Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell understands the tough challenge his team faces this week against a quarterback who has set multiple NFL records in back-to-back games.
The Lions will host the Buffalo Bills on December 15 in a showdown between conference powerhouses. Detroit currently holds the No. 1 seed in the NFC, while Buffalo is chasing the Kansas City Chiefs for the top spot in the AFC. The matchup will feature two of the league’s highest-scoring offenses, and Campbell acknowledged the difficulty his team will encounter facing MVP candidate Josh Allen.
Dan Campbell: “This Will Be a Big Challenge.”
Campbell warned his team this week that the defense will have a monumental task in trying to contain the Bills’ quarterback.
“He’s got a big-time arm, he’s accurate, he can read defenses, and he can also take off and run,” Campbell said, according to SI.com. “He can run over defenders, evade them, and get to the edge. So, this is going to be a huge task for us. It won’t be easy.”
Campbell mentioned he’s still analyzing Allen, but he’s aware the Bills quarterback has improved his ball security. Despite struggling with interceptions last year, Allen has limited his mistakes this season, throwing just five interceptions.
“He’s tough to stop, and I haven’t fully studied him yet, but I do know this: he’s taking care of the ball,” Campbell said. “He’s taking what’s there, and when it’s not, he uses his legs. He’s more patient this year, and that’s why he’s playing at such a high level. That makes him even more dangerous.”
Allen’s Record-Breaking Run
Allen has been on fire lately, breaking NFL records in each of his team’s last two games. In the win over the San Francisco 49ers, Allen became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for a touchdown, rush for a touchdown, and catch a touchdown, the latter coming on a lateral from wide receiver Amari Cooper.
Allen set another record in last week’s 44-42 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, becoming the first player in league history to record three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in a game.
Rams head coach Sean McVay referred to Allen as an “alien” after last week’s game, explaining how difficult it is to contain him due to his multifaceted abilities.
“He can extend plays, keep his eyes downfield, or run away from you. He can break tackles. He’s a nightmare to defend, and it’s all about balance,” McVay said, per SI.com. “You can’t just sit back and let him navigate the pocket. He can beat you from the pocket, with his mind, with his arm, or with his legs. That’s why he’s an MVP candidate and one of the best players in the league.”
