Mike Tomlin silences Josh Allen's critics with a perfect comparison to Peyton Manning

Mike Tomlin has delivered a timely reminder to those questioning Josh Allen’s legacy, using Peyton Manning’s career as an example of why Super Bowl success shouldn’t be the only measure of a quarterback.

Speaking with Chris Simms on Unbuttoned, the former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach pushed back against the criticism surrounding Allen. Tomlin’s message was simple: keep watching.

Allen has opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion, helping Buffalo win its first two games while putting himself into the early MVP conversation.

The Bills have been among the NFL’s highest-scoring teams through the opening weeks, with Allen once again demonstrating why he’s regarded as one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks.

Still, the absence of a Super Bowl ring remains a frequent talking point whenever Allen’s career is discussed. Tomlin believes that criticism overlooks just how difficult it is for even the best quarterbacks to win championships, particularly when they’re competing during an era filled with elite talent.

Tomlin pointed toward Manning’s career as evidence that a quarterback’s championship journey can take time.

Tomlin points to Manning’s long road

Manning is perhaps one of the clearest examples of why patience can be important when judging an elite quarterback. The Indianapolis Colts selected him first overall in the 1998 NFL Draft, and he went on to establish himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks of his generation.

However, Manning didn’t immediately turn regular-season excellence into championships. He eventually won his first Super Bowl with Indianapolis during the 2006 season, defeating the Chicago Bears.

Nearly a decade later, he added another championship with the Denver Broncos before retiring after the 2015 season.

Tomlin highlighted the competition Manning faced throughout his career, particularly his battles with Tom Brady and other accomplished quarterbacks.

“That's that narrative game that's played from time to time. And, and really sometimes my response to some of that is, ‘Keep watching.' You know, he's writing that story. Man, we're at the tip top of the food chain, man,” said Tomlin .

“Everybody doesn't get to win. Man, it is hard…in this business. He's in the midst of writing his story.

“I remember people used to say that about Peyton Manning a generation ago until he got it done. Well, shoot, he had some real combat in an effort to get that done.”

Allen finds himself in a similarly demanding environment. Patrick Mahomes remains one of the defining quarterbacks of the current era, while Matthew Stafford and other established stars are also pursuing championships and adding to their own legacies.

The early signs from Buffalo have nevertheless been encouraging. The Bills have started the season with victories over Houston and Detroit, scoring 77 points through two games. Their win over Detroit was particularly memorable, as Buffalo opened the regular-season schedule at its new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium with a 41-31 victory.

Allen played a starring role, throwing three touchdown passes while adding two rushing scores. The new stadium, built beside the Bills’ former home, features a natural-grass field, underground heating and an extensive snowmelt system designed to handle Buffalo’s famously difficult winter conditions.

The focus for Allen remains on the next game rather than the larger narrative surrounding his career. He’s emphasized treating every week as its own challenge and relying on preparation, teammates and execution.

That approach could prove valuable as Buffalo continues its pursuit of the ultimate prize.