Buffalo Bills' head coach Sean McDermott has expressed concerns about the sustainability of quarterback Josh Allen's playing style.
Although Allen's running ability is one of his strengths, McDermott believes that such a brand of football is not a healthy way to play quarterback in the league. McDermott cited data showing Allen getting hit on 66% of his down-field rushes during the 2022 season and the need to make adjustments as Allen approaches his 27th birthday.
Buffalo #Bills head coach Sean McDermott wants QB Josh Allen to begin taking fewer hits in 2023:
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 27, 2023
“I don't think that's a healthy way to play quarterback in this league and it's undefeated that things are going to happen when you play that style,” McDermott said. “We have to get… pic.twitter.com/K7p5muj21H
Despite Allen's 6'5", 237-pound frame, McDermott's concerns about the long-term sustainability of Allen's playing style are not unfounded.
Allen has rushed for 3,087 yards and 38 touchdowns through five years, with an average of 5.7 yards per carry. While he can absorb a lot of punishment, McDermott fears that injuries are inevitable.
JUKE! HURDLE! JOSH ALLEN IS RIDICULOUS!
— NFL (@NFL) October 16, 2022
📺: #BUFvsKC on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/lvvR5uS0Ex pic.twitter.com/S7HCP6UsJy
Allen acknowledges that he needs to be better in protecting himself as a ball-carrier. Still, he also believes that sometimes he needs to do what is necessary to help his team win a football game.
Veteran QB Cam Newton is a perfect example of the risks of a quarterback's punishing running style. Newton was a three-time Pro Bowler and a league MVP through his first five years but never rediscovered the same success he found in 2015. Now at 33 years old, Newton's days as a starter as essentially over, and he remains unsigned ahead of the 2023 season.
Josh Allen stampeding for the first down. #BillsMafia
— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2022
📺: #TENvsBUF on ESPN
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/j1VWc0P4Rm pic.twitter.com/SpDbVQ4EBr
While Allen has plenty of good years ahead, his failure to adapt as a runner could alter his trajectory. McDermott wants Allen to make some adjustments to his style of play, but it remains to be seen if he will.
Allen's completion percentage has declined in the last two seasons, and McDermott believes that he needs to work on that aspect of his game as well.
“JOSH ALLEN IS A BAD BAD BUFFALO BILL!”
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 17, 2019
RT to vote @JoshAllenQB for @GMFB Angry Run of the Week. 😤 pic.twitter.com/JKXtioKBZV
Given the longevity of top quarterbacks, it is essential for Allen to take care of himself and evolve his playing style to ensure he remains effective and healthy for years to come. Photo Credit: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
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