NFL executives and coaches are seeing what the rest of the league is seeing: Josh Allen is making a loud early case for MVP.
As the season nears its halfway point, Buffalo’s 5-1 record has been built around Allen’s production. The Bills quarterback has piled up more than 1,700 total yards and 17 total touchdowns, while posting a 75.8 QBR that sits among the league’s best at the position. He has also helped Buffalo get to 30-plus points in four of its five wins.
That output has mattered even more because the Bills’ defense has left plenty to be desired. Buffalo’s ability to keep winning with that side of the ball giving up big numbers has made Allen’s play stand out even more, though that formula is not one the Bills can lean on forever.
Cameron Wolfe of ESPN and NFL Network recently reported on a poll of 16 NFL executives, coaches and personnel people who were asked to rank the league’s MVP race so far. Allen came in at No. 2, just behind San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
The list also included honorable mentions, with both Allen and Purdy the only quarterbacks in the top five. Running backs Kenneth Walker and Bijan Robinson were included as well, along with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Wolfe pointed to the bigger picture when explaining why Allen is so high on the board. " But this award is really about value, and it's easy to picture the Bills as a non-playoff team without Allen at the helm.
His defense has performed worse than any candidate on this list -- Buffalo has given up 29-plus points in five of its six games. But the Bills are still 5-1 largely because of Allen's play on the other side of the ball."
He also highlighted Allen’s late-game showing in Buffalo’s 37-34 overtime win over the Rams. " The way Allen performed late in their 37-34 OT victory over the Rams is the most memorable MVP moment of any QB performance this season.
Allen did it primarily with his legs, rushing for career-high 121 yards -- including 91 in the fourth quarter and overtime. Allen had a 93.3 QBR in that win.
As one NFC defensive coach said, "It's gotta be Josh Allen right now. He won the game vs. the Rams by himself!!
Damn he's good!!""
Allen’s influence stretches beyond his passing, too. He’s part of Buffalo’s rushing attack, with 240 yards and 8 touchdowns on the ground.
Brock Purdy belongs in the conversation, but Allen’s importance to Buffalo feels bigger than anyone else’s to their team. Without him, the Bills don’t look anything like a 5-1 contender.
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