Josh Allen is trying to play coy about an offensive change Bills fans have been waiting to see
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is trying to play coy, but no one is buying it.
From 2019 to 2024, the Buffalo Bills averaged 87 deep throws (20-plus yards) per season.
In 2025, however, the Bills only attempted 23 deep throws.
Splash plays are a huge part of winning games in the NFL. And while the Bills were still a good team last season, they obviously didn’t go as far as they wanted to go (which is why there was a coaching change).
The good news for Bills fans is that reporters have noticed that Buffalo has been stretching the field a decent amount in training camp.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen was asked on Thursday if the deep ball is something that’s being emphasized in 2026.
“I think it’s figuring out what we can and can’t do and understanding what guys are good at,” said Allen. “We’re not going to go into the season emphasizing that we need to push the ball downfield. We’re going to push the ball if it’s there, but definitely putting ourselves in positions where we can take those opportunities when they’re there.
“So that’s just kind of been a product of what we’re calling and what the defense has given us. But feeling good about the deep ball right now, and just got to keep trusting it.”
Allen tried to downplay that it’s something that will be emphasized this season, but he’s clearly feeling good about throwing the deep ball to this group of receivers.
That probably has a lot to do with the addition of DJ Moore, who has averaged 13.5 yards per reception for his career (he averaged 18.1 yards per reception on 66 catches in 2020 with the Carolina Panthers).
“He can erase a lot of mistakes,” said Allen when asked about Moore. “Honestly, it’s just give him a chance to catch the ball and get the ball in his hands.”
A big part of the reason the Bills didn’t throw the ball downfield more last season is because wide receivers struggled to create separation.
Allen, though, actually took some blame for the downfield passing issues on Thursday by saying he had some mechanical issues.
That’s just Allen being a good leader. Anyone who watched Buffalo last season knows the opportunities just weren’t there.
Either way, it’s clear that Allen is feeling good about the deep ball right now, and I’d expect to see quite a bit more deep throws from the Bills’ offense this fall.
