Bills QB Josh Allen admits he'll have to dial back running style to limit risk

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Josh Allen acknowledges his style of play might not be the best for his long-term NFL future.

The Buffalo Bills dual-threat quarterback said he will likely have to make some changes to his game as he gets older, including his running style.

“I’ve always had the mindset of being a football player first and a quarterback second,” Allen told reporters Tuesday. “At some point it’s going to have to change. When that point comes, I don’t know. I guess I’ll let my body tell me.

“It sounds crazy, but I’m getting older. I know I can’t keep doing this. I know when I use my youth, I feel like I can, but throughout my career, I’m going to have to learn to adapt and change”.

Allen, who turns 27 in May, has been one of the league’s best quarterbacks since entering the league in 2018. Over the past two seasons, he has rushed for 763 and 762 yards, respectively, as the Bills have used Allen in the design. run plays to help get their ground game going.

While Allen has had success running the ball, that comes with a risk. Because many quarterbacks tend to slide or give up, Allen usually struggles for more yards, with 66% of his downfield runs resulting in open-field tackles. according to data from the NFL Competition Committee.

Bills coach Sean McDermott admitted in March that Allen’s percentage of runs resulting in tackles “absolutely” makes him nervous.

Allen pointed out the types of plays where he’ll likely need to be a little less aggressive to protect his health.

“There were times last year where I’m in the open field, I don’t need two extra yards,” Allen said. “Get down, slide, and live to fight another one. Again, it’s been worked up to this point, but I understand there will be a time when it won’t work so well.”

In addition to adapting his running style, Allen wants to better protect the ball heading into the 2023 season. He threw a league-high five interceptions in the red zone and led all quarterbacks with 19 turnovers (14 interceptions, five fumbles lost) last season. Over the last two seasons, Allen has racked up 36 turnovers, which some think could be in part due to his propensity for trying to make big plays instead of safer plays.

“I want to be the smarter quarterback with the football in my hands,” Allen said of limiting his turnovers. “I don’t want to jeopardize the football because I know how bad it is for our team with interceptions and fumbles.”

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