Bills' Josh Allen Maintains Best Rushing Success Rate in NFL History

New head coach Joe Brady faces decision on managing Allen's elite running ability

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:07pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a football player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action of the game.Josh Allen's elite rushing ability has been a driving force behind the Bills' success, but managing his workload will be crucial for new head coach Joe Brady.Denver Today

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has the best rushing success rate in NFL history, surpassing Hall of Famers like Cam Newton and Michael Vick. However, new head coach Joe Brady must decide how to manage Allen's elite running ability to keep him fresh for the playoffs.

Why it matters

Allen's rushing prowess has been a key part of the Bills' success, but overusing him as a runner could risk injury. Brady must find the right balance to maximize Allen's talents while preserving his health for the postseason.

The details

Allen has 79 career rushing touchdowns, the most by any quarterback in NFL history. He also boasts the best rushing success rate (60.0%) of any player with at least 800 career carries, ahead of Michael Vick (57.4%) and Larry Csonka (55.3%). Allen's efficiency as a runner has been on full display, with memorable playoff touchdown runs against the Steelers and Jaguars.

  • In the 2023 playoffs, Allen had a 52-yard touchdown run against the Steelers.
  • In the 2026 AFC Wild Card Round, Allen powered for a 10-yard gain on 4th-and-1 against the Jaguars.

The players

Josh Allen

The Buffalo Bills' franchise quarterback, who has the most career rushing touchdowns by a QB in NFL history and the best rushing success rate of any player with at least 800 carries.

Joe Brady

The Bills' new head coach, who must decide how to manage Allen's elite running ability to keep him fresh for the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“Nobody in the entire history of the league, has picked up those key first downs or touchdowns on the ground, at a higher clip than Josh.”

— Kay Adams, Host, Up & Adams show

“There's going to come a time in his career where his legs aren't going to be able to do what he can do, and he's going to have to become a true pocket passer. We're not there yet.”

— Joe Brady, Head Coach, Buffalo Bills

“Maybe they can afford to take a little off his legs earlier in the season, and throughout the regular season, keep him a little bit fresher. If you do that, you can let it rip more in the playoffs.”

— Kay Adams, Host, Up & Adams show

What’s next

Brady and the Bills' coaching staff will need to closely monitor Allen's workload during the regular season to keep him healthy for the playoffs, where his elite rushing ability could prove crucial.

The takeaway

Josh Allen's unparalleled rushing success has been a key part of the Bills' recent success, but new head coach Joe Brady must find the right balance to maximize Allen's talents while preserving his health for the postseason push.