The Buffalo Bills and their fans are no strangers to disappointment. Throughout their history, they have been plagued by setbacks, close calls, and missed opportunities. However, for the past few years, there has been a glimmer of hope in the form of quarterback Josh Allen. After an incredible MVP-worthy season, one would expect him to finally receive the recognition and respect he deserves. Unfortunately, it seems like the nightmare of being underrated and underestimated is far from over for Buffalo.
It is no secret that the NFL can be a fickle league, and its ranking season often feels like a never-ending rollercoaster ride. Just when one team or player is praised and celebrated, they are quickly brought back down to earth by the critics and skeptics. This is a feeling that the Bills and their fans know all too well. Despite Allen’s impressive performances and statistics, he has continuously been overlooked and undervalued by many experts and analysts.
One of the most glaring examples of this is the recent Top 100 rankings released by CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco. In a list that includes the top players in the league, Allen was surprisingly ranked at a lowly 87. This decision has sparked outrage among Bills Mafia and rightfully so. How can a player who was in the MVP conversation for most of the season be placed so low on a list of the best players in the league?
Many have argued that this is just another case of the “yeah, but” treatment that Buffalo and its players have faced in the past. The “yeah, but” treatment is when a player’s achievements and successes are downplayed or discredited with a simple “yeah, but” followed by an excuse or negative observation. In Allen’s case, it seems like his critics are quick to point out that he is only successful because of the Bills’ system and supporting cast.
This is not a new concept for the Bills and their fans. In the past, players like Bruce Smith, one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history, faced similar criticism. Despite racking up an impressive 200 sacks, some still questioned whether he was truly a great player or just a product of the Bills’ defensive system. This unfortunate narrative has continued to haunt the team and its players, and Allen is just the latest victim.
However, what is truly frustrating about this disrespect towards Allen is that he has proven time and time again that he is so much more than just a “system player.” His incredible arm talent, mobility, and leadership have all contributed to his success on the field. He has grown and improved as a quarterback in every aspect, and his numbers speak for themselves. In the 2020 season, Allen threw for over 4,500 yards and 37 touchdowns, while also rushing for eight touchdowns.
But perhaps the most telling statistic is his improvement from his rookie season. In 2018, Allen completed just 52.8% of his passes and threw for 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Fast forward to 2020, and he completed 69.2% of his passes and had a remarkable 37-10 touchdown to interception ratio. This kind of progress and success cannot be solely attributed to a “system” or supporting cast. Allen’s hard work, determination, and talent have played a significant role in his success.
It is also worth noting that Allen’s MVP-worthy season was not just a fluke. He has consistently improved and shown his potential since joining the Bills in 2018. In his three seasons as a starter, he has led the team to back-to-back playoff appearances and has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league. His performance and leadership have also earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates and coaches.
The fact that Allen is ranked below other quarterbacks who had less impressive seasons in 2020, like Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield, only adds insult to injury. While these players are undoubtedly talented, they did not have the same level of success and impact that Allen had on his team. Yet, they are ranked higher than him on this list. It just goes to show that the disrespect towards Allen is not based on his performance, but rather on outdated stereotypes and biases.
In conclusion, it is clear that Josh Allen has once again received a major disrespect in the NFL’s ranking season. Despite his MVP-worthy season and consistent improvement, he continues to be underrated and undervalued by many experts and analysts. But Bills Mafia and
