Bills QB Josh Allen wears a Superman cape, but is that a good thing?

The past three games, against the Dolphins, Ravens and Steelers, raise a major question about the Bills' use of Allen: Is Buffalo too reliant on its quarterback?

Allen plays a punishing brand of football, something that factored into his decision to not attend the Pro Bowl last season. Violence and fearless aren't words you typically associate with most quarterbacks, but Allen is both. He's a high-volume passer with an ability to run effectively on almost any play.

Every week the Bills' offense is put on Allen's shoulders, maybe more so than any other NFL team does with its QB. On "The Ryen Russillo" podcast, former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer discussed the concept of giving a quarterback "plays where they don't have to think" but instead "we out X and O them."

Dilfer's point is that a quarterback should not be expected to drop back 30 times a game or more and play the position the way some fans think it should be played — all-out, always aiming to score. Dilfer believes you do a QB a disservice by doing that.

According to Dilfer, Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers doesn't put on the Superman cape every play. Instead, the Packers call a significant number of easier, in-rhythm throws. About 15 times a game, they expect him to be Aaron Rodgers, superstar.

Buffalo gives Allen the easier, in-rhythm throws too. But they also just give him a lot of throws. He's averaging 39.8 passing attempts this season, fifth most in the NFL. Plus, he averages seven runs a game.

GM Brandon Beane, McDermott and quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey worked for the Carolina Panthers and witnessed the rise of Cam Newton, whose passing and high-volume running carried the team for years. That style took a physical toll on Newton, who's no longer in the NFL.

Buffalo's front-office brass resists comparisons of Allen and Newton, although the players have common styles.

Based on the team's roster and lack of a strong running game, we can expect more of the same from Allen. His style may be sustainable for the short term and earn him plaudits. During Sunday's 38-3 win over the Steelers, CBS Sports' Jim Nantz called Allen "Superman."

But is it sustainable for the long term?