Josh Allen Sends Strong Message to Patrick Mahomes Before Bills-Chiefs
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Bills quarterback Josh Allen greets Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes at Highmark Stadium on November 17, 2024.
The Buffalo Bills have officially reached Chiefs Week, their now-annual regular-season meeting with Patrick Mahomes and their rivals from the AFC West.
The stakes are always high when the Kansas City Chiefs arrive on Buffalo’s schedule, but this year could be even more important as both teams have fallen out of the lead in their respective divisions. Bills quarterback Josh Allen is ready for the challenge, offering some big praise of his quarterback counterpart this week — and getting some love from Mahomes in return.
Josh Allen Needs to Raise His Game
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Allen shared praise for Mahomes and said the two-time MVP forces him to up his game.
“Anytime you’re playing against a good team and a good quarterback, you have to play at the top of your game in order to win a football game,” Allen said. “Not that you don’t go out there and try to play your best all the time, [but] there is a heightened sense of awareness to that of understanding who’s on the other side of the football. But yeah, you wanna go out there and our goal is to try to score on every drive and that’s what we try to do.”
Allen has had plenty of success against Mahomes in the regular season, leading the Bills to wins in each of the last four years, but the Bills are 0-4 against the Chiefs in the playoffs including a loss in last year’s AFC Championship.
The Bills come into this year’s game against the Chiefs 5-2, having recovered from back-to-back losses by blowing out the Carolina Panthers last week. The Chiefs started the season 0-2 but have since steadied the ship, getting top receiver Rashee Rice back from a six-game suspension and winning five of their last six games.
The loser of this week’s game could fall out of the playoffs entirely if the Jacksonville Jaguars win their game, underscoring the importance of this year’s contest.
Patrick Mahomes Returns the Favor
Mahomes also had plenty of good things to say about Allen, telling reporters that the reigning MVP is a nightmare for his team to defend. Mahomes added that he believes Allen is only improving and said the Bills quarterback forced him to be better.
“To be that size and to be able to move like that, he’s done so many great things as far as throwing the football,” Mahomes said. “The way he’s able to extend plays and be close to the sideline and make these big-time throws down the field, that stuff is special. He’s gotten better and better each and every year. I think that’s something that I’ve seen in him and something I try to do for myself as well. He’s a great football player.”
While their rivalry on the field has only gotten more heated, Mahomes and Allen have been on friendly terms away from the gridiron. The two teamed up for a televised golf match where they faced — and ultimately lost to — fellow star quarterbacks Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.
Maxx Crosby Promises a Dominant Return: ‘We’ll Keep Battling Every Single Play’
The Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line is facing a significant challenge with one of their leaders, Maxx Crosby, battling an injury. Known for his relentless play, Crosby has been a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense since joining the team. Despite the setback, Crosby remains confident and determined to make a dominant return to the field.
In a recent statement, Crosby made it clear that the injury will not define him or his team. “Injuries are part of the game, but they don’t define who I am. I’ll keep pushing, keep fighting, and I’ll be back stronger than ever. I’m not backing down, and neither is this defense. We’ll keep battling every single play,”
Crosby’s leadership on and off the field has been critical to the Raiders’ defensive unit. His relentless style of play, combined with his ability to disrupt offenses, has made him a key player. The injury is undoubtedly a blow to the defense, but Crosby’s mindset is clear: this is just another challenge to overcome. He is determined to return stronger and continue being a force for the Raiders.
Throughout his career, Crosby has faced adversity and emerged stronger each time. His determination to keep fighting, even in the face of injury, is not just about him — it’s about setting an example for the rest of the team. Crosby’s leadership is invaluable, and it’s evident that his commitment to the team is unwavering.
The Raiders have relied on Crosby’s energy and ability to make game-changing plays. His absence may temporarily shift the dynamic of the defense, but with Crosby’s mindset and his work ethic, his return will undoubtedly reinvigorate the team. His words,
As the Raiders prepare for their upcoming games, they will undoubtedly miss Crosby’s presence on the field. However, his resolve to return stronger, coupled with the defensive depth the Raiders have, will be key in sustaining their competitive edge. The team will need to rally together and maintain their defensive focus, knowing that Crosby will be back to lead them as soon as he is able.
For now, Maxx Crosby’s focus is on recovery, and when he returns, it’s clear that he’ll be ready to make his mark once again. His determination to overcome obstacles and keep fighting is a rallying cry for his teammates, and the Raiders will no doubt look to Crosby’s example as they continue to battle for a playoff spot.
