Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) – Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has been publicly talking for years about quarterback Josh Allen not putting himself in harm’s way on the football field.
Allen looks at himself as a football player first and a quarterback second. He will be 27-years-old in May, and says he’s starting to realize that maybe some things need to change.
“I’m trying to dive in deeper with [offensive coordinator Ken] Dorsey, just trying to be the best leader, teammate and quarterback that I need to be for this team, to win football games," said Allen on Tuesday with the media in Orchard Park. "You’ve got to look from within, like taking care of myself on the field. Whether it’s taking hits or protecting the football, not putting the ball in harm’s way, just finding better ways.”
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Last year stuck in Allen’s mind, because it was mentally draining and the team didn’t play well in the playoffs against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“There were a lot of times last year where I was being careless with the football, careless with my body,” Allen said. “At the end of the day, availability is the best ability.”
When Allen gets onto a football field and he’s staring down a key fourth down play, there’s just been no way that he’s not going to try to run over the opposing linebackers or safeties. Now, he said that mindset may have to change.
“I’m getting older,” Allen joked, which made 32-year-old Micah Hyde chuckle. “I can’t continue to do this. I know when I’m using my youth I think I can, but over the course of my career, I’m going to have to learn how to adapt and change.
“I’ve always had the mindset that I’ve been a football player first and a quarterback second. At some point, that’s going to have to switch, but when that point is? I don’t know, I guess I’ll let my body tell me,” Allen said. “I want to be the smartest quarterback with the football, and I don’t want to put the ball in harm’s way. I know how detrimental that is for our team with the interceptions and the fumbles.”
The runs that Allen is talking about is when he’s in the open field and tries to run over people just to get an extra two yards. He feels he must learn how to slide in those situations.
A lot has been made about things Stefan Diggs has said in the offseason after the Bills' loss to the Bengals. Some have been pushing the narrative that Diggs and Allen no longer get along. Allen says nothing could be further from the truth.
“Stef’s going to Stef, but I love the guy. He’s one of my favorite people on this planet," Allen said. "He’s so fiery, he’s so competitive, he wants the ball in his hands 24/7. I’m never not going to like a guy like that.
“He wants what’s best for the team. I know he’s not here right now, and I wish he was here. I’m just looking forward to getting back with him to work on things, because he’s the best receiver in the league.”
Damar Hamlin has been fully cleared by doctors to resume his NFL career. Hamlin is in Orchard Park working out with his teammates. Allen sysd he hasn’t seen Hamlin yet, because the defense works out at different times from the offense. However, he can’t wait to give his friend, teammate and brother a huge hug.
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