Josh Allen shines for Buffalo Bills in week 1 victory

It started out a bit rough for the Buffalo Bills offense in week 1 vs the Arizona Cardinals. But as the game progressed, they settled in and began to build success. And as most Bills offensive performances do, this one had Josh Allen at the center of it.

Allen finished the game with a 0.53 EPA per play on dropbacks and a 0.20 EPA per rush. For reference, the 49ers led the NFL in 2023 in dropback EPA per play at 0.298 and in rushing EPA per play at 0.034.

From a raw stats perspective, Allen finished the game going 18/23 for 232 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air, while also adding 9 carries for 39 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. And in doing so, routinely displayed the athleticism and controlled chaos style he's become known for.

After an inefficient and muddy start, Allen began to play at the mutant level we’ve become accustomed to seeing him play at. He routinely evaded free rushers and pressure in general, made plays with his legs off script and by design, and threw darts on a decently windy day in Buffalo. He also made alerts at the line based on defensive looks, and checked into advantageous adjustments. Including one on a touchdown pass to Mack Hollins.

What was also encouraging from Allen (and the offense) in this game, was the target and catch distribution. 10 Bills players saw targets today, with 9 players making at least 1 catch, and 5 players making at least 2. In a season where the team has emphasized a more by committee approach in the pass game in the absence of Stefon Diggs, this opening performance was a positive step in that direction.

There’s still a long way to go in the 2024 season, but in a year where there is potentially more focus on Josh Allen than ever before, he answered the call with a strong day to kick things off.