As the Buffalo Bills prepare for their critical rematch against the New England Patriots, two completely different narratives surrounding Josh Allen are dominating headlines across the league. One is built on admiration. The other is fueling raw anger among Bills fans.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, one of the NFL’s fastest-rising stars this season, delivered a powerful message of respect toward Allen ahead of Sunday’s showdown at Foxborough. Despite outplaying Allen statistically in their first meeting, Maye made it clear he views the Bills quarterback as one of the true elite players in football.
“It’s different when you’re playing the MVP. One of the best players in this league. I hate to say it, but he’s fun to watch. I’m a big fan of him off the field too. He’s been great to me,”
Maye said during a recent radio interview.
Those words of admiration could not stand in sharper contrast to the latest remarks from a former Bills star. Once again, Stefon Diggs has ignited controversy with comments that many fans viewed as a subtle but clear shot at Allen.
“Josh is a great talent, but let’s not act like everything always ran through him. A lot of guys carried that offense too,” Diggs said during a recent conversation. The reaction from Bills Mafia was immediate and explosive. Fans accused Diggs of downplaying Allen’s leadership and rewriting history from their years together in Buffalo.
For many in Buffalo, the frustration runs far deeper than a single quote. Supporters still remember the sideline tensions, public frustrations, and cryptic messages that surrounded Diggs during the final stretch of his time with the Bills. This latest comment only reopened old wounds.
Meanwhile, the on-field rivalry between Allen and Maye continues to evolve rapidly. Since their first meeting eight weeks ago, Maye has surged into the heart of the MVP race. The 23-year-old has thrown for 2,151 yards, 16 touchdowns, just four interceptions, and owns a stellar 115.5 passer rating.
Allen, once the undisputed centerpiece of the league’s MVP conversation, has seen his numbers dip slightly during that same stretch. He has posted 1,866 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions with a 98.6 rating. According to BetMGM, Maye now sits second in MVP odds, while Allen has slipped to fourth.
Adding even more weight to the moment, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel also weighed in with high praise for Allen. Vrabel called Allen one of the toughest quarterbacks in football to defend due to his composure, command, and ability to create under pressure.
As Sunday approaches, the emotional contrast surrounding Josh Allen could not be more intense. On one side stands a young rival offering nothing but respect. On the other stands a former star teammate once again stirring anger among the fanbase.
For Bills fans, the message feels painfully clear. Respect from opponents matters more than lingering bitterness from the past. And when Josh Allen steps back onto the field under the bright AFC East spotlight, the only response that will truly matter will come through his performance.
