Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen on pace to lead the Bills in rushing in 2018
The Buffalo Bills are getting some record-setting production from Josh Allen this year, although it is on the ground as opposed to through the air.
The Buffalo Bills lost LeSean McCoy at the start of Sunday’s game. Normally that would mean the running game would suffer, but not with Josh Allen under center.
Allen rushed for 101 yards in Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets, one week after rushing for 135 in a loss to the Miami Dolphins.
In fact, Allen is setting record with his legs.
Josh Allen has surpassed 95+ yards rushing in three consecutive games, joining Fred Jackson, Thurman Thomas and O.J. Simpson as the only @buffalobills to ever do so.
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) December 9, 2018
He also set the NFL record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a three-game span.
Michael Vick had one of his rushing records broken ... by Josh Allen 👀 pic.twitter.com/CyQf8AilGX
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 10, 2018
Allen now has 490 rushing yards on the year, which leads the team. McCoy is next with a disappointing total of 479. Allen’s five rushing touchdowns are also the best on the team.
The fact Allen can be dynamic with his legs is a great weapon for this offense to have. Defenses have to plan around his ability to run the ball, potentially opening up the field in the passing game. The problem comes when he takes big hits.
Allen has shown he is fearless when running the ball, but he has still taken some shots. Diving into the end zone for a touchdown is exciting to watch. However, it is cringe-worthy when the franchise quarterback is the one putting his body on the line in what is essentially a meaningless game in the grand scheme of his career.
The rookie leading the team in rushing illustrates how this offense needs more playmakers in 2019. McCoy has dealt with injuries and one could argue the blocking has been dismal, but his numbers are still alarming.
The same goes for Chris Ivory, who only has 340 rushing yards this season.
We all knew the receivers were going to be an issue in 2018, but the running game seemed to be in good hands with McCoy leading the way.
Next. Slim playoff hopes fade away in loss to the Jets. dark
Now his name could come up in some offseason trade rumors, but his value may not be where it was at the start of the season. Whatever happens, the Bills need a better plan in 2019 so Allen isn’t being relied upon to carry both the running and the passing game.