Caleb Williams Applauds Josh Allen After Bills' Victory Over Saints: A Young Star Shines
In a commanding 31-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints, the Buffalo Bills proved why they remain one of the most formidable teams in the NFL. Despite a strong effort from the Saints, the Bills showcased their offensive firepower and defensive resilience. One of the standout performances came from none other than quarterback Josh Allen, whose leadership was the key to securing the win.
Allen, who had faced some criticism earlier in the season for being inconsistent at times, silenced any doubters with a near-perfect performance. He threw for 305 yards and 3 touchdowns, all while making critical plays that helped the Bills extend their lead. His ability to stay poised and composed in high-pressure situations was evident, as he led the Bills through a series of successful drives that sealed the victory.
"I have to give credit where it’s due," said defensive standout Micah Parsons. "Josh Allen came out and showed why he's one of the best quarterbacks in the game. He stayed calm under pressure, made some huge throws, and carried his team to victory. We fought hard, but credit to him—he’s the reason the Bills walked away with this one. Respect to him and his team."
Parsons, who contributed to a strong defensive effort with several key tackles and constant pressure on the Saints' offense, couldn't help but acknowledge Allen's clutch performance. Despite his own solid game, Parsons knew that it was Allen's leadership that truly made the difference.
Allen, for his part, was quick to downplay individual accolades, choosing instead to highlight the team effort that led to the win. "It wasn't just me out there. My teammates stepped up when we needed them the most," Allen said after the game. "We’ve been working hard all season, and this was a big win for us. I’m proud of how we responded as a team."
The Bills' offense, with Allen at the helm, put on a clinic in the second half, keeping the Saints at bay and ensuring the game never slipped out of their control. The win improved the Bills' record to 3-1, keeping them firmly in the playoff hunt and continuing their impressive start to the season.
On the other hand, the Saints are now 1-3, and while they showed flashes of potential, their inability to capitalize on key opportunities cost them dearly. Despite some strong individual performances, the team as a whole failed to keep up with the Bills' relentless offensive attack.
For Allen, this game wasn’t just about the win—it was also about reaffirming his status as one of the NFL's top quarterbacks. The Bills have shown they have the tools to compete at the highest level, and with Allen leading the charge, their future looks incredibly bright.
"At the end of the day, we’re all competitors, but we also respect talent," said Allen, acknowledging his opponent's efforts. "The Saints came out strong, but we knew we had to keep pushing. We’re a team that won’t stop until we reach the top."
As the Bills prepare for the challenges ahead, they can take pride in their quarterback's leadership and the overall team effort that brought them this victory. Allen's performance, especially under pressure, continues to solidify his place as one of the league's most promising and respected quarterbacks.
Rick Tocchet sees shades of Mikko Rantanen in Flyers’ Owen Tippett
Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet had high praise for Owen Tippett, saying his game can be close to what Dallas star winger Mikko Rantanen.
When you think of Owen Tippett’s career thus far as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers, there are a handful of highlights. There’s the end to end rush against Montreal where he blew by everyone and nearly scored the game-winning goal. And then there’s the razzle dazzle play against Dallas that had most of the league taking notice. But a lot of times the biggest question has been why can’t he play like that more often.
Well, according to Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet, Tippett has been standing out a bit more this year, and has seen his play somewhat resembling that of speedy and powerful star forward Mikko Rantanen of the Dallas Stars.
“I mean, he’s a big man,” Tocchet told the media after Monday’s optional skate. “I don’t want to compare him but if you watch Rantanen — I’ve been watching him this year — going through the neutral zone, powerful speed. If teams back out he does those deep delays, those are great offensively. And if a team tries to stand up on him he goes around them. When you can do those both of those things, then you become those type of players.”
Through five games this season Tippett has three goals and is still looking for his first assist. Some believe he’s passed up a few great scoring chances so far to try and set up someone else, but generally he’s been standing out among the forwards. He’s also seen his ice time in some contests increase, particularly against Carolina and Saturday night against Minnesota, the latter seeing him replacing Matvei Michkov on the Sean Couturier line along with Travis Konecny in the third period. Tippett has two games over 18 minutes of ice time so far and has been winning the trust of Tocchet early on.
Tocchet said recently he goes to guys he thinks are going during a game, and thus far Tippett has checked that box more than a few times.
“He’s taken charge, like whatever line I put him on, he’s really helped that line, he’s driving play,” Tocchet said. “He’s really an intelligent guy. I think there’s more net-front (presence), there’s the big guy around the net, I think he can get in there a little bit more. But off the rush and come up with loose pucks and creating, he’s excellent. Little things like the net front, I think he can stay there a little bit more somtimes I think there were a couple of options where if he stayed there he would’ve been there by himself. But that’ll come, that’ll come.”
What Tippett has done so far this Flyers season
Tippett’s speed is also one of the best in the league, but even he feels he can’t use it all the time. Instead he has to learn how pick his spots and not be a speed demon each and every shift.
“I think it’s timing,” Tocchet said. “Sometimes you kind of see what’s going on and then you take off. Sometimes if you go too quick you’ve overread the play. He sees his timing is good. He’s coming underneath just at the right time to get that puck instead of overshooting it. It’s too late, now he’s got to stop or get outside of the zone. I think his timing is good.”
Thus far Tippett ranks in the 96th percentile regarding skating speed with his maximum skating speed measured at 22.89 miles per hour. According to NHL Edge stats he’s in the 99th percentile for bursts of or greater than 22 miles an hour (six) and 18 bursts between 20 and 22 miles an hour (putting him in the league’s 95th percentile). He’s also hit between 18 to 20 miles an hour 40 times so far this season. By comparison Connor McDavid has four bursts over 22 miles an hour and just 17 bursts between 18 to 20 miles an hour in 2025-26.
In terms of first impressions, Tocchet feels Tippett is eager to learn, asking questions and listening to feedback. “He’s one of the guys since the new crew got in here, our coaching staff, he’s been really attentive. Like I’ve noticed that in camp. Or when you tell him something. Sometimes players they get the information and it’s, ‘Okay, we get it,’ and they leave. But he hangs around and he’s been asking a lot of questions. I think he’s emotionally invested in this year I’ve seen. I mean there’s a long way to go but I felt that he’s really emotionally invested in the group, in the team.”
So, with Tippett starting off the season in fine form, and at just over half the cap hit Rantanen has with Dallas, it’s a great start for the winger who had a season he’d like to forget last year. If you look at his three goals in five games some would predict he’s on pace for a 48-goal season. Nobody on the Flyers or watching the club would dread seeing that happen. But hopefully he’s more consistent and not as streaky as he’s been in the past. If Tocchet can take his game up a notch or two, then Tippett and the recent speculation of teams kicking the tires on him regarding a trade is probably going to die down quite a bit and quite quickly. Thus far he’s been a pleasant surprise.
