Unmatched Numbers
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has become the most successful goal line runner in modern NFL history. Since 1977, 153 players have carried the ball at least 30 times from the 1 or 2 yard line. Allen tops that entire list.
Out of 53 carries in those situations, Allen has converted 43 into touchdowns. That gives him a scoring rate of 81.1 percent. No player sits within five percentage points of his mark. Only Earl Campbell, Cam Newton, and T.J. Duckett fall within 15 percentage points of him.
Allen already has seven goal line rushing touchdowns in six games this season. His strong play has helped the Bills reach a 5-1 record.
The Power Of The Push Play
Much of Allen's short yardage success comes from push plays. Out of his 43 short distance touchdowns, 22 came from traditional push plays. Since Joe Brady took over as offensive coordinator midway through the 2023 season, 21 of Allen's 22 push scores have taken place.
Some critics point to these plays to downplay his numbers. However, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is nearly 20 percent less successful than Allen when converting goal line carries. Allen's physical size makes the difference. A teammate noted that the plays work because Allen is simply bigger and stronger than most goal line threats.
Head coach Joe Brady admitted that a lot of planning goes into these sneaks, but having a quarterback of Allen's size helps make the plays work.
Physical Toll And High Efficiency
These short yardage plays are physical. Offensive tackle Dion Dawkins described the action under the pile as torture. Allen himself admitted that sneaks are not as glamorous as people believe, noting that a player takes some hard hits down there.
Despite the physical hits, the Bills rely heavily on Allen near the end zone. Running back James Cook has converted 11 of 22 career attempts from the 2 yard line or closer, which is a 50 percent rate. This season, Cook has scored once on three carries in that area. Allen has taken seven carries in those spots this year and scored every single time.
With 87 career rushing touchdowns, Allen holds the record for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in NFL history. He also has eight total rushing touchdowns this season, tying him for the league lead.
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