Football
Former Hogs’ quarterback Allen has golden opportunity in Denver
Former Razorback quarterback gets his first NFL start Sunday for Denver against the Cleveland Browns and it could be the lone bright spot.
Well, there has been plenty of bad news regarding Arkansas football this fall and that trend may continue Saturday with the Hogs’ homecoming game with Mississippi State.
However, there was a bit of positive news this week that helped take Hogs’ fans minds off losing.
The Denver Broncos announced former Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen, a Fayetteville High School alum, as its starting quarterback Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
Allen has been in the NFL for four years but hasn’t taken a snap in a regular season game.
“He has never taken an NFL snap, but he is in the league for a reason,” Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson told Browns.com. “Treat them all the same. Execute the game plan.”
Allen caught a break when veteran quarterback Joe Flacco went down with a neck injury. It looks like it could keep him sidelined for an extended period of time, possibly four to six weeks.
“It’s obviously a great opportunity this week,” Allen told DenverBroncos.com. “The approach and preparation really don’t change. I think as a backup prepare the same as a starter does, and you’re ready to go in a moment’s notice.”
The announcement of the injury comes on the heels of Flacco’s critical comments regarding the coaching staff in a 15-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Regardless if the two are related, the Broncos seem to be happy about the 27-year-old Allen.
“That’s the thing about Brandon — he does have a good feel in the pocket and he can go off schedule, so we’re excited about that element of his game,” Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangrello told media Thursday. “Obviously, it’s his first time starting and all that, you’ve just got to go out there and try to find a rhythm and the game is going to take you where it takes you.”
Allen began his career with Jacksonville and then moved to Los Angeles where he served as the backup to young star Jared Goff and was on the roster when the Rams lost to the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl last year.
When Allen signed with the Broncos in the offseason, I figured he’d get an opportunity. I am still not sure why John Elway and Co. traded for Flacco.
Flacco is a former Super Bowl MVP and 10-5 in the postseason and holds the record for the most postseason road victories by an NFL QB, but he benefitted from a killer defense in Baltimore.
A strong-armed, fairly consistent guy who has thrown for 218 career touchdowns compared to 141 interceptions and no Pro Bowl bids. At 34, you might say his best years are behind him.
As Lamar Jackson settled in his rookie year in 2018, it was obvious Flacco wasn’t going to beat him out when he came back from a hip injury, so he was dealt. Jackson is thriving as the starter this season.
Now, after guiding Denver to a 3-5 record throwing interceptions in five of the eight games, he’s hurt again and complaining.
Could he lose his spot again to another young quarterback?
NFL business Is complicated and Flacco’s deal is large. However, if Allen plays well good things will come whether it is in Denver or another team takes a chance on him as a starter. Quarterbacks are in high demand.
Hogs fans hope he does well.
Allen is beloved, being a longtime resident of Fayetteville. He totaled 7,463 career passing yards which ranks third in Hogs history.
He also started under center for his final 34 games, the longest streak for a Razorbacks quarterback since joining the SEC. Fans hope to see a little bit of that magic on Sunday in Denver.
If things don’t go well Saturday, Allen may be the one good thing to cheer for this weekend.
