NFL Behind Enemy Lines: 5 questions with Broncos Wire
Can the Buffalo Bills add to their win total against the Denver Broncos in Week 10?
It’s been an up-and-down season to this point for Buffalo. The Bills (5-4) are now hoping to stay relevant in the playoff picture before even thinking about winning another AFC East title.
On top of that, the Broncos (3-5) are going to be a tough opponent.
In an effort to get more insight on the Jets, Bills Wire spoke to Jon Heath, managing editor for our friends over at Broncos Wire, for this week’s behind enemy lines feature.
Check out all the insights from Denver in our Q&A below:
1. The bar was pretty low after 2022, but Russell Wilson looks better. What's different?
JH:
Sean Payton tailored the offense to Wilson’s strengths and has done a pretty good job minimizing his weaknesses. For some strange reason, Nathaniel Hackett seemingly wanted Wilson to be a pocket passer last year, and that didn’t suit the QB. This season, Wilson has been on the move more often, and that’s when he’s at his best. Payton has also implemented a run-heavy attack to make Wilson more of a game manager, which probably has taken some pressure off him. Wilson still holds the ball too long at times and he’s had a few too many fumbles, but overall, he’s been way better under Payton than he was under Hackett.
2. The Broncos' offensive line appears to be struggling in pass pro--Is there an area/ player that Bills should really attack?
JH:
The offensive line has honestly been pretty decent — many of the sacks that Wilson has taken have been self-inflicted. If there is a weakness on Denver’s offensive line, though, it’s definitely right tackle Mike McGlinchey. He has allowed six sacks through eight games, a team-high by a wide margin (the next-most allowed is 2.5 from Garett Bolles). If Minnesota can get their best pass rusher on McGlinchey’s side, it could prove to be a big mismatch in obvious passing situations.
3. The Broncos' backfield has a couple of pieces making an impact in recent weeks--how's that breakdown?
JH:
Javonte Williams is the primary back and he’s finally looking like the physical, explosive RB he was before last season’s knee injury. Now healthy again, Williams is the team’s best RB and he’ll get the bulk of the workload. Behind him is speedy rookie Jaleel McLaughlin, who is a dangerous change-of-pace back who the Broncos like to use in screens. Denver also has Samaje Perine, who is mostly used in obvious passing situations because he is the team’s best pass blocker and a talented receiver out of the backfield.
5. Prediction: Who wins and why?
Anything can happen on any given S̶u̶n̶d̶a̶y̶ Monday in the NFL, but the Bills are understandable favorites in this week. The Broncos might be able to keep it closer than some fans and pundits expect, but Buffalo is desperate for a win at home. Bills 25, Broncos 22.
