Just prior to the opening of NFL training camps, ESPN unveiled the outcomes of a survey that assessed the top players in the league across 11 various position categories.
Each positional ranking was accompanied by insights from anonymous NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was ranked as the third-best player in his position group. While there’s room for debate regarding Allen’s ranking, a comment about the Bills star’s standing among his colleagues sparked some debate.
An anonymous executive characterized Allen as “one of the more overrated players in the NFL,” a statement that Fox Sports NFL sideline reporter Erin Andrews found problematic. Fox Sports operates under the umbrella of FOX Corp., which is also the parent company of Fox News and FOX Business.
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Josh Allen (Timothy T Ludwig)
Andrews responded to the executive’s comments on her podcast “Calm Down with Erin and Charissa,” which she co-hosts with Charissa Thompson from Fox Sports. Andrews urged the unnamed individual to “own” their stance.
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“Really, if you’re going to make a statement like that, you should take ownership. Speak up and own it,” Andrews remarked. “‘I’m scared, so I’ll make a negative comment.’ It’s like those Twitter trolls. Just be quiet.”
Fox Sports NFL sideline reporter Erin Andrews expressed her concerns regarding the opinion of one anonymous NFL executive about Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. (Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
The unidentified executive also pointed out that Allen tends to make errors and struggles with fundamental elements that are essential for any quarterback aiming for excellence.
“Vast talent, yet he commits numerous errors,” the executive expressed. “He’s still maturing in terms of commanding the line of scrimmage, often focuses on specific targets, more of a thrower than a precise passer, and forces throws into tight coverage.”
While Andrews hesitated to fully articulate her views on the criticism, Thompson remarked, “Sources can be quite amusing, can’t they? I’ll refrain from commenting further since I often face backlash for being too candid.”
Fox Sports NFL sideline reporter Erin Andrews expressed her concerns regarding the opinion of one anonymous NFL executive about Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. (Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
A total of nearly 80 ballots were cast, with respondents rating at least one position group, according to ESPN. Most participants evaluated every position category, and follow-up discussions were conducted to ensure no ties were included in the published results.
Additionally, an anonymous “AFC executive” commented that Allen “leaves you wanting a bit more.”
Bills general manager Brandon Beane expressed his disappointment regarding the anonymous feedback.
“I don’t even know where to start. It’s disheartening,” Beane stated in July. “You can try to dismiss these kinds of comments, but Josh is heading into his seventh year, and there are still doubters. I don’t understand it. If I had to categorize him, I’d say he’s underrated before I’d call him overrated. And yes, I acknowledge my bias. He’s our guy, and I appreciate him every single day.”
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Beane also raised doubts about the comments’ credibility.
“These statements that circulate… People seem to love rankings. But when you don’t attach your name to them, and you make comments like that, it raises the question, who is this executive? The term ‘executive’ is quite subjective; I was likely called an executive well before I really was one. My perspective is that if you’re not willing to disclose your identity, we shouldn’t give it any credence.”
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