It’s playoff déjà vu for the Denver Broncos who host the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round of the playoffs on Saturday. After a successful regular season, the Broncos are hoping to avoid being one-and-done and continue their chase for the franchise’s fourth Lombardi Trophy. The Bills will be a formidable foe, and this will be a tough matchup. It’s certainly a game the Broncos can win, but in order to do so, they need to accomplish these three things.
Establish the run with Jaleel McLaughlin leading
the way
In order to embark on a deep postseason push and defeat the Bills, the Broncos have to find a way to run the ball effectively. Keep in mind, the Bills controlled the clock for 41 minutes in last year’s playoff matchup. For that not to happen again, Denver has to pound the rock with success. Prior to J.K. Dobbins being injured, Denver had one of the more consistent running attacks in the National Football League. In his absence, things haven’t been as efficient as you would hope for.
Rookie second-round pick RJ Harvey has seen a significant uptick in snaps since then. While is touchdown performance during his rookie campaign has certainly been impressive, Harvey’s inconsistency as a runner has been inhibitive to the Broncos’ offensive endeavors in the latter half of the season. I don’t think it would be smart for him to be the lead back on Saturday.
Leading up to their Week 18 matchup versus the Los Angeles Chargers, Head Coach Sean Payton had hinted at an increased role for veteran running back Jaleel McLaughlin. However, it was Harvey who had fifteen carries for just 28 yards to McLaughlin’s six that went for 41 yards. Those numbers coupled with the results of games prior show you exactly who has been the more effective runner.
It’s McLaughlin by a long shot. His vision and patience as a runner are superior to Harvey’s. He has made the most of his limited opportunities. The Bills’ biggest weakness on defense is stopping the run. I’m confident that Jaleel has the ability to be a difference maker in the game for Denver—as long as Payton affords him the opportunity to be one.
The Broncos can’t afford to become their own worst enemy and beat themselves
The Broncos’ third and final loss of the regular season to the Jacksonville Jaguars could wind up being one of the biggest turning points for Denver’s season. While it’s never great to lose, derailing the lengthy winning streak may have served up some humble pie that the coaches and players needed in order to come back down to earth.
If they learned anything from that game, it’s how bad things can get when you beat yourselves. Against the Jaguars, the Broncos ran the gamut of self-inflicted wounds. I thought it was their most sloppy performance of the season. Untimely drops, multiple turnovers, a half dozen penalties, and poor third down success on both sides of the ball tanked Denver in that game.
When things go that bad, brutal losses like that are usually the outcome. The Broncos have had an extra week to prepare for this game against the Bills. A good portion of last week was likely an introspective look as to what they can improve in-house to be best prepared for Saturday.
Can the Broncos learn from their past mistakes and avoid them in the Divisional Round? Did they take to heart any lessons from last year’s early playoff exit? Whether or not they do will have a significant impact on the game ultimately ends up playing out.
You can’t let Josh Allen become the ultimate X-Factor in the game
Josh Allen’s ascent from a rough around the edge’s rookie out of Wyoming to one of the greatest quarterbacks in the NFL has been fun to witness. Unfortunately, it’s with Allen leading the Bills as opposed to the Broncos. Something which many of you loyal readers had hoped for years ago when the Broncos ultimately passed on him for Bradley Chubb. Alas, I guess there is no sense crying over spilled milk.
All that matters now is Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph and his players coming up with and execute a gameplan that limits his incredible on the field ability as a passer and runner. Last year on Wild Card Weekend, Allen was 20-of-26 for 272 yards and 2 touchdowns as a passer and added 8 rushes for 46 yards. The Bills’ offense trounced Denver’s defense and accrued 26 total first downs.
That sort of dominant performance can’t happen again this time around. The Broncos will enjoy the perks of homefield advantage in front of a sellout crowd who will be cheering their hearts out. I think the noise factor can help disrupt the rhythm of their offense. Nevertheless, Denver’s defensive front seven are going to have to play disciplined, not over pursue on their rushes, and find a way to keep Allen from scrambling and making chunk plays with his legs.
Stopping playoff Josh Allen isn’t easy, but Denver’s defense has shown time and time again this season they can come up clutch when it matters most. Limiting Allen’s impact on the game will certainly be important if the Broncos want to hose the AFC Championship game next weekend.
