The Denver Broncos are asking a lot of Zach Allen, and so far he's been stepping up and delivering.
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Zach Allen has a reputation, but it’s not what you think.
Allen is an All-Pro defensive tackle who’s currently leading the team in sacks, but his reputation is that he’s not as strong as a run defender. It’s something the Broncos joke about when they hit the film room, though, as they keep seeing Allen making plays in the run game.
It’s one of those discrepancies that often occurs when outside/national “experts” are involved. They often pick a story line based on a play or two or something that surfaces temporarily, and once that sort of thing is out there, it often sticks.
But fellow lineman Jordan Jackson knows better. He sees what Allen is doing in the film room, and he noted that Allen is taking on double teams, striking out against what he called “reach” blockers and more.
It’s part of Allen’s relentless effort to grow his game, and it remains ongoing. Allen discovered the benefits of extended film study early in his career, and he continues to apply it.
Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post provided some numbers to back this up, as Allen is responding to some new challenges this year. Allen has three sacks in Denver’s first three games and Next Gen Stats credits him with 12 pressures so far this season, which is good for a 12.2 percent pressure rate. He was even better against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams, posting pressure rates of 14.3 percent and 13.3 percent, respectively.
But Allen’s worth to the Broncos extends far beyond that. According to Gabriel, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph had a talk with Allen before the season about doing more — in practice, in the film room and during games.
The basic goal for Joseph is simple: If the Broncos can get Allen in a one-on-one situation, he’ll win a lot. Denver needs him to do that and so far the defensive tackle is responding.
Joseph also lauded Allen’s run defense, adding that he’s been making plays there as well. The defensive coordinator called it “exceptional,” and it’s part of Allen continuing to develop a complete game.
Allen isn’t one of Denver’s nine captains, but Gabriel noted that he’s a leader nonetheless. He leads by example, and the results speak for themselves. Allen is also durable, as he’s missed just one game in his career with the Broncos, and he’s now up to playing in 80 percent of Denver’s defensive snaps.
