Josh Allen was all business and full of smiles fresh off his first training camp practice of the season
After making his way around the perimeter of practice, fist-bumping and giving high-fives to Bills Mafia, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was all smiles as he took a seat in front of members of the assembled press. Having just finished up the first training camp practice of his seventh NFL season, Allen was clearly ready for the season to begin, and eager to answer questions.
This is, of course, Allen’s favorite time of the year.
“I love camp. I think we all know that. It’s my favorite time of the year — get to hang with the boys in the dorm rooms, play card games. I won the inagural Catan game against Dawson, Dalton, and Spencer... so make you let them know that. Pretty sweet. Pretty sweet win.”
In preseason reporter form, one of the first things asked of Allen was whether he enjoyed his rock star status. Upon hearing the question, Allen’s eyes widened a bit, perhaps astonished by the query — or maybe just fully aware of what he means to so many people. Allen responded by saying
“I remember being that kid looking up to somebody in my position, so making sure that I can — whether it’s a quick fist bump or a high five or sign some things... Obviously I can’t sign everything for everybody I’d be here for quite some time. I’ve got workouts and meetings and got to eat in-between there too, so I hope people can understand that. But again, I try to go around and give high-fives to everybody that showed up just to thank them for coming out and showing their support.”
Fed another easy layup, Allen was asked if he hopes Week 1 resembles what he found with almost every receiver he threw a pass to in the end zone today. “Absolutely, yeah. We love touchdowns. Obviously starting off with red zone day one — that’s where games are won and lost in this league.”
While we won’t ever know if his response was a retrospective view at the way last season ended, Allen went on to say:
“The ability to score seven instead of kick for three, it’s a big four-point swing. I’m not sure of the actual statistics, but I think coach shared last year the average margin of victory was right around four or five points, so one or two trips that come away with touchdowns as opposed to field goals greatly improves your chances of winning.”
Many have wondered what role wide receiver Mack Hollins will play on offense this season as part of larger group of receivers, and Allen may have revealed a bit of his intended role as it relates to the red zone.
“If you saw me throwing it after with Mack Hollins, I can’t throw the ball high enough. You know, even if I get him jumping it’s still not where they want it. I gotta keep getting it as high as possible and creating as much separation as I can against those DBs and utilize their height and their tools to go up and catch a ball. So it’s something we’re gonna keep working on. I’m excited, obviously really haven’t had guys of that stature in the past, so it’s gonna take some adjusting to get used to it, don’t get me wrong. But excited nonetheless.”
At this point, only two minutes into the interview, it was clear Josh Allen was ready to remind the NFL of his talent, and thrilled to have a re-imagined and diverse core group around him to help take the team to new heights.
Be sure to check out the rest of Allen’s interview, which includes his responses to questions about balancing urgency and patience with the new receivers, and what he’s observed already from his teammates and the detailed effort they’re putting in. Plus, Allen speaks to the intensity and competition already in play as guys battle for roster spots, thoughts on new defensive coordinator Bobby Babich and their relationship, bonding with his receivers in the offseason, and Dalton Kincaid’s sense of humor.
Allen was also asked about the difference linebacker Matt Milano makes for the team, what he saw and liked out of Keon Coleman’s first camp practice, whether or not he invited Tiger Wood to camp, the infectious energy and personality of Mack Hollins, and more.
Hear all Josh Allen had to say in the video embedded below.