The NFL Divisional Playoffs were packed with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments, and one of the biggest stories of the weekend came from the Buffalo Bills’ huge win over the Baltimore Ravens. On the latest episode of The Herd, Colin Cowherd and NFL analyst John Middlekauff broke down the game, offering their insights on Josh Allen’s performance and what it means for the Bills’ future.
Josh Allen: The Rise of a Superstar
The game between the Ravens and Bills was a high-stakes affair that showcased the full potential of Josh Allen. Colin Cowherd was quick to praise Allen, calling the young quarterback “a top-tier talent” who is proving he can lead his team in big moments.
“Josh Allen showed us why he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league,” Colin began, his voice full of excitement. “The way he carried the team, especially under pressure, was absolutely impressive. We’ve seen him throw lasers, we’ve seen him run with power, and today, we saw him do it all.”
John Middlekauff, who has always been high on Allen’s potential, agreed wholeheartedly. “I think we’re watching the evolution of a guy who’s not just a dual-threat quarterback, but a legitimate MVP candidate. His ability to make throws on the run, extend plays, and read defenses — it’s next-level stuff.”
The duo pointed to several key plays throughout the game that highlighted Allen’s growing confidence and skill. From his deep touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs to his ability to scramble and keep the defense guessing, Allen was on another level. But it was more than just his athleticism that stood out.
Colin noted, “It’s his poise. In the biggest moments, when the pressure’s on, Josh Allen doesn’t panic. He’s calm, collected, and in control. That’s something you don’t see from a lot of quarterbacks his age.”
The Ravens Struggle: Lamar Jackson’s Tough Day
While Allen was shining, the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson had a tougher outing. Middlekauff pointed out that while Lamar’s talents are undeniable, he couldn’t seem to get into a rhythm against the Bills’ defense.
“Lamar Jackson is a dynamic player — we’ve seen that in previous years — but you have to give credit to the Bills’ defense. They put together a game plan that really took him out of his comfort zone,” John said. “Lamar struggled in the pocket, and when the Ravens couldn’t get the run game going, he was forced to make throws he’s not used to making.”
Colin echoed the sentiment, noting that Lamar’s inconsistency in passing was a major factor in the Ravens’ defeat. “Lamar’s not there yet as a pure passer. You can’t just rely on your legs in these types of games. In the playoffs, when the defense tightens up, you have to be able to make accurate throws, and Lamar just wasn’t able to do that.”
Despite the loss, Cowherd was quick to remind viewers that Jackson’s ceiling is still incredibly high. “Lamar’s young, and he’s a former MVP. He’s got time to develop, but today, the Bills were just too much for him.”
Buffalo’s Balanced Attack: The Supporting Cast
While Josh Allen’s brilliance was a key factor in the victory, Colin and John also pointed out the important contributions from the rest of the team. The Bills’ offense has become one of the most well-rounded in the NFL, with Allen getting help from the likes of Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, and a solid running game.
Colin highlighted the connection between Allen and Diggs, saying, “That duo is dangerous. When you’ve got a quarterback who trusts his wide receiver like Allen trusts Diggs, it’s a recipe for success. Diggs is a top-five wide receiver in this league, and he makes big plays when it matters most.”
John also lauded the Bills’ offensive line for keeping Allen clean and giving him time to make plays. “That offensive line did a great job protecting Josh. He wasn’t under constant pressure, and that gave him the time to go through his progressions and find the open man. That’s a big deal when you’re facing a defense like the Ravens.”
Looking Ahead: The Future is Bright for Buffalo
As the Bills advance to the next round of the playoffs, Colin and John both agreed that Buffalo is in prime position to make a serious Super Bowl run. The combination of Josh Allen’s growth, the defense’s ability to shut down high-powered offenses, and the overall team balance make them a dangerous threat to any opponent.
“The Bills are for real,” Colin said confidently. “This isn’t just a fluke. They’re built for the playoffs. Josh Allen has everything it takes to win a championship — and this might be the year he does it.”
John added, “The AFC is wide open, and if you’re a team like Buffalo, you’ve got to feel like you can win it all. They’ve got the quarterback, they’ve got the defense, and they’re playing with a ton of confidence. Watch out.”
As the playoff picture continues to unfold, the Buffalo Bills are looking more and more like legitimate contenders. With Josh Allen leading the charge, it’s clear that the future of the franchise — and potentially the entire NFL — is in very capable hands. For now, the Bills are riding high after a huge win over the Ravens, and they’ll be looking to carry that momentum into the next round.
