Introduction: EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The NFL season opener brought a cascade of unexpected twists, from Aaron Rodgers’ immediate injury to an electrifying walk-off punt return in overtime securing a stunning 22-16 victory for the New York Jets. However, one of the most significant surprises of the day was the uncharacteristic performance of Buffalo Bills’ star quarterback, Josh Allen.
A Rough Day at the Office: In a game that pitted him against rookie sensation Zach Wilson, Josh Allen looked far from his All-Pro self. His three costly interceptions, five sacks endured, a lost fumble, and several wayward throws left the Bills struggling to find their rhythm against one of the league’s elite defenses. It was a performance that ranks among Allen’s worst since he entered the NFL in 2018.
According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, Allen’s struggles were evident even when he wasn’t under pressure, averaging a mere 4.6 yards per attempt and throwing two interceptions from what should have been considered a clean pocket. The eerie similarity to his previous struggles at MetLife Stadium last season haunted Buffalo fans, as Allen had managed just 205 passing yards and two interceptions in a three-point loss on that occasion.
Taking Responsibility: A somber Josh Allen took full responsibility for his performance, acknowledging that he had forced the issue and made costly mistakes. He lamented that this experience felt all too familiar, echoing his struggles from the previous year.
A Challenging Night: The Bills held a 13-3 lead going into halftime against the Jets, but Allen’s reckless style of play prevented them from closing out the game. Head coach Sean McDermott candidly assessed the situation, acknowledging that the Bills had made it difficult for themselves, emphasizing the need to avoid self-inflicted challenges.
One of the key issues contributing to Buffalo’s struggles was their inefficiency on first down, leaving them in unfavorable positions throughout the game. Their average expected points added (EPA) for first and second downs was a concerning -0.13, a figure akin to the Indianapolis Colts’ performance for the entire previous season.
Learning from Mistakes: While Week 1 served as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of football, it’s essential to maintain perspective. Josh Allen remains an elite NFL quarterback, and such a performance is likely to be an anomaly for him. In fact, this was only the second game in his career where he turned the ball over four times.
Looking Forward: Buffalo’s Pro Bowl left tackle, Dion Dawkins, echoed the sentiment that one loss should not define the season. He emphasized the resilience of the team and their determination to move forward.
Despite the disappointment of the loss, it’s crucial for the Bills to regroup swiftly in a competitive AFC East, where the Dolphins, Jets, and Patriots all pose challenges. The Bills can ill afford for Josh Allen to revert to his worst form, as they aim to pursue their playoff aspirations in the coming weeks.
