Josh Allen has taken his game to the 'next level' according to Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott, who's been impressed with the quarterback during Organised Team Activities (OTA's).
Allen is one of the finest quarterbacks in the NFL, although so far in his career it's Patrick Mahomes that's managed to dominate the AFC. Allen is yet to make the Super Bowl with a talented Bills team, but judging by McDermott's early analysis that could change next season.
Despite not achieving Super Bowl success, Allen is widely rated and many feel as though the six-foot-five quarterback could become unplayable later in his career. McDermott thinks that Allen is on "another level" already, after just two days of OTA's.
The Bills fell in the divisional round of the Play-Offs last season, just like they did in the 2021 campaign. They made it to the AFC Championship back in 2020, but although their progression has stalled, McDermott is confident that Allen has vastly improved.
"I just think Josh taking his game to another level really means being a great decision-maker," McDermott said. "We’ve talked about before this offseason — and it’s been talked about — adjusting his style of play enough to keep himself healthy and to play smarter at times as well.
"And then I just think the overall approach to the game, I’ve seen a different Josh this offseason. Not that it was bad before, but he’s got a new sense of focus, I would say, and determination — which is good."
But when being pressed for specific examples McDermott was hesitant, and is keen to watch Allen evolve over the course of the summer before making any major statements. "We’ll see today in terms of what carries over onto the field specifically," McDermott added.
"But I just think, again, his involvement in the offense, his feedback, his communication — it’s always been there. But I think even more involved approach in the offense and his dealings with coach [Ken] Dorsey and their communication and everything. So, I think that can only be good for the situation."
Allen matched his career best record in the NFL last season, ending the regular campaign 13-3. Their final tally was short of the usual 17-game total as their match against the Cincinnati Bengals was cancelled after Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest.
The Bills looked to be one of the favourites last season until stumbling in the Play-Offs, while Mahomes went on to win his second Super Bowl win with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bengals have also made the Super Bowl in recent years, with the Bills behind the rest of the AFC.
