Josh Allen Reveals How Bills Can 'Get Over That Hump' in Playoffs
Since being drafted No. 7 overall in 2018, quarterback Josh Allen has helped take the Buffalo Bills to heights they hadn't seen in the 21st century.
After a naturally slow rookie year from Allen ended with a 6-10 record, the Bills have made four consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since the end of the 1993 season, headlined by three straight AFC East titles.
But ... Buffalo has yet to make it to the Super Bowl, falling short in the wildcard, conference title game and now twice in the divisional across the last four years.
Part of the reason stems from a crowded AFC, as two of those defeats have come to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs while the most recent was to the Joe Burrow-led Cincinnati Bengals, but the results remain the same.
As such, Allen returned to Bills headquarters this week with a new focus - per him, he's never been as focused on football as he is now - and a defined goal.
"We need to get over that hump," Allen said. "I understand that, we understand that."
The dilemma for Allen is figuring out why his Bills haven't been able to "get over that hump" ... but instead of pondering the past, the 26-year-old is looking inward as he aims to take Buffalo to another level next season.
"Just trying to be the best leader, the best teammate, and the best quarterback that I need to be for this team to win football games," Allen said. "... You've got to look from within sometimes and again, just finding new ways I can get better.
"Taking care of myself on the field, whether it's taking hits, protecting the football, not putting the ball into harm's way."
Another reason for optimism on Allen's behalf is the additions made by Bills general manager Brandon Beane, which include former New England Patriots running back Damien Harris, Miami Dolphins receiver Trent Sherfield, Los Angeles Rams offensive guard David Edwards and Rams safety Taylor Rapp.
Mixed with the return of most key players from Buffalo's nucleus, Allen feels confident in the direction his team is headed entering the new year.
"We brought in a lot of new guys," Allen said. "And to have that leadership on this team to kind of bring some of these newer guys up and show them what the culture here is all about and what we're trying to accomplish, I think it's a good thing that we got going."
The question now becomes whether that thing is "good" enough to "get over that hump" - and the answer might not truly be in until next January.
But at this point, with the 2023 NFL Draft still to go, Allen is refreshed and stocked with belief to make another charge at the title.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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