Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is recognized as one of the most physically impressive players in the NFL. He is not only an elite passer but has also ranked in the top two among quarterbacks for rushing grades in the past three seasons.
In the opening week against Arizona, Allen carried the ball nine times for a total of 39 yards and scored two touchdowns. Unfortunately, he sustained a left-hand injury during one of those touchdown plays. Despite this setback, he continued to play on Thursday Night Football, raising concerns about whether his aggressive rushing style poses an injury risk.
Although starting quarterbacks are invaluable, particularly someone of Allen’s caliber, teams must prioritize injury risk management for franchise quarterbacks. However, Allen’s case is unique because his rushing ability is a critical element of the Bills’ offense.
Since 2020, Allen has achieved a remarkable 95.7 rushing grade, which leads all NFL players, regardless of position. He ranks just behind Lamar Jackson among quarterbacks in explosive runs during this timeframe and is the Bills’ most potent weapon in the red zone.
Analyzing Allen’s red-zone performance since 2020 shows that he boasts a 91.0 rushing grade, with 485 rushing yards and 40 rushing touchdowns, and has forced 21 missed tackles. He leads all quarterbacks in these statistics, except for touchdowns, where he ranks second behind Jalen Hurts. In contrast, the Bills’ running backs have struggled, ranking 24th in red-zone rushing grade and 29th in red-zone touchdowns during the same period.
Allen’s exceptional athleticism also enables him to perform well under pressure. Although quarterback performance under pressure is often unpredictable, Allen has consistently ranked in the top 10 for four straight years and topped the charts in both 2021 and 2022.
Specifics from Allen’s performance under pressure since 2020 include a 96.2 rushing grade, an impressive 9.1 yards per carry, and 69 first downs or touchdowns, while forcing 50 missed tackles. He was 13th in pressured passing grade last season, yet leads several rushing categories since 2020, only falling behind Jackson in the missed tackles forced category.
Moreover, Allen’s effectiveness in designed runs is vital for the Bills’ success. Among quarterbacks with at least 60 designed carries since 2020, he leads the league with an 88.7 rushing grade. Alongside Hurts and Jackson, they represent the top three in key rushing statistics.
While some may favor a more conservative strategy for the Bills, it is undeniable that Allen’s rushing prowess is immensely beneficial to their offense. At times, his ability to run has been a decisive factor in their victories. With a young receiving group and recent defensive struggles, Allen’s rushing skills could be critical for Buffalo’s hopes of securing another playoff spot.