Brandon Allen 2021 Outlook
According to Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official website, the contract Allen signed this offseason may even come with a space in the main locker room after Allen ascended from Bengals quarantine quarterback to primary backup quarterback during Joe Burrow's rehab. After Burrow’s injury, Allen emerged from the backbench last season to start five games and put a solid headlock on head coach Zac Taylor's offense. After out-dueling Deshaun Watson with 371 yards while completing 78 percent of his passes in Houston, Allen became the first Bengals' quarterback to complete 69.4 percent of his passes in his first four starts (hitting better than 70 percent twice). Even as Allen sat out with a bruised knee and watched Ryan Finley beat the Steelers, Coach Taylor went right back to Allen once he was healthy. Finley was traded to Houston this offseason, and Allen's familiarity with Taylor's system is a main reason he remains. The assumption is Burrow's recovery will have him on the field for Week 1, but Allen will be at the ready regardless.
