In his first official NFL start, Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback Josh Allen took his fair share of lumps against the Los Angeles Chargers defense that pushed him around in a 31-20 loss on Sunday afternoon.

Following the game, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers stated that he was impressed by the way Allen threw the ball along with his approach to the game, according to Matt Parrino of NYup.com.

“One thing he's got is he can throw it a long way,” Rivers said. “I know he has a great passion for the game. Each and every week he's going to improve. There's going to be some ups and downs. There always is. There still is for me in year 15. I think he's got the right approach.”

Article Continues Below
More News
Toronto Sceptres forward Julia Gosling (88) skates with the puck past Boston Fleet forward Hilary Knight (21) in the second period at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
PWHL’s co-leading scorer signs with Seattle expansion teamMiguel La Torre ·
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Texas Longhorns at Amalie Arena.
South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley takes talents off court for new analyst roleErin Achenbach ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) stands during the national anthem before the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander features in historic NBA Finals momentZachary Howell ·
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) makes a catch against Buffalo Bills cornerback Cam Lewis (39) during the third quarter.
Ravens’ Rashod Bateman shares heartfelt message after contract extensionJosh Davis ·
LA Sparks forward Cameron Brink arrives before the game against the Seattle Storm at Crypto.com Arena.
Cameron Brink takes a full-court spin on ‘Wheel of Fortune’Zachary Draves ·
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin sets up a timeout in the second quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.
Next big move Steelers must make after securing Aaron Rodgers agreementDouglas Fritz ·

Allen had the entire offense under his helm in his first start as he completed 18-of-33 passes for 245 yards along with a touchdown and a pair of interceptions. He had showcased his big arm on a few occasions but also displayed that he is a rookie by his decision making on his throws as both of passes were thrown in areas where Chargers defenders were covering his wideouts. This is something that will come with time and film study that what corrections he can make to find more success throwing the ball.

The 21-year-old may continue to struggle at times being a more effective passer as he further adjusts to playing at the next level. The Bills have a huge challenge ahead in Week 3 against one of the best defenses in the league in the Minnesota Vikings, who have a plethora of Pro Bowl talent on that side of the ball. It could provide another major learning lesson for him as he works his way toward playing in the NFL.

Although he has struggled, these comments from Rivers do express that Allen has a bright future ahead of him where he could become the franchise quarterback that the team has been long searching to find.