NFL fans heavily criticized Josh Allen for "flopping" during the Bills' game against the Houston Texans on Thursday. During a third-and-6 play in the first quarter, the 2024 NFL MVP was tackled from behind by defensive end Will Anderson Jr.
After the tackle, Josh Allen looked in visible distress and stayed on the ground. He kept on rolling while holding onto his midsection. The Bills quarterback then got up and walked to the sideline, where the medical team evaluated him. Despite the injury scare, Allen returned during his team's next drive.
Fans on social media did not buy into Allen's injury scare and trolled him, stating that he had received acting lessons from his wife and Hollywood actress Hailee Steinfeld.
"Josh Allen must have gotten acting lessons from his wife Hailee Steinfeld. Flop of the year," one fan commented.
"Josh Allen just gave us his best Hailee Steinfeld impression," another fan said.
"Hailee Steinfeld taught Allen well. Could've sworn he got shot by the way he was on the floor," this fan wrote.
"Josh Allen is married to Hailee Steinfeld and might still be the best actor in the relationship. Pure greatness," another fan said.
"Was Allen just trying to draw a flag? Because that looked like a serious injury and then he just walks off like nothing happened?? Hailee Steinfeld must be giving my GOAT some grade A acting lessons," one fan wrote.
"Josh Allen flop artist of the year," this fan commented.
This is not the first time that the Bills quarterback has been called out for flopping this season. During their 30-13 loss to the Dolphins in Week 10. Allen was heavily criticized for demanding a flag in the game.
FS1 analyst Nick Wright also came forward to share his critique of the situation. He stated that quarterbacks who exaggerate a hit should be checked for a concussion and, in turn, miss plays on the field.
On Wednesday's episode of his show, Colin Cowherd labeled the Bills quarterback as one of the "best players" he's seen in the league.
He then went on to explain Allen's value on the Bills team.
"He is the best football player to me on the planet," Cowherd said. "He is one of the five best football players I've ever seen. ... In the past two months, the Bills are 5-0 when Josh has three or more touchdowns. Yet they are 0-3 when he scores three or fewer touchdown. They literally need him to score three touchdowns minimum in the last two months for Josh to help Buffalo win the game.
"No franchise that I ever remember has been this quarterback dependent. ... Just think about how valuable Allen is. In the past two months, he's got to score minimum three touchdowns to just win games."
The Bills were 7-3 before facing the Texans on Thursday. They are currently placed second in the AFC East behind division leaders, the New England Patriots.