By Nick Wojton / Billswire.usatoday.com
Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback Josh Allen did a lot right on Sunday in his team’s 27-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
A massive underdog, the Bills came out firing on all cylinders. Allen did the same. But Allen did so in ways that might have gone unnoticed.
On the field, it was obvious to all who watched. Allen flashed a level of arm talent that we haven’t seen yet. His mobility once again shined as well.
Overall, Allen was 15-for-22 with 196 passing yards and one touchdown pass. On the ground, Allen added another 39 yards and two touchdowns, one of which was a diving effort for the pylon. Another display of extra effort from Allen came when he leaped over linebacker Anthony Barr.
That’s a subtle thing on the field that makes a difference inside a locker room and for a young quarterback. Off the field, the subtle things also stood out for Allen in a big way.
The game was Allen’s first-career win. It was on the road. The deck was stacked against the Bills. Nobody thought they could win.
Following the game, there was no bragging. There was almost no emotions from Allen. He had just achieved a lifetime dream; Winning his first game as an NFL QB. Instead, the rookie sounded like a seasoned vet after another day at the office.
“There’s still a lot of plays I’d like to have back from that game, a lot to learn from, a lot to improve on,” Allen said.
Even after his incredible leap over Barr, the likes of which Buffalo hasn’t seen, maybe ever, Allen called THAT play… just another play.
“It was third down and they brought a little pressure, I escaped… I got my eyes down too low, I should’ve went through the progression a little longer. But I was trusting my feet, trusting my gut. There was a guy (Barr) maybe three yards in front of the sticks and I knew we needed a first down there and I think we went on to score on that drive. Obviously it was a big play, but it was just another first down,” Allen said.
That wasn’t close to being just another first down. It was a jaw-dropping play and amount of effort.
And don’t forget, Buffalo was a 17-point underdog. Can’t forget about that. Unless you’re Allen. He sounded like he maybe didn’t even realize they were.
“It feels good to get a W. It’s hard to win in this league,” Allen said.
Over time, these generic statements with Allen will probably grow old, they did with Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott. But it’s a big step in the right direction for Allen’s growth. He’s simply not settling on the successes he builds.
“We’re trusting the process,” Allen said.
Those little, subtle things are showing that Allen, at minimal, has the tools to put the whole package together. Not even mentioned yet in this piece is how Allen was the first Bills player on the field prior to warm ups, three hours before the opening kick. Allen’s ability to be a leader was pointed out on the television broadcast as Allen was spotted gathering the offensive starters together on the sideline and preached for them to finish the game off in the second half. Don’t let up.
It might not be a big deal to Allen himself, but the rookie was pretty damn convincing on Sunday, both on and off the field. He might just be able to do this quarterback thing.