What happened: Tomlin said Allen is at his best in critical late-game situations. He credited the Buffalo quarterback's ability to decide plays with his arm and legs, along with an urgency that separates him.

Why it matters: The assessment carries weight after Tomlin's 19 seasons as an NFL head coach and a Super Bowl title. It frames Allen's 2026 evaluation around late-game execution and dual-threat production.

What to watch: Allen's late-game work will remain the standard to watch as Buffalo begins its 2026 schedule.