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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton didn’t mince words when asked about Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen ahead of the matchup.
Payton called Allen “one of the stars of our league,” praised his size and physicality, and pointed to the quarterback’s ability to create “second act explosives” — plays that break down and still turn into big gains — as a central challenge for Denver’s defense. His most recent comments came from a press conference on Jan. 13.
The message came in light of the Bills announcing two key injuries: Gabe Davis was moved to IR after a torn ACL, as well as Tyrell Shavers. The two receivers being out for the Bills means, Allen, especially, could handle a bigger offensive load.
Sean Payton Calls Josh Allen a “Star,” Praises His Size and “Second Act” Explosives
When a reporter framed the classic question — can you stop him, or do you just try to contain him? — Payton leaned into what makes Allen different.
He said Allen “does so many things well,” noted how “big” and “physical” he is, and described him as “hard to bring down” and “powerful.” Payton also highlighted Allen’s ability to extend plays, calling out those “second act explosives” where Allen climbs, moves, and finds someone downfield.
Payton also pointed directly to a moment from Buffalo’s most recent game: a late, decisive drive that Allen powered home, including a quarterback sneak that Payton said gained seven yards.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen someone gain seven yards on a sneak,” Payton said, framing it as a reminder that the Bills’ offense isn’t just scheme; it’s the quarterback’s rare tool kit.
What It Means for the Broncos Defense
Payton gave a pretty clear window into Denver’s weekly process for a star QB like Allen, and what the Broncos will prioritize.
He explained that Denver studies two years of opponent data across a grid of situational categories (score, third down, red zone, rushing efficiency, passing), then asks a simple question: Who played them well?
Payton said Buffalo’s losses shared a common thread: the Bills lost the turnover battle in all but one of those defeats. He also said he asks defensive coordinator Vance Joseph the same thing routinely: who has defended Allen well?
Payton added that while Denver isn’t going to “change the type of front” it plays, the Bills’ run game is a unique stressor because it’s the runner combined with the quarterback, and Buffalo doesn’t need a massive menu to be dangerous.
“They don’t do a lot with the schemes,” Payton said, “but what they do is they do it well.”
Key “Payton tells you the plan” clues:
Win (or at least don’t lose) the turnover battle.
Build a plan around Allen’s scramble and power run element.
Study the few defenses that have limited him and borrow concepts without reinventing your identity.
Injury and roster notes Payton dropped
While the Allen answers drew the most attention, Payton also sprinkled in a couple personnel updates.
He said it’s good to have Dre Greenlaw back healthy, and later downplayed the idea of Brandon Jones returning in the near future, saying, “I don’t think so.”
Erik Anderson is an award-winning sports journalist covering the NBA, MLB and NFL for Heavy.com. He also focuses on the trading card market. His work has appeared in nationally-recognized outlets including The New York Times, Associated Press , USA Today, and ESPN. More about Erik Anderson
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