"He doesn't have that pressure": Julian Edelman claims Josh Allen thrives without Stefon Diggs
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills are enjoying a terrific start to the season. They are sitting atop the AFC East standings with a perfect 3-0 record and are one of only five undefeated teams in the league.
The quarterback has been in excellent form and is currently the frontrunner to win the MVP award. His stellar campaign may surprise some, considering he lost his top target in Stefon Diggs in the offseason.
The Bills traded the veteran wide receiver and two draft picks to the Houston Texans for a second-round pick, to create cap room at the risk of their offense suffering a slump in production.
However, the quarterback and the offense have been thriving this season, which Julian Edelman believes is a direct consequence of Diggs' exit. During an appearance on FS1's "The Herd," the former New England Patriots star claimed that the Bills' lack of a clear top option in the passing game has benefitted Allen.
"Sometimes quarterbacks get so comfortable with the guy, or if they have a big-name receiver, that there's a weight on them to get them the ball. That's what [Josh] Allen had with [Stefon] Diggs for sure," Edelman said.
The three-time Super Bowl champion opined that the quarterback no longer forces a pass and instead focuses on making the right play.
"What this has done, along with for the for the Buffalo Bills, along with the run game, has recalibrated Josh Allen to throw to the open receiver. You look at all the stats for all the receivers, Kincaid has a touchdown, Shakir has a few touchdowns. Coleman has a touchdown. Everyone's getting a piece of the pie, along with the run game, I think they're in a better spot... He doesn't have that pressure of throwing to someone. He's having fun," Edelman added.
Josh Allen stats: QB enjoying life without Stefon Diggs
Through three games, the signal-caller has completed a career-high 75% of his attempts for 634 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns, and no interceptions.
He has also rushed for 85 yards and two touchdowns. The 28-year-old is one of only nine quarterbacks with a passer rating in triple digits and leads the league in that category with an exceptional 133.7.
Allen's impeccable form has put him in a prime position to win his first MVP award and potentially end the Bills' long wait for a Super Bowl win.