In the fast-paced world of the NFL, the search for the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) is always a point of focus and excitement. For the Buffalo Bills, one name has consistently come to the forefront in the MVP conversation: Josh Allen. Over the past few years, Allen has elevated his game to elite status, earning recognition for his incredible arm strength, athleticism, and leadership qualities. As of recent seasons, many have been asking, “Will Josh Allen finally claim the MVP title.”
This article takes an in-depth look at Josh Allen’s journey in the NFL, his rise to prominence, his MVP-level performances, and the potential for him to win the coveted MVP award in the future. We will explore his background, playing style, key moments in his career, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the quarterback.
Early Life and Background of Josh Allen
Josh Allen was born on May 21, 1996, in Firebaugh, California. Growing up in a small town with a population of just under 10,000, Allen’s story is one of perseverance, determination, and defying the odds. Firebaugh is not a hotbed for football talent, and Allen’s rise to stardom is as unconventional as it gets.
High School and College Struggles
Allen attended Firebaugh High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete. While he stood out on the football field, the lack of competition at his school and his relatively raw skill set led to him not being heavily recruited by major college programs. This lack of exposure initially hurt his college prospects, but Allen did not let that stop him from pursuing his dream of playing at the next level.
After high school, Allen attended Reedley College, a junior college, before transferring to the University of Wyoming. At Wyoming, he had a breakout season, showcasing his strong arm and raw athleticism. He impressed scouts with his ability to make throws that most quarterbacks could only dream of, often launching the ball 70 yards down the field with ease.
Despite playing for a less prominent school, Allen’s natural talent could not be ignored, and he caught the attention of NFL scouts who began to view him as a potential high-round draft pick. His final year at Wyoming was his best, where he posted impressive statistics despite being in a run-heavy system. This helped him rise on draft boards and solidified his future in the NFL.
Josh Allen’s NFL Career: Draft and Early Struggles
In the 2018 NFL Draft, Josh Allen was selected by the Buffalo Bills as the 7th overall pick, a decision that would change the trajectory of the franchise. The pick was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. While Allen had immense potential, his accuracy and consistency were points of concern for many analysts. In his first year, Allen showed glimpses of his potential but was far from the polished player many expected him to be.
The Development of Allen’s Game
Allen’s rookie year was a mix of highs and lows. He displayed incredible athleticism, often using his legs to extend plays, and showcased his strong arm with some jaw-dropping throws. However, his inconsistency and struggles with accuracy held him back. The Bills finished with a 6-10 record, and Allen’s rookie campaign was seen as a work in progress.
Despite these early struggles, Allen’s work ethic and commitment to improving were evident. He spent the off-season refining his mechanics and developing his game under the tutelage of head coach Sean McDermott and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Allen’s desire to improve quickly became a central theme of his career, and in subsequent seasons, we saw significant improvements in his accuracy, decision-making, and leadership.
The 2019 Season: A Glimpse of Greatness
By 2019, Allen had taken significant strides forward. He was named the starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills and led them to a playoff appearance, their first since 1999. In 2019, Allen threw for 3,089 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions while adding 510 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground. His dual-threat ability was evident, and he displayed a greater understanding of the game.
Allen’s improvement in 2019 was a sign that the Bills were heading in the right direction, and he was becoming more comfortable as a leader and as the face of the franchise. The year was capped off with a wild-card playoff appearance, where the Bills fell short to the Houston Texans in a heartbreaking overtime loss, but it was clear that Josh Allen had begun to take over the reins of the team.
The 2020 Breakout Season: Entering MVP Conversation
The 2020 NFL season marked a true breakthrough for Josh Allen. Under offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, Allen’s game reached new heights. His growth from year one to year three was nothing short of remarkable. He had transformed into one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks, and his performances during the 2020 season thrust him into the MVP conversation.
Record-Breaking Performance
In 2020, Allen had his best statistical season to date. He threw for 4,544 yards, 37 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions, while completing 69.2% of his passes — a dramatic improvement from his first two seasons. Allen also showcased his ability to perform in big moments, guiding the Bills to a 13-3 record and the second seed in the AFC playoffs. His performance was highlighted by a variety of incredible plays, including his deep throws and athletic plays with his legs.
Allen’s development as a passer was perhaps the most impressive part of his 2020 season. He became far more accurate, thanks in part to better mechanics, improved footwork, and a stronger connection with his wide receivers. His chemistry with standout wideout Stefon Diggs helped elevate his game even further, as Diggs was one of the best receivers in the NFL that season.
MVP Award Consideration
While Allen’s incredible 2020 season certainly put him in the MVP conversation, the award ultimately went to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, Allen finished second in the MVP voting, signaling his arrival as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. He was also named to the First-Team All-Pro and selected to his first Pro Bowl, marking the first of what many expect to be many accolades for the young quarterback. The 2020 season proved that Josh Allen was not just a rising star, he was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, capable of leading the Bills to significant playoff success.
2021 Season: Continued Excellence and MVP Hopes
As the 2021 season unfolded, Josh Allen remained in the MVP conversation, though his performance was somewhat inconsistent throughout the regular season. Despite some ups and downs, including a few games where he struggled with accuracy and turnovers, Allen continued to demonstrate his immense potential and ability to dominate games.
Key Moments in the 2021 Season
Allen’s most memorable moments from the 2021 season came in the playoffs. In a thrilling divisional-round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Allen and Patrick Mahomes put on a spectacular display of quarterback play, trading touchdown after touchdown. Allen threw for 329 yards, 4 touchdowns, and rushed for another touchdown in the heartbreaking loss. Despite the loss, Allen’s performance in that game reaffirmed his status as one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks.
The 2021 season showed that while Allen may not have won the MVP that year, he was still capable of putting together performances that could rival the best in the league. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and ability to rise to the occasion kept the Buffalo Bills in the hunt for an AFC Championship.
Playing Style: What Makes Josh Allen Special?
Josh Allen is a unique player who combines size, athleticism, and a rocket arm in a way that few quarterbacks in the history of the NFL have. At 6’5″ and 237 pounds, Allen is physically imposing, and his speed and agility make him a legitimate dual-threat quarterback. Here’s a breakdown of his playing style:
Arm Strength and Accuracy: Allen’s arm strength is one of his most notable attributes. He can make throws that most quarterbacks can only dream of, consistently launching deep balls with ease. His velocity on deep passes allows him to fit balls into tight windows and push the ball down the field with remarkable accuracy. However, his accuracy has been one of his biggest improvements over the years. In 2020, his completion percentage of 69.2% was a testament to his development as a passer.
Mobility and Athleticism: Allen’s mobility is another key factor that sets him apart. Not only does he have the ability to escape pressure and extend plays, but he is also a legitimate threat to run the ball himself. His ability to break tackles and pick up first downs with his legs makes him a dangerous weapon, especially in the red zone.
Leadership and Mental Toughness: Perhaps one of Allen’s most underrated qualities is his leadership. He has a natural ability to inspire his teammates and rally the troops in difficult situations. His fiery competitive nature and strong work ethic have earned him the respect of his teammates, coaches, and opponents alike. Allen’s mentality and poise under pressure are often cited as reasons for his success.
FAQs
What makes Josh Allen an MVP candidate?
Josh Allen has consistently been in the MVP conversation due to his combination of physical talent and leadership. His powerful arm, mobility, and ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground set him apart from many quarterbacks. Allen is known for his ability to perform in clutch moments, and his chemistry with wide receiver Stefon Diggs has helped him put up big numbers. Furthermore, his ability to win games, lead the Bills deep into the playoffs, and produce eye-popping stats makes him a regular fixture in the MVP race.
What is Josh Allen’s 2023 MVP campaign looking like?
As of the 2023 NFL season, Josh Allen is once again in the MVP conversation. His performance in the early weeks has kept the Buffalo Bills competitive, and Allen’s combination of passing and rushing yards continues to stand out. As the season progresses, if the Bills maintain their playoff contention and Allen continues his high-level play, he could be a frontrunner for the MVP.
How did Josh Allen’s 2022 season affect his MVP chances?
In the 2022 season, Josh Allen continued to show why he’s a top quarterback, though his MVP candidacy was affected by a few inconsistent games and competition from other quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts. Despite this, Allen’s performance, particularly his leadership in critical games kept him in the conversation, but he did not ultimately win the MVP.
What are the odds of Josh Allen winning the MVP in 2025?
As of early 2025, Josh Allen remains a strong MVP contender. His odds are influenced by factors like team performance, injury status, and his individual performance. If the Bills perform well in the regular season and Allen stays healthy, his chances of winning the MVP are high. Sports betting platforms and analysts often provide up-to-date odds for MVP winners.
What makes Josh Allen’s MVP campaign different from others?
Josh Allen’s MVP campaign is often unique due to his dual-threat ability as both a passer and a rusher. His big-play ability, especially with deep throws and scrambling out of the pocket, makes him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. Additionally, his leadership and high performance in big games play a significant role in his MVP candidacy.
In Summary
Josh Allen is one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL today, and his career is only just beginning. His incredible rise from an under-the-radar prospect to one of the league’s top quarterbacks has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. While he has not yet won the MVP, Allen’s performances have placed him squarely in the conversation as one of the best in the game.
With his combination of physical tools, mental toughness, and leadership qualities, it seems inevitable that Josh Allen will one day claim the MVP Award. His journey has only just begun, and the sky’s the limit for this talented and hardworking quarterback. The Buffalo Bills are in good hands, and as Allen’s career continues to evolve, there is little doubt that he will continue to be one of the most dynamic and exciting players in the NFL.
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