ClutchPoints
When trying to decipher whether the Buffalo Bills can beat the Broncos, NFL experts agree that Josh Allen has to don the cape. The good news is that he has been a full practice participant. But here are four reasons the Bills’ Super Bowl dreams still live beyond Josh Allen.
Let’s hit the first nail on the head. Allen must be his best version. If he plays a so-so game, the Bills won’t be able to win in the Mile High environment. He must convert key downs with his legs or on-target passes on the move.
But for those who think everything hangs on Allen, they’re selling some other folks short.
Some people will look at Cook getting only 46 yards on 15 carries against the Jaguars and write off the Bills’ chances of running the ball against the Broncos. After all, the Jaguars entered the game as the No. 1 run defense, and the Broncos are ranked No. 2.
However, let’s look at late in the season for the Broncos. They gave up 152 yards to the Raiders in Week 14. The Chiefs punched them for 128 yards in Week 17. And the Chargers got 116 in Week 18. In other words, it can be done. So, let’s not give too much weight to the 26 attempts for 79 yards the Bills had against the Jaguars.
Cook is a premier NFL running back. He rushed for an NFL-best 1,621 yards this season. To think that the Broncos will automatically shut him down isn’t logical. It ignores an entire body of regular-season work.
And if Cook cuts loose for say 80 or 90 yards rushing or more, things are going to be a lot easier for Allen to keep the chains moving and get the ball into the end zone.
Plus, Cook is valuable as a receiver. If he can get a reasonable amount of good runs early in the game, look for the Bills to sneak him out on an intermediate or deep route. And one big play could be the difference in this contest, which should be tight.
Another reason Cook could get loose is that the Broncos may have been caught up in the it’s-all-about-Josh hype, according to atozsports.com.
“(Allen is) incredible,” Broncos QB Bo Nix said. “He’s the MVP of the league for a reason. He continues to make play after play when sort of the game’s not necessarily looking like he can make the play. He just goes out there and does superhero stuff. I think one of the things that separates him is just his toughness, his ability to go play after play at his maximum velocities, his peak performance. He’s just kind of a generational talent.”
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