November 8th 2024.
Zach Allen has certainly made a name for himself as a pass rusher, but it hasn't been easy. Lately, opposing teams have been putting a lot of effort into taking him out of the game, as clearly seen in the Broncos' recent loss to the Ravens. In that game, Allen was often double-teamed, resulting in him not being able to make a single pressure, despite being one of the top performers in the league in the previous weeks. It was a tough blow for Allen, but he wasted no time in discussing strategies with his defensive line coach, Jamar Cain, on how to handle the increased attention.
Allen knows that in order to reach his full potential as a player, he needs to be able to overcome these double teams. He explained, "If I want to be the best player I can be, I have to find a way to get around it. And we're already working on ways to improve that aspect of my game." This determination is what has helped Allen maintain his impressive stats, with two sacks and 17 pressures in the last five games. He takes pride in his ability to consistently pressure the quarterback and it was a bit of a shock when he didn't record a single pressure in the recent game against the Ravens.
Before that game, Allen had recorded at least one pressure in 22 consecutive games, with the last time being in 2023 when the Broncos suffered a 70-20 loss to the Dolphins. Allen sees the increased attention from opposing teams as a compliment, a sign that he's been performing well. So far this season, he has four sacks and a team-high 38 pressures, with 15 of them coming in under three seconds. He has had at least four pressures in six games and even recorded six or more in three of those matchups. It's no wonder the Denver Broncos have one of the best pass rush units in the league, tied for second in sacks and with the third-most pressures.
Coach Cain agrees that Allen's dominance on the field has not gone unnoticed and other teams have taken note. He said, "When a guy is putting up numbers like that, it's going to spread throughout the league. Zach is an elite player, so he has earned that respect. He needs to understand that it will come with double teams, but it's something we are constantly discussing with all of our guys." Cain also mentioned that when Allen gets double-teamed, it creates opportunities for his teammates to step up and get after the quarterback. He believes that in order for the Broncos to continue their success, other players need to rise to the challenge and be just as elite as Allen.
Looking ahead, Allen is preparing for another tough challenge against the Kansas City Chiefs' strong offensive line. The Chiefs have one of the lowest pressure rates in the league and are sixth in sacks allowed, making it crucial for the Broncos' defensive line to step up. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph believes that the outcome of the game will heavily rely on the performance of the trenches. In their previous victory over the Chiefs last year, Allen was a key factor with seven pressures. He knows that he needs to bring the same level of disruption to the field if the Broncos want a chance to win on the road.
But Allen doesn't let the pressure get to him. He remains focused on finding solutions and working hard instead of dwelling on setbacks. He said, "I think a big part of it is always trying to find solutions and keep working instead of saying, 'Woe is me.' The fact that we have that mentality in this building is a positive." With his determination and the support of his team, Allen is ready to take on any challenge that comes his way. And with his impressive performance so far this season, it's clear that he's well on his way to becoming one of the top pass rushers in the league.
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