Josh Allen clearly has the respect of Chiefs' DC Steve Spagnuolo and key defensive players ahead of AFC Championship
There's nothing but competitive respect between the Chiefs and the Bills as they prepare to square off on Sunday in the AFC Championship Game. Yeah defensive coordinator knows what a challenge they have in front of them. Lining up across from two of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league is enough to give coordinators […]
There's nothing but competitive respect between the Chiefs and the Bills as they prepare to square off on Sunday in the AFC Championship Game. Yeah defensive coordinator knows what a challenge they have in front of them. Lining up across from two of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league is enough to give coordinators nightmares.
There's no denying that Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes are two of the best talents in the sport, despite Mahomes' numbers looking a bit lower this year than we're used to seeing. What's undeniable is his ability to win games. The only time he's lost this season is to Allen back in Week 11.
Chiefs' defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had nothing but the highest of praise for the quarterback he has to line up against this weekend.
"He's a premier threat in this league. I'm amazed every time I put the tape on," Spagnuolo said of Allen. "I told another coach 'now I know how other teams feel going against Patrick [Mahomes]. They just do things that are uncanny. So talented."
He has nothing but respect for Allen, and it's deservedly so. One of the Chiefs' top defensive players, cornerback Trent McDuffie, discussed what has helped Allen take the next step this year.
"He's one of those guys who is going to get out of the pocket and buy time for his receiver. This year, he's just tucking and running it, or if he doesn't see it, throwing it away. To me, that shows growth."
There's a reason Allen dramatically cut down on his turnovers this year, throwing a career-low six interceptions after throwing 18 last season. The decision making, the desire to protect the ball and drive the field instead of forcing the situation, has been a revelation for the big-armed quarterback.
Everyone knows he can make the big throw. The difference is that it doesn't feel like he needs to do it. How Allen can handle Spagnuolo's defense will be one of the biggest challenges of the game, and both sides have only the highest regard for the other.
Follow along all year for more Buffalo Bills coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on Bluesky @jonhelmkamp.bsky.social, and make sure to follow our main page @AtoZSports.bsky.social for all the latest news.
