Allen reflected on a critical moment during a recent game against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he faced a fourth-and-2 situation at the Chiefs’ 26-yard line while leading 23-21 late in the fourth quarter. He acknowledged, “I checked into a man play, and they dropped out and played zone,” realizing in that split second that their play wasn’t optimal. In a scramble to salvage the situation, he decided to improvise.
The 6-foot-5, 237-pound quarterback took 14 seconds to fake a throw to his left before scanning the field, then darting to his right. He outpaced two defenders, evaded a diving tackle attempt from safety Nazeeh Johnson, absorbed contact from linebacker Nick Bolton, and managed to brace for impact with safety Bryan Cook, ultimately tumbling into the end zone. CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz eloquently dubbed it “the play of the year,” as Allen secured a 30-21 victory over the previously undefeated Chiefs, illustrating the evolution of the NFL quarterback role from traditional styles to more dynamic, dual-threat abilities.
During this season’s conference title games, mobile quarterbacks have truly arrived, with Allen going head-to-head against Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes in the AFC, while rookie Jayden Daniels of Washington faces Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts in the NFC. Collectively, the quartet rushed for an impressive 2,359 yards throughout the regular season.
The rushing statistics have varied over recent years; in comparison, the four quarterbacks during the 2021 conference championships combined for only 593 rushing yards, while in 2014, leading names like Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady amassed a total of 1,448 yards. Historically, that number hasn’t approached 2,000, with just 354 yards recorded by quarterbacks in 1993, such as Steve Young and Troy Aikman.
Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback turned CBS analyst Matt Ryan emphasized that mobility is now essential for any quarterback entering the league. “It’s the way the league has evolved,” Ryan stated, noting that all four remaining quarterbacks demonstrate that agility is crucial.
Ryan witnessed this transformation firsthand with the entrance of Cam Newton into the league in 2011, recalling the tremendous stress it put on defensive players and coaches. He noted the increasing number of college players with similar mobility skills, making it evident that this is the natural progression of the position.
In Washington, rookie quarterback Daniels leads the team with 891 rushing yards, setting a new NFL record for rookie quarterbacks, surpassing both Newton and Robert Griffin III. “That’s just how the position is played,” Daniels remarked, recognizing the shift in expectations for quarterbacks to be able to move around and create plays.
In Philadelphia, Hurts demonstrated his dual-threat capability on several occasions, particularly during a narrow 22-16 victory over Carolina, where he countered limited passing success with effective rushing, including a pivotal 35-yard run that set up a game-winning touchdown. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni praised Hurts for his ability to innovate and adapt, affirming this as a huge strength in his quarterbacking style.
Kansas City’s Mahomes has displayed skill across various styles, from shovel and sidearm passes to scrambling, keeping defenses guessing. While his most productive rushing season yielded 366 yards in 2021, Ryan notes that Mahomes has adapted his game to best suit the team’s needs while maintaining the capacity to deliver exceptional plays when necessary.
The Chiefs understand the intensity of facing Allen, who has bested them in their last four regular-season encounters but faced setbacks in the playoffs against them. “He’s built like a tank, moves exceptionally well, and has an incredible arm that can launch the ball deep,” expressed Chiefs safety Justin Reid, highlighting the challenge Allen poses as a dual-threat quarterback.
Allen believes that the evolution of the quarterback position reflects broader changes in the NFL itself. The rapid development of defensive players and their athleticism has paralleled that of quarterbacks. “Your best athletes are probably quarterbacks now,” he pointed out, noting a shift from previous eras when skill players like wide receivers held that distinction.
Allen’s journey to becoming a quarterback began at a young age when he convinced his Pop Warner coach to give him a shot. He passionately recalled, “I wanted to be a quarterback so badly that any time I got the ball, I would throw it back,” until finally, his coach recognized his potential. “And I was like, ‘Thank you. Finally.’”
