Zach Allen has become a dominant presence on the Denver Broncos’ defensive front this year. He has a tremendous 72.5% participation rate in defensive snaps. This proactive approach puts him at the center of the team’s strategy and increases their impact on the field. With the regular season winding down, Allen already has 6.5 sacks on the year. He fronts the NFL with a league-leading 45 quarterback hits, painting a picture of his elite play-making ability.
Since joining the Broncos, Allen has developed into one of the premier interior players in the game, using his explosiveness and quickness to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. That consistency is remarkable. He’s just the second lineman in NFL history to post consecutive seasons with 40+ quarterback hits since those stats were first tracked. This incredible accomplishment puts him in some extraordinary company around the league and further proves just how much impact he’s had.
Earlier this season, Allen faced some of the biggest challenges of his life. He was often double teamed at an even higher frequency than elite players such as Chris Jones and Osa Odighizuwa. Even so, he has managed to pressure opposing quarterbacks on 22 more occasions than both Jones and Odighizuwa combined. His exceptional performance demonstrates what he is capable of as an individual talent. It just as easily shows his complete nonstop go-at-all-costs commitment to winning.
Allen’s NFL experience began in 2019 when he was chosen in the third-round NFL Draft. Since then, he’s been on the steady rise throughout his four seasons as the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator. He showed an incredible dedication to achievement, which gave him a three-year, $45.75 million contract with the Broncos. In August, he signed a four-year $102 million extension. His financial success mirrors his growth and contributions on the field, culminating in his selection as a first-time Pro Bowler.
No position has been more effusive in their praise of Allen’s talents than the linebacker. Former Broncos star Von Miller praised him, stating, “They’re a lot like we were… he might be one of my favorite rushers in the league. He’s doing things that are hard to do.” His recognition by veteran players highlights the impact he’s had on earning respect across the league.
Vance Joseph, who has worked closely with Allen, emphasized his evolution as an athlete: “Zach has always been a great rusher, and he’s always been a smart player. He’s gotten stronger physically, more refined in what he does.” Joseph explained how Allen is able to take advantage of errors from opposing offensive lines, making him more dangerous on game days.
None of this happened without the personal commitment to the sport made by Allen. He expressed his passion clearly when he stated, “I have an obsession about this; I love what I do… I want to be a part of what we have going here and accomplish big goals.” This attitude does wonders for his play on the field and provides an example for the young players sharing a locker room with him.
Given that the Broncos are still pushing toward that final week of the regular season, Allen doesn’t show any signs of letting up. He compiled an incredible 89% of defensive snaps last year. This accomplishment serves to underscore his tenacity and resilience, as well as illustrate the importance of his role in the team’s defensive scheme.
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