Getty Bills quarterback Josh Allen at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2023.
The Buffalo Bills (4-3) are going through a serious offensive rough patch as they prepare to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3) on Thursday Night Football.
After three straight uninspired performances, there’s concern over how the Bills are utilizing Josh Allen, thwarting his talent as a dual-threat quarterback
While Buffalo faced criticism for letting Allen run the ball so much over the past few years, continuously putting their $258 million franchise star in harm’s way, the offense is hurting without his explosive, heroic plays.
Allen also appears more stoic during games, which has viewers wondering if the usually goofy 27-year-old feels stifled by the more reserved game plan. During a press conference on Tuesday, October 24, Allen was asked if fans will see “Fun Time Josh” back again.
“Maybe,” he said, forcing a slight smile.
“I have a lot of fun playing this game, I still do,” Allen added. “Whether I show it or not, I’m having a lot of fun.” As for his more reserved demeanor, “I think that kind of comes with the territory of growing and maturing as well. Being what this team needs, is what I need to be.”
Allen also does not believe that putting the ball in his hands is the answer for turning this offense around. “I don’t think majoring in QB runs is something that is long lasting or viable every game,” he said, while also admitting, “QB runs are hard to stop.”
“This is what captains and myself talk about — what can we do to do more for this team? So, each season is a different flow. Every game is a different situation that’s going to be asking for different things and it’s our job to figure it out.”
Josh Allen Said Maybe He Needs to ‘Think Less & Just Play Football’
Wanted to post the entire video of Josh Allen explaining how he performs better when he’s low and not hyped up. He called it “low positive”
Ever since the Bills 48-20 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 4, where Allen earned a 158.3 rating, “the highest attainable mark in a single game,” per NFL 365, the offense has regressed, and Buffalo has lost two of their last three games.
However, Allen said his mood is not dictated by the team’s performance, and believes his best performances have come when he’s entered a “low positive” mindset. “It comes down to mentality and your attitude towards it,” Allen said.
“Really after Week 2, I’ve been trying to find a zone where I get myself into throughout the game, try to stay as low as possible. I think I perform better that way… If I can limit myself, my energy and my heart rate, I feel like I can maybe think a little bit more. ”
Allen also admitted it might be time to switch up his approach. “Who knows, maybe I need to think a little bit less and just play football… Maybe I gotta be more upbeat, be a voice, be a little bit more loud, let my emotions show a little bit more. Whether I do that Thursday (against the Buccaneers) or not, I guess will come with the execution of it.”
“Obviously, everybody is having more fun when you’re winning football games and performing well. That’s first and foremost. I think execution breeds energy.”
Josh Allen is 5-0 on Thursday Night Games
GettyBills quarterback Josh Allen at FedExField on September 24, 2023.
Despite their recent struggles, the Bills are considered 8.5-point favorites to defeat the Buccaneers in Week 8. In addition to having home-field advantage, Allen is undefeated when playing on Thursday night.
“In those five wins, the Bills have averaged 28 points per game. Allen has also averaged three total touchdowns per game, 252.8 passing yards per game, a 72.2% completion percentage, and a 107.7 passer rating in those games,” per the Bills official website.