Josh Allen, fresh off his most impressive season yet and earning his first MVP award, will not play in the Buffalo Bills‘ preseason opener against the New York Giants. This decision comes as the Bills aim to protect their star quarterback heading into the 2024 season while continuing to build on a roster that made a deep playoff run the previous year. Allen’s absence from the preseason game raises questions about his preparation but also highlights the team’s focus on preserving his health for the regular season and beyond.
Reflecting on Allen’s 2023 Performance and Team Adjustments
Although Allen’s 2023 season saw fewer passing yards and touchdowns compared to prior years, he achieved a career-low in interceptions, showcasing improved ball security. This efficiency helped push the Bills’ offense into the league’s top five according to PFSN’s Offense+ metric. Despite that success, Buffalo’s offensive approach showed limitations late in critical games, including a predictable offense that sputtered in the AFC Championship against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Bills finished the season strong, reaching the AFC Championship Game, an accomplishment especially notable given their historically below-average defense. Heading into 2024, the team has focused on bolstering its defensive lineup, aiming to address one of last year’s biggest weaknesses. Meanwhile, the offensive strategy is undergoing tweaks designed to add more versatility and unpredictability, although these changes will be refined during practice sessions and regular-season contests rather than preseason matchups.
Sean McDermott Prioritizes Starter Health Over Preseason Play
Head coach Sean McDermott remains committed to resting key players during the preseason, a philosophy he has maintained in past years. By sidelining Allen from the opener, the Bills are avoiding unnecessary injury risks for their physically demanding quarterback. This cautious approach indicates the organization’s intent to preserve Allen’s peak condition for the regular season and potential playoff runs.
Given Allen’s role as the engine of the team and the hopes of Bills Mafia, the group of passionate Buffalo fans, this decision is seen as wise and strategic. As Allen focuses on healing and preparation, the team will lean on practice and regular-season games to finalize offensive improvements. The quarterback’s remaining goals remain clear: overcoming Mahomes in the playoffs and leading the Bills to a Super Bowl victory.
Implications for the Bills’ 2024 Campaign
With the Bills entering the new season with a stronger roster and a superstar quarterback well-preserved, expectations remain high. Resting Allen during the preseason signals a commitment to long-term success rather than immediate preseason results. For Bills Mafia, missing Allen in the preseason is a small trade-off for the chance to see a healthier, more refined Allen leading the team throughout the season.
For fantasy football managers and fans alike, monitoring Allen’s preseason status offers insight into how the Bills might deploy their offense and manage player workloads going forward. The careful management of Allen’s preseason participation suggests the team’s focus will squarely be on postseason success, aiming to build on the achievements of the previous year while avoiding the heartbreak of last season’s playoff exit.