As the NFL regular season reaches its climax, two teams that began the year as potential Super Bowl favourites find themselves in a surprisingly similar, and precarious, position. The Buffalo Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles, both sitting with an 11-5 record entering the final week, have seen their paths diverge from early-season dominance due to injuries, inconsistent play, and heartbreaking late-game losses.
Kurt Warner's Quarterback Verdict: Trust in Josh Allen
Despite the parallel struggles, the spotlight in January inevitably falls on the quarterback. This reality was underscored by NFL Network analyst and Hall of Famer Kurt Warner following Buffalo's recent loss to the Eagles. Warner did not view the defeat as a catastrophic failure for Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Instead, he saw it as reinforcement of Allen's status as one of the league's most reliable stars.
Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, Warner made his playoff preference clear. "I'd probably pick Josh Allen and company," Warner stated. He elaborated, pointing to Buffalo's improving defense, effective run game, and, most importantly, his faith in Allen's playmaking ability. "I trust Josh to make the play. He missed the play yesterday, but he doesn't miss those plays very often," Warner said, highlighting Allen's track record of clutch performances.
The Foundation of Buffalo's Strength
Warner's confidence stems from Allen's remarkable consistency and the Bills' established foundation. In the game against Philadelphia, Allen was the driving force for Buffalo, delivering powerful throws and punishing runs, including two rushing touchdowns. Even when trailing, the offense under Allen's command remained aggressive, consistently putting the team in a position to win.
Looking at the broader picture, the Bills' credentials are impressive. Over the last five seasons, only one NFL team has more regular-season wins than Buffalo. The franchise has consistently fielded a stout defense, and Allen himself perpetually ranks among the league leaders in total touchdowns scored. This experience in high-stakes games, though yet to yield a championship, is a valuable asset.
The Playoff Path Ahead
The journey will not be easy. Buffalo enters the postseason as a wild card team, meaning they have limited control over their seeding and will likely face battle-hardened opponents on the road. However, Warner's analysis points to a timeless playoff truth: when the pressure intensifies in January, trust in the quarterback often becomes the decisive factor.
For Kurt Warner and many observers, Josh Allen continues to earn that trust, giving the Buffalo Bills a psychological and strategic edge over the Philadelphia Eagles as the tournament for the Lombardi Trophy begins. The final chapter for these two 11-5 squads will be written not on their early-season promise, but on their quarterback's ability to deliver under the brightest lights.
