The Baltimore Ravens will face one of the NFL's most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks Sunday, and Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen could make history during the Week 8 matchup at Highmark Stadium.
Allen enters the game with 4,961 career rushing yards, needing just 39 to become the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach 5,000. The milestone would place the former NFL MVP alongside Michael Vick, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson holds the NFL record for career rushing yards by a quarterback, having surpassed Vick's previous mark of 6,109 yards during the 2024 season. Allen, meanwhile, already owns the NFL record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 87, including eight through his first six games
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The potential milestone presents another challenge for a Baltimore defense attempting to rebound from consecutive second-half collapses against Cleveland and Cincinnati. Allen has rushed for 240 yards on 48 attempts this season, averaging 5 yards per carry. His eight rushing touchdowns have made him particularly dangerous near the goal line, where opposing defenses must account for his ability to score on designed runs and broken passing plays.
Baltimore's defensive struggles have raised questions about its ability to stay disciplined, particularly when opposing offenses adjust after halftime. The Ravens allowed Cincinnati to score touchdowns on five consecutive second-half possessions Sunday, turning a 13-0 halftime lead into a 35-13 defeat. Against Buffalo, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver must find ways to pressure Allen without sacrificing containment.
Trey Hendrickson and Mike Green will need to maintain disciplined rushing lanes, preventing Allen from escaping around the edge when protection breaks down. Interior defenders Travis Jones and Nnamdi Madubuike also must collapse the pocket without creating running lanes through the middle.
Baltimore's linebackers face an equally important assignment.
Roquan Smith and Trenton Simpson must recognize designed quarterback runs while maintaining their responsibilities against James Cook, who leads Buffalo with 627 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Overcommitting to Allen could create favorable opportunities for Cook, particularly when the Bills use formations designed to influence linebackers and manipulate defensive assignments.
The Ravens also must be prepared for Allen to extend passing plays, forcing their defensive backs to maintain coverage longer than usual. Buffalo enters Sunday averaging an NFL-best 32.8 points per game, making defensive discipline especially important for a Baltimore team that has struggled to protect leads.
Allen needs fewer than 40 rushing yards to reach another historic benchmark, but the Ravens have a more pressing objective.
Containing Buffalo's quarterback, limiting explosive plays, and forcing the Bills into difficult third-down situations could determine whether Baltimore ends its two-game losing streak.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Bills QB Josh Allen is nearing a historic rushing milestone vs. Ravens
