go.” Allen said. “I took that and [thought] this guy is a pro, he knows what he’s doing. I’ve kind of applied that whenever I get to go through walkthrough next. That’s how I’m going to approach it.”
This is most likely what the Bills had in mind when they initially slotted the former Wyoming product as the primary backup entering the season. However, circumstances forced the 2018 seventh-overall pick to be under center earlier than anticipated.
Now, the time away from the huddle has allowed Allen to take some time to reflect upon his work this season.
“I felt like as I progressed throughout the season, I felt like the last two games I played in, I was playing good football. I was putting the ball where it needed to be, making right decisions, keeping the ball out of harm’s way and we saw ourselves win against the Titans and be in the game late against Houston,” he said.
Allen also made reference to the mental aspects of the game.
“Things were just starting slow down for me, so I’m starting to get back out there and see if that can continue. With the help of Daboll and DA and the guys we’ve got in the room right now, I think it will,” Allen said.
“I actually think it was kind of a blessing in disguise,” the rookie added. “I got to see a vet come in and control the offense the way it needs to be controlled. I got to see that from him and got to learn and sit back. Like I said, [I got to] experience a primetime game, experience the ups and downs of professional football without actually having to go through it. It’s definitely going to help out in the long run.”
Allen has taken the injury in stride thus far. He has increased his workload during practices as he gears up for his return to the field. Head coach Sean McDermott shared that Allen the team is taking things on a day-to-day basis with the quarterback, leaving his status for Sunday’s game uncertain. Allen’s progress over the next two days will determine his participation in the Week 10 matchup with the New York Jets.