Is the Madden Curse a real thing? Let’s put it this way. If you’re skeptical about the curse’s existence, Josh Allen’s performance on Monday night as his Buffalo Bills fell to the New York Jets will not help your argument.
Allen, the cover boy for Madden NFL 24, EA Sports’ latest offering in the the Madden Series, had one of the worst games of his career on Monday night.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was hurt on New York’s first offensive possession and for much of the night, the offense struggled to move the ball. It seemed like a glorious opportunity for the Bills to win and win big. But the New York defense kept the game close through the first half, with safety Jordan Whitehead intercepting Allen in the second quarter. And while that interception didn’t amount to much more than a punt, it was a sign of things to come.
Whitehead intercepted Allen two more times in the second half.
The three interceptions on Monday were more than Whitehead had in any previous season of his career.
Whitehead’s third interception set up Garrett Wilson’s spectacular touchdown grab. But, as great as it was, Wilson’s touchdown only tied the game. Allen and the Bills still had a chance to finish the game on a good note with a game-winning scoring drive. But on the first play of the ensuing possession, Allen mishandled a snap, leading to a fumble.
After the Jets kicked a go-ahead field goal, Allen did lead the Bills down the field for a game-tying field goal to send the game to overtime. But Buffalo went three-and-out on the opening possession, setting up Xavier Gipson’s walk-off punt return.
Allen finished the game 29-for-41, passing for 236 yards and a touchdown. But the four turnovers were crucial. Allen’s overall game, coupled with Buffalo’s loss had football fans wondering if Allen might be the latest victim of the Madden Curse.
Josh Allen getting hit with the Madden Curse pic.twitter.com/rBbEoxbeR5
— AuxGod (@AuxGod_) September 12, 2023