Zach Allen has earned respect as a pass rusher. But it has come at a cost.
Now opposing teams are focused on trying to take him out of the game — a development that was noticeable in Denver’s 41-10 loss at Baltimore. The Ravens doubled-teamed Allen often in Week 9, and Allen didn’t record a single pressure after being among the league leaders through eight weeks.
Less than 24 hours after the dust had settled, Allen talked to defensive line coach Jamar Cain about ways to combat double teams as those become more common for the defensive end.
“If I want to be the type of player I can be, I (have) to be able to find ways around it,” said Allen, who’s recorded two sacks and 17 pressures in the last five games. “We are already working on ways to figure out that part of my game.”
Until last week, Allen had recorded at least one pressure in 22 straight games. Denver’s 70-20 loss to the Dolphins in Week 3 of 2023 was the last time he walked away from a game without pressuring the quarterback at least once.
Allen views the increased attention as a compliment. It means he’s doing something right.
Through nine weeks, Allen has totaled four sacks and a team-high 38 pressures, according to Next Gen Stats. Fifteen of his pressures came in less than three seconds. He has recorded at least four pressures in six games, including three matchups where he tallied at least six. At this point last season, Allen had three sacks and 35 pressures.
The 27-year-old’s dominance in the trenches has helped Denver become one of the best pass rush units in the league. The Broncos are tied for second in sacks (31) and have the third-most pressures (133).
“When a guy is putting up numbers like that, it’s gonna spread through the league,” Cain told The Denver Post. “Zach is an elite player, so he has garnered that respect. He’s gotta understand it’s going to come, and that’s something we constantly talk about (with) all our guys.”
When someone like Allen gets double-teamed, Cain said it creates opportunities for other players to get after the quarterback.
“It puts stress on (Allen), but the other guys have to win their one-on-one (matchups),” Cain said. “That’s why we are sitting with 31 sacks. Other guys have to be just as elite as Zach.”
Allen should expect another tough challenge against Kansas City’s offensive line. The Chiefs have given up the third-lowest pressure rate in the league at 26.3% and are sixth in sacks allowed (16).
Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said Sunday’s divisional matchup will be dictated by the team’s performance in the trenches.
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If the Broncos want to have a chance to win on the road, they will need Allen to be disruptive up front like in last year’s victory over Kansas City when he totaled seven pressures.
“I think a big part of it is always trying to find solutions and keep working instead of (saying) ‘Woe is me,’” Allen said. “The fact we have that mentality in this building is positive.”
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