Bills' Allen shines with six total TDs in 44-32 victory over Bucs

Josh Allen delivered an electrifying performance, leading the Buffalo Bills to a 44-32 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with six total touchdowns.

Why it matters: This win consolidates the Bills' position in the playoff race and underscores Allen's dual-threat capabilities as both a passer and a runner.

• With three rushing and three passing touchdowns, Allen became only the fourth quarterback in NFL history to achieve this feat twice.
• His ability to score consistently puts pressure on opposing defenses and opens up opportunities for the entire offense.

What’s new: Allen completed 19 of 30 passes for 317 yards while also contributing 40 rushing yards on six attempts.

• Despite two interceptions, his performance was marked by resilience, demonstrating that he can overcome mistakes and deliver crucial plays when needed.
• The Bills’ offense began to click, with multiple passing touchdowns of over 40 yards for the first time this season.

By the numbers: The Bills amassed 97 rushing yards on 23 carries, a figure that reflects their ongoing struggle to establish a robust ground game.

• However, Allen accounted for three touchdowns in each half, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
• The team achieved 13 first downs through the air, with Allen going 5-for-8 for 134 yards and two touchdowns on throws exceeding 15 yards.

Yes, but: While Allen's six-touchdown performance is impressive, the two turnovers raise questions about ball security.

• Spencer Brown commented on the paradox of Allen's game, noting, "He had two turnovers, I think, tonight, and then he went and had six touchdowns. So, I think that's fine with me."
• Maintaining control will be pivotal as the Bills head into tougher matchups later in the season.

Zoom In: Mecole Hardman made his season debut with a thrilling 61-yard kick return before leaving the game due to a calf injury.

• His potential impact on special teams and at receiver adds another layer to the Bills' offensive options if he can stay healthy.

What’s next: The Bills will shift their focus to their upcoming game against the Houston Texans, aiming to build on this momentum.

• "I think at the end of the first quarter, just the way how things were going... I thought we made some plays today," Allen remarked, indicating a positive trajectory as they prepare for future challenges.

The bottom line: As Josh Allen continues to set records and lead the Bills' offense, the team must address the balance between explosive plays and turnover management to sustain their success moving forward.