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The Josh Allen era in Buffalo will begin seriously this Sunday.
Bills coach Sean McDermott announced on Wednesday that the rookie quarter will start the opening match of Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
"It's the right decision for our team," McDermott told reporters. The coach was not discussing whether naming Allen the starter was a permanent decision.
Allen, seventh in the standings, will replace ineffective second-year quarterback Nathan Peterman, who was 0.0 in Buffalo's 47-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week.
Allen replaced Peterman on Buffalo's third try in the third quarter, while the Bills had already lost 40-0. The rookie led Buffalo's only tag campaign, a 12-game walk that ended with a field goal. Allen has only completed 40% of his 15 attempts for 74 yards and has taken three sacks against Baltimore.
The Bills coach, Sean McDermott, had said after the defeat and the following days that he would rate the film before making a decision at the center. On Wednesday, he finally made that choice and did not regret his departure to launch Peterman.
"I felt like it was the right decision," explained McDermott. "I felt like it was the right decision and I will take it to my grave."
Allen will be the second rookie quarter to start a game this season; Sam Darnold was selected for the group's third game on Monday night.
"He will gain valuable experience by being … at the wheel," McDermott said of the rookie's departure. "There is certainly a valuable experience when you can stand and watch, but as we all know, there is no substitute for experience when you're driving, which is very valuable."
Allen, Peterman and AJ McCarron have entered the training camp in a three-way battle for the Bills kickoff. Each driver showed his potential, but Peterman was the most effective pre-season passer and was named the starter of Week 1. In losing the starting position, Buffalo sent McCarron to the Oakland Raiders for a fifth pick. round. The Bills currently only use two QBs – Allen and Peterman – on their active list.
In addition to giving Allen the keys to the franchise, facing Peterman early in the season is also a preventative measure against Peterman against the Chargers. In his first career start, Peterman scored five interceptions in the first period against L.A. before being replaced by Tyrod Taylor for the final innings.
While Allen was sometimes resembling a rookie during his first career shots Sunday, his ability to get in and out of the pocket and launch with pace distinguishes him from Peterman, whose stiffness and indecision have prevented Buffalo from returning to Baltimore.
The Bills will need more things this week and advance than just improve their game under the center to stay in a strong position. A stronger offensive line game and greater separation of wide receivers would certainly help.
From Allen, at least, the Bills are not afraid to improve the most important position on the pitch, even if it means launching a sprinkler starting earlier than expected.
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