John Elway’s Biggest Regret: Missing Out on Josh Allen

John Elway, the legendary quarterback who led the Denver Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances and two championships, is a titan of the NFL. But even legends make mistakes. And for Elway, his biggest blunder as General Manager might just be passing on Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL Draft.

It’s a painful truth for Broncos fans, a scenario replayed countless times in the minds of those who witnessed the franchise’s struggles in the post-Peyton Manning era. The team, despite Elway’s efforts, couldn’t find a consistent answer at quarterback, leading to a period of mediocrity.

The 2018 Draft: A Crossroads for Denver

The 2018 draft was a pivotal moment. The Broncos, after trading away their star quarterback Brock Osweiler, were in desperate need of a franchise signal-caller. Elway, with his keen eye for talent, saw potential in several prospects. But one name stood out: Josh Allen.

Allen, a raw but incredibly athletic quarterback from Wyoming, was a polarizing figure in the draft. Some scouts questioned his accuracy and mechanics, while others saw a potential superstar with a cannon for an arm and a fearless attitude.

Elway, however, had other plans. The Broncos, sitting at fifth overall, decided to draft the highly-regarded defensive back Bradley Chubb instead. Allen, who slipped to seventh, was scooped up by the Buffalo Bills.

The Aftermath: A Tale of Two Franchises

The decision to pass on Allen had immediate ramifications. The Broncos, despite Chubb’s impressive play, remained a team in flux, struggling to find a reliable quarterback. They cycled through Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, Drew Lock, and others, each offering glimpses of promise but never reaching their full potential.

Meanwhile, Allen’s star began to rise in Buffalo. He showed significant growth, honing his skills under the tutelage of head coach Sean McDermott and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, racking up impressive numbers and leading the Bills to the playoffs year after year.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Comparing Allen and Denver’s Quarterbacks

The statistical difference between Allen and the quarterbacks Denver employed is stark.

• Josh Allen’s Career Stats:

* Passing Yards: 19,006
* Passing Touchdowns: 131
* Completion Percentage: 61.8%
* Passer Rating: 95.5

• Denver’s Quarterbacks in the Same Period:

* Passing Yards: 12,748 (combined)
* Passing Touchdowns: 65 (combined)
* Completion Percentage: 59.5% (combined)
* Passer Rating: 86.6 (combined)

These numbers paint a clear picture. Allen has been a consistent, high-level performer, while Denver’s quarterbacks have struggled to find their footing.

Was It a Mistake? The Case for John Elway

It’s easy, in hindsight, to criticize Elway’s decision. But it’s crucial to remember that the 2018 draft was filled with uncertainty surrounding Allen. His college career was inconsistent, and many experts questioned his ability to succeed at the NFL level.

It’s also important to note that the Broncos, at the time, were in a different position than the Bills. They had a solid defense and a strong running game, but lacked the supporting cast needed to truly maximize Allen’s potential.

Furthermore, Chubb, the player Elway chose, has been a cornerstone of the Broncos defense, earning Pro Bowl honors and establishing himself as one of the league’s best edge rushers.

The “What If” Factor

Despite the arguments in Elway’s favor, the “what if” factor looms large. Imagine a scenario where Allen is under center in Denver. Would the Broncos have made the playoffs more consistently? Would they have won a Super Bowl?

We’ll never know the answer. But the undeniable fact remains that Allen’s success in Buffalo highlights the potential that the Broncos missed out on.

The Legacy of John Elway

John Elway’s legacy as a player is unquestioned. He is a Hall of Famer, a legend of the game. However, his legacy as a general manager is more complicated. While he built a competitive team and brought the Broncos to the Super Bowl in 2015, his drafting decisions, particularly the choice to pass on Allen, continue to be debated.

The Takeaway:

John Elway’s decision to pass on Josh Allen in the 2018 draft is a stark reminder that even the most astute talent evaluators can make mistakes. While it’s impossible to erase the past, the impact of that decision continues to reverberate through the Denver Broncos organization. The team, still searching for a franchise quarterback, will undoubtedly continue to grapple with the potential they let slip away.

Keywords: John Elway, Josh Allen, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, 2018 NFL Draft, quarterback, general manager, mistakes, regret, hindsight, franchise, potential, legacy, statistics, analysis, football, NFL.