Bills QB Josh Allen Makes Bold Statement on Polarizing Aspect of His Game

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GettyFormer New York Jets pass rusher Bryce Huff trying to make a play during an NFL game.

The Buffalo Bills have stressed to quarterback Josh Allen the need to cut down on the number of hits he takes, but it’s not clear if the message is getting through.

Both general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott have said publicly that they want to see Allen playing more carefully when carrying the ball, avoiding the big hits that he often initiates himself on long runs in order to stay healthy for the long term.

Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show” this week, Allen said he’s not ready to put that aspect of his game away just yet.

Bills QB Feels ‘Good Enough’ to Take Big Hits

When asked by McAfee if he might still be willing to barrel into defenders as he has in the past on runs, Allen said it comes down to how he’s feeling that week. The Bills quarterback has been bothered by a hand injury for much of this season, but said he’s good enough to take some contact in Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.

“Depending on the week,” Allen said. “I think body feels good enough to do it this week, if need be.”

The answer may not sit well with some of the top brass in Buffalo. After Allen ran the ball a career-high 124 times in the 2022 season — often taking hits at the end of runs rather than sliding or going out of bounds — Beane said it added up to too much wear and tear on the quarterback.

“The only thing I’d get on to him is he’s got too many bruises on him,” Beane said, via the Democrat & Chronicle. “And we’ve got to work on taking less hits. That’s the only reason I’m going to ever criticize Josh is just take less hits.”

McDermott has relayed similar sentiments, saying over the past few seasons that he wants to see Allen cut down on initiating contact with defenders.

Allen has faced some continued criticism for not going down, though has made more efforts in the last two seasons to avoid hits when he can. Allen is on pace for just 88 rushing attempts this season, which would be a career low. He still remains one of the team’s go-to ballcarriers near the goal line and has three rushing touchdowns this season.

Josh Allen Trying to Cut Down on Mistakes

Allen did say he’s been trying to play more carefully in other aspects, especially turnovers. After throwing 47 total interceptions over the previous three seasons, Allen has just two this year.

The Bills quarterback said he’s been trying harder not to force the ball.

“Making a conscious effort not to not throw interceptions, but to make good decisions with the football and where I’m throwing it,” Allen said.

But Allen also conceded that there’s another factor in his low interceptions this year — luck.

“And honestly, I’ve thrown a few and they’ve just dropped them,” he said. “So I understand that piece too, that sometimes it goes your way and it’s gone our way a couple times.”

Nathan Dougherty is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. Previously he wrote for the Rochester Business Journal and served as the assistant editor of athletic trade magazines Coaching Management, Athletic Management and Training & Conditioning. He is based out of Rochester, New York, and loves everything football. More about Nathan Dougherty

Bengals’ Joe Burrow on missed Ravens penalties on 2-point attempt: ‘I’ve never really gotten those calls’

CINCINNATI — The tension was palpable in the final moments of Sunday’s AFC North showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens, a game that would prove to be both dramatic and controversial. With just seconds remaining, the Bengals found themselves in a crucial 2-point conversion attempt following a late touchdown that had cut Baltimore’s lead to 34-33.

As the play unfolded, Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow targeted Ja’Marr Chase in the end zone, but the play was disrupted by contact from Ravens’ defenders, which many in the Bengals’ camp believed should have been called as defensive pass interference or holding. However, no flags were thrown by the referees, and the Ravens held on to their one-point advantage.

After the game, Burrow, known for his calm demeanor and competitive spirit, was asked about the non-call that sealed the Bengals’ fate. His response was candid and revealing:

“I’ve never really gotten those calls,” Burrow said, referencing his history with controversial officiating calls, particularly in tight situations. “I’ve been in a lot of close games and, you know, those penalties—like the one on that 2-point conversion—just never seem to go my way.”

The Controversial 2-Point Conversion Attempt

The Bengals’ final chance to tie the game came after an explosive touchdown pass to Tee Higgins that made it a 34-33 game with under a minute left. Head coach Zac Taylor made the decision to go for the 2-point conversion, attempting to take the lead right there instead of kicking an extra point.

Burrow, confident as ever, dropped back and fired a quick pass toward Ja’Marr Chase, but as the ball sailed toward him, Ravens’ cornerback Marlon Humphrey made physical contact with Chase—pushing him slightly off course and affecting his ability to make the catch.

The ball sailed incomplete, and despite loud protests from the Bengals sideline and their fans in the stands, no penalty flag was thrown. The Ravens escaped with a narrow 34-33 victory.

The Fallout

The missed penalty call quickly became the main talking point following the game. Several Bengals players, including Chase and wide receiver Tyler Boyd, expressed frustration over the non-call, insisting that the contact was clearly against the rules. But it was Burrow’s words that carried the most weight in the post-game analysis.

“It was a bad call, but it’s something I’ve come to expect in this league,” Burrow continued. “We’ve had calls like that go against us in the past, and it’s frustrating because we know how crucial those moments are. But we’ll take it on the chin. I trust my teammates, and we’ll get them next time.”

The Larger Context

Burrow’s comments reflect a wider sense of frustration that has followed him throughout his young career. While the Bengals have experienced a dramatic turnaround since Burrow’s arrival in 2020, the team has often been on the receiving end of controversial calls. The missed penalty on Sunday adds to a list of instances where fans, analysts, and players alike have questioned officiating decisions during key moments of close games.

It’s worth noting that Burrow’s frustration isn’t with the referees in particular, but rather the sense that certain calls seem to go against the Bengals more often than not. In previous seasons, similar moments of high drama, particularly in playoff games, have drawn attention to the Bengals’ often-unfavorable officiating.

One notable instance was the 2021 AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs, where there was outcry over some perceived missed calls in the second half. Despite those challenges, Burrow and the Bengals have consistently shown resilience, using adversity as fuel for motivation.

The Playoff Implications

While the missed 2-point conversion attempt was a tough pill to swallow, the Bengals are still well-positioned in the AFC playoff race. The game against the Ravens, though heartbreaking, was just one of many critical divisional matchups that could have far-reaching consequences as the season progresses.

With Burrow at the helm, the Bengals have continued to remain a formidable playoff contender, and despite Sunday’s loss, they are not backing down. Burrow’s leadership and determination are qualities that have made him a fan favorite in Cincinnati, and his ability to stay focused on the bigger picture remains one of his strongest attributes.

The AFC North remains a tight race, and with Cincinnati still in the hunt, Burrow’s “next time” mentality is likely to drive them as they move on to their next challenge.

What’s Next for the Bengals?

Cincinnati will quickly turn their attention to their next opponent, and with Burrow’s leadership, they will look to bounce back from this disappointing loss. The team still has plenty of games ahead and is well aware that every contest is a chance to make a statement and continue their playoff push.

As for the officiating, Burrow’s comments serve as a reminder that even in the midst of adversity, he remains focused on the bigger goal: winning. While the 2-point conversion controversy may sting for now, the Bengals’ playoff hopes are far from dashed.

The Cincinnati Bengals‘ road to the postseason is still alive, and Burrow, despite the missed calls and close losses, will continue to lead the charge.

“He was a good coach, but sacking him was the best option; we deserve better.” Saints incredible RB Alvin Kamara [AK 41] gave his humble opinion over Dennis Allen’s sack

“He was a good coach, but sacking him was the best option; we deserve better.” Saints’ incredible RB Alvin Kamara (AK41) gave his humble opinion over Dennis Allen’s dismissal. He went on by saying, “At the end of the day, we play this game to win championships, and as a team, we all hold ourselves to the highest standard. Dennis is a good guy, a knowledgeable coach, but sometimes the message just doesn’t get through, and you need a change to ignite something new. It’s not personal—it’s about what’s best for the team and for the future of the franchise.”

Kamara acknowledged that Allen had his strengths, especially as defensive coordinator, but felt the team had plateaued under his leadership. “We’ve had some good moments, no doubt,” he continued. “But in the NFL, consistency and the ability to elevate your team year in and year out is what separates the good from the great. We weren’t getting the results we needed.”

The Saints, who had a solid defense but struggled offensively, especially in key moments, were in need of a reset. Kamara, as one of the team’s most vocal leaders, felt the shift in leadership could be the spark they needed. “We’ve got talent. We’ve got guys who can make plays. But we need someone who can bring out the best in us, who can push the right buttons and get us to play to our full potential.”

Though the decision to fire Allen wasn’t easy, Kamara believes it was the right one for the long-term success of the team. “It’s always tough to see a coach go, but this is business, and we have to move forward,” Kamara concluded. “We deserve a chance to win, and that’s what we’re focused on now.”