Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen came under fire for a heated moment near the end of last week’s loss to the New England Patriots, and he could soon face NFL punishment for his actions.

Allen was seen getting angry with a Patriots player in the closing minutes of last week’s 23-20 loss, directing some expletives toward a New England defender. While Allen wasn’t flagged for the play at the time, he could be in line for a fine under the league’s rules against taunting.

Josh Allen Came Under Criticism

Allen came under fire for the incident, where he was seen swearing at and taunting a Patriots defender after the Bills saw a late fourth-quarter drive stall out deep in New England territory. The Bills ended up getting a field goal to tie the game at 20-20, but the Patriots took the next drive for the game-winning field goal.

Many fans and reporters criticized Allen for the display, with some saying the league has a different standard for the Bills quarterback.

“If Mahomes did this, everyone would lose their mind but since Josh is such a loveable loser, it gets pushed aside with no one talking about it,” a fan shared in a post on X.

The NFL will announce fines for Week 5 on Saturday, with Allen potentially facing one. The league often issues fines for players even when no penalties were called — which is especially true of taunting. As Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio noted, the league handed out two fines in Week 1 for taunting that was not flagged for a penalty in the game.

“So five tauntings, but only three were called. If it’s obvious enough to be seen after the fact, it’s something the officials should be spotting in real time,” Florio wrote.

Allen has escaped punishment for some past incidents, including an apparent taunt toward the Miami Dolphins during Buffalo’s Week 3 win. After taking a late hit by the Dolphins that was flagged by referees, Allen appeared to point his finger like a gun — a celebration the league has outlawed. Though many expected Allen to be fined, the league ultimately decided he would face no punishment.

The Bills quarterback has been punished in the past, facing a $10,927 fine for taunting against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023.

Josh Allen Trying to Get Bills Back on Track

After suffering the team’s first loss of the season against the Patriots, Allen has vowed to bounce back against the Atlanta Falcons this week.

Allen said he has some extra motivation this week as Atlanta is one of only two opposing stadiums where he’s never visited.

“It’s pretty cool, it’s surreal. Still doing what I get to do and love what I’m doing. It’s a bucket list to visit all 32 as a kid, I guess this is a way to do that,” Allen said. “I believe Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco, and this one might be it.”

The Bills did face the 49ers on the road in the 2020 season, but a surge of Covid cases in Santa Clara County forced the game to be moved to Arizona.