The Buffalo Bills secured a thrilling 35-31 victory over the New England Patriots on December 17, 2023, thanks to a remarkable performance by quarterback Josh Allen. After trailing 24-7 at halftime, Allen’s leadership and skill propelled the team to improve their record to 10-4 this season. Following the game, Bills head coach Sean McDermott expressed his admiration for Allen’s consistent excellence in the league.
Speaking with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, McDermott highlighted Allen’s ability to perform under pressure, stating, “I can’t, in my mind, imagine anybody else has done more for their team on a more consistent basis than Josh Allen.” Allen’s statistics from the game underscored his impact; he completed 19 of 28 passes for 193 yards, including three touchdowns and no interceptions, while also rushing for 48 yards on 11 carries.
As of the following Monday, Allen ranked sixth in the NFL with a 66.4 adjusted QBR and fourth with a 104.3 passer rating, according to Pro Football Reference. Additionally, he was tied with Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams for the league lead in combined passing and rushing touchdowns, each boasting 37. Allen also ranked fourth in the NFL with 3,811 combined passing and rushing yards.
As the MVP race heats up, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Stafford as the favorite at -300 odds, with New England quarterback Drake Maye following at +425 and Allen at +550. McDermott remained confident in his quarterback’s candidacy, saying, “There is absolutely no question in my mind who the MVP of this league is.”
Allen’s performance against the Patriots was particularly significant given the context of their earlier match this season, where the Bills lost to New England in Week 5. Currently, the Bills are still chasing the Patriots in the AFC East division standings, with New England holding a 11-3 lead.
Looking ahead, the Bills will face the struggling Cleveland Browns, who currently hold a 3-11 record, on December 21. On the same night, the Patriots will compete against the Baltimore Ravens, who are standing at 7-7.
Reflecting on Allen’s pivotal role in the comeback victory, McDermott noted, “Really, the whole second half. Down 24–7 at halftime against a good football team, they’ve won 10 straight.” He likened Allen’s performance to a critical moment in a Heisman-winning campaign, emphasizing the significance of the game against a formidable opponent.
If Allen continues to find his best form as the holiday season approaches, the Bills could emerge as a team to watch in the playoffs, presenting a formidable challenge to any AFC opponent.
