Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills (10-3) are heading to Ford Field this Sunday for a marquee matchup against Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions. The game kicks off at 4:25 p.m. EST.
Allen, a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, is having an outstanding season. The Wyoming product has racked up 3,033 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions in 13 games. He’s also posted a league-best QBR of 76.7.
In addition to his passing prowess, Allen has proven to be a dangerous runner, accumulating 416 yards and nine rushing touchdowns.
This dual-threat capability presents a major challenge for Aaron Glenn’s defense in Week 15.
“He is challenging, and I haven’t had a chance to truly deep dive them yet, but I do know this: he’s taken care of the football,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said about Allen. “He’s taking the plays that are there, and once he progresses, if it’s not (there), then he uses his legs. So, I feel a more patient player out of him, and because of that, he’s playing at a very high level. And, that makes him even more dangerous.
“He’s got a big-time arm, he’s accurate, he can read defenses, and then he’s got the physical ability to take off and run. And, he can run over people, he can run around you, he can get on the perimeter. So, yeah, this is going to be a huge task for us. This is not going to be easy.”
Here are three strategies Detroit can use to limit Allen’s production on Sunday.
1. Bring the Pressure
Pressuring Allen is no easy task. He’s exceptional at escaping the pocket and avoiding defenders, which has resulted in him being sacked only 13 times this season—one of the lowest totals among starting quarterbacks.
Despite this, Aaron Glenn must focus on dialing up the blitz and making Allen uncomfortable in the pocket.
EDGE rusher Za’Darius Smith will play a critical role in this effort. In just four games with the Lions, he’s recorded 20 pressures, 14 quarterback hurries, two QB hits, and four sacks.
A strong showing from Smith could be the key to disrupting Allen’s rhythm.
2. Deploy Jack Campbell Strategically
Although Glenn is known for avoiding the use of a quarterback spy, Jack Campbell, the quarterback of Detroit’s defense, will be vital in containing Allen.
Campbell’s job will be to monitor Allen both in the air and on the ground, preventing the Bills quarterback from turning broken plays into explosive runs.
It’s a tough assignment, but one that is crucial to slowing down Buffalo’s offense.
3. Keep Allen and the Bills Offense Off the Field
The most effective way to neutralize Allen is to control time of possession with sustained drives by Goff and the Lions’ offense.
Detroit’s rushing attack, their offensive centerpiece, can help accomplish this. Through 13 games, the Lions have amassed 1,964 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, both ranking fourth in the league.
Jahmyr Gibbs, the “Sonic” to David Montgomery’s “Knuckles,” leads the Lions with 1,016 rushing yards this season.
A steady mix of Gibbs and Montgomery should help Detroit grind out long drives and keep Buffalo’s high-powered offense on the sideline.
This ground-and-pound approach will likely be a key component of the Lions’ game plan in Week 15.
