Coming off a bye, Denver travels to Buffalo. And while the odds aren’t in their favor, the game is still up in the air. The Broncos enter as 7.5-point underdogs and have to play the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football in Orchard Park. But while this task sounds daunting, what Denver did before the bye was so important. And it gives them a real chance to compete with a playoff-caliber team like Buffalo. It may not be easy, but fans are starting to feel some hope, players are psyched to battle, and here’s how the Broncos can beat the Bills.
Week 10: How The Broncos Can Beat The Bills
RUN!
Should it be the Broncos who run away? Yes, but not from the fight. Rather, they should run away with this game, literally – on the backs of their runners. Denver’s running backs, specifically Javonte Williams, will be the key to this game. The Broncos have been more committed to running in recent weeks, as they should, and that has led to success. Now, it’s more important than ever to lean on that attack, as the Bills are not solid at all against the rush. Denver can and will run the ball against any opponent, but this may be the toughest foe they’ve fought. But running will be pivotal, and it is how the Broncos can beat the Bills.
Javonte Williams has seen his usage tick up and up over the course of the season. And with his injury completely behind him, there’s no reason not to make this matchup one that features Denver’s young workhorse. Last week against the Kansas City Chiefs, Williams rushed 27 times for 85 yards, while also logging 3 receptions for 13 yards and a touchdown. He is the key, and Denver’s rushing attack is now their identity, which takes all the pressure off quarterback Russell Wilson and places it squarely on the shoulders of Buffalo’s defense.
HIDE!
Should it be the Broncos who hide from attack? Yes, but only intelligently. First, they should hide their passing attack behind their more obvious rushing attack, using the run to set up the play-action pass. Strike your enemy where they least expect it and when they least expect it, right? For Denver, this means hiding the threats at wide receiver, lulling Buffalo to sleep, and then launching into surprise attack mode. It also means keeping Russell Wilson hidden behind the offensive line, protected from abuse and mistakes. Release him promptly – that’s how the Broncos can beat the Bills.
Wilson has had an incredible season, especially when you take last season into consideration. His statistics are solid, his talent is obvious, and he’s helping the team win, especially over Denver’s last two games. Ending the losing streak to the Chiefs was huge, and now the entire team is unified for one goal, and that’s to make the playoffs. But Buffalo is the next roadblock, and they won’t easily be moved. The Broncos will need to hide their intentions, lull the Bills to sleep with their run game, and then shock them with the pass.
SURRENDER! How The Broncos Can Beat The Bills
Should it be the Broncos who surrender to the inevitable? Yes, but by accepting what works and not fighting against what doesn’t. Denver needs to commit to the run, to a simpler game style, because it works. Perhaps it isn’t flashy, perhaps it isn’t what head coach Sean Payton has done in the past. But it’s a strategy that has been working and could continue to work this season. Stick to the run, keep the tricks hidden, and surrender to the flow of the game. Only then will it be Buffalo who raises the white flag. This is how the Broncos can beat the Bills, and how their season can turn completely around.
Main Photo: [Stan Szeto] – USA Today Sports
