From: Mark Konezny (Imagn Images)
The timeline for an elite NFL Quarterback is ever-changing. When on his rookie contract, the team can splash the cash and pay a premium at other positions. In today's NFL, a signal-caller who proves himself gets paid a pretty penny on his first extension. Front offices have to tighten their books, and the talent around the QB eventually has to take a hit. Teams rely on their QB to carry young talent and veterans on cheap deals. Patrick Mahomes did it the past two years and went back-to-back. Tom Brady carried the Pats offense for years. It's a rite of passage if you want to be lauded as one of the greats. That brings us to 2024, where the Buffalo Bills are relying on Josh Allen to don the Superman cape and lead the Bills to a Super Bowl.
So Josh, are you up for it? Your home opener is against a frisky Cardinals team that everyone is picking as a playoff dark horse. It's safe to say he was. 17 had his offense humming in Week 1. A trailing game script against Arizona allowed Josh Allen to show off his superhuman talents, throwing two touchdowns and adding another two on the ground. With Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis gone, who stepped up? The young gun Khalil Shakir and the cheap veteran Mack Hollins.
The Bills escaped the Cardinals, but now they take a step up in competition, traveling to the 305 to take on Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins' potent offense. Fireworks are certain to happen, so who will throw the knockout blow? Buffalo threw most of the punches, as Josh Allen sat back and dissected the Miami defense. Calculated, efficient, and composed. Don't worry, it wasn't boring, Allen still made a couple throws that made you leap off your couch. The star of the show was James Cook who gashed the Dolphins for 7.8 yards per carry and three total touchdowns.
With Josh Allen's massive contract extension kicking in, the Bills had to shift their offensive identity away from Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Buffalo is relying on Allen to elevate his young weapons, preparing for another deep playoff run. 17 saw your doubts, and is ready to put the AFC on notice.