No. 7 Overall Pick Josh Allen Looking Like First Bust of This Year’s Draft

On Sunday, No. 7 overall draft pick Josh Allen started his first game for the Buffalo Bills.

If Allen continues to play the way he did on Sunday, he won’t be making many more of ‘em.

In the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals, Allen went 6-of-12 passing for 34 yards and was sacked five times. Allen was also hit several more times and ultimately left the game to be checked for a concussion after being slammed to the turf by Carlon Dunlap. He was cleared, but didn’t return.

Josh Allen's head bounces hard off the turf.

He left the game one play later and went to the #Bills locker room. pic.twitter.com/JJABz6vZfX

— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) August 26, 2018

Allen admittedly didn’t get much help as his offensive line struggled against the Bengals, but Buffalo’s offense was non-existent and scored no points while netting minus-5 net passing yards in the first half.

“I didn’t do a good enough job getting the ball out on time and into the playmakers. Holding onto the ball is not going to be great most of the time,” Allen said afterward. “Getting out there with the first team, obviously it’s moving really fast. To see that speed, it was eye-opening.”

Andrew Billings with the quick win at the LOS, absolutely rag dolls Josh Allen! pic.twitter.com/24lpMF2Mxd

— Heart of NFL (@HeartofNFL) August 27, 2018

Besides the fact that the team spent the seventh overall pick on him, Allen’s struggles are especially concerning for the Bills because they don’t really have many other options at quarterback headed into the season.

Veteran quarterback AJ McCarron was brought in during the offseason to challenge the rookie for the starting job, but he’s currently out with a collarbone injury and his availability for Week 1 of the season is in doubt.

The Bills also have Nathan Peterman on the roster, but he has the dubious distinction of throwing five interceptions in a single half last season.

Given McCarron’s injury status and Peterman’s lack of upside, Allen still could be Buffalo’s best option. But, if they let him get pounded like he did on Sunday, he won’t last long enough to be one for much longer.

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