Rookie quarterback Josh Allen was thrown into the fire much sooner than anticipated and his inexperience showed. While he had a decent grasp of the playbook, his processing from pre and post-snap were not up to NFL standards. At times he looked completely lost on where to go with the ball when a linebacker or defensive back blitzed from the second level.

Allen spoke specifically about Derwin James blitzing off the edge or from depth in this video. It was something that he and the OL struggled with. But he did show progress. Knowing who the hot is, having a solution is crucial. pic.twitter.com/Y250ymzZu8 — Cover 1 (@Cover_1_) May 30, 2019

He consistently would drop his eyes, take a sack or scramble because he simply didn’t understand who he was responsible for in protection or who his hot route was.

This play seems like so long ago, but teams tested Allen with late blitzers, blitzers from depth and off the edge more and more as the season wore on. pic.twitter.com/mkjeYDwOb1 — Cover 1 (@Cover_1_) January 2, 2019



The staff remained patient and worked even closer with the young signal-caller. It forced Allen to become more accountable because the offense was tailored to his strengths and weaknesses.

Allen gained a ton of knowledge by playing this season, and with all things considered, he handled himself pretty well. The Fins sent a similar pressure at him and this time he had a solution… That and more in my latest article for @TheAthleticBUF : https://t.co/vc6bnoTODU pic.twitter.com/u7O7WE3CRt — Cover 1 (@Cover_1_) January 2, 2019



Once he was able to take ownership of the offense, it took on his identity.

Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll put Allen in a lot more empty sets, to the tune of 18.5%, which was third highest in the league. The empty set has a lot of advantages including spreading the defense out which makes it much more difficult for the opponent to disguise blitzes and coverages. The formational alignment also can lighten the box for pass catchers or even QB runs which Allen advantage of.

https://www.cover1.net/buffalo-bills-all-22-josh-allen-empty/

As the season wore on, his command and understanding of the offense were noticeable. We see that here on a short completion to tight end Jason Croom. Let’s break down the intricacies of this play call.

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