I haven’t been shy about sharing my belief that Josh Allen is the best quarterback in the NFL, so it shouldn’t come as a shock that my expectations for him in 2026 are extremely high. The intent of this post is to be specific about how I believe Allen should produce and where growth areas from last season are needed.
Before we get into the numbers, let’s acknowledge the unique circumstances of the 2026 season for the Buffalo Bills, who are set to debut a brand new stadium with a new head coach. Joe Brady, Allen’s quarterback coach from 2022-2023 and offensive coordinator in 2024 and 2025, is now in charge of the entire operation. Taking over for the defensive-minded Sean McDermott, the messaging could not be more obvious: Buffalo’s decision-makers are satisfied with the offense and eager to build on the success of the last two seasons with Brady fully in charge, but the changes to the operation needed to be on defense.
The Bills have pivoted to Jim Leonhard to run the defense, and he represents a drastic shift in scheme and philosophy from what was in place under McDermott. Leonhard runs a base 3-4 while McDermott is a 4-3. Leonhard is expected to be man-heavy with coverage schemes, while McDermott is a zone guy. Leonhard is more aggressive with pressure schemes and blitzing, while McDermott wants to play from the top down and keep everything in front of the defenders.
As the defense embraces this shift, the bigger questions are on that side of the football. The stabilizing component of the team is the offense, which has ranked in the top 5 in scoring each of Brady’s 2.5 seasons as the coordinator, while producing Allen’s MVP campaign in 2024 and James Cook’s rushing title in 2025.
Continuity is the name of the game for the Bills offense that is set to return nearly every piece of the 2025 offense, minus left guard David Edwards and fullback Reggie Gilliam. Buffalo traded for DJ Moore to elevate the receiving corps and passing offense, hopefully offering Allen a go-to receiver to lead the aerial attack.
Brady is supported by Pete Carmichael as his non-play-calling offensive coordinator. Both Sean Payton disciples, Brady and Carmichael speak the same language and should collaborate to elevate and evolve the scheme while building upon the success that Brady and Allen have had together.
Allen has his best supporting cast since 2023 and continuity in the offensive scheme. The stage is set for Allen to have his best season. Let’s break down the key growth areas for that to happen.
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