It’s a lofty claim to put Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen in the discussion for the MVP Award next season.
Let alone putting him at the top of the discussion.
But that’s exactly what one piece on NFL.com recently did. Adam Schein often praises the Bills, but took it a step further by saying Allen is his No.1 “dark horse candidate” for the 2020 MVP Award.
Here’s part of that breakdown:
Allen has all of the criteria in place to be a dark-horse MVP candidate. While he was selected seventh overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, his unrefined skill set made him a lightning rod for criticism. This only increased during an uneven rookie year when he mixed enticing athleticism with scattershot accuracy.
But Allen vastly improved in Year 2, significantly boosting his marks in completion percentage (58.8, up from 52.8 in 2018), TD-to-INT ratio (20:9, up from 10:12) and passer rating (85.3, up from 67.9). Not to mention, he showcased a definite clutch gene, leading the NFL in fourth-quarter comebacks (four) and game-winning drives (five). Behind his guidance, the Bills reached double-digit wins for the first time this millennium, making the playoffs for just the second time in the past 20 seasons.
I think this team is going places. And I think this aerial attack is about to explode. Buffalo GM Brandon Beane brilliantly traded for Stefon Diggs, giving Allen a legit No. 1 receiver. Those two will make beautiful music together. And don’t forget about Allen’s great chemistry with John Brown and Cole Beasley, which will only get better in their second season together.
The prediction goes on to peg the Bills as double-digit game winners, leading them to their first AFC East title since 1995. “Big things coming” for Allen, is said.
It’s hard to imagine Allen as an MVP candidate. But once upon a time, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, the last two MVP winners, came out of nowhere as well. Allen is probably in the best place for an MVP run, too.
Sure, adding Diggs is nice. But Brown and Beasley are back, as his Allen’s offensive line. As much as improving talent is important, so is continuity. The Bills have plenty of both ingredients around their QB ahead of the 2020 season.
On the list, Allen edges out Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and Cowboys running back Zeke Elliot for the top spot, respectively.
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