Broncos Brace for Battle: Can They Contain the Unstoppable Force of Josh Allen?

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos find themselves standing at the precipice of opportunity as they prepare to face the formidable Buffalo Bills in an AFC wild-card matchup. They know the stakes are high; beating only a single team is one thing, but taking down Josh Allen — that’s a whole different ball game. As they ready themselves for Sunday’s clash at Highmark Stadium, the Broncos can’t help but recall the previous encounters that tested their mettle — including a narrow 24-22 victory last season, where Allen’s turnovers played into their hands. But this isn’t the same quarterback; this is a seasoned, refined Allen — a magician in the backfield, erasing the self-inflicted wounds that once plagued his game.,Statistically, his raw numbers in the 2024 season are jaw-dropping — 3,731 yards passing and 28 touchdowns to his name — yet it’s his newfound composure under pressure that truly titillates defenses. The Broncos are well aware of the challenge they face, a challenge underscored by Allen’s remarkable ability to sidestep disaster. In a recent game against the Arizona Cardinals, he demonstrated this prowess masterfully—evading a relentless rush from inside linebacker Owen Pappoe, he flicked the ball like an artist creating a masterpiece, tossing a 25-yard strike to running back James Cook. That exquisite blend of physicality and finesse is what makes Allen more than just a quarterback; he’s an enigma that defensive units must crack.,“This is one of those games where you really can’t rush selfish,” said Nik Bonitto, the Broncos’ sack leader, echoing a sentiment felt throughout the locker room. With 14 sacks this season, Bonitto embodies the collaborative spirit that has defined Denver’s remarkable pass-rushing campaign — a record 63 sacks shared among 16 players, with no less than six posting five or more. The emphasis on teamwork has culminated in a defensive front that can disrupt even the most polished offenses, but to do so against Allen requires a strategy laced with selflessness and discipline. “You try to cage him in because everybody knows when he gets outside the pocket, he’s really dangerous,” Bonitto added, recognizing the dual threat Allen poses both with his arm and his legs.,Vance Joseph, the Broncos’ defensive coordinator, faces a daunting task — balancing aggression with caution. The Broncos blitzed 37 percent of the time on opponent dropbacks during the regular season, the fourth-highest rate in the NFL. However, Allen’s discernment ensures that extra rushers might only add to Denver’s headaches. He’s protected by what may be the best offensive line he’s had since joining the league, further complicating Joseph’s approach. “Their offensive line is really good and that group has been together for a while,” remarked Zach Allen, a defensive end for Denver. “Josh is so mobile and so strong that it’s really hard to bring him down. It presents a really good challenge for us, but we’re excited for it.”,As the Broncos study film and prep for the game, they know they must contain Allen’s ability to extend plays — a hallmark of his game that has earned him MVP consideration this season. “What I watch on film is that guys will be covered, but his scrambling ability and his second-play ability is key for us,” stated Patrick Surtain II, the Broncos’ star cornerback. The emphasis on plastering their receivers — denying Allen the chance to locate his targets as he improvises — will be paramount to their game plan. The tight ends, Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid, along with Cook, represent a trio of threats that demand Denver’s attention.,The essence of Allen’s game lies not only in his passing ability but also his extraordinary rushing talent, especially in the postseason. Last year, he bulldozed the Pittsburgh Steelers with a breathtaking 52-yard touchdown run, a moment that left Broncos head coach Sean Payton shaking his head in disbelief as he reviewed the footage. “You can spy him,” Payton noted. “But he’s one of those guys, and Lamar (Jackson) is the same way, where you have a guy on Lamar and he’s got this stiff arm that just keeps you at bay.” These insights remind us that although Allen has yet to capture the elusive Super Bowl ring, he has solidified himself as a playoff dynamo — a reality the Broncos hope to disrupt this Sunday.,As the tension builds ahead of this monumental clash, one thing is clear — the Broncos will not back down. Bonitto poignantly expressed this unwavering confidence: “I think we’ll come in there and play our best game. Coach is going to have a good game plan for us. … We’ve always had that confidence in ourselves, no matter what people have said about us, and we’re not going to back down to anybody.” With both teams brimming with talent and aspirations, the stage is set for an epic showdown — a battle of wills where the clock will be ticking and every inch matters. The Broncos are primed for the challenge, eager to put their skills to the test against one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.