Reigning MVP Broke NFL Record Previously Held by Cam Newton
Despite his self-deprecating remarks to Fox Sports following the Buffalo Bills’ 40-9 domination of the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, in which he admitted he “played horrible,” Josh Allen had quite a memorable performance in Week 8.
Not only did he Bills improve to 5-2, but Allen himself wrote his name in the NFL record books.
The reigning MVP completed 12 of 19 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown, and he rushed for seven yards on three carries with another two scores — and he passed another former MVP for a notable NFL record.
Allen surpassed former Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots QB Cam Newton (45) for the most games in NFL history with a passing and rushing touchdown (46). It’s the third time this season Allen recorded a passing and rushing touchdown in the same game.
Allen also became just the second QB ever with 70 or more rushing touchdowns in his career, joining Newton (75). Sunday marked the 16th multi-rushing touchdown game of Allen’s career, including the playoffs.
After back-to-back losses to the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons, many had questioned which version of the Bills offense would show up against the Panthers’ seventh-ranked defense.
Buffalo racked up 410 yards of total offense behind Allen’s three-touchdown game. Running back James Cook added 16 yards rushing and two touchdowns of his own. He and Allen became just the second QB/RB duo in NFL history to each record two or more rushing touchdowns in multiple games.
Khalil Shakir led all wide receivers with six catches on seven targets for 88 yards and a score. Second-year wideout Keon Coleman continued to struggle, finishing with just three catches on four targets for 30 yards.
Despite his history-making performance, Allen’s personal concerns are valid.
He finished with less than 200 yards passing for the third time this season, and it’s the second time this year he’s had fewer than 15 pass completions.