This is an opinion article piece. Emma Stark is a student at Mendham who writes for Sports. All opinions expressed in the following editorial are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Patriot. 

This past Sunday, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen led his team to a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, solidifying a 4-0 start to the season. ESPN writer Marcel Louis-Jacques describes the game in two words: new identity. Instead of heavily relying on the team’s defense, as done in previous seasons, the Bills have become an offense driven team. After 20 seasons of the team rebuilding the Bills, who were once the underdogs of the NFL, have proven themselves worthy among the best teams in the league. From their new identity and undefeated 2020 record to the blossoming star quarterback Josh Allen, the AFC East division title looks more and more promising for the Buffalo Bills.

Entering Week 4 of the season, the Bills’ offense was ranked number four in the NFL. They continued to demonstrate their strategic offensive plays throughout the Raiders game. Allen brought his strong physical and mental abilities to the game, “completing 24 of 34 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns.” While this was a season-low for the offense, the Bills “moved the ball at will when [needed],” rather than depending solely on their defense to secure a win. By establishing this new tactic, the Buffalo Bills can use their defense and offense equally to their advantage as they remain undefeated in the AFC East division. 

However, in Weeks 2 and 3, the Buffalo Bills defense was on the verge of becoming a major area of concern for the team. After allowing 410 yards to the Miami Dolphins and 478 to the Los Angeles Rams, the defense gave uninspiring performances. Some may argue that the defense’s performance this season will not be enough to carry them to an AFC East division title. Yet in the Raiders game a pivotal play made by cornerback Josh Norman early in the fourth quarter, however, shifted the momentum of the team’s defense. On second and 11, Norman forced and recovered a fumble by Raiders tight end Darren Waller to give Buffalo the ball at their 33-yard line. Four plays later, the Bills scored to take a 30-16 lead.

Not only have the Buffalo Bills drastically improved as a team, but quarterback Josh Allen has grown tremendously regarding his performances on the field. Last season, the team averaged 19.6 points per game, and have now averaged 30.8 points in their first four games of the season. According to NFL.com columnist Jim Trotter, Allen’s touchdown passes have increased from 3 to 12, his completion percentage has increased from 60.3 to 70.9, and interceptions from the opposing team have decreased from six to one. Throughout the Raiders game, there were multiple occasions where Allen “either threw the ball at the feet of his receivers on a screen attempt or threw it out of bounds,” instead of making an irrational, pressured decision to throw the ball and likely suffer an interception. 

Allen’s maturity, patience, and discretion have evolved over his three years with the Buffalo Bills. Not only is the AFC East division title becoming more likely for the team, but the AFC crown is no longer a cinch for last year’s Superbowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, and their quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Though there is a list of qualified contenders for the crown, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Josh Allen has become “a quarterback who’s making Mahomes-like throws… [to] shifty new receivers, Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasly,” says NFL.com columnist Jeffri Chadiha. Allen was even awarded the AFC offensive player of the month in September with a total of 1038 passing yards and 12 total touchdowns (10 passing, 2 rushings). When Buffalo goes up against Kansas City, in Week 6, the Bills’ cunning offense and talented defense will surely put up a fight against one of the best teams in the league. 

The Buffalo Bills are known for the “Four Falls of Buffalo.” The team went to the Superbowl four times consecutively and lost each time. But they have been rebuilding, and after years the Buffalo Bills are finally at a point where they are emerging as a unified team. The Bills are more than just a football team; they are a family. They are stronger than ever before and have the astounding capability of taking home the AFC East division title.