The 2024 NFL season saw the Buffalo Bills and their star quarterback Josh Allen making headlines, both for their offensive achievements and the controversies surrounding Allen's decision-making. The Bills finished the season with historic offensive records, becoming the first team to score over 30 passing and 30 rushing touchdowns, reflecting their dynamic offensive depth and excellent teamwork.
Allen, who played the final regular season game against the New England Patriots, finished with remarkable statistics: 3,731 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 531 rushing yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns. This performance has put him firmly within the MVP conversation, competing against strong contenders such as Lamar Jackson and Saquon Barkley. His completion rate stood at 63.6 percent, with only six interceptions throughout the season, marking it as one of his most consistent performances to date.
Despite all these achievements, Allen’s decision to play only one snap during the final game against the Patriots sparked debate. The Bills had already secured the AFC East title and the second seed for the playoffs, making the matchup largely inconsequential. Yet, Allen took the first snap of the game, handing the ball off to running back James Cook before quickly stepping off the field, extending his streak of consecutive starts to 115 games, the longest among current NFL quarterbacks.
This decision raised eyebrows, with many questioning the necessity of such a move. Critics branded it as "stat padding," asserting it was more about preserving personal records than team strategy. One fan reacted on social media, "Starting for one play is crazy," highlighting the contention surrounding his decision. Others felt Allen should have been rested entirely, especially considering the game’s lack of significance for playoff positioning.
Yet, Allen’s participation, even for just one play, served not only to keep his streak alive but also highlighted his commitment to the team. Bills head coach Sean McDermott pointed out prior to the game, “I’m not surprised [to see Allen play], maintaining this streak was important to him.” Allen's streak is impressive when compared to the second longest, held by Detroit’s Jared Goff, who has 51 consecutive starts.
While many fans wanted to see Allen take the field longer, others praised his dedication to the Bills franchise. A local fan expressed their admiration, saying, "He is the king! The city and franchise rightfully deserve to have this guy as our QB!" The moment when he signed autographs for military servicemen also showcased his character off the field, earning praise from fans and commentators alike.
The criticism surrounding Allen's appearance against the Patriots did not overshadow the overall positive reception of his stellar season. Allen’s performance was instrumental to the Bills’ offensive capabilities this year, and he continuously demonstrated leadership. Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown stated, “I don’t know what more else he could do,” emphasizing the impressive body of work Allen produced.
With this season under his belt, the stakes for Allen have significantly increased as he heads toward the playoffs. The Bills will face the Denver Broncos on January 12 for the wildcard round, and Allen’s performance will be closely monitored. The interplay between personal achievements like the consecutive starts record and team success will remain central to the narrative as the team progresses through the playoffs.
Looking forward, Allen remains one of the top contenders for the MVP title. Each game will be pivotal in his bid, and he will need to resist the pressures of both following through with personal records and securing victories for his team. The playoffs bring heightened expectations, and the assessment of whether Allen can lead the Bills to their first Super Bowl championship will be the overarching storyline entering January.
Allen's interesting blend of personal milestones and team goals paints the picture of not just an athlete, but of someone embodying the hopes of the Buffalo community. Fans are optimistic, holding on to the belief not just for personal glory but for ultimate success for the franchise. Certainly, the discussions surrounding his MVP candidacy will continue, with fans eagerly anticipating how deep the Bills can go this postseason.