This is the eleventh 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 12, the Buffalo Bills rebounded from their Week 11 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts by beating up on a banged-up New Orleans Saints team in a 31-6 win on Thanksgiving night.
Josh Allen and the offense had little trouble moving the ball against the Saints. Allen’s stat line on the day was not bad. He completed 23 of 28 passes for 260 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Allen was much more efficient this week than he was a week ago. He averaged 9.3 yards per attempt, a significant improvement from the 5.9 he averaged against the Colts. Allen finished with a passer rating of 115.5, one of his better ratings this season.
Allen and Stefon Diggs found their rhythm again on Thursday, connecting seven times for 74 yards and a touchdown on a gorgeous route where Diggs shook Saints corner Marshon Lattimore out of his shoes. The thesis that the Buffalo offense is at its best when Diggs and Allen are in rhythm still continues to be proven true.
Allen and Dawson Knox rekindled their red zone connection in New Orleans. Knox caught two touchdowns, putting him at seven on the year, which is tied for the most among tight ends, and the most ever in a season by a Bills tight end.
Josh Allen’s decision-making was bad in the first half, but good in the second half. He threw two interceptions in the first half, however, the second one came after he had his arm hit mid-throw. Allen needs to cut down on the turnovers in a big way, especially with the defenses they are playing in their next four games.
Josh Allen’s Week 12 Grade: B+
Josh Allen receives a B+ grade for his performance in Week 12. Allen and the Buffalo offense certainly turned it on in the second half against the Saints, showing that they can still be considered one of the NFL’s best offenses. Even though Allen threw two interceptions, four touchdown passes are hard to ignore.
Josh Allen is still having an MVP caliber season, however, many would like to see more consistency out of Buffalo’s franchise quarterback. With the Bills being almost halfway through the toughest stretch of their schedule, now would be a great time for Allen to catch fire.
Previous Weeks’ Grades:
Week 1: C
Week 2: C+
Week 3: A+
Week 4: B
Week 5: A+
Week 6: A-
Week 8: B
Week 9: F
Week 10: A
Week 11: D+