By Nick Wojton / Billswire.usatoday.com
After all the ups and downs with his first professional season, it feels like Josh Allen’s been leading the ship for a long while at One Bills Drive.
But even to this day, Allen’s still experiencing a lot of things for the first time as a member of the Buffalo Bills, even if he’s the team’s No. 1 quarterback.
This offseason, his team’s roster has been replenished by Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane. The team’s offensive side of the ball with Allen has seen a majority of the change.
On Monday at the team’s training facilities in Orchard Park, the Bills began voluntary offseason workouts. Allen discussed all those new teammates of his and in a way, he reminded you he’s still only 22.
“Well, I mean, it’s my first offseason. So I don’t really know how things work, you know, and this is all new to me,” Allen said.
Which, is right. Allen’s seen teammates come and go in the NFL, but never during a new league year.
But the now second-year quarterback that’s entering his first full professional offseason is taking things in stride. Allen made headlines around town when it seemed like almost every free agent that signed with the team said he reached out to welcome them.
As an outsider looking in, there’s a chance to pump your own tires. Instead, Allen downplayed it.
“I mean nothing really (prompted reaching out to new teammates) like I said it didn’t take a lot of effort to do it,” Allen said. “I just wanted them to know that I was following and I was trying to stay up with everything that was going on and let them know that I’m happy to share with us like I said earlier. So just trying to reach out and get my foot in the door and start that relationship as quickly as possible.”
“This [voluntary workouts] is still new to me,” Allen added. “So I’m still trying to figure it out scheduling your are what to do on the weekends, you know, what we do after 12 o’clock for you know we’re not supposed to be here so but I’m looking forward to I’m looking forward to meet especially the new guys and continuing the relationships with the guys that have been here and off the field will there be just hanging out and having fun.”
Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott said that he didn’t tell Allen to reach out to his new teammates. But he’s glad he did.
“As a young leader on our football team, to me, it shows ownership… It shows ownership, and a lot of pride in what we’re doing and his role on our football team. It’s a step in the right direction,” McDermott said.
Allen’s progress as a potential captain and leader is a strong positive for the Bills. Some could argue that his physical skills are the most important thing he needs to sharpen up, though.
And, that’s true.
But if Allen has the self awareness to improve himself as a leader, he’s aware of what he needs to improve as a passer. His 52.8 percent completion percentage is not where it needs to be, but trust that he’s working toward improving it.
We won’t know if that hard work has paid off until September, though.