Tom Brady is no stranger to making headlines, but this time, it wasn’t for anything he did on the field. The legendary quarterback shocked fans after Week 14 when he broke his strict “3 Stars of the Week” rule, which typically only includes players from winning teams.
The reason? Josh Allen’s jaw-dropping performance in the Buffalo Bills’ narrow 44-42 loss to the LA Rams. Brady’s decision raised eyebrows and reignited the debate about recognizing individual brilliance, even in defeat.
Why Josh Allen Deserved The Spotlight?
Josh Allen’s stat line was nothing short of historic. The Bills quarterback threw for 342 yards, three touchdowns, and rushed for an additional 82 yards with three more touchdowns on the ground. That’s six total touchdowns—a feat no player in NFL history has ever achieved in a single game. Despite the loss, Allen’s performance showcased unparalleled dominance and cemented his status as one of the league’s top MVP contenders.
Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Tom Brady himself couldn’t resist acknowledging the performance. On the NFL on Fox broadcast, he said, “I know they lost, but he played so well. I’m breaking my rule, and he’s winning Star of the Week. It was awesome to see his command of the offense in person. He became the first player in history with three touchdown passes and three rushing touchdowns in one game. I know all you fantasy owners are super happy about that.”
Breaking The “Winning Only” Rule
Tom Brady’s “3 Stars of the Week” rule has been a hallmark of his post-playing career—a way to celebrate excellence while maintaining his high standards. Yet, he made an exception for Allen, proving that rules are meant to be bent when greatness demands it. Brady’s decision to overlook the Bills’ loss in favor of Allen’s unprecedented achievement was a testament to the exceptional performance.
Even in a losing effort, Allen’s MVP odds soared to +400 after Week 14, giving him an 80% chance to claim the coveted award. With 23 touchdowns heading into Week 15, he’s firmly entrenched in the MVP conversation.
Allen’s Take: Always Room For Improvement
While fans and analysts marveled at his performance, Josh Allen remained his harshest critic. He took full responsibility for the Bills’ loss, pointing to missed opportunities and areas where he could have done better. “I have to make one more play than they do,” Allen admitted. “It was a total team loss in three phases. We didn’t play up to our standards.”
Allen also reflected on a missed quarterback sneak early in the game, which forced the Bills to burn a timeout. “I just have to find more completions and be better for our guys,” he added, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to improvement.
Other Stars Of The Week: Darnold And Nacua Shine
While Allen stole the spotlight, Brady also recognized the efforts of Sam Darnold and Puka Nacua. Darnold’s consistent play and Nacua’s emerging talent earned them spots on the list. However, Allen’s record-breaking night made him the clear standout.
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What’s Next For The Bills And Josh Allen?
The Bills face another tough challenge in Week 15 as they travel to Detroit to take on the red-hot Lions. With both teams fighting for momentum, the matchup promises to be thrilling. Brady summed up the anticipation perfectly: “He’s going to have his hands full this week when the Bills take on the red-hot Lions in Detroit.”
A New Standard For “Star Of The Week”
By breaking his rule, Tom Brady reminded everyone that the NFL isn’t just about wins and losses but also about celebrating extraordinary moments. Even in defeat, Josh Allen’s historic performance was a moment worth celebrating. In recognizing Allen, Brady highlighted the importance of individual brilliance and its place in the broader narrative of the game.