Josh Allen Struggles to Sync with New Targets: “I’ve Got to Be Better”
After a frustrating Week 5 loss to the Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen took responsibility for the team’s second consecutive defeat. Despite a 9-for-30 passing performance, Allen’s biggest challenge seemed to be the lack of chemistry with his new pass catchers. The game ended on a sour note, with Allen missing three straight passes in the final minute, giving Houston enough time to win on a last-second field goal.
“I’ve got supreme trust in Coach McDermott,” Allen said, acknowledging that the breakdown wasn’t about bad decision-making but rather poor execution. “I’ve got to find a way to convert.”
Allen’s struggles were evident, especially during the final drive. He missed offseason addition Mack Hollins multiple times, with one pass landing on the wrong shoulder. Rookie receiver Keon Coleman was blanketed in coverage, and another target, Curtis Samuel, found space but Allen’s throw came up short, forcing a punt.
When asked about the difficulty of connecting with his new receivers, Allen admitted, “It’s hard to know everybody,” but emphasized that he had full trust in them, even though the on-field results haven’t reflected that yet.
Allen quickly shouldered the blame: “It starts with the quarterback. That’s on me.”
Teammates, however, were quick to defend him. Tight end Dawson Knox highlighted how Allen takes losses personally, saying, “He’s got the weight of the whole city on his back. But it’s on all of us.”
Though the Bills are only entering Week 6, there’s concern after back-to-back losses, especially since they looked dominant just two weeks ago in their blowout win over the Jaguars. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady remains confident in the team’s potential, saying, “The sky hasn’t fallen. We believe in who we have.”
As the Bills regroup, it’ll be up to Allen to elevate his game and restore the team’s early-season promise. While it’s still early in the NFL season, the pressure is mounting for the star quarterback to lead Buffalo back to form.