Josh Allen has been making waves in the NFL, and after a spectacular performance in Week 13, he has earned the prestigious title of AFC Offensive Player of the Week. But what did he do to deserve such an honor? Let’s break it down.
Unforgettable Performance in Challenging Conditions
On a frigid Sunday night, the Buffalo Bills faced off against the San Francisco 49ers, and Allen was nothing short of phenomenal. He led his team to a resounding 35-10 victory, showcasing his skills in what can only be described as blizzard-like conditions. With 166 total yards of offense and an impressive 76.5% completion rate, Allen was in a league of his own.
What makes this performance even more remarkable is the fact that he accounted for four total touchdowns. This included a unique feat that has never been seen in NFL history. Allen became the first player ever to record a passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown in a single game.
A Historic Touchdown
The highlight of the evening came when Allen executed a brilliant play that showcased his versatility. He threw a pass to wide receiver Amari Cooper in the red zone. But instead of just standing back and watching, Cooper lateraled the ball back to Allen, who then dashed into the end zone for a touchdown.
"I was wondering what he was doing over there," Cooper said with a chuckle after the game. "I figured he was over there because he wanted the ball, so I gave it to him."
This play not only secured a touchdown for Allen but also marked the fourth time in NFL history that a player has thrown and caught a touchdown on the same play. The other instances involved quarterbacks catching their own passes after they were deflected.
Allen’s Career Highlights
In the postgame interview, Allen expressed his excitement about the play. "It’s got to be up there," he stated. "I wish he got credited for something there, an assist or a passing touchdown." He continued, "I just kind of chased the ball to be there and we made eye contact… It was dope."
This performance is just another chapter in Allen’s impressive career. This season alone, he has amassed 2,691 passing yards, thrown 20 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. Additionally, he has rushed for 334 yards and scored six rushing touchdowns. With stats like these, it’s no wonder he’s being considered a strong candidate for the MVP award.
Controversy Surrounding the Award
While Allen’s performance was undoubtedly deserving of recognition, there was some debate among fans regarding the Offensive Player of the Week award. Many believed that Jerry Jeudy of the Cleveland Browns should have received the honor instead. Jeudy had a jaw-dropping game against the Denver Broncos, catching nine passes for 235 yards and a touchdown, averaging an impressive 26.1 yards per reception.
However, despite Jeudy’s stellar performance, the Browns fell short, losing 41-32. This raises the question: should individual performances be weighed more heavily than team outcomes when considering awards?
Looking Ahead: MVP Contender
As the season progresses, Allen is not only focused on weekly accolades but also on the ultimate prize: the MVP award. He is in fierce competition with other stars like Lamar Jackson and Saquon Barkley, both of whom are also having standout seasons.
With the playoffs approaching, every game counts, and Allen’s performance will be crucial for the Bills as they aim for a deep postseason run. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his unique skill set, makes him a formidable opponent on the field.
NFL Important Dates
As we look forward to the rest of the NFL season, here are some key dates to keep in mind:
- August 1: Hall of Fame Game – Houston Texans vs. Chicago Bears
- August 8: Pre-season begins
- August 27: Deadline for 53-man rosters
- September 1: Final day of pre-season
- September 5: Season opener – Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- November 5: Trade deadline
- January 5: Week 18 of regular-season
- January 11: Playoffs begin
- February 9: Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana
As fans, we can only watch in awe as Allen continues to break records and lead his team. With his incredible talent and determination, the sky is truly the limit for this rising star in the NFL. Will he secure the MVP title? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Josh Allen is a name that will be remembered in football history.
