The debate regarding the degree to which a player is considered clutch can get a bit fuzzy. After all, there’s a myriad of ways that one may define the concept of “clutch” in athletics.
CBS Sports broke down this idea with quarterbacks in mind. He examined two specific aspects when creating his list:
- The quarterback’s late-game conversion rate on game-tying or go-ahead drives
- The expected points added (EPA) in these game situations.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen landed fourth on the rankings. Clawson highlights:
Josh Allen is top 10 in every criteria mentioned off the top, including fifth in clutch drive conversation rate in both 2023 and for his career. He led three game-winning drives as the Bills finished last season on a five-game win streak and stole the AFC East title from Miami.
Bills fans have become accustomed to Allen’s late-game theatrics. His ability to take over games on his own is something to behold.
If anyone wishes to question Allen’s clutch resume, CBS Sports brings up an old wound for the Buffalo faithful:
And before you question his clutch credentials, just remember the heroics in a 42-36 loss to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs a few years ago.
In that game, Allen went 27-of-37 for 329 passing yards and four touchdown passes. He added 68 yards on 11 rushes.
With the Bills offense in transition, they will rely on Allen even more than in the past. Buffalo moved on from two of Allen’s top receiving options, Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis. Expect Allen to take over more games as the new faces settle into Joe Brady’s offensive scheme.
CBS Sports’ full list of the top-10 most-clutch quarterbacks in the NFL, including Allen, can be found below: