It was the duel that all of America was waiting for. A game between the two hottest quarterbacks in the NFL.
Joe Burrow, however, closed the case quickly on Sunday, thanks to a 27-10 victory of the Cincinnati Bengals against the Buffalo Bills. Now there is no doubt. Right now, Burrow is one step ahead of Josh Allen.
No team could have been motivated like the Bills were before the game. At Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, ahead of the Bills Mafia, they were looking for their first appearance in the association final since 2020, under the watchful eye of Damar Hamlin, present at the stadium. The miracle was shown on the giant screen, and Bills fans were jubilant. They chanted his name repeatedly.
This ovation, however, gave way to many and felt “Who Dey? “, emblematic slogan of the supporters of the Bengals. At the end of the game, it’s as if they were alone in the stands. Probably because the Bengals looked like they were the only ones on the field all afternoon.
The game was played in January snow from start to finish. In principle, the locals should have benefited from it. But Burrow proved once again why he should be taken seriously. He mostly showed why he was superior to Allen.
The difference between the two stars is simple, but crucial. Allen wants to do too much, while Burrow wants to do just enough.
PHOTO JOSHUA BESSEX, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Josh Allen
With his first ten assists of the game, Burrow joined seven different receivers. As usual, “Joe Cool” remained calm, but expeditious. He gave confidence to his teammates early in the game. Once again camped in the role of underdog, the 26-year-old quarterback disrupted Buffalo’s big machine to join his brother-in-arms Ja’Marr Chase in the end zone in the first sequence of the game. Eight minutes later, he danced in his pocket to avoid the pressure to join Hayden Hurst with a relay worthy of the best snipers.
It’s like no one learns from their mistakes.
As in university, Burrow waits for people to doubt him to rise. All the elements were there to believe and be convinced of a victory for the Bills. And yet. The 2020 No. 1 overall pick completed two touchdowns and passed 23 of 36 for 242 yards. With that performance, the Bengals reached the conference final for the second year in a row, Burrow’s second appearance in the playoffs.
Brio of the offensive line
Since Burrow’s arrival in Cincinnati, the team’s biggest shortcoming has been the protection of its quarterback.
Against one of the best defenses in the league to exert pressure, the Bengals had to manage without Alex Coppa, Jonah Williams and La’el Collins, three regulars on the offensive line, all injured.
Nevertheless, with three reserve players, the offensive line was one of the biggest stars of this game. These seldom-named players bought the Bengals’ big stars time and space. A luxury gift. Ted Karras, Cordell Volso, Max Scharping, Hakeem Adeniji and Jackson Carman deserve their share of the cake. And not just a thin slice or the first on the edge that is nothing but a dry crust. They were intractable and they only allowed one quarterback sack.
At the Bills, Greg Rousseau, Jordan Phillips and company were reduced to nothing.
Review plans
The balance sheet of this meeting is a little less brilliant for the Bills. Allen completed just 25 of 42 passes against one of the worst defenses in aerial play. He was visibly at his wit’s end. He didn’t throw a touchdown pass.
Stephon Diggs and Gabe Davis were unable to make big catches.
The offensive line has been as soft as the beaded curtains teenagers bring home after a student trip to Asia from which they return supposedly transformed and refreshed.
Then, the defense was a real sieve. Matt Milano, Jordan Poyer and Tre’Davious White cleared the way for their rivals.
The Bills were unrecognizable.
The American East champions have been among the title contenders every year for the past three seasons. This year, they were even favorites. Except that they go on vacation, empty-handed.
On paper, they have a team to win. Many will become free agents in a few weeks. Is it time for spring cleaning in Buffalo? Is it time to change course and captain? Or is it the curse of the Bills in the playoffs that still plagues almost 30 years later?
This duel was the first between Burrow and Allen. It was the first chapter of a long story. The two will meet again. It remains to be seen which of the two will do just enough to truly enter the legend.
The Cincinnati Bengals will face the Kansas City Chiefs in the American Conference Finals on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.