In a conversation between Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott and caddie Ted Scott over the summer, the pair discussed strategy and sports psychology. Scott shared how PGA star Scottie Scheffler has embraced the mindset of hitting singles on the golf course, a strategy that has led him to win two majors, including this year’s Masters, and hold the top spot in the world rankings for over two years.
This concept resonated with McDermott, who then passed on the story to star quarterback Josh Allen, an avid golfer himself. Allen quickly recognized the parallels between golf and football.
As the NFL has seen an evolution in defensive schemes, quarterbacks like Allen have had to adjust their playing styles. Once known for his ability to launch deep passes down the field, Allen is now faced with defenses that aim to eliminate the big play. This shift has led Allen to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on short and quick passes to move the ball down the field.
According to TruMedia data, 31 percent of Allen’s targets have been at or behind the line of scrimmage in the first two weeks of the season, a trend that surpasses the league average. The increasing number of short passes in the NFL this year is reflected in the fact that quarterbacks are averaging just 7.4 air yards per attempt, the lowest since TruMedia began tracking such data in 2006.
Many of the league’s top quarterbacks have found themselves facing tough defenses that are willing to give up the underneath routes to prevent deep throws. This has required players like Allen to exercise patience and take what the defense gives them.
Comparing Allen’s current tendencies to the 2021 season, where he and Patrick Mahomes engaged in a high-scoring playoff shootout, shows a noticeable shift in his playing style. In a game that featured 707 passing yards and 78 points combined, Allen’s percentage of throws at or behind the line of scrimmage has doubled from 15 percent to 31 percent through two games this season.
Mahomes, known for his ability to make explosive plays down the field, acknowledged the challenges presented by defenses focusing on taking away deep passes. Despite connecting on a long touchdown last week, Mahomes expressed a need for improved execution and recognition of opportunities in the face of tighter coverage.
In a league where offenses and defenses are constantly adapting and evolving, quarterbacks like Allen and Mahomes are adjusting their strategies to navigate the challenges presented by opposing teams. As they continue to face shifting defensive schemes, the ability to hit singles and stay patient has become a crucial aspect of their success on the field.
