Ryan Fitzpatrick slams NFL analyst for bashing Josh Allen's game-winning attempt in AFC title heartbreaker
Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick criticized ESPN analyst Benjamin Solak's assessment of Josh Allen's performance. The analyst criticized the Bills' fourth-down play in their 32-29 AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
With less than two minutes remaining, Allen had to make a split-second decision on fourth-and-5 that would determine his team's Super Bowl hopes.
The discussion ignited on X after Solak posted his breakdown of the play. He claimed Allen should have targeted Khalil Shakir instead of tight-end Dalton Kincaid.
Fitzpatrick found the analysis hilarious citing ground reality.
"I actually really like your passion and knowledge for the game but sitting in your comfortable swivel chair with the heater on in the house and a clicker in hand makes the game very easy," Fitzpatrick said.
"Having two unblocked, unimpeded defenders believe it or not is pretty difficult to navigate … in the interest of credibility, please don't ever pause the tape again to talk about the space between the unblocked full speed rushers and how the qb just needs to turn his hips and make the throw."
Sideline footage revealed Josh Allen's raw emotion as he watched the replay of Kincaid's drop. It was Buffalo's fourth straight postseason elimination by Kansas City.
Josh Allen's performance earns praise despite the loss
Former NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz joined Ryan Fitzpatrick in defending Allen.
"One second after the snap two unblocked Chiefs defenders are in his face. The game isn't played with dots sitting at home," Schwartz said.
Despite the criticism, Josh Allen's performance earned praise from his opponents. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce shared his admiration post-game.
"I f---ing love that guy. He's one of the most awesome competitors I've gone against, and I have so much respect for him," the tight end said.
Patrick Mahomes, who has now defeated Josh Allen in all four of their postseason matchups, acknowledged the difficulty of these losses.
"I always feel for him — he's a great player, an amazing competitor and an awesome dude who I respect so much," Mahomes said. "I'm sorry it had to be us."
Bills veteran Von Miller offered perspective on the heartbreaking finish to The Athletic.
"Two great teams battled it out, and it just wasn't ours this time. There's nothing we could have done differently," he said. "It's gonna come for Josh — one of these years. He did everything in his power. He kept us in the game."
Solak doubled down with a video analysis defending his stance. But the overwhelming support for Allen from current and former NFL players highlighted the gap between analytical criticism and the realities of live-game pressure.