Josh Allen grew up admiring Aaron Rodgers in central California and is impressed by the latest achievement Rodgers is nearing: 500 passing touchdowns.
“That’s an amazing stat. Aaron’s one of, if not the best ever to throw a football,” Allen said after Bills practice on Thursday.
“He’s been an idol of mine since I was a kid, looking up to him and wanting to be in a position like him,” Allen added as the Bills prepare to face the Jets on Sunday. “Could I imagine 500 touchdowns? Sure. But again, I think Aaron is in his 20th year, that’s a lot of football. He’s seen a lot and has always adjusted his game.”
Allen, with 193 passing touchdowns after his seventh season, still has a long way to go to match Rodgers, who is set to become the fifth player to reach 500.
The question no one, possibly even Rodgers himself, knows is how many more touchdowns and seasons the 41-year-old will play.
Allen and the Bills (12-3) are one win away from securing the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs.
Meanwhile, Rodgers and the Jets (4-11) are facing uncertainty after a disappointing season that didn’t meet expectations.
A change in leadership seems likely after the midseason firings of coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas. Rodgers isn’t even sure if he will return, even if the Jets want him back.
“I’m still going to need some time mentally to step away from it and see how I feel if I want to come back for a 21st season,” Rodgers said.
The Jets are 2-8 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, and they are set to finish with six or fewer wins for the eighth time during a 14-season playoff drought, which is the longest active streak in the major North American sports leagues.
Despite the rough season, Rodgers cares about the Jets not giving up.
“If I see somebody not doing things the right way, I’ll speak up,” Rodgers said. “But the good thing is, everyone’s watching. This is an audition for all of us.”
In Buffalo, the Bills are working to strengthen an injury-hit defense that has allowed 1,357 yards, 86 first downs, and opponents to convert 24 of 40 third downs in winning two of their last three games. Cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee) and linebacker Matt Milano (groin) are close to returning.
Allen’s challenge is facing a Jets defense that has limited him to an average of 215 passing yards, seven touchdowns, six interceptions, and 16 sacks over their past five meetings (3-2).
“Why they’ve given me problems is I don’t think I’ve protected the ball well against them in the past,” Allen said. “I need to be smarter with the ball, making good decisions and knowing where it’s going.”
