Buffalo Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins described the experience of protecting quarterback Josh Allen as one that "absolutely sucks," but emphasized that the sentiment is a testament to Allen's extraordinary playmaking abilities.
Dawkins, entering his ninth season as Allen's blindside protector, explained that Allen's knack for extending plays, often by scrambling outside the pocket, creates unique challenges for his offensive line. Instead of a standard blocking assignment, Dawkins and his teammates must constantly adjust to Allen's improvisations, which frequently turn broken plays into positive yardage.
"People think playing for Josh Allen is the best thing in the world – it f---ing sucks," Dawkins told Fox News Digital. "All right? It absolutely sucks." He quickly clarified that his comment was sarcastic, highlighting the strong bond between him and Allen, which he likens to a brotherhood.
Dawkins, who is two years older than Allen, embraces a protective role, which includes lighthearted banter. He noted that while it can be difficult to anticipate Allen's movements, it's ultimately a strength.
"Josh is here and there and you gotta know where he is at all times," Dawkins said. "But the best thing about having Josh, when you’ve played with him for so long – not that I birthed Josh. But I birthed Josh. I was in there with Tyrod Taylor and then here comes Josh. So, me knowing how Josh moves and how he flows, it’s been great.
"It’s a gift and a curse because you don’t know where he is. But what I always say, it’s more of a gift than a curse. Sometimes, you don’t know where he is, but Josh will get you out of trouble more than we’ll get him in, and I appreciate him."
The city of Buffalo benefits from Allen's resilience and athleticism on the field. Dawkins, a five-time Pro Bowl selection himself, acknowledges that the entire Bills roster is focused on winning a Super Bowl, not just individual accolades.
The partnership between Allen and Dawkins is crucial for the Bills' success, even if Allen's scrambling adds extra work for his left tackle.
In addition to his football duties, Dawkins recently participated in an off-road obstacle course with a Polaris RZR vehicle, which will be featured in the upcoming video game "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4." Dawkins, an automotive enthusiast, expressed his enjoyment of the experience and his desire to test the vehicle in more challenging terrain.