Josh Allen’s MVP-Sealing Performance in LA
The Buffalo Bills came up just short of surmounting a two-possession deficit on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, 44-42. Quarterback Josh Allen continued his record-setting 2024 campaign in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon, following up his performance on a snowy night in Buffalo. The Bills’ franchise quarterback became the first player in NFL history to throw for three touchdowns and rush for three. While the Bills fell short in what might have been the most exciting game of the season so far, Buffalo fans have no reason to fear what lies ahead.
Allen, who has played at the highest level of his career all year long, elevated his game to another level on Sunday. While completing just under 60% of his attempts, he did not turn the ball over and managed to stay upright despite nine pressures from the young and explosive Rams’ pass rush. Allen also served as the team’s leading rusher with 10 attempts for 82 ground yards and three touchdowns. With the departure of veteran receiver Stefon Diggs, the star at the helm has elevated his offense to even higher levels of explosivity.
The offense has raised their expected points added per play by 0.14 to the highest of Allen’s tenure despite the lack of a “star receiver.” Buffalo has scored the most points per game since 2020, 30.5, proving that the Wyoming product has not missed a beat with the team’s new “Everybody Eats” motto. From 2020 to 2023, Diggs commanded over nine targets per game, going for an average of 93.3 yards per game. The team’s total passing offense has declined since 2020 and is currently at 229.9 yards per game, its lowest in the period.
However, Buffalo’s rushing attack saw a rise in effectiveness in an ability to score without the air threat. In 2024, Buffalo has added 0.12 points per rush compared to the next highest of the period in 2021 at 0.07. Through Week 14, Buffalo has already scored more rushing touchdowns than any Buffalo team since 2018, with 24 on the season. Running back James Cook leads the team with 11 scores on the ground, and Allen follows with nine of his own. The constant in Buffalo’s explosive equation is Josh Allen, and that is why he deserves the NFL’s Most Valuable Player Award.