Josh Allen's preparation for game day includes a steady stream of criticism from the people closest to his work: backup quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele and quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree.
The group studies his mechanics, debates play calls and reviews defensive looks throughout the week, with the aim of making Allen comfortable with every call Buffalo takes into a game, the team reported in an Oct. 29 feature.
Review starts Monday, opponent study follows Tuesday
Monday is a review and reset day. The quarterbacks study the previous game, identify adjustments and examine Allen's throwing mechanics.
Head coach Joe Brady said the backups provide coaching points both during the week and on the sideline, with some feedback focused on Allen's feet and some on coverage recognition.
Both backups are in their second stints with Buffalo. Kyle Allen has played for six teams over nine NFL seasons, while Buechele has moved between the Bills and Kansas City during his first six years in the league, according to the team's account.
On Tuesday, the room turns toward the next opponent, watching cutups and discussing ideas for the game plan. The long meeting schedule also leaves room for games and jokes, including quarterback-only rounds of Immaculate Grid.
Buechele said Allen welcomes criticism despite his MVP status and that the quarterbacks hold one another accountable. Kyle Allen described his competitive relationship with Josh as “healthy hate,” rooted in a friendship that dates to their arrival in the NFL in 2018.
Hardegree uses questions to keep the room engaged
Wednesday brings the installation of first- and second-down plays, film sessions and the first full practice work of the week. After practice, the group meets again to review the session and prepare for Thursday.
Allen asks Kyle Allen and Buechele for their assessments of his mechanics and practice performance, Hardegree said. When a decision is close, their opinions carry weight.
Hardegree approaches meetings as a teacher, using questions and quizzes to check that the quarterbacks understand the plan before moving on. The competition gives the players another way to challenge one another.
In his first year in Buffalo, Hardegree said he has also learned when the group needs a break and how to adapt instruction to the way Allen learns while keeping the backups ready to play.
Situational work takes over later in the week
Thursday emphasizes down-and-distance situations, especially third down, and gives the quarterbacks another practice opportunity to apply Wednesday's work.
Buechele, 28, said his film study helps him understand schemes from a coach's perspective, while playing the position gives him a different view of what happens during a game.
Friday's work focuses on the red zone, short yardage and goal-line situations, along with remaining corrections to the base-down plan.
Kyle Allen and Buechele are often among the last players off the practice field as they complete their own preparation. Both emphasized that they must understand the entire play sheet and work as though they could be called on to start.
Saturday has no practice, but the quarterbacks walk through situations and resolve final details. Hardegree said the goal is to avoid sending Allen into Sunday with calls he does not trust or feel comfortable executing.
Sideline conversations continue on game day
On Sunday, the quarterbacks and Hardegree compare what they studied during the week with what the defense is doing. They review screenshots from earlier drives on sideline tablets and discuss adjustments.
Brady pointed to the Week 6 game against the Raiders as an example of the value of that communication while making changes during a game.
Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael described the exchanges as supportive, including when a backup sees something Allen could improve.
The review cycle starts again after the game, with the room returning to the same questions about execution, mechanics and the next opponent.
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