Earlier this week, Bills head coach Sean McDermott raised some eyebrows when he announced that Josh Allen and starters would play a “healthy amount” in their preseason game vs. the Broncos.
While he didn’t specify the exact time frame, fans and media alike questioned the risk/reward of playing the MVP candidate in a meaningless preseason game due to the obvious risk of injury.
One argument for giving Allen and the starters time together on the field in a real game situation was new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey.
Making sure Allen and Dorsey are on the same page with play-calling come the regular season is pivotal. If Saturday was any indication, no one has anything to worry about.
Allen led the Bills on an eight play, 70-yard drive which was capped off by a beautiful 28-yard touchdown dart, to wide receiver, Gabriel Davis:
We missed this. 😍
📺: @nflnetwork | WIVB pic.twitter.com/KCmp3qtI9l
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) August 20, 2022
The Bills ended up taking Allen out after the drive and went on to win the game, 42-15.
After the game, Allen, who is known for his competitive spirt, was asked if he pushed to stay in the game longer.
“Whatever coach asked me to do, I’m doing,” Allen told reporters following the game. “Did feel weird to only play six once you get into that little rhythm, but shoutout to our guys playing today, playing hard, making plays. Came out with intensity from the get-go. I’m proud of how we handled ourselves today. It was good to see.”
Allen added that he wasn’t told exactly how long he’d play, but they’d go by how things felt in the moment.
“It was kind of after that series,” Allen continued. “Coach had a plan and originally thinking I might have two series or at least the first quarter, but I think just kinda how we operated and how the defense was playing, time within the first quarter kinda dwindling down, you know, just kinda what it was.”
As mentioned, the Dorsey/Allen chemistry was something to watch for. The Bills quarterback was happy with how things went.
“It is what it is. It’s preseason, we know that,” Allen stated humbly. “Things are going to be different come regular season. Obviously higher stakes and all that jazz that comes with it. But in terms of operation and getting the play into the huddle and getting out and having time to at least be at the line and make adjustments if need be, I thought we did a real good job with that today.”
The Bills will attempt to wrap-up the preseason with a perfect 3-0 record on Friday night when they head to Carolina to play the Panthers. A win would extend the Bills preseason win streak to 11 games.
Most fans would probably prefer to see Allen sit on the bench for the entirety of that game. If he does, a perfect drive would encapsulate his 2022 preseason. Perhaps a sign of much bigger things to come.
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