For many of us, watching sporting events is a favorite pastime that often carries over to social media as we follow our favorite players and teams. Staying updated on their lives is part of the fun. Seeing the drama that happens is something that keeps us interested and involved in their lives on and off the field. Although many people we idolize put on a show for their socials, their real feelings can be seen in their actions. We saw this on August 22, when Buffalo Bills star wide receiver Stefon Diggs got heated on the field. 

Late in Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Diggs was seen on the sidelines ripping into Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen. A earlier play made by Allen was the catalyst of this outburst. On a much needed potential touchdown reception, Allen didn’t complete a throw to Diggs. The Bills went on to lose 27-10 in the AFC Divisional Championship. In the aftermath, Diggs was an afterthought in the Bills offensive gameplan. When asked about the Diggs outburst, Allen replied, “He’s a fiery competitor. He wants the ball, and whatever it was that we couldn’t get him the ball tonight, we are going to have to learn from.”

As one of the best quarterbacks in the league, it is time for Allen to audible. He can either listen to the plays his offensive coordinator is sending through the speaker in his helmet the entire game, or he can step up and utilize his team the way he wants while adapting the plays to the ever-changing defensive line and coverage. Instead of asking why the ball wasn’t getting to Diggs, Allen should be making sure that the plays being made are helping his team to victory. 

After this heartbreaking loss, Allen’s leadership is being called into question. “I’m never going to question a call,” Allen said, referring to the play-calling of Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. A quarterback’s job is to lead a team, not blindly adhere to the offensive coordinator’s direction. The team will not respect him or think of him as a leader if he is simply doing what he is told to do.

Josh Allen, the supposed runaway MVP candidate, will now watch the AFC Championship game between the Chiefs and the Bengals, for the second year in a row, from his living room couch. If the Bills can’t find a way to get the ball to their best players, they will continue to watch their seasons end prematurely. Josh Allen needs to step up and take ownership of his team’s offensive output. If this change does not occur, the Bills may need to find a new offensive coordinator to call plays fitted to their best athletes or find a quarterback that will be able to lead his team to victory.