10 NFL preseason Week 2 winners
By Ian Wharton
7. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills’ quarterback competition is playing out almost identically to the Cleveland Browns’ competition in 2017. Both depth charts lacked a legitimate veteran and clear option for the upcoming season. The Browns forced DeShone Kizer to start despite his myriad of flaws because he was easily the most gifted passer of the options, and it ended terribly.
Rookie quarterback Josh Allen seized control of the starting job on Friday night as he completed nine-of-13 attempts for 60 yards and one touchdown. He was more decisive on his throws and less flippant with the ball. His size and athleticism continues to be a challenge for defenders trying to bring him down. Physically, he’s simply much more capable of finding success than his peers.
Not all of what happened in Cleveland’s 2017 season was Kizer’s fault as he was set up for failure. Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has done a better job scheming for success than what Hue Jackson managed last year. Daboll’s schemed more heavily for these games than most teams do in the preseason, which is partially why they’ve had productive drives.
Allen should start despite the mediocre supporting cast and porous offensive line. A quality veteran would afford them the chance to bring him along slower, but wasting time with guys who should be third-stringers in Nathan Peterman and AJ McCarron will only put this regime into hot water.