2023 NFL quarterback analysis: Buffalo Bills
Current starter: Josh Allen | Current backups: Case Keenum, Matt Barkley
State of the position: Josh Allen had unbelievable highs coupled with a few uncharacteristic lulls. Allen threw two interceptions in three straight games between Weeks 8 and 10. Allen still won 13 games despite throwing 14 interceptions because he can score from just about anywhere. This toss to receiver Gabriel Davis in Week 5 was the longest touchdown pass in the NFL this season.
Allen is 37-12 over the last three regular-seasons and had 42 total touchdowns this season (35 passing, 7 rushing). He carries the Bills rushing offense outside of the red zone too. Allen averaged 6.2 yards per attempt on the ground over the last two seasons on high volume, surpassing 760 rushing yards each of the last two seasons.
Everything revolves around the do-it-all superstar, who takes accountability when he doesn't play well.
The Bills backup quarterbacks haven't play meaningful snaps in years. A non-Allen quarterback hasn't started for the Bills since 2018, Allen's rookie season.
Backup Case Keenum attempted only seven passes this season. Mitch Trubisky threw eight passes in 2021 and Matt Barkley threw 21 passes in 2020.
The backup quarterback often has to support the starter in week-to-week preparations. Buffalo's current quarterback room seems to be supporting Allen behind the scenes. Allen has been supportive of this model, reportedly vouching for the Bills to bring back Barkley last offseason.
Allen can continue to learn from his veteran quarterbacks, as he has done since his rookie year. Allen signed a six-year, $258 million extension in 2021 that is kicking in soon, so the Bills may continue to re-sign lower-market options.
Key stat: Allen has thrown two interceptions in a game six times this season, including Buffalo's 34-31 playoff win against the Miami Dolphins.
2023 QB forecast: Barring the unthinkable, Allen will be the team's starter for 2023 — and hopefully many years afterward.
The value of Buffalo's backup quarterback isn't just on the field. Keenum had a $3.5 million cap hit in 2022, but is a free agent this offseason. Buffalo can potentially keep the quarterback room together with Keenum and Barkley for another season.
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