Grading Josh Allen’s performance against the Bucs in Week 14
By Aaron Tully
In Week 14, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills lost a 33-27 overtime heartbreaker to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a game where they nearly erased a 21-point halftime deficit.
The Bills went extremely pass-heavy on Sunday and Allen threw a career-high 54 passes and completed a career-high of 36 passes.
On those 54 attempts, Allen threw for 308 yards, two scores, and an interception. Allen averaged 5.7 yards per attempt on the day, which is not great, but considering that he almost single-handedly brought the Bills back, the inefficiency can be excused. Allen also rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown on 12 attempts.
Allen and Stefon Diggs connected seven times for 74 yards and would have connected for the go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter. However, a missed defensive pass interference on Tampa cornerback Carlton Davis was not called and led to fourth down.
Allen and Cole Beasley finally got back in rhythm, connecting nine times for 64 yards. Allen also continued to get Gabriel Davis involved, finding him five times for 43 yards and the touchdown that brought the Bills within three.
Allen and Dawson Knox also connected seven times for 60 yards and a touchdown in what was a nice bounce-back effort from Knox. Knox continues to be a key member of the offense, and when he and Allen are in rhythm, Knox is the clear number two option in the passing game.
Josh Allen’s decision-making was okay outside of the really bad interception he threw right before halftime. It was a throw that never should have been made, but he had no time to find the right throw to make.
Week 14 Grade for Josh Allen: A-
Josh Allen receives an A- grade for his performance in Week 14. Allen single-handedly brought the Bills back from the dead in this game and showed why he is indeed the franchise guy.
The Bills’ quarterback posting career highs in attempts and completions, as well as nearly beating Tampa Bay after going down 24-3 means that this was one of the better efforts of his career, and he should and has been commended around the league as being one of the league’s best quarterbacks. The only reason that he does not get an A+ is because of the interception.
Must Read. Which Buffalo Bills stood out in Week 14?. light
Next week, Josh Allen and the Bills return to Orchard Park to take on a reeling Carolina Panthers team that has a sneaky good defense. Josh Allen is day to day with a foot sprain, but the Bills better hope he can play against Carolina in a game that is now crucial to their playoff hopes.
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+
Week 12: B+
Week 13: B