Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is fully aware of the significant challenge his team faces this week against a quarterback who has been rewriting NFL records.
The Lions will host the Buffalo Bills on December 15 in a clash of conference leaders. Detroit currently holds the top spot in the NFC, while Buffalo is pushing to close the gap on the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC’s top seed. With both teams boasting high-powered offenses, Campbell acknowledged the tough road ahead against MVP frontrunner Josh Allen.
Dan Campbell: ‘This is Not Going to Be Easy’
Campbell sounded the alarm for his team, emphasizing the “huge task” of containing the Bills’ star quarterback.
“He’s got a big-time arm, he’s accurate, he can read defenses, and then he’s got the physical ability to take off and run,” Campbell said, via SI.com. “And, he can run over people, he can run around you, he can get on the perimeter. So, yeah, this is going to be a huge task for us. This is not going to be easy.”
Though still analyzing Allen’s game in-depth, Campbell recognized the quarterback’s improved ball security. After a season marked by turnovers, Allen has drastically reduced his mistakes this year, throwing just five interceptions.
“He is challenging, and I haven’t had a chance to truly deep dive them yet, but I do know this: he’s taken care of the football,” Campbell added. “He’s taking the plays that are there, and once he progresses, if it’s not (there), then he uses his legs. So, I feel a more patient player out of him, and because of that, he’s playing at a very high level. And, that makes him even more dangerous.”
Record-Setting Run for Bills Quarterback
Allen has been on a historic tear, breaking NFL records in each of the past two games. In a victory over the San Francisco 49ers, he became the first quarterback in league history to throw for a touchdown, rush for a touchdown, and record a receiving touchdown, the latter coming off a lateral from wide receiver Amari Cooper.
Last week, despite the Bills falling 44-42 to the Los Angeles Rams, Allen made history again. He became the first player in NFL history to tally three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in a single game.
Rams head coach Sean McVay, following their matchup, described Allen as an “alien” and emphasized the unique challenges he presents.
“He can extend, keep his eyes down the field or he can run away from you. He can break tackles. I mean, he’s a nightmare to defend and so it’s a balance,” McVay said, via SI.com. “I don’t think you can just sit back and let him navigate the pocket. He can beat you from the pocket, he can beat you with his mind, he can beat you with his arm, he can beat you with his legs. It’s why he’s a legitimate MVP candidate. It’s why he’s one of the best players in this league.”
