Josh Allen continues to be the engine driving the Buffalo Bills through the 2025 season, and Sunday’s 35-31 win over the New England Patriots was another reminder of just how much he means to this team. Allen finished the game with 193 yards through the air on 19-of-28 passing, tossing three touchdowns in a performance that was efficient, poised, and-when it needed to be-explosive.
But while Allen keeps stacking up big-time performances, the story in Buffalo isn’t just about what’s working. It’s also about what’s not.
The Bills' defense, once a staple of Sean McDermott’s identity as a head coach, has become a point of concern. Ranked 12th in total defense, they’re allowing an average of 312.6 yards per game and have given up 39 touchdowns so far this season.
That’s not the kind of stat line you want heading into the final stretch of the year, especially with playoff positioning on the line.
Former NFL star J.J. Watt didn’t hold back when discussing Buffalo’s defensive struggles on Wednesday’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show. Watt pointed out that the shortcomings on defense are forcing Allen to go into “Superman mode” far too often.
“I think the defense is the question (for the Bills),” Watt said. “I think on offense, their tight ends are such a massive key. ...
I do think there is enough on the offensive side of the ball, because Josh is Josh. The defense is where you start to wonder and question about it.”
Watt’s not wrong. Allen’s doing everything you could ask of a franchise quarterback-and then some.
His ability to extend plays, make tough throws, and run like a fullback in the red zone is what’s keeping Buffalo in the win column. But when you’re leaning on your QB to carry the load every single week, especially in high-pressure, high-scoring matchups, that’s a dangerous game to play come January.
“If their defense can tighten it up, then that’s where it is,” Watt added. “But like you said, Superman is Superman.
And that Kansas City is not standing there in the way anymore. ... It is what it is.
It’s the reality.”
That last part hits home. Last season, Allen helped guide the Bills to a 13-4 record and a playoff berth, only to fall to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship. He threw for 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns, and added 531 yards and 12 more scores on the ground-a dual-threat stat line that would be MVP-worthy in most years.
This season? He’s right back at it.
Through 14 games, Allen has thrown for 3,276 yards and 25 touchdowns, while rushing for 535 yards and another 12 scores. He’s doing it all, and the Bills-now 10-4-are sitting second in the AFC East behind the Patriots.
But with the postseason looming, the margin for error is razor-thin. If the defense doesn’t find another gear soon, Allen’s heroics might not be enough to carry them deep into January.
Sunday’s win over the Patriots was also a reunion of sorts for wide receiver Mack Hollins, who spent last season catching passes from Allen in Buffalo before signing a two-year deal with New England in March. After the game, Hollins didn’t sugarcoat his emotions about losing to his former team.
“Hey, once we watch the tape and analyze everything, flush it,” Hollins said. “Like there’s no sense.
When you go to the bathroom, you don’t look at the s**t forever. Eventually, you got to push the handle.”
It was a colorful analogy, but the message was clear: move on, regroup, and get ready for the next one. Still, Hollins acknowledged the intensity of the game and the quality of the opponent.
“Yeah, it was a high-intensity game. Again, they’re a good team in our division. So yeah, I guess this is as close as you can get.”
The Bills don’t have much time to dwell on the win either. They’ll be back at it Sunday in a crucial matchup against the Cleveland Browns. With playoff seeding still up for grabs and the defense under the microscope, all eyes will once again be on Josh Allen-and whether he can keep playing Superman.