Way back in 1979, Kenny Loggins released a single called “This Is It” with the following lyrics that clearly apply to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen in 2024.
Make no mistake where you are
(This is it)
Your back’s to the corner
(This is it)
Allen is 28 years old. If he stays healthy, he will likely get several more chances. But if he wants to reach the level where few quarterbacks have been able to go, this is the year Allen needs to get it done.
First, let’s be fair. Quarterbacks don’t win games by themselves. However, teams rarely win championships these day without quarterbacks playing very well. Allen is that kind of quarterback. He’s good enough to lead a team to a Super Bowl title. But Dan Marino had that kind of ability, too, and it never happened.
Bills QB Josh Allen primed and ready
It turned out to be a terrific regular season for Allen. He finished with 28 touchdown tosses and only six interceptions while throwing for 3,731 yards. On the ground, he rushed for 531 yards with 12 scores. A case can be made it has been his most efficient season.
And here’s one of the best things about Allen heading into the 2024 postseason. He doesn’t have to rise above. He simply has to be Josh Allen. That’s because he’s on a level only one other quarterback — Lamar Jackson — can approach.
Allen said the Bills aren’t trying to do crazy things this postseason, according to democratandchronicle.com.
“We continue with the preparation that we’ve had all year,” Allen said. “We’re not going to try to change anything. Don’t have to do more or less, just trying to continue and do what we’re doing and make sure that we’re, like I said, executing at a high level. It takes a tight-knit group to win a world championship and a Super Bowl. That’s our goal, but in terms of the belief that we have in each other, it’s unwavering.”
The first step is Denver
Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat And Chronicle
Buffalo doesn’t need to crush the Broncos. The Bills only need to win and not worry about style points. Still, this should be their easiest step if they’re going to get to the Super Bowl.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton knows what Allen can do to an opponent, according to buffalobills.com.
“Obviously there are a lot of challenges,” Payton said. “He’s had an MVP season. The first key, if you’re trying to slow him down or get him off schedule, is obviously taking away the primary read. The challenge is his size and strength. You can spy him, but he’s one of those guys that has this stiff arm that just keeps you at bay. Those big, physical-type athletes can create and stay on their feet. There was a run he had last year in the postseason that was something. Coverage during the second act. The first act is the five-step, seven-step, the three-step (drop back). The second act is the unscripted. That’s key.”
In his last seven playoff games, Allen has racked up at least 250 total yards. It comes natural to him.
Will Allen be able to lift his team past the potential roadblock of the Ravens and/or Chiefs? There’s one important thing in his corner. That’s the fact the Chiefs are unlikely to reach the Super Bowl again. They will probably be in the AFC Championship game, and that means they’ll be at home. But it’s time for that empire to fall. The question is whether Allen will be the architect of destruction.
This is his seventh year. This is the turning point.
One way or another, as Loggins sang.
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