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After a breakout 2020 season, one could argue
that mission has already been accomplished.
The 24-year-old was dogged by skepticism through the first two
years of his career, finishing 23rd in passing yards in 2019
amid concern from experts and armchair analysts alike that he
could become yet another former first-round pick who failed to
live up to his potential.
What a difference a year makes.
Allen charged into the 2020 regular season with four straight
wins and wrapped up the year with 4,544 passing yards - the
fifth most in the league - improving his completion percentage
to 69.2% from 58.8% in 2019 and honing his reputation as one of
the NFL's strongest-performing quarterbacks under pressure.
"He's the general, he's the man," said wide receiver Stefon
Diggs, who lead the league in receiving yards (1,535) during the
regular season. "He's poised, he doesn't get too high, he
doesn't get too low. I never see him overly excited."
With 421 rushing yards on the regular season, the 6-foot
five-inch, 238-pound dual-threat quarterback ran in eight
touchdowns in addition to his 37 passing TDs, earning respect
from his offensive corps.
"Him putting his head down to get extra yards and things like
that go far with us," said Diggs.
The Pro Bowl quarterback harnessed that poise to take down
Philip Rivers' Indianapolis Colts and reigning league MVP Lamar
Jackson's Baltimore Ravens in the postseason, setting up a
potential matchup against Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, who is
in doubt for the AFC Championship showdown due to concussion
protocol.
"I'm just trying to be the best version of myself - I'm not
trying to compare to the other three guys who arguably (are)
some of the best guys to play the game that are left," said
Allen, who finished 2020 with the fourth-highest passer rating
in the NFL.
"This is the next step for Josh," head coach Sean McDermott told
reporters Wednesday. "This is what you work for, this is what he
worked for so he'll be ready."
(Reporting by Amy Tennery; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)
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