Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
The poll, which included responses from 103 NFL players, revealed that 11 players viewed Josh Allen as the most overrated, with Philadelphia Eagles‘ Jalen Hurts and Miami Dolphins‘ Tua Tagovailoa following closely behind.
Despite the criticism, Allen’s response was both humorous and confident, showing his ability to handle scrutiny with grace. Josh Allen, quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, recently sparked controversy when his peers voted him the “Most Overrated Quarterback” in the NFL in an ESPN poll.
The Poll Results and Reactions
In addition to being labeled overrated, Josh Allen was also recognized as the league’s best trash-talker, a title he embraced in his response on social media. He tweeted, “So you’re telling me, I was voted as the #1 … best trash talker??? Let’s goooooo!!!”
This lighthearted reaction highlights Allen’s talent for turning criticism into a positive moment, suggesting he takes the poll results in stride rather than letting them affect his confidence. Some critics highlight Allen’s turnover issues—he led the league with 18 interceptions last season—but they can’t overlook his overall impact on the Bills.
Since joining the NFL, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to make big plays, both through the air and on the ground. His dual-threat capability has made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, and despite the occasional turnover, he has led the Bills to five playoff appearances and an AFC Championship Game.
Turnover Troubles and Skill Set
Critics of Allen often cite his tendency to commit turnovers as a significant flaw. He has accumulated 102 turnovers since 2018, the highest in the NFL during that span. This statistic has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike, especially when those turnovers have come at critical moments in games. However, Allen’s unique skill set—his powerful arm, ability to extend plays, and rushing skills—has allowed him to remain a top-tier quarterback.
Allen’s physical style of play is evident; he often opts to run through defenders rather than avoid contact, which can lead to both spectacular plays and costly mistakes. His aggressive approach has earned him respect among his peers, with one NFC East player noting, “He’s going to run you over and talk trash after he runs you over.”
A Resilient Attitude
Despite the mixed opinions surrounding his performance, Allen’s determination shines through. He expressed in a recent interview that he is unfazed by the opinions of players outside his team, stating, “I’m not mad that 11 players not on my team don’t like me… I’m just gonna keep playing football the way I know how to play it.”
This attitude reflects his commitment to improving and his focus on leading the Bills to success. General Manager Brandon Beane also defended Allen, suggesting that the “overrated” label is simply a reflection of the competitive nature of the league and the high expectations placed on elite quarterbacks.
“There are idiots everywhere,” Beane remarked, emphasizing that criticism is part of being in the spotlight. His ability to embrace both praise and criticism will be crucial as he navigates the challenges ahead, proving that he is more than capable of handling the pressure that comes with being a franchise quarterback.
