Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders has explained how impressed he is with quarterback Josh Allen this season. While on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” Sanders recalled one catch in particular from his playing days with Allen where he realized the Bills’ young quarterback was special.
Throughout his NFL career, Sanders was a member of the Bills, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the Bills in 2021, Sanders was a valuable depth receiver and a strong veteran presence for the developing Bills quarterback.
What Did Emmanuel Sanders Say to Colin Cowherd About Josh Allen?
Sanders detailed to Cowherd the time Allen threw a 50-yard bullet pass on a line through numerous defenders, leaving him in awe of the quarterback’s talents.
“I just remember putting my hands out and catching the ball. And I was like, I wanted to celebrate because I felt like I did something, but I just pointed at Josh like, ‘Bro, what type of throw was that?'” Sanders said.
He continued by discussing how Allen has taken another step in his development this season through his added leadership role in the offense.
“When me and [Stefon Diggs] were there, we were the veteran receivers and Josh was kinda leaning on us a little bit for leadership. Now, he’s got these young guys, and he’s the leader of them. There are no egos in the room,” he stated.
Has Josh Allen’s Recent Performances Strengthened His MVP Case?
Through 13 weeks, Allen is one of the favorites for the MVP award. Though there are other names in contention, it is hard to overlook how impressive and comfortable Allen has looked this season. Despite many analysts and fans alike believing before the season that the Bills and their QB would take a step back due to the departures of Diggs, Gabe Davis, and other key defensive players, the exact opposite has occurred.
The Bills are currently second in the AFC with an impressive 10-2 record and have already secured the AFC East title with approximately a month left in the regular season. In addition, the Bills have looked dominant in games against top teams such as the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs and last year’s Super Bowl finalist San Francisco 49ers.
Allen has looked very much like one of the league’s top players and has taken a step in his development. This year, he has turned the ball over much less, looked more confident in the red zone, and has not forced passes that simply are not there. On the season, he has thrown for 2,691 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. Furthermore, he has 334 rushing yards and six more touchdowns on the ground to add to his tallies.
Though it remains to be seen whether he does win the league’s Most Valuable Player award at the end of this season, it is clear that Allen has been instrumental in the Bills’ success this year and has shown numerous layers of personal growth in addition to his elite statistical numbers as well.