Josh Allen: A Deep Dive Into the Stats of an Elite Quarterback

Josh Allen, the dynamic quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, has quickly transformed into one of the most exciting players in the NFL. Since being drafted in 2018, Allen has broken numerous records, turned the Bills into perennial Super Bowl contenders, and established himself as one of the league’s most versatile and dynamic signal-callers. This article will explore Josh Allen’s career stats, his growth as a player, his impact on the Buffalo Bills, and what his future might hold in the NFL.

1. Early Years: The Rise of Josh Allen

Josh Allen was born on May 21, 1996, in Firebaugh, California. Coming out of high school, Allen was a relatively unknown prospect. He attended Reedley College for one season before transferring to the University of Wyoming. There, he earned attention for his strong arm and raw athleticism, but he was also known for inconsistencies in his accuracy. Nonetheless, his physical tools were undeniable.

In 2018, after a standout college career, Allen declared for the NFL Draft. He was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the seventh overall pick in the first round. His selection was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism, as many analysts questioned his ability to adjust to the speed of the NFL game, given his college career’s ups and downs in terms of accuracy.

2. Early Struggles and Development

Josh Allen’s rookie season was a mixed bag. While he showed flashes of brilliance, including his ability to throw the deep ball and use his legs as a weapon, he also struggled with accuracy. Over his first 12 games, Allen threw 10 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, completing just 52.8% of his passes. Despite the rough start, Allen’s raw talent was evident, and the Bills showed commitment to developing him as their franchise quarterback.

In his sophomore year (2019), Allen’s stats began to improve, marking the start of a significant upward trajectory. He threw for 3,089 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, while completing 58.8% of his passes. Allen’s rushing ability also stood out, as he rushed for 510 yards and 9 touchdowns. His leadership and ability to make plays with both his arm and legs helped guide the Bills to a playoff appearance, though the team would fall short in the AFC Wild Card round.

3. MVP-Caliber Season: 2020 Breakout Year

Josh Allen’s third season in the NFL, the 2020 campaign, would be the one where he truly arrived as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Under offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, Allen’s development took another leap forward. His passing mechanics improved, his decision-making became more consistent, and his accuracy—once a major question mark—was dramatically better.

In 2020, Allen posted career highs across the board, cementing himself as an MVP candidate. He threw for 4,544 yards, 37 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions, completing 69.2% of his passes. His passer rating of 107.2 was also a career-high, ranking third in the NFL. His performance helped the Bills win the AFC East division for the first time since 1995, and the team made it all the way to the AFC Championship Game, where they were ultimately eliminated by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Allen’s rushing stats also remained impressive. He ran for 421 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2020, further showcasing his dual-threat ability. His 2020 season is widely regarded as one of the best quarterback performances in recent memory, and it was a clear indication that he had become one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.

4. 2021: Maintaining Elite Play

The 2021 season was another strong one for Josh Allen, although it was somewhat overshadowed by the exceptional level of play during the 2020 season. Nonetheless, Allen continued to produce at a high level. He threw for 4,407 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, completing 63.3% of his passes. His passer rating was 92.2, which, while not as high as in 2020, was still among the top quarterbacks in the league.

One of the most notable aspects of Allen’s game in 2021 was his performance in big games. In the AFC Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs, Allen delivered one of the most thrilling quarterback performances in playoff history. In a back-and-forth game, Allen threw for 329 yards and 4 touchdowns, leading the Bills to a late-game tie with just 13 seconds left. Unfortunately, the Chiefs won the game in overtime, but Allen’s performance was a testament to his ability to deliver when the stakes were at their highest.

Allen also continued to be a threat on the ground in 2021, rushing for 763 yards and 6 touchdowns. His physical running style, combined with his ability to make plays with his arm, kept defenses on edge.

5. Josh Allen’s Career Stats (as of 2024)

To truly understand Josh Allen’s place in NFL history, it’s important to examine his career statistics. As of the end of the 2024 season, Allen’s stats paint the picture of a versatile and explosive quarterback:

• Games Played: 83
• Passing Yards: 21,451
• Touchdowns: 152
• Interceptions: 51
• Completion Percentage: 62.8%
• Passer Rating: 97.2
• Rushing Yards: 3,126
• Rushing Touchdowns: 31
• Total Yards: 24,577
• Total Touchdowns: 183

Josh Allen’s 97.2 passer rating reflects his growth and development, placing him among the top quarterbacks in the league in terms of efficiency. His 152 passing touchdowns and 51 interceptions indicate a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio, which speaks to his improvement in decision-making as his career has progressed.

In addition to his passing success, Allen’s 3,126 rushing yards and 31 rushing touchdowns place him in elite company as a dual-threat quarterback. His ability to contribute in both the air and on the ground makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

6. Advanced Metrics: Breaking Down the Numbers

Beyond traditional statistics, advanced metrics provide a deeper insight into Josh Allen’s performance and his evolution as a quarterback. Here are some notable advanced statistics that shed light on his impact:

• Adjusted Yards per Attempt (AY/A): Allen has consistently ranked near the top of the league in AY/A, which measures a quarterback’s efficiency by factoring in touchdowns and interceptions. His career AY/A is 7.6, which is impressive given the high volume of passing attempts he has had.
• Yards per Attempt (Y/A): Allen’s career Y/A of 7.8 also highlights his ability to generate big plays down the field. He has a cannon for an arm, and he consistently makes deep throws to stretch defenses.
• QBR (Total Quarterback Rating): QBR is another advanced metric that takes into account a quarterback’s overall performance, including the quality of their decisions, how well they handle pressure, and how they perform in clutch situations. Allen’s career QBR is 65.8, ranking him in the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks.
• Completion Percentage over Expected (CPOE): This metric evaluates whether a quarterback completes more or fewer passes than expected based on the difficulty of their throws. Allen has consistently posted a positive CPOE, showing that he consistently delivers on throws that are challenging in nature.

7. The Impact of Josh Allen on the Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen has undoubtedly transformed the Buffalo Bills franchise. For decades, the Bills struggled to find a reliable quarterback, but Allen has provided the team with stability and success at the position. Under Allen’s leadership, the Bills have become a perennial playoff team, winning the AFC East division and challenging for the AFC Championship year after year.

Allen’s impact on the franchise cannot be overstated. He brought the Bills their first division title in 25 years and has made them one of the most exciting and dangerous teams in the league. His ability to elevate the play of his teammates, particularly the Bills’ receiving corps, has been a major factor in the team’s success.

Moreover, Allen has become the face of the franchise. His passion for the game, his ability to make spectacular plays, and his leadership qualities have earned him the respect and admiration of fans and players alike.

8. What’s Next for Josh Allen?

As Josh Allen enters his mid-20s, he is poised to continue being one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL for many years to come. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and leadership makes him a cornerstone piece for the Buffalo Bills as they look to build a championship-contending team around him.

While Allen has already achieved a great deal, including multiple playoff appearances and division titles, the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl remains within reach. With continued growth and the development of a solid supporting cast, Josh Allen has the potential to lead the Bills to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history.

Conclusion

Josh Allen’s journey from a raw, unrefined prospect to one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks is a testament to his work ethic, his determination, and his growth as a player. From his early struggles in Buffalo to his explosive breakout seasons, Allen has proven himself to be a dual-threat quarterback who can take over a game with both his arm and his legs.

As of 2024, Josh Allen’s stats reflect the incredible potential he has shown throughout his career. His ability to make jaw-dropping plays, coupled with his leadership and growth, ensures that he will remain one of the most exciting and impactful quarterbacks in the league for years to come. The future is bright for Josh Allen, and the Buffalo Bills are lucky to have him as their franchise quarterback.