Commanders' Biggest Threat to Broncos Offense
The Denver Broncos have to figure out a way to handle the talent the Washington Commanders have on their defense. The biggest threat to the Broncos' offense is defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, especially with some concerns about the Broncos' interior offensive line.
Before getting into Allen, it's worth remembering that Ben Powers struggled in the preseason with pass protection. While he did well there against the Las Vegas Raiders, allowing no pressures, the Raiders have no one even close to as talented as Allen on the inside of their defense. This will be a test for Powers, and he has to pass it.
Allen is a difference-maker on the defensive line and one of, if not the, most underrated defensive linemen in the NFL. He has 34.5 career sacks, with one already this season and 16.5 between the 2021 and 2022 seasons. His play isn't one-dimensional either, as he's an excellent run defender.
Over the last four seasons, he has picked up at least 30 stops, falling short of a fifth season with 29 in 2018, his second year in the NFL. That plays to Powers' strength, making this a good matchup to watch in the run game. The passing game is where the concern lies.
While Allen doesn't rush against the center often, he does occasionally and always has success in doing so. Lloyd Cushenberry III has questionable awareness, as displayed against the Raiders like he has his whole career.
If Cushenberry isn't more conscious of what is going on around him, Allen can blow by him to wreak havoc behind the line. However, Daron Payne will be Cushenberry's focus, which is another significant concern for the Broncos O-line.
Cushenberry struggles with power. He got stood up at the line of scrimmage multiple times against the Raiders.
Payne can do that and is a better player than John Jenkins, who gave Cushenberry a lot of issues. What Payne does helps out Allen so much because Payne can lock down blockers.
The last time these two teams met, the Broncos walked out with the win 17-10 back in 2021. Allen had four pressures and a sack in that game, and Denver did well to limit him. However, he has continued to grow as a player and is a much more developed threat.
Allen hasn't faced off against Powers before, as the last time he played the Baltimore Ravens, Powers was only a backup. So, this is a fresh matchup for both of them. Even so, with Powers' issues in the preseason, it's hard not to put this in Allen's favor.
The Broncos need to find ways to limit Allen in the game. If by misdirection, draws, a quick passing game, or play-action roll-outs away from him, the Broncos have to do something to keep Allen guessing. They should be able to look for big plays once they get him settled and maybe a little tired out.
While the Commanders are a formidable unit on the defensive line and edge, the rest of their defense is questionable. The Commanders have two solid safeties, but they can be attacked deep, especially with the cornerbacks they have, though you have to be cautious of rookie Emmanuel Forbes with his pick-six stats in college.
So if you can settle down Allen and limit him by Powers winning his matchup or providing help, you should find some chances deep. Of course, that also depends on how the Broncos handle the second biggest threat of Montez Sweat going against right tackle Mike McGlinchey.
There is a chance Chase Young plays, but he has been dealing with a neck injury that has kept him limited in practice, which is why I didn't highlight him as the biggest threat to the Broncos, as the chances of him playing are slim at this time.
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