How Buffalo Bills’ Cam Newton Approach Could Shorten Josh Allen’s NFL Career as Stefon Diggs Moved On From Highmark

The Buffalo Bills traded arguably their number 1 wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, to the Houston Texans. This came as a shock to many NFL analysts and enthusiasts. Although on the one hand, Diggs’ arrival in a new team could make their offense formidable, the Bills, on the other hand, might have to face the loss of his absence in the next season or that is what many analysts believe.

This unexpected move has raised two vital questions: One, are the Bills still Super Bowl contenders? Two, is this the start of quarterback Josh Allen’s decline in the league? Well, to answer the question, THE ODD COUPLE sat down to share their views on the Bills’ scenario. In a recent episode of THE ODD COUPLE on Fox Sports Radio, hosts Chris Broussard & Rob Parker discussed the impact of the Stefon Diggs trade on the Bills and their quarterback Josh Allen.

Broussard shared his views that the Bills have taken a step back from being the Super Bowl contenders and are now only playoff contenders. Broussard highlighted, “I think they’ve definitely taken a step back, Rob. They lost six of their eight captains from a year ago, they only have Josh Allen and Von Miller, who we know is old and past his prime.”

He continued, “Those are their only two remaining captains, so I think they take a step back but I do think they still are a top flight playoff Contender but….I don’t think they can get to the Super Bowl in the AFC.” Despite this, the host believed that the defense would remain strong under head coach Sean McDermott.

However, he predicted that the offense may change its approach, possibly relying more on running the ball and using two tight end sets with Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox. He also suggested that Josh Allen’s performance may still be impressive but what matters is that if the team will be able to perform well on the gridiron.

He also raised questions about Allen’s increased involvement in running plays potentially leading to more hits and impacting his long-term career, comparing him to Cam Newton’s career trajectory. Broussard raised a valid point, highlighting, “I mean are you setting him up to take more hits, get more shots? He’s big, he’s not going to be protected like Lamar Jackson or some of these smaller quarterbacks, so are you setting him up to take some big shots and deliver some big shots but at the end of the day, that will take a physical toll on him and are you shortening his career?”

If this happens, Allen might follow Newton’s trajectory that led him part ways with the Panthers.

Is Josh Allen’s situation similar to legendary Cam Newton?

Eight years ago, the Panthers were in the Super Bowl facing the Broncos, with Cam Newton as their starter quarterback. Despite a remarkable regular season record of 15 wins and 1 loss, they lost Super Bowl 50 to the Broncos. Since then, the team’s performances have declined significantly. They’ve had a record of 29 wins and 35 losses, missing the playoffs in three out of the last four seasons (a record till 2020). Despite Newton’s impressive individual stats at that time, the team struggled due to a lack of support around him, resulting in his injuries.

The Panthers failed to add quality players to the roster, especially on offense and didn’t address their defensive weaknesses. Newton, who made history with his passing and rushing abilities (20,000 yards and rush for 3,000 yards), eventually left the team due to the lack of roster improvement. This situation could be similar for Josh Allen, who, like Newton, might have to carry the team in both passing and rushing if they don’t make necessary changes to the roster.

Counting the release of players like Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, the Bills must build a strategy for addressing such losses in their roster. Relying solely on draft picks to fill the gaps might not be realistic. Instead, they may need to be proactive buyers in the market.

Read more: Following Stefon Diggs ‘X’ Controversy, NFL Analyst Shades “Middle of the Pack” Josh Allen