Josh Allen's 'crown' may be becoming too heavy for Bills QB

Bills TE Dawson Knox says Josh Allen shouldn't be blamed for playoff loss, and he's right

When Knox learned of Allen's comments, the TE immediately deflected blame from the QB. 

"The type of leader he is — the type of man he is — he's naturally going to put it all on himself," Knox said, per The Athletic's Michael Silver. "That's something we can't let him do. He's going to keep wearing that crown. He's Superman, and he's not going anywhere."

Allen, who turns 30 on May 21, signed a six-year, $330M contract extension with the Bills before the start of the 2025 season. Despite his long-term commitment to the franchise, the 2024 league MVP may eventually consider playing elsewhere if his "crown" keeps becoming too heavy. 

The Bills opted not to make significant upgrades to their wide receiver room this offseason. Their most notable move was signing WR Joshua Palmer to a three-year, $29M deal in free agency. He finished with 303 receiving yards in 12 games before landing on injured reserve because of an ankle issue. 

The lack of a true No. 1 WR forced Allen to carry the offense once again. In 17 regular-season games, he totaled 39 touchdowns (25 passing and 14 rushing). Against the Broncos, he completed 25-of-39 passes for 283 yards and three TDs and rushed for 66 yards on 12 carries.   

However, that often forced Allen to press, which could lead to turnovers. The QB lost two fumbles and tossed two interceptions in the loss to Denver.

Now, it's on Allen — who has committed a league-leading 123 turnovers (94 interceptions and 29 lost fumbles) since entering the league in 2018 — to take better care of the ball. But defenses can often bail out a QB in the postseason. The Bills star clearly doesn't have one that can do that.

Buffalo's defense folded in key moments. It allowed Broncos QB Bo Nix to toss a go-ahead 26-yard TD pass to WR Marvin Mims Jr. with 0:55 left in the fourth quarter, giving Denver a 30-27 lead.

After Bills kicker Matt Prater drilled a 50-yard field goal to force overtime, the defense collapsed again. On the game's final drive, cornerbacks Tre'Davious White and Taron Johnson were flagged for pass interference. White also drew an unsportsmanlike conduct call for slamming his helmet on the turf in front of an official. Broncos kicker Wil Lutz subsequently made a 23-yard field goal. 

Allen wasn't perfect against the Broncos, but he's far from the team's problem. The Bills must do a better job of building around their talented QB. They're putting too much on his plate, which is one reason their Super Bowl window is on the verge of closing.