Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith, one of the most iconic players in Buffalo Bills history, made a bold declaration about quarterback Josh Allen’s performance after Buffalo’s pivotal Week 11 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith believes Allen is playing the best football of his career, showcasing growth and leadership that could propel the Bills to new heights.
A Statement Win in Orchard Park
Last Sunday’s showdown at Orchard Park between the Bills and the previously undefeated Chiefs wasn’t just another regular-season game. It was a marquee matchup, with over 30 million viewers tuning in to witness two of the NFL’s premier teams face off. Among those watching was Smith, who spent 15 years terrorizing offenses as a member of the Bills.
Buffalo’s 31-21 victory handed Kansas City its first loss of the season, and for Smith, it was more than just a win—it was a defining moment for a team he believes is peaking at the right time.
“The poise, the calmness exhibited by Josh Allen in his post-game interview, in his demeanor, and the way he’s handling this whole process of being successful has been really refreshing to see,” Smith said in an interview with *TMZ Sports*. “I think Sean [McDermott] is doing an outstanding job. The defensive line is playing extremely well. The takeaways this defense has been able to create have really given us an advantage, allowing Josh to get back on the field, change field position, and ultimately win games.”
Josh Allen’s Maturation
Allen’s performance in Week 11 was stellar, capped by a late-game, 26-yard touchdown run that sealed the win. But for Smith, the most impressive aspect of Allen’s game this season isn’t the highlight-reel plays—it’s his newfound composure.
“I think Josh is playing at an extremely high level,” Smith noted. “Currently, this is the best that I’ve seen him play. He’s taken command of the game instead of forcing it. The steady contributions from [running back James] Cook and the offensive line, combined with the defense’s strong play, have allowed Josh to focus on leading without overexerting himself.”
A Complete Team Effort
Smith, who played during the Bills’ Super Bowl-era teams of the early 1990s, sees parallels in how this Buffalo squad is coming together as a cohesive unit. He praised the team’s ability to complement Allen’s play, particularly the defense’s knack for creating turnovers and controlling the game.
“From the defensive line to the linebackers to the secondary, they’ve been playing outstanding football,” Smith said.
MVP in the Cards?
The last time a Bills player won the NFL MVP award was in 1991 when Thurman Thomas claimed the honor. Smith believes Allen could break that drought this season, but he knows the quarterback has his eyes on a bigger prize.
“Josh has my MVP vote thus far,” Smith stated. “But winning the MVP without getting to the Super Bowl—while it’s a great personal accolade—it’s not the ultimate goal. You want to win the Super Bowl, be the Super Bowl MVP, and create a legacy. This win over the Chiefs shows this team has the potential to make that a reality.”
Building Confidence for a Playoff Push
For Smith, the Week 11 victory was more than just a confidence boost—it was a stepping stone toward the Bills potentially securing home-field advantage and making a deep playoff run.
“What took place [against the Chiefs] showed a lot of character,” Smith said. “Yes, the Chiefs had injuries, but that’s part of the game. This win gives us the confidence to know we can compete with and beat anyone on our schedule. It’s about building momentum, taking it one game at a time, and making our way to the Super Bowl.”
A Legacy in the Making
With Allen leading the way and the team firing on all cylinders, Smith sees a bright future for the Bills. Their victory over the Chiefs could be the spark they need to fulfill their championship aspirations—a journey that could cement Allen’s place among the NFL’s elite and bring long-awaited glory to Buffalo.
