Josh Allen’s Bills teammates reveal why playing with him is brutal

Josh Allen’s ability to extend plays and force throws under pressure makes life miserable for his offensive line: at least according to Dion Dawkins, the Buffalo Bills left tackle.

What did Dawkins say?

Dion Dawkins, the Bills’ 11-year veteran left tackle, told reporters this week that playing with Josh Allen “absolutely sucks.” Dawkins didn’t sugarcoat it. He described Allen’s style as physically and mentally draining, forcing linemen to hold blocks longer than usual while absorbing blindside hits. The comment came during a mid-July 2026 media session at One Bills Drive.

Why does it matter for Josh Allen?

Allen’s off-script scrambles and improvised throws create chaos for the Bills’ front five. While the offense thrives on his improvisational genius, the trenches pay the price. Dawkins’ blunt assessment highlights a long-running issue: Allen’s 17th-most pressures faced in 2025 ranked him among the league’s most sacked QBs despite elite pocket presence. The left tackle’s honesty underscores the trade-offs of building around a quarterback who turns every third-down into a potential disaster.

How often does this happen?

Allen’s 2025 season saw him scramble on 28% of dropbacks: third-highest among NFL QBs. Those plays extend drives but force linemen into awkward, late reps. The Bills ranked 24th in sacks allowed in 2025, a number that spikes when Allen’s designed rollouts collapse. Dawkins’ comments echo similar frustrations from center Connor McGovern, who called Allen’s pocket movement “a different animal.”

What comes next?

The Bills’ offensive line unit is under the microscope heading into training camp. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady has hinted at schematic tweaks to better protect Allen while preserving his improvisational upside. The left tackle spot remains a question mark after Greg Van Roten’s departure in free agency. If Allen’s scrambles continue at this rate, the Bills may need to rethink their protection schemes: or risk another season of linemen sounding off the record.