The Miami Dolphins are getting set to take on the Buffalo Bills with the AFC East division title on the line this Sunday, and Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has the task of prepping for Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
Speaking to reporters this week, Fangio had an interesting comparison for Allen that was also good for a pretty hilarious quote.
“This guy is the new John Elway on steroids,” Fangio said, via Eric Edholm of NFL media. “And I don’t mean he’s taking steroids.”
Well, thanks for clarifying that, Vic.
But in all seriousness, Fangio raved about Allen and understands what a challenge it will be for his defense to contain him this weekend.
“(Allen and Elway) are very similar,” Fangio said. “Different body types. Different running styles, but (they present) the same problems, for sure. Allen is just a beast of a guy, a physical specimen. Like John Elway was in the mid-80s to the mid-90s. … (Allen is) just bigger, faster, cannon for an arm, tough. He’s a dude.”
Well, it depends on which version of Allen shows up.
Last week, for example, Allen went just 15-for-30 with 169 yards and an interception in Buffalo’s 27-21 win over the New England Patriots. Yes, he did carry the ball 11 times for 44 yards and a couple of touchdowns, but he is going to have to be much more efficient as a passer if the Bills want to beat the Dolphins.
As a matter of fact, over his last seven games, Allen has posted passer ratings under 70 three times, including his season-low rating of 53.3 against the Patriots.
On the season overall, Allen has thrown for 3,947 yards, 27 touchdowns and 16 picks while completing 65.6 percent of his passes and registering a passer rating of 91.5. In addition, he has rushed for 457 yards and 15 scores while averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
Josh Allen and the Bills have won four straight games to push their record to 10-6. They will win the AFC East with a victory in South Beach this Sunday. However, if they lose, they may find themselves out of the playoffs entirely depending on what else occurs within the conference.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are 11-5 and have already clinched a postseason berth.
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