Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen drew a pointed warning from former NFL receiver Steve Smith Sr. after a late interception helped seal a loss to the New England Patriots.
Allen opened the 2026 season with a surge, accounting for nine total touchdowns across the first two games as Buffalo won both. The production cooled over the next two contests.
The Bills still beat the Los Angeles Chargers despite three turnovers from Allen. They could not overcome his interception in the final stages of a 29-26 defeat to New England on Sunday.
The pick came on a deep throw into triple coverage after Allen slipped a sack on second down. Buffalo fell to 3-1.
Smith, speaking on ESPN, said the continued reliance on high-risk plays creates lasting problems for the offense.
“It’s really tough to watch,” Smith said, saying that Allen needs to “put his cape away.”
“You can’t allow Josh Allen to continue to be Superman and not expect mistakes to happen,” Smith said.
He called for a return to the early-season balance that featured more work for the running game.
“Got to get back to getting the ball to James Cook, getting some explosive plays,” Smith said. “Less Superman, more Clark.”
Allen took responsibility after the game for the decision on the interception play.
“Should throw that one out of bounds, live to fight another day,” Allen said.
Through four games Allen has completed 79 of 119 passes for 1,039 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. His passer rating stands at 100.1.
Those passing figures sit near the middle of the league. His seven rushing touchdowns tie him with Baltimore’s Derrick Henry for the NFL lead.
Buffalo’s offense has scored 31.8 points per game, the highest mark in the league. The unit put up 36 and 41 points in the opening wins before more modest outputs against the Chargers and Patriots.
Allen remains the betting favorite for league MVP. Odds have held between +230 and +270 at major sportsbooks, an implied probability of roughly 27 to 30 percent.
The recent turnovers have not shifted that standing. Allen has added value as a runner even as the passing numbers stay ordinary for an MVP contender.
Cook’s early involvement helped generate explosive gains that limited the need for Allen to force throws. Smith argued that restoring that element would reduce the volume of low-percentage hero attempts.
The Bills next face a stretch that includes road games in California. Sustaining the scoring pace will depend on fewer giveaways in critical moments.
