Bills QB Josh Allen Got Called for the Silliest Taunting Penalty While Scoring TD vs. Bengals

The star quarterback may want to save his celebrations for after the touchdowns going forward.

NFL fans who believe star quarterbacks always receive special treatment may have a hard time explaining what happened to Josh Allen during Week 9’s Bills-Bengals game on Sunday night.

A fun moment for the Bills QB quickly took a left turn after Allen scored a rushing touchdown to tie the contest at 7–7. Allen’s two-yard scamper was set up by a pump fake to get Bengals safety Nick Scott in the air, allowing him to waltz his way into the end zone. 

As Allen broke the plane, however, the two-time Pro Bowler took a moment to admire his handiwork and point at Scott in jest, prompting the officials to toss, arguably, one of the silliest taunting penalties of the season.

Josh Allen takes it to the house himself! pic.twitter.com/8gw0hynOyh

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 6, 2023

Here’s a closer look at Allen’s gesture, which the refs likely deemed a violation based on his apparent laughter in Scott’s face:

Should Josh Allen have received a flag for this taunt? pic.twitter.com/Ew4ag7la81

— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) November 6, 2023

Although the flag may be hotly debated, the penalty didn’t end up notably costing Buffalo in the end. As for Allen, given how things played out, it would seem reasonable to think he’ll go back to saving his celebrations until after he scores going forward.