Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Denver Broncos: How was Brandon Allen’s starting debut?

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 3: Brandon Allen #2 of the Denver Broncos passes under pressure by Sheldon Richardson #98 of the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. Richardson was flagged for roughing the passer on the play. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 3: Brandon Allen #2 of the Denver Broncos passes under pressure by Sheldon Richardson #98 of the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. Richardson was flagged for roughing the passer on the play. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 3: Brandon Allen #2 of the Denver Broncos passes under pressure by Sheldon Richardson #98 of the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. Richardson was flagged for roughing the passer on the play. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 3: Brandon Allen #2 of the Denver Broncos passes under pressure by Sheldon Richardson #98 of the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. Richardson was flagged for roughing the passer on the play. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Fit for the offense

Although he didn’t post “as great” of numbers, Allen’s debut with the Broncos in this game against Cleveland was reminiscent of Nick Mullens’ debut with the San Francisco 49ers last season.

The 49ers were taking on the Oakland Raiders on Thursday Night Football, and what should have been an easy ‘get-right’ game for the Raiders turned into an embarrassing showing for their defense against a great play-caller and an efficient quarterback who can make plays on the move.

In the 49ers’ win over Oakland, Mullens completed 16-of-22 passes with three touchdowns and no picks.

As we have seen through the years, the Shanahan/Kubiak/now Scangarello offense is one that — if run by the right QB — can be effective no matter the talent level of the QB. The better the talent within the system, the more effective this offense is, and there’s plenty of evidence of that.

Look no further than Matt Ryan’s stellar 2016 campaign with Kyle Shanahan in Atlanta.

This offense works if you have a QB who can make accurate throws on the move, take some shots downfield, move the pocket, and execute play-action.

Allen did that in this game for the Broncos. He didn’t always have great poise in the pocket, but he didn’t take too many unnecessary sacks, got rid of the ball quickly, made correct pre-snap reads, and ultimately showed great comfortability with what the Broncos were calling.

Home/Broncos News