Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski recently provided a blunt yet insightful evaluation of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, ahead of their highly anticipated matchup. Stefanski’s analysis focused on the physical nature of Allen’s playing style, particularly when it comes to his ability to run the ball effectively. In his comments, Stefanski highlighted a key challenge for the Browns’ defense: Allen’s remarkable blend of size, power, and agility, which allows him to play the quarterback position like a fullback when he takes off as a runner.
Allen’s running style is often described as physical and aggressive. Unlike many quarterbacks who avoid contact, Allen embraces it, seeking to gain extra yards by lowering his shoulder and powering through would-be tacklers. Stefanski’s comparison of Allen to a fullback underscores the unique challenge he presents to opposing defenses. Standing at 6’5” and weighing around 240 pounds, Allen is a physical specimen who can break tackles with ease. When he takes off running, it is not uncommon for him to barrel through defenders, turning what would be a broken play for most quarterbacks into a positive gain for the Bills. His size and strength make him a dual-threat quarterback, and he often forces defenses to respect his ability to run just as much as his arm.
Allen’s running ability has been a hallmark of his career, but it is especially important in close games, where his ability to extend plays and pick up critical yards on the ground can make the difference between winning and losing. Throughout the 2025 season, Allen has continued to showcase this playmaking ability, remaining one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. His ability to break free from defenders and make big plays with his legs has become one of the defining aspects of his game. For a defense facing the Bills, the challenge is clear: contain Allen in the pocket and prevent him from escaping to pick up yards with his legs. If allowed to break containment, Allen can turn a routine play into a game-changing moment, and the Browns are well aware of this fact as they prepare for their showdown.
Despite being known for his powerful running, Allen’s passing ability is equally formidable. In the 2025 season, Allen has proven to be one of the most efficient and effective quarterbacks in the NFL. With over 3,200 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions, Allen has continued to perform at a high level, keeping himself firmly in the MVP conversation. His ability to make all the throws—from deep bombs downfield to pinpoint touch passes in tight windows—makes him a threat both in the pocket and on the move. His high completion percentage of around 70% is a testament to his improved accuracy and decision-making. Despite his tendency to take risks, Allen has learned to limit turnovers while still pushing the ball downfield and making big plays for the Bills.
Throughout the 2025 season, Allen has continued to perform at an elite level, leading the Bills to a position of strength in the AFC playoff race. His ability to carry the team both through the air and on the ground has been critical to the Bills’ success. Buffalo’s offense is built around Allen’s playmaking ability, and he continues to be the driving force behind the team’s attack. While the Bills have a talented supporting cast, it is clear that Allen’s performances are what make the offense go. His leadership and ability to make plays in critical situations have allowed the Bills to remain one of the top teams in the NFL.
In addition to his individual performances, Allen has also shown an ability to lead the Bills to victories in crucial moments. One example of this came in Week 15, when the Bills mounted an incredible comeback against the New England Patriots. Trailing 21-0 in the second quarter, Allen turned the game around with a series of clutch throws and key runs. His ability to stay calm under pressure and perform in high-stakes situations has become one of his trademarks. It is this type of resilience and poise that has made Allen one of the most respected quarterbacks in the league, and why Stefanski and the Browns are fully aware of the challenge they face in containing him.
The Cleveland Browns, despite their defensive prowess, have struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks in the past, and Allen is perhaps the most challenging dual-threat quarterback they will face all season. In order to succeed, the Browns will need to be disciplined in their approach to rushing Allen. Defenders will need to stay in their rush lanes, ensuring that Allen is not able to break free for long runs. They will also need to tackle him effectively, as Allen’s size and power often make him difficult to bring down. If the Browns allow Allen to escape the pocket and gain yards on the ground, they will be in for a long day, as Allen’s playmaking ability can quickly turn a close game into a lopsided affair.
From a strategic standpoint, Stefanski’s game plan will likely center around limiting Allen’s opportunities to run. The Browns will need to make him one-dimensional, forcing him to stay in the pocket and beat them with his arm. While Allen is certainly capable of making all the throws, he is at his most dangerous when he is able to break free from the pocket and extend plays with his legs. By containing him in the pocket and not allowing him to escape, the Browns will increase their chances of slowing down the Bills’ offense. However, given Allen’s ability to make plays under pressure, this will not be an easy task. The Browns will need to be disciplined, aggressive, and fundamentally sound in their approach.
The history between the Browns and the Bills adds another layer of intrigue to this matchup. Historically, the Browns have had the edge in their all-time regular-season series, leading the Bills 12-10. However, in recent years, the advantage has shifted in favor of Buffalo. Over the past decade, the Bills have won two of the last three matchups, including a 31-23 victory in the most recent encounter on November 20, 2022. This recent success by the Bills reflects a shift in momentum in what has traditionally been a balanced rivalry. While the Browns still hold a narrow historical lead, it is clear that Buffalo has been the stronger team in recent seasons.
As the two teams prepare for their upcoming game, the Browns will need to take a strategic approach to limit Allen’s impact. This will require not only containing his running ability but also limiting his opportunities to make big plays through the air. By forcing Allen to stay within the confines of the pocket and preventing him from escaping on designed runs or broken plays, the Browns will increase their chances of keeping the game competitive. However, given Allen’s ability to make plays in any situation, the Browns will need to be at their best if they hope to come away with a victory.
In conclusion, the matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills will come down to one simple but crucial element: how well the Browns can contain Josh Allen. The key to success for the Browns will be limiting Allen’s ability to extend plays with his legs and forcing him to rely solely on his arm. While this is no easy task, it is the best chance Cleveland has to slow down the high-powered Bills offense. Stefanski and the Browns will need to focus on discipline, tackling, and maintaining their rush lanes if they hope to keep Allen from dominating the game. If they can do so, they may just have a chance to pull off the upset and gain ground in the AFC playoff race.
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