Grading Josh Allen’s performance from Week 8 against the Dolphins
By Aaron Tully
This is the seventh entry into the 2021 Josh Allen Game Grades series. Each week, Josh Allen’s numbers, decision-making, and overall performance will be reviewed and given a letter grade.
In Week 8, the Buffalo Bills fended off the Miami Dolphins 26-11, handing Miami their second consecutive loss. It took a while, but Allen and the Buffalo offense finally found its footing in the second half.
Josh Allen’s passing numbers on the day were fine. He completed 29 of 42 passes for 249 yards, and two touchdown passes.
Allen’s efficiency dropped off again in Week 8, Allen’s second half was much better than his first. He averaged 5.9 yards per pass attempt, which is way down from the 7.5 yards an attempt he averaged against the Titans two weeks ago.
The Allen to Beasley connection was hitting on all cylinders. They connected ten times for 110 yards, a season-high for Beasley. With Dawson Knox out, Allen got Tommy Sweeney and Gabriel Davis involved. Sweeney tallied three catches for 30 yards, and Davis netted four catches for 29 yards and a wide-open touchdown in the third quarter.
Despite the slow start, Allen made highlight plays against Miami. His touchdown pass to Diggs was a strike, a throw made more impressive by the pressure in his face on the play. His escape from the pocket on the Gabriel Davis touchdown was also brilliant. His first down run in the fourth quarter where he slipped through multiple defenders was a prime example of why Allen has the most heart of any quarterback in the league.
Josh Allen’s decision-making was again fine against the Dolphins. He did not turn the ball over against Miami, but he did have a rough intentional grounding on a third down in the second quarter.
Sunday was a tale of two halves for Josh Allen. He finished with a passer rating of 100.2. He was efficient on the ground as well. He ran eight times for 55 yards and a touchdown. He led the Bills in rushing yards on the day.
Josh Allen’s Week 8 Grade: B
Josh Allen receives a B grade for his performance in Week 8. Allen was solid overall but carried by a great second half.
Week 8 was a good bounce-back win for the Bills. They won ugly against a division rival, which is not uncommon, and is a situation that the Bills will benefit from come playoff time.
It was encouraging that Josh Allen was able to flash his resilience and grit after a slow first half that clearly frustrated him. He showed a little swagger during a scuffle between the two teams, waving goodbye to the Dolphins. Allen will look to have a more complete performance against a bad, undisciplined Jacksonville defense next week.
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Previous Weeks’ Grades:
Week 1: C
Week 2: C+
Week 3: A+
Week 4: B
Week 5: A+
Week 6: A-