Josh Allen for MVP? It is time to Bill-ieve it.
The Buffalo Bills enter their bye week sitting 9-2 and just outside the AFC’s top seed.
As ever, a big part of that is Josh Allen’s success with ball in hand.
So, the question is: Will this be the year Josh Allen gets crowned MVP?
What does it take to win the MVP?
In the last 20 seasons, quarterbacks have won this end of season award 17 times.
Adrian Peterson was the last non-quarterback to win it in 2012. He had to rush for 2,097 yards to get the title. No doubt one of the greatest rushing seasons of the modern era.
There are only three active players who have won the MVP – Patrick Mahomes (2), Lamar Jackson (2) and Aaron Rodgers (4).
The last Buffalo Bill to do it? Thurman Thomas. He racked up 2,038 yards from scrimmage in 1991 while leading Buffalo to a Super Bowl defeat to the then Washington Redskins.
The Bills are due an MVP. It has been 33 years.
How has Josh Allen faired in the past?
In 2020, Josh Allen had 8% of the MVP votes and finished second to Aaron Rodgers – who had 88%.
In 2022, Josh finished third behind Jalen Hurts and winner Patrick Mahomes.
Last year, Allen ranked fifth, with Lamar Jackson taking his second title.
What is the argument for ‘Allen for MVP’?
Ball Security
Allen has five interceptions through 11 games this year. If this continues, he is certainly finishing with fewer than 10.
His proclivity for throwing bone-headed interceptions while trying to be ‘Superman’ has always frustrated Bills fans and admirers from across the league.
Resolving that, will certainly help the voters side with him.
Prime Time lives long in the memory
Playing in Prime Time games helps the rhetoric as voters and social media take a hold of your clips – whether good or bad.
Allen impressed in wins over the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this year.
The game against the Baltimore Ravens was a blemish – but the touchdown run against the Kansas City Chiefs last week will have done wonders for erasing previous transgressions from memories.
The Surrounding Cast
Gone are Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis – two key weapons in the offense.
Yet Buffalo continues to be relevant and dynamic.
Josh Allen is getting more out of Dalton Kincaid and rookie Keon Coleman. Even depth players are featuring in this offense courtesy of Allen spreading the ball around.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, Allen is doing what he needs to claim MVP this season.
Of course, it may not be down to what he does.
It might be down to what a certain Lamar Jackson continues to do.
