Recent list gives Josh Allen doubters new reason to spread MVP-related nonsense

In the fast-paced world of the National Football League (NFL), few names have been as polarizing in recent years as Josh Allen, the talented quarterback of the Buffalo Bills. Allen’s rise from raw prospect to franchise quarterback has been nothing short of remarkable. Yet, despite his undeniable talent, achievements, and leadership, he still faces a group of detractors who insist on downplaying his MVP-worthy performances. Recently, a list from one of the league’s many analytic outlets—designed to rank top quarterbacks or predict MVP trajectories—has once again sparked a debate surrounding Allen’s place among the elite quarterbacks of the NFL.
This latest list, which ranks Allen in the middle of the pack of MVP candidates, has reignited the conversation. His critics have pounced, seizing on the opportunity to perpetuate narratives of inconsistency and failure in key moments, while his supporters argue that the numbers, the leadership, and the overall body of work paint a much more flattering portrait of the 27-year-old signal caller.
This article will dive deep into the ongoing discussion about Josh Allen’s MVP credentials, exploring the reasons why some are still hesitant to fully acknowledge his greatness. We’ll also investigate why these doubters continue to spread what could be considered “nonsense” in an attempt to discredit Allen’s impact on the game. By the end, we’ll analyze whether the growing MVP debate surrounding Allen is based on legitimate concerns or just misguided bias.
Josh Allen’s Journey: From Raw Talent to Elite Quarterback
To fully appreciate the criticism that continues to be leveled at Josh Allen, it’s important to understand the journey that led him to become one of the NFL’s most exciting quarterbacks. When Allen was drafted in 2018 with the seventh overall pick by the Buffalo Bills, he was widely regarded as a raw prospect with immense physical tools, but a lack of polish in key areas of his game. Allen’s accuracy and decision-making were questioned, and many pundits were skeptical of his ability to translate his raw athleticism into NFL success.
But since entering the league, Josh Allen has exceeded expectations by leaps and bounds. His physical tools—namely, his cannon of an arm, his mobility, and his toughness—have made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL. His stats over the past few seasons have consistently ranked him among the league’s best, and his ability to lead the Bills to multiple playoff appearances has solidified his place as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league.
- 2020 Season: Allen threw for 4,544 yards, 37 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions, leading the Bills to an AFC Championship appearance and earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
- 2021 Season: He followed that up with another stellar season, throwing for 4,407 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. The Bills were once again a serious Super Bowl contender, although they were knocked out in an unforgettable shootout with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round.
- 2022 Season: Even as the Bills faced some challenges, Allen remained a top-tier quarterback, continuing to put up impressive stats while leading his team to the playoffs once again.
Throughout his career, Allen’s ability to perform in clutch moments has been a hallmark of his game. Whether it’s leading game-winning drives, playing through adversity, or keeping his cool in high-pressure situations, Allen has demonstrated the qualities of a top quarterback time and again.
The MVP Debate: Why Does Josh Allen’s Name Get Lost in the Conversation?
Given Allen’s tremendous physical tools, his statistical production, and his ability to lead his team in crucial moments, it is reasonable to believe that he should be a constant fixture in MVP conversations. However, there are several factors at play that have led to continued doubts about his candidacy for the prestigious award.
1. The “Inconsistent” Narrative
One of the primary critiques of Josh Allen throughout his career has been the notion of inconsistency. While it’s clear that Allen has the potential to be one of the NFL’s most dominant quarterbacks, there are certain moments when his play appears erratic. For example, Allen’s turnover issues have been a topic of conversation, especially early in his career. He can sometimes be a bit too aggressive with the football, leading to interceptions and fumbles that cost his team.
While these turnovers have certainly been a concern at times, they don’t tell the whole story. In 2021, Allen posted a career-high 92.7 passer rating, and his touchdown-to-interception ratio has improved significantly since his rookie year. His ability to correct these issues and improve his decision-making shows that his inconsistency is more of a growing pain than a defining characteristic.
Yet, despite his strides in limiting mistakes, Allen’s critics continue to harp on these occasional lapses, which gives them ammunition to knock him out of the MVP conversation. These moments of inconsistency, while frustrating, don’t negate the fact that Allen’s overall body of work is elite.
2. The Myth of “Not Winning the Big One”
Another reason why Allen’s MVP candidacy continues to be questioned is the argument that he hasn’t “won the big one” yet. Despite making it to the playoffs year after year, Allen has yet to secure a Super Bowl appearance, let alone a championship. His critics point to this fact as evidence that he hasn’t reached the same level of success as other top quarterbacks, such as Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Brady.
However, this argument is often misleading. First, it’s important to remember that team success is not solely determined by the quarterback. While Allen is the leader of the Bills, a variety of factors—including defense, special teams, and coaching—play pivotal roles in a team’s overall success. In his heartbreaking AFC Championship loss to the Chiefs in 2021, Allen played phenomenally but ultimately lost due to a historic performance from Mahomes and his offense.
The pressure on Allen to win a Super Bowl by his critics seems disproportionate, especially when you consider that many of his peers have also faced similar obstacles in their own quest for championships. It’s rare for a quarterback to enter the league and immediately win a title, and Allen is still in the midst of his prime, giving him ample time to prove his worth on the biggest stage.
3. The Rise of New MVP Candidates
The evolution of the NFL and the emergence of Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Joe Burrow has certainly made it harder for any quarterback, including Allen, to stand out in the MVP race. With so many incredible signal-callers competing for the top prize, it’s easy to see why some voters and analysts might overlook a player like Allen, despite his statistical prowess.
Each of these quarterbacks brings a different element to the table, and while Allen has proven that he can compete with anyone, there is a sense that his MVP window might be closing in a crowded field. The fact that other quarterbacks are getting more attention—partially because of their success in big moments and their ability to win championships—only exacerbates this issue for Allen.
Josh Allen and His Doubters: The Nonsense of MVP Neglect
Despite all of these factors, the doubters continue to circulate arguments that don’t hold up under scrutiny.
- Turnovers: While Allen has made mistakes, his turnover rate is far more manageable now than it was at the beginning of his career. The narrative that he is an “interception-prone” quarterback is simply outdated.
- Team Success: Critics love to point to Allen’s lack of Super Bowl appearances, but they conveniently ignore the team dynamics that play a crucial role in any quarterback’s success. Teams like the Chiefs, Patriots, and Rams have been able to assemble better overall rosters, which makes the comparison unfair.
- The New Era of Quarterbacks: There’s an argument that the new wave of quarterbacks, such as Mahomes and Burrow, overshadow Allen in the MVP discussion. However, this only demonstrates the extreme talent in the league today, and it shouldn’t be held against Allen.
Ultimately, the continuing dismissal of Allen as an MVP candidate seems to stem from a combination of outdated narratives, unfair comparisons, and a failure to appreciate his role in elevating the Bills to perennial Super Bowl contenders.