Image Source: Scotty Payne
Key Takeaways
- The Buffalo Bills have a major weakness in their run defense, which the Denver Broncos need to exploit in their upcoming game.
- The Bills ranked 28th against the run during the season, allowing an average of 136.2 yards per game and 24 rushing touchdowns.
- The Broncos’ run game has been inconsistent since losing veteran running back JK Dobbins, and they need to find a way to run the ball effectively to control the clock and keep Bills quarterback Josh Allen on the sideline.
- The Broncos may try to get rookie running back RJ Harvey on the edges, where the Jaguars had success against the Bills’ defense, and also use quarterback Bo Nix’s legs in designed runs.
Introduction to the Bills’ Weakness
The Buffalo Bills have a glaring weakness that the Denver Broncos need to take advantage of in their upcoming game: their run defense. As noted in the article, "The Bills had no answer for the Jaguars’ run game, and this has been an issue for them throughout the year." The Jacksonville Jaguars’ running backs, Trevor Etienne Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten, had significant success against the Bills’ defense, with Etienne averaging 6.7 yards per carry and Tuten averaging an impressive 12.8 yards per carry. The Bills’ inability to stop the run has been a persistent problem, with the team ranking 28th against the run during the season and allowing an average of 136.2 yards per game, along with 24 rushing touchdowns.
The Broncos’ Run Game Challenges
The Denver Broncos, however, have their own challenges when it comes to running the ball. Since losing veteran running back JK Dobbins, their run game has been inconsistent at best. Rookie running back RJ Harvey has struggled to get things going on the ground, while Jaleel McLaughlin hasn’t been getting many opportunities. As the article states, "If the Broncos want to win this game, they need to run the ball effectively, control the clock, and keep Bills quarterback Josh Allen on the sideline." The Broncos need to find a way to overcome their run game struggles and exploit the Bills’ weakness in order to have a chance at winning.
Exploiting the Bills’ Run Defense
To take advantage of the Bills’ run defense, the Broncos may try to get RJ Harvey on the edges, where the Jaguars had success against the Bills’ defense. As the article notes, "I expect Payton to try to get Harvey on the edges, which was an area where the Jaguars had success vs. the Bills’ defense this past weekend." The Broncos may also use quarterback Bo Nix’s legs in designed runs, as the article suggests: "I even think we’ll see quarterback Bo Nix have some designed runs and use his legs if things are not there in the pass game." By exploiting the Bills’ run defense, the Broncos can control the clock and keep Josh Allen on the sideline, giving themselves a better chance at winning.
The Importance of Stepping Up
With JK Dobbins injured, the other Broncos running backs need to step up in a big way. As the article states, "It would be great to have JK Dobbins for this game, but unfortunately, he is injured, and the other backs need to step up." The Broncos drafted RJ Harvey in the second round, and he needs to prove himself in this game. Jaleel McLaughlin, who has been productive in limited opportunities, also needs to make the most of his chances. The Broncos’ running backs need to run the ball effectively and consistently in order to take advantage of the Bills’ weakness and give their team a chance at winning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Buffalo Bills’ run defense is a major weakness that the Denver Broncos need to exploit in their upcoming game. The Broncos’ run game has been inconsistent since losing JK Dobbins, but they need to find a way to run the ball effectively in order to control the clock and keep Josh Allen on the sideline. By getting RJ Harvey on the edges and using Bo Nix’s legs in designed runs, the Broncos can take advantage of the Bills’ weakness and give themselves a better chance at winning. As the article emphasizes, "Run the ball, run it effectively, and don’t stop doing it." The Broncos need to take advantage of this opportunity and make the most of their chances if they want to come out on top.
https://www.milehighreport.com/denver-broncos-news/169525/broncos-need-to-run-the-ball-effectively-vs-the-bills