“It was amazing to see Drake [Bell], Josh [Peck] and Miranda [Cosgrove] be so amazing at such young ages,” the newlywed tells PEOPLE during a recent interview. “I was just starting out as an actor, so I was really learning and studying these babies and learning how they were moving on these sets.”
Brown, 53, played Helen Dubois, the manager of Premiere Theater and Josh’s (Josh Peck) boss on the Nickelodeon sitcom about stepbrothers. Her character recurred from 2004 to 2007 in seasons 2 to 4.
“It was one of the first or second things I’d ever done,” she says. “It was really exciting to be in that training ground and to be already working with professionals, even though they were really young.”
Yvette Nicole Brown as Helen Dubois on Drake &Josh.
Nickelodeon/Netflix
Adds Brown, “We had a really good time.”
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Brown and Peck recently had a mini Drake & Josh reunion on his podcast, Good Guys.
“I did not know this was going to happen,” Brown says. “He was like, ‘We’d like to act out some scenes here on the podcast, and I just happened to have this scene from Drake & Josh.’ He pulled out a scene from [season 3 episode] ‘Helen’s Surgery’ — when I get the eye surgery.”
On the podcast episode, released Nov. 4, the former costars returned to their roles.
“I sound the same,” Peck says in the clip posted to Instagram.
“You do,” Brown agrees.
In the series, Helen hated Josh. But in real life, Brown says she “adored” Peck.
“Me and Josh fell right back into those characters [for the November reunion]. You would’ve thought it was 20 years ago, yesterday,” Brown tells PEOPLE. “It was really interesting to realize how those characters still live in our bodies and we can just become Helen and Josh like that.”
Later on in the podcast episode, Brown also revealed that Drake & Josh is still one of her most recognized roles.
“If I get stopped on the street, I get stopped for Drake & Josh more than anything — even more than Community,” Brown said. “People still love Helen. It was 15 episodes, 20 years ago, but they still love the old girl.”
Yvette Nicole Brown, known for her roles in hit TV shows like “Community” and “Drake & Josh,” recently opened up about the valuable lessons she learned from working with child actors on the latter show.
In a recent interview, Brown shared that she was incredibly impressed by the professionalism and work ethic of the young actors on “Drake & Josh.” She explained that watching them navigate the demanding world of television at such a young age taught her a lot about dedication, humility, and the importance of staying grounded in the entertainment industry.
Brown also expressed her admiration for the way the child actors on the show balanced their acting careers with school and personal lives. She noted that their ability to juggle multiple responsibilities with grace and poise was truly inspiring and something she strives to emulate in her own career.
Overall, Brown credits her time working with the talented young actors on “Drake & Josh” as a valuable learning experience that has helped shape her approach to acting and professionalism in the industry. She is grateful for the lessons she learned from them and continues to apply them to her work today.
Actor Josh Brolin has one of the most diverse filmographies among his contemporaries. Despite appearing in some critically acclaimed movies, Brolin is best known for his more commercial gigs, including his appearances in comic book movies. The actor most famously played Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
During an interview, Brolin talked about his interactions with Marvel fans during conventions. Brolin revealed that one fan encounter left him speechless when he was told about a major plot hole involving his character in Avengers: Infinity War. Here is what Brolin said about his encounters with Marvel fans and their unusual requests.
Josh Brolin was speechless after hearing an Avengers: Infinity War plothole from a Marvel fan
Josh Brolin appeared as Thanos in the MCU, playing the primary villain of the Infinity Saga. In Avengers: Infinity Wars, Thanos is on a…
Josh Brolin, who played the iconic villain Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, must have felt like a fool after a Marvel fan left him speechless with a big plot hole in Avengers: Infinity War.
During a recent fan interaction, a Marvel enthusiast pointed out a major inconsistency in Thanos’ plan to wipe out half of all life in the universe using the Infinity Stones. The fan noted that instead of using the Reality Stone to create more resources and solve the issue of overpopulation, Thanos chose to go down the path of destruction.
This observation left Josh Brolin momentarily stunned, as he realized the flaw in Thanos’ logic. While the Mad Titan believed he was bringing balance to the universe, the fan highlighted that there could have been a more compassionate solution to the problem at hand.
Despite this plothole, Josh Brolin’s portrayal of Thanos was still widely praised by fans and critics alike. The character’s complex motives and emotional depth added a new layer to the MCU, making him one of the most memorable villains in superhero movie history.
In the end, this interaction serves as a reminder that even the most powerful beings in the universe can make mistakes, and that questioning the logic of our favorite characters can lead to thought-provoking discussions and new perspectives on their actions.
The San Francisco 49ers inactive list is out, and there will be a new QB2. Here’s a look at the inactive list:
QB Brandon Allen
DL Khalil Davis
LB Dre Greenlaw
OL Spencer Burford
DL Robert Beal Jr.
CB Charvarius Ward
RB Israel Abanikanda
With Allen inactive, that means Josh Dobbs will backup Brock Purdy. The last time this happened, Kyle Shanahan said he thought Dobbs could help with his legs — essentially an admission of not having much trust in the offensive line.
The 49ers haven’t gotten much from Davis since they acquired him from the Houston Texans. The same can be said for Abanikanda, although both could be in the future cards in some capacity moving forward.
It’ll be the Isaac Guerendo show tonight, with Patrick Taylor Jr. spelling him. I’d expect Shanahan and the offense to lean on the rookie coming out of the backfield. Two weeks ago, Buffalo’s James Cook has 105 yards rushing against Detroit.
Exciting news for San Francisco 49ers fans as it has been announced that Josh Dobbs will be the quarterback number two in tonight’s game against the Detroit Lions. Dobbs, who was acquired by the 49ers in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this year, will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially make a case for a larger role on the team.
With starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo leading the offense, Dobbs will be ready to step in if needed and provide a strong backup option. Fans will be eager to see how Dobbs performs in tonight’s game and whether he can make a positive impact on the field.
Be sure to tune in to tonight’s game to see Josh Dobbs in action and cheer on the 49ers as they take on the Lions. Let’s go Niners! #49ers #JoshDobbs #NFL #Football #GoNiners
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Josh Hart flirted with a triple-double for the Knicks Saturday night, grabbing 11 rebounds, dishing out seven assists, and chipping in 13 points (5-10 FG, 0-3 3PT, 3-3 FT) while also recording one steal in a 136-132 win over the Wizards.
Fantasy Impact:
Hart continues a steady stretch on both ends of the floor, finishing with at least three rebounds and 11 points in each of his last five games. The guard remains a versatile option as part of a talented New York starting five, averaging 14.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 8.4 rebounds per game to go along with a usage rate of just 14.4% so far this season.
In Saturday’s game against the Washington Wizards, Josh Hart of the New Orleans Pelicans flirted with a triple-double, showcasing his all-around skills on the court. Hart finished the game with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, coming just shy of achieving the impressive feat.
Hart’s performance against the Wizards was a testament to his versatility and impact on the game. Known for his hustle and tenacity, Hart continues to prove himself as a valuable asset for the Pelicans.
Fans and analysts alike are taking notice of Hart’s strong play and his potential for even greater success in the future. Keep an eye on Josh Hart as he continues to make his mark in the NBA. #JoshHart #NBA #Pelicans #TripleDouble #Basketballnews
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New York Knicks forward Josh Hart doesn’t treat basketball like rocket science. Instead, it’s still the same old game with a ball and a hoop that he played as a kid.
Now, he’s playing it for millions of dollars at the highest level in the world, but that doesn’t change much about how he views the game.
“My game is very simple,” Hart said. “I don’t go out there and try to do ball screens and 18 dribbles, dribble combos, and all that. I keep it simple. If I don’t have a layup or a shot, I swing the ball, get these guys involved and fit in around them.”
Hart is the ultimate glue guy for the Knicks. He is able to be a tool for each one of his teammates on the floor and help them with their own individual games, and every team needs a player like that in order to be successful.
By keeping things simple, Hart is having the best season of his career. Hart is averaging a career-best 14.2 points per game while making nearly 70 percent of his 2-point field goal attempts. That has turned into his bread and butter and reason behind a simplistic game.
“It is just something simple,” Hart said. “I always feel I finish well at the rim. For my size, I think I have been one of the best finishers at the rim for the last several years. Plus, it is something I take pride in. Obviously with [Karl-Anthony Towns] we have an additional space out there. I work on layups all the time so that helps.”
If Hart can keep things simple, it can lead to a long postseason run for the Knicks this season.
Hart and the Knicks are returning to the court tonight for the second of a two-game series against the Washington Wizards. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
Josh Hart, the newest addition to the New York Knicks, is already making waves with his no-nonsense approach to the game. Known for his gritty style of play and hard work ethic, Hart is proving to be a valuable asset to the team.
Despite his impressive skills on the court, Hart remains humble and focused on the task at hand. He doesn’t seek out flashy plays or attention-grabbing moments; instead, he simply puts his head down and gets the job done.
In a league where ego and showboating often take center stage, Hart’s simplicity is a breath of fresh air. He lets his game do the talking and his results speak for themselves.
Fans of the New York Knicks can look forward to seeing Hart continue to excel on the court, all while keeping it simple and staying true to his hardworking roots. With his dedication and determination, there’s no doubt that Hart will be a key player for the team in the seasons to come.
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Josh Giddey has recorded his second triple-double for the Bulls after playing a pivotal role in a 116-111 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday at Chicago.
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In what was Giddey’s first game back from an ankle injury, the Australian was involved from the very start on his way to a team-high 23 points to go with 15 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal and a block.
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With it, Giddey became the first Bulls player to record multiple triple-doubles in a single season since Jimmy Butler in 2016-17, and the youngest with multiple since Michael Jordan.
Giddey was particularly physical in crashing the glass and fighting for rebounds and while he was putting his stamp on the game with his playmaking, as is usually the case, it was particularly pleasing to see him also making an impact on the defensive end.
That was especially true down the stretch as Giddey had two consecutive contests on Khris Middleton, forcing tough shots with the Bucks forward making one of two attempts.
“Josh has got length so just trying not to foul him and trying to make him shoot over him was what we hoped to,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said of Giddey’s efforts on Middleton.
“He made a couple in the lane and he’s hard to handle because he’s got size and he can get it off but I thought Josh really competed and battled defensively.”
The execution wasn’t always perfect but the effort was certainly there from Giddey, who had a clutch, go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute of the game and then backed it up with another strong defensive possession to help force a turnover that led to a Patrick Williams bucket on the other end.
That shot put Chicago up 111-108 inside the final 50 seconds before a Brook Lopez triple tied the game, but Coby White, who had 22 points in the win, put the Bulls back ahead 113-111 before Giddey hustled for another key defensive rebound to help seal the win.
The Bucks fouled Giddey, who made both free throws to extend the lead out to 115-111. Lopez then missed his next 3-point attempt and another Zach LaVine free throw was enough to see Chicago home.
It was particularly telling that Giddey was playing in the final minutes of the game, having previously not been trusted in clutch situations due to his issues on defence.
On Sunday, however, Giddey gave Donovan no choice but to play him and the Australian repaid the Bulls coach with a few big plays to secure the win.
“I’ve seen growth in that area and I’ve seen competitiveness in that area,” Donovan said of Giddey’s development on the defensive end.
“He’s got size, he’s got length and he’s got good feet. I think the biggest thing is how he can navigate screening actions and I think he fought through a lot. I thought he fought on post-ups.
“He’s capable but he’s got to do it consistently… when you point out things to him, he realises areas (he needs to improve). He enjoys watching film, he wants to find ways to get better. He’s been willing to grow in that area and I’ve seen significant progress.”
Giddey told Chicago Sports Network’s K.C. Johnson in his post-game interview that it was “good to be in there” late in the fourth quarter, adding that his previously injured ankle felt “great”.
“In this environment you guys (the crowd) were unbelievable and we feed off this energy. Not just myself but the rest of the guys that finished that game,” added Giddey.
“I thought we executed really well down the stretch. We were composed, we were poised and that’s a really good team. That’s an experienced team that has won a championship. They know how to close out games… that was a much-needed win.”
It was a huge result for the Bulls, coming off a 141-133 loss to the Hawks which saw them cough up 50 points in the fourth quarter. Back-to-back defeats of 21 and 25 points to the Bucks and Celtics preceded that result.
Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates a three pointer against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at the United Center on December 28, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
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The NBA has suspended Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall for four games and Phoenix Suns centre Jusuf Nurkic for three games for their roles in an on-court brawl.
Dallas forward P.J. Washington copped a one-game and all of the suspensions handed down on Sunday are without pay.
Nurkic and Marshall came to blows and were ejected during the Mavericks’ 98-89 win at Footprint Center.
Things came to a head early in the third quarter when Nurkic was called for an offensive foul, sending the Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford to the floor inside the paint.
After a few moments, Nurkic and Marshall converged, with the former slapping Marshall on the noggin before Marshall punched his opponent up high.
P.J. Washington also shoved Nurkic in the middle of all this, sending him tumbling back near mid-court.
Officials then stepped in to prevent the teams from doing any further damage.
When all was said and done, all three players were ejected from the contest and Suns coach Mike Budenholzer was left unimpressed.
“I think that level of altercation is not good for our team,” he said after the game.
“It’s not good for anybody individually, it’s not good for our league.”
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd saw it a different way, saying he was happy with how his players protected themselves.
“They were protecting each other. That’s what that was,” Kidd said, according to the Dallas Morning News.
“Emotions can get high. For our guys to protect each other, we talk about it and it was displayed tonight.”
Suns rookie Ryan Dunn told reporters after the game that Nurkic and Marshall were talking with one another after the original offence foul before things got physical.
“I think it was just the heat of the moment, they were chipping back and forth,” Dunn said. “Heat of the moment we’re here for Nurk.”
Dunn clarified why he was in de-escalation mode and not trying to add to the fray.
“I’m a rookie, I don’t have enough money to be getting fined $5,000,” he said with a laugh. “I can’t throw a punch, but just trying to de-escalate it.”
Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid was fined $120,000 AUD by the NBA on Friday for making “obscene gestures on the playing court” in the Sixers’ 118-114 victory over the Boston Celtics on Christmas Day.
The league said in a statement the incidents occurred in the first half of the 76ers’ victory in Boston, in which Embiid scored 27 points with nine rebounds.
Embiid celebrated a layup in the first half with the “DX crotch chop” thrusting gesture he has adopted from professional wrestling and been fined for in the past.
He had another gesture for Boston fans after a three-pointer shortly before halftime.
The 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player has appeared in just nine games this season because of injuries — the latest a sinus fracture that has him playing in a protective mask — and a three-game suspension for a physical altercation with a journalist.
Embiid had another injury scare before Wednesday’s game, falling over the security rope at the perimeter of the court during warm-ups and grabbing his right ankle.
He appeared untroubled during the game, but was listed as “questionable” for Saturday’s game against the Utah Jazz with the sinus fracture and a left foot sprain.
Josh Giddey shines with a triple-double in win against Bucks, Naji Marshall and Jusuf Nurkic engage in heated brawl during Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns matchup, suspensions and fines handed out, Joel Embiid dominates on the court
It will sniff them out, track them and strike time and time again.
It’s the law of the jungle. And, as Bulls guard Zach LaVine said, life in the NBA, where you’re either the hunter or the hunted.
Guess which of those Bulls guard Josh Giddey was? Put it this way: He wasn’t doing much hunting.
Giddey admitted as much in November, when he was pulled for his poor defense after the Cavaliers sought him out and went at him in a 144-126 victory against the Bulls.
‘‘Just didn’t guard well enough, myself right on top of that list — probably one, two and three on that list,’’ Giddey said afterward.
It was his rock bottom.
Fast-forward to late in the Bulls’ 116-111 victory Saturday against the Bucks. Giddey was isolated against the Bucks’ Khris Middleton and pressured him into missing a potential tying jumper with 12 seconds left. He then grabbed the rebound and sealed the victory from the free-throw line.
That’s why when Giddey — who finished with a triple-double — was asked afterward whether he was more proud of his late offense or his late defense, he didn’t hesitate.
‘‘Definitely the defense,’’ he replied.
It has taken three-plus seasons — definitely way too long — but Giddey finally had an awakening.
‘‘I’d say that game in Cleveland was probably the turning point,’’ Giddey said. ‘‘I was like, ‘Damn, I’ve got to . . . ’ I mean, eventually as a player, the fork kind of gets pitched in the road where it’s kind of like, ‘I’ve played four years in the league, and you kind of start to become who you are.’ That game kind of played in my mind for a while, and I was like, ‘I’ve got to make a stand on that side of the ball.’
‘‘It’s the effort, and that’s not where it needed to be. It’s something I really wanted to take pride in. Some guys are naturally gifted on that side of the ball, and other guys require a lot of effort. I definitely fall into that category.’’
It not only took effort, but it also required a heart-to-heart with coach Billy Donovan and a lot of film study. And while Giddey isn’t about to make anyone forget about defensive ace Alex Caruso, the player the Bulls traded to acquire Giddey from the Thunder, his showing against the Bucks offered some optimism about his defense.
‘‘I’ve seen growth in that area, and I’ve seen more competitiveness in that area,’’ Donovan said of Giddey. ‘‘He’s got good size, good length, [good] feet. The biggest thing is how he can navigate screening actions and get over it. He’s capable, but he has to do it consistently.’’
Now, before anyone starts nominating Giddey for a spot on the All-Defensive team, it’s important to point out that he was in the situation he was Saturday because Middleton sought him out and because Ayo Dosunmu was sidelined with a calf injury.
The real test will come when the Bulls are fully healthy again. Will Donovan lean on Giddey defensively in that situation the next time? Giddey hopes so.
‘‘I watched video, but there’s only so much film you can watch,’’ Giddey said of his turnaround on defense. ‘‘It’s your will and your want to do it. I flipped that switch, and I want to do it now.
‘‘[I want to] make an emphasis of standing my ground and not being the weak link on that side of the ball.’’
In a recent turnaround, Bulls guard Josh Giddey has gone from rock bottom to a serviceable defensive player. Giddey, who struggled with his defensive skills earlier in his career, has put in the work and made significant improvements on that end of the court.
His commitment to improving his defense has not gone unnoticed by his coaches and teammates. Giddey’s effort and determination to become a better defender have paid off, as he is now considered a reliable option on that end of the court.
With his newfound defensive prowess, Giddey has become a valuable asset to the Bulls, providing solid defense and contributing to the team’s success. His transformation from rock bottom to serviceable on defense is a testament to his hard work and dedication to improving his game.
Fans and analysts alike are impressed by Giddey’s defensive improvement and are excited to see how he continues to grow and develop as a player. With his newfound defensive skills, Giddey is sure to make a significant impact on the Bulls’ success in the future.
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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is in the middle of trying to lead his team to a championship this season. However, he is also trying to cap off an impressive individual season with an MVP win.
For most of the second half of the season, Allen has been the clear favorite to win the coveted award. Over the last couple of weeks, Lamar Jackson has been making it much more of a competition.
While many still view Allen as the front-runner, Jackson is starting to pick up more and more support.
NFL legend and Hall of Famer Rod Woodson is one of those who have named Jackson as their top MVP candidate. He made those feelings clear while speaking to TMZ recently.
“It’s no question in my head,” Woodson said. Lamar Jackson is the MVP. 39 passing touchdowns to 26? To me, that’s daunting.”
Woodson did make it clear that he has a lot of love for Allen. But, he doesn’t think that the numbers support Allen winning the award of Jackson.
Dec 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) reacts under center against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. / Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Looking closer at the numbers for the two superstar quarterbacks, it’s clear why the debate is so heated.
In 15 games this season, Allen has completed 63.8 percent of his pass attempts for 3,549 yards, 26 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He has also picked up 514 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
Jackson, on the other hand, has played 16 games this season. He has completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 3,955 yards, 39 touchdowns, and four interceptions. In addition to his passing numbers, he has picked up 852 yards and scored four touchdowns on the ground.
Both quarterbacks are more than deserving of the honor of being named MVP. Could the NFL consider a rare co-MVP situation? Without Allen, the Bills would stand no chance as a Super Bowl contender.
All of that being said, it’s a race that is coming down to the final two weeks of the regular season. It will be interesting to see who ends up winning when it’s all said and done.
Hall of Fame quarterback and NFL legend Peyton Manning has made his pick for the 2021 NFL MVP race, and surprisingly, it’s not Buffalo Bills’ star quarterback Josh Allen.
Manning, who won the MVP award five times during his illustrious career, recently stated in an interview that while he is impressed with Allen’s performance this season, he believes that there are other quarterbacks who are more deserving of the prestigious award.
“I think Josh Allen has had a fantastic season and has really elevated his game, but when it comes to the MVP race, I have to give the edge to [Patrick] Mahomes and [Aaron] Rodgers,” Manning said.
Both Mahomes and Rodgers have been playing at an incredibly high level this season, with Mahomes leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a 10-4 record and Rodgers guiding the Green Bay Packers to a 11-3 record.
While Allen has certainly made a strong case for himself with his impressive performance this season, it seems that Manning believes that Mahomes and Rodgers have been slightly more impactful for their respective teams.
It will be interesting to see how the MVP race unfolds in the final weeks of the season, but for now, it looks like Manning has made his pick against Josh Allen in favor of Mahomes and Rodgers.
The Buffalo Bills have fielded two Hall of Fame running backs during the franchise’s long and rich history. Yet it’s a quarterback who now sits in a tie for the franchise record for career touchdown runs.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen ran for his 65th career touchdown in Week 17, tying him for the franchise record with Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas. Thomas, the league’s MVP in 1991, helped the Bills become the first franchise to play in four consecutive Super Bowls from 1990-93.
Allen already made history on the ground this season, as he recently passed four Hall of Fame running backs (Terrell Davis, O.J. Simpson, Lenny Moore and Larry Csonka) on the career touchdown run list. The only quarterback with more career touchdown runs than Allen is Cam Newton, the 2015 league MVP ran for 75 scores during his 11-year career.
Last year, Allen and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts tied each other for the single-season record for most touchdown runs in one season for a quarterback with 15. This season, Allen became the first quarterback in history with multiple years with at least 25 touchdown passes and 10 touchdown runs.
Allen has done all of this despite playing most of this season with a broken left hand. His play this season has led the Bills to a fifth consecutive AFC East division title. It may also lead to the 28-year-old’s first league MVP. Allen is in a close race for that award with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is in pursuit of his third MVP trophy.
In a thrilling Week 17 matchup against the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen made history by tying Thurman Thomas’ franchise rushing touchdown record. Allen’s impressive performance on the ground helped lead the Bills to a crucial victory as they clinched a playoff spot.
Allen’s ability to make plays with his legs has been a key component of his success throughout the season, and his performance against the Jets was no exception. With his rushing touchdown in the game, Allen now has 19 career rushing touchdowns, tying him with Bills legend Thurman Thomas for the most in franchise history.
As Allen continues to establish himself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, his ability to contribute in the running game sets him apart from his peers. His record-tying performance against the Jets was just another example of his impact on the field and his importance to the Bills’ success.
With the playoffs on the horizon, Allen’s versatility and playmaking ability will be crucial for the Bills as they look to make a deep postseason run. Congratulations to Josh Allen on this historic achievement and here’s to many more memorable moments to come. #GoBills #JoshAllen #ThurmanThomas #PlayoffsBound
Mitch Trubisky and Mike White are having as much fun this season as two football players can without getting on the field.
NFL players are uber-competitive. They’re wired to play. Trubisky and White obviously know their role. They know they’re not getting on the field unless it’s the end of a blowout or – heaven forbid – disaster strikes.
Trubisky has taken 44 snaps in mop-up duty this season. White, the Bills’ No. 3 QB, has been activated off the practice squad for two games. Yet their jobs give them the best front-row seat in the house – every day in meetings and practices and every game on the sidelines – to the Josh Allen Experience 2024, which might be an NFL MVP season.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” said Trubisky, who has a unique perspective because he served as Allen’s backup in the 2021 season. “It’s been a blessing coming back here, just to be teammates with him and all these guys. It’s a great culture and a great place to come to work every day.”
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“He does a really good job of keeping everyone light in the building and on the offense, while obviously still being on his Ps and Qs and being dialed in when he needs to,” White said. “But everyone here has fun, and it starts with him. It’s just the attitude and the charisma he brings every day.”
Bills quarterbacks Josh Allen and Mitchell Trubisky sit on the bench before the start of the game against the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 14.
qwHarry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
Allen was in his fourth NFL season when Trubisky was the Bills’ No. 2 in 2021. What differences does he see in No. 17?
“I would just say he’s progressed in every category you possibly can since then,” Trubisky said. “He’s got a great understanding of the game and what he needs to do to win. He’s playing very well right now. It’s his preparation week to week, his mindset going into the game, his trust of the offense and Joe Brady, the communication they have throughout the week on the game plan. I think he has full trust in what we’re doing. Then he’s going out there and making crazy plays, using his ability, but at the same time not forcing it, he’s letting the game come to him.”
The Bills were an excellent offense in 2021, third in points and fifth in yards. But Trubisky acknowledges Allen has a better infrastructure around him in 2024.
“He’s playing very free because our O-line is so good and we’re able to establish the run,” Trubisky said. “But if we want to, we also can put it on his back. But we don’t have to play a full drop-back game, and I don’t think we want to. We want to have the offense completely wide open. The defense doesn’t know what’s coming. We can run the ball, play action, use our backs, use our receivers.”
White sees freedom, too, from having a multitude of skill-position weapons.
“It’s not like I’ve got to get this guy involved or this play only goes to him,” White said. “Whoever’s in there is in there and whatever my read is, that’s my read and I’m going to trust the guys to make plays. The other guys I think can feel that. So they go out there and they want to make that play for Josh. It’s how you see guys like Ty Johnson go over 100 yards receiving. You never know who it’s going to be. That’s fun, too. It keeps everyone engaged, and it’s more of a team game that way.”
What can White and Trubisky learn from studying with a freak of nature, an “alien,” as Rams coach Sean McVay calls Allen?
“I would say his attention to detail as a passer, as a thrower,” White said. “He’s constantly dialed into his motion, his mechanics. Having known Josh since college, you can tell how drastically his motion has changed, and how it has improved and how it keeps getting better and better. That’s the thing I’ve taken from him, his attention to detail on the mechanics of throwing the ball.”
“I think the communication between him, Connor McGovern and the five guys up front has been fantastic,” Trubisky said. “Austin (Gund), our OL coach, and Aaron Kromer do a great job with the protection plan every week, teaching it to us and having our rules every week. We know what’s coming and are able to communicate and get all the guys on the same page. … His ability to ID (the pass rushers), the preparation throughout the week, to know what’s coming, have answers, it allows you to go out and use your full abilities.”
Of course, there are some things Allen does that mere mortal QBs like Trubisky and White can’t replicate on the field.
Like the 64-yard frozen rope pass on the run Allen made to Keon Coleman against Detroit two weeks ago.
“I’m not looking downfield, I’m looking at him as the play happens,” Trubisky said. “So I’m like, ‘Throw it away, throw it away, run out of bounds, live to play another down.’ And he’s making incredible throws downfield. He knows what he can do. It’s incredible to see him make those plays. I thought the one that didn’t count in Detroit was really fun, too. They brought a zero blitz, he broke through the line. We blocked everyone except one guy who was unblocked. He tossed it right over his head. He’s just out there having fun.”
“Sometimes he gets in trouble, and we tell him, ‘Dude, stop taking these hits,’” White said. “But it’s one of his superpowers. It’s that scramble to the right and buying time around the sideline and just holding on that tick longer than he needs and he makes plays down the field.”
Bills quarterback Josh Allen scores a rushing touchdown against the Lions on Dec. 15.
Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
Trubisky liked the 28-yard pass by Allen early in the Detroit game on a dead run to his left, throwing against his body and leading James Cook perfectly up the field in the opposite direction.
“Every other quarterback, you tell them you do not even attempt to make that throw,” Trubisky said. “He’s doing this on the regular. It’s crazy.”
And then there was the rumbling, 26-yard TD run to seal the Kansas City win.
“When he pulled it down, he knew he had the first down,” Trubisky said. “But he’s explosive, he’s strong, he’s big, he’s hard to bring down. And I think one of his best traits is his competitiveness and his desire to win. Everyone in this building feeds off that.”
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The Buffalo Bills’ backup quarterbacks got a taste of what it’s like to play alongside star quarterback Josh Allen during a recent practice session, and they couldn’t be more thrilled. Allen, who has been turning heads with his impressive performances on the field, took the time to mentor and guide his fellow QBs as they worked through drills and plays together.
One backup quarterback, Jake Fromm, spoke about the invaluable experience of learning from Allen firsthand. “Josh is such a talented and dedicated player, and getting to practice alongside him is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Fromm said. “He’s been so supportive and helpful in helping me improve my game, and I can’t thank him enough for all that he’s done for us.”
Another backup QB, Davis Webb, echoed Fromm’s sentiments, praising Allen for his leadership and work ethic. “Josh sets such a high standard for all of us, and being able to learn from him has been an incredible experience,” Webb said. “He’s always pushing us to be better and holding us accountable, and it’s really motivating to see how hard he works every day.”
Overall, the backup quarterbacks for the Bills are grateful for the chance to work alongside Josh Allen and soak up all the knowledge and expertise he has to offer. With Allen leading the way, the future looks bright for the Bills’ quarterback room.
