At the suggestion of his head coach last week, Bills quarterback Josh Allen went out and played fearless in Buffalo's game at Miami. The result was perhaps one of the most effective performances of his young career. The league apparently thought so too, as Allen was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Week 11 victory.
Allen rolled up 256 yards through the air on 21 of 33 passing along with two touchdown passes and an eight-yard rushing touchdown. Operating a no-huddle attack, Buffalo's QB helped lead the offense to points on each of their first four scoring drives as the Bills never trailed in their 17-point victory over the Dolphins.
"It allowed us to make some checks at the line and get in some advantageous situations," said Allen of their no huddle game plan. "I don't know if that's what we're going to continue to do, but it worked for us last Sunday."
His passer rating of 117.7 for the game was a career high. Allen admitted that coach McDermott's mantra to play without fear made a difference.
"It just kind of gave me a green light to go out there and play free," said Allen. "Not to worry about interceptions or turning the ball over or having an incompletion here or there. There are still things I have to clean up, but I went out there and put the ball downfield and our guys made some plays and our line blocked tremendously. We had zero sacks, which is fantastic. So I owe them something special here pretty soon."
This is the second time Allen has earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors in his career. The last time also came against the Dolphins in the season finale last year when he threw for three touchdowns and ran for two more in a 42-17 rout of Miami.
"I kind of see the same thing from Josh every week," said offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. "I think Josh is a good football player. He's a good leader for our offense. He's a good leader for our team, puts in a ton of work, has respect of his teammates and goes out there every week and competes his tail off."
