Buffalo Bills Quarterback Josh Allen won his first NFL MVP earlier tonight in New Orleans, Louisiana at the NFL Honors. This is Allen’s first career MVP Award after finishing top five in MVP voting three previous times. Allen was the favorite entering tonight’s awards and left the ceremony with the hardware.
The other MVP finalists were Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles Running Back Saquon Barkley, Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow, and Detroit Lions Quarterback Jared Goff. This was a relatively controversial decision, and far from a guarantee, as Jackson bested Allen in nearly every statistical category. Allen finished the regular season 14th in passing yards, tied for 7th in passing touchdowns, and led the league in QBR. Jackson finished sixth in passing yards and tied for second in passing touchdowns. Allen finished with 40 total touchdowns while Jackson finished with 45.
The Buffalo Bills quarterback was rewarded for cutting down on his turnovers, dealing with a lackluster supporting cast, and finishing with one more regular season win than Jackson. Two Bills were named to the Pro Bowl while Baltimore had an NFL-best nine Pro Bowlers. Jackson was also named First-Team All-Pro by the same voters who voted the Buffalo Bills quarterback the NFL MVP. The last time a first-team All-Pro quarterback did not win the award was in 2012 when Running Back Adrian Peterson was named NFL MVP. Did Allen deserve the NFL MVP?
Buffalo Bills Season Summary
The Buffalo Bills saw their season ended at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs for the fourth time in the last five seasons. Unfortunately, Allen and the Bills have been unable to get past the NFL’s current dynasty. Buffalo was 10th in the regular season in yards per game and second in points per game. The Buffalo offense also played well in the NFL Playoffs. They averaged 29 points per game over their three playoff contests.
Even though the NFL MVP is a regular season award, Allen acquitted himself well during the playoffs. He had six total touchdowns and 636 passing yards. It was another disappointing end to what looked like a promising season for the Buffalo Bills.
Final Thoughts
Allen has not been shy about his desire to take the Bills to a Super Bowl, and his disappointment in constantly coming up short against the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs. The Bills quarterback will have an MVP in tow, but it will not erase the sting of the playoff defeat.
