Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has drawn some pushback for embellishing hits across his career in an attempt to draw penalties, with a play in Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs sparking new attention.
Allen took off running on a fourth-quarter play and the Bills leading 28-21, then slid to avoid a hit from a Chiefs defender. As he slid down, Allen took a light hit from a Chiefs player who touched his helmet to end the play — leading Allen to throw his head back in what appeared to be a mock “flop.”
The play drew some immediate pushback, with some fans taking to social media to call out Allen.
Fans Split on Josh Allen’s Play
Many fans took to social media to react to Allen’s play, with some calling out the Bills quarterback. Celtics reporter Ian Inangelo compared Allen to an NBA player flopping in an attempt to draw a foul.
“Josh Allen belongs in the NBA with that flop,” Inangelo wrote in a post on X.
Some fans wanted to see NFL players called for penalties on obvious flops, as NBA referees are allowed to call.
“They should be able to throw unsportsmanlike conduct on flops like that,” a fan posted on X.
Others suggested that the criticism toward Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes should be directed to Allen instead.
“Josh Allen is what everyone thinks Pat is.. What a flop,” a fan wrote.
Others noted that Allen has always tried to draw penalties when he can, embellishing late hits and sometimes calling referees when he believes a penalty went uncalled.
“Allen has always been a flopper. The game is the game,” a fan shared in a post on X.
Despite the controversial play, Allen had a strong day against the Chiefs. The Bills quarterback rushed for two touchdowns and threw another touchdown to tight end Dalton Kincaid while leading the Bills to the win.
Some Bills fans defended Allen, who was seen on the broadcast smiling after the play. Many of them believed that Allen was not being serious, instead joking about the reputation he has gained for selling hits.
The Bills came into the day needing a win to keep pace with the New England Patriots. Their AFC East rival moved to 7-2 with a win over the Atlanta Falcons, ensuring that the Bills would remain in second place even with a win.
Josh Allen Has Drawn Criticism Before
This is not the first time this year that fans have accused Allen of flopping during a game. In the team’s September win over the New York Jets, Allen was accused of selling a late hit that was actually called for a penalty.
On a third-down pass in the first quarter, Allen was hit late and the Jets took a penalty for roughing the passer. Some fans claimed that Allen “flopped” by throwing his head back, though some Bills fans defended their quarterback.
“What a flop by Josh Allen,” wrote KSHB producer Nick Jacobs in a post on X. “He is giving Vlade Divac vibes.”
Bills QB Josh Allen’s ‘Flop’ Against Chiefs Sparks Backlash