Buffalo Bills: Preseason award predictions for 2019

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 02: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills reacts during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 02: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills reacts during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 16: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills throws a pass in the third quarter during NFL game as Romeo Okwara #95 of the Detroit Lions defends at New Era Field on December 16, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 16: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills throws a pass in the third quarter during NFL game as Romeo Okwara #95 of the Detroit Lions defends at New Era Field on December 16, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Most Improved: Josh Allen, QB

That’s right, we’re talking about Josh Allen. Allen was one of the most compelling rookies in 2018. He started 11 games for the Bills and showed a ton of ups and downs. From his hurdle of Anthony Barr to his 12 interceptions, Allen was all over the place. 2019 should be much better and more consistent.

Allen’s rookie season was nothing if not entertaining. He completed just 52.8 percent of his passes for a total of 2,074 yards. However, he rushed for 631 yards and eight touchdowns. He carried the ball 89 times, which was good for a 7.1 yards per carry average. He also fumbled the ball eight times and was sacked on 28 occasions.

As I mentioned, the Bills graced Allen with some talent on offense with their offseason moves. The skills positions are drastically improved from 2018 with proven veterans at all positions. They also added youth at each of the skill spots as well. Even more importantly, the Bills made moves along the offensive line. Cody Ford was a huge steal for Buffalo in the second round of this year’s draft. He will be asked to keep a clean pocket for Allen to show off his strong arm.

Allen clearly needs to be more consistent. His wild play may be enough to hinder a promising roster. But on the other hand, Allen could be the reason the Bills take the next leap and compete for a playoff spot. I think the improvements to his supporting cast will be enough to allow Allen to drastically improve.

He is the leading candidate to be the team’s most improved player. The ups and downs will still come and go, but at a lesser rate than his rookie year presented.