By Max Liebel
BUFFALO, N.Y.- The 2018 NFL Draft was a quarterback rich draft class that featured first round prospects like Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen and Josh Allen. Come draft day, Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Beane would have to decide who is going to be their franchise quarterback.
The Buffalo Bills traded up to the seventh overall pick to draft Josh Allen out of the University of Wyoming. The selection came with mixed reactions from fans and the media questioned whether or not Allen was the right choice. Head Coach Sean McDermott stated multiple times in the preseason that their ideal situation was to have Allen sit for a season to mature under Nathan Peterman who would be named the starter week one.
Fast forward to week one, the Bills played the Baltimore Ravens in what was one of the worst offensive performances to date only generating 150 yards of offense, and then starting quarterback Nathan Peterman being pulled after three quarters of play. McDermott would put in Allen for the remaining quarter and a half, and the offense saw the most productivity under Allen in a quarter and a half of play then they had all game.
In week two, Allen was named the starter and since then it has been a roller coaster season for the rookie. Allen struggled in a week two 31-20 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Lack of first half offensive efficency and Allen’s struggles early in the game got the team behind. Although the Bills did not pull off the win Allen had flashes of good play in the second half and aside from two interceptions played relatively well. After the game Allen spoke to the press
“We didn’t come out with a great start,” said Allen. “You start the game going three and out it puts your defense in a vulnerable situation. There is a lot to learn from this game”
The following week in an upset win against the Vikings, Allen shined and was a consistent playmaker for the Bills agaisnt a tough Minnesota team. Unlike the week before the Bills offense capatalized on early turnovers by Minnisota and the Bills offense took advantage with Allen at the helm he finished the game putting up a score through the air as well as two on the ground.
Since then the play of Allen has been inconsistent at best, getting shutout against the Green Bay Packers and playing his worst game of the season. The following week was a better showing and the Bills were able to pull off another upset victory against the Tennesee Titans. In Allen’s first five starts he has shown flashes of being the number seven pick the Bills drafted him at. On the other hand he has also shown flashes of mediocrity.
Statistics as of October 13, 2018.
Niagara Wire 