Allen confident heading into his first NFL start

The chance for Broncos quarterback Brandon Allen to start a regular-season NFL game has been four years in the making.

Allen’s long wait is over following Joe Flacco’s neck injury, but that doesn’t mean his game-week routine will be altered.

“It’s obviously a great opportunity this week,” Allen said Tuesday. “The approach and preparation doesn’t really change. As a backup, you prepare the same as the starter does (to be) ready in a moment’s notice. Nothing is going to change there.”

But the overall change for Allen this week is dramatic.

He has not started a game since finishing his career at Arkansas in 2016, and his only pro action has been in the preseason. Now he gets a shot at resuscitating an offense that is 28th in scoring (15.6 per game) against pass rusher Myles Garrett, whose 10 sacks are tied for most in the NFL, and the Cleveland defense.

Allen was named the starter by coach Vic Fangio on Monday, and his stint may be lengthy, because Flacco’s herniated disk could end his season and second-round rookie Drew Lock has yet to practice since suffering a thumb injury Aug. 19. Brett Rypien is expected to be elevated to the roster to back up Allen.

Allen, 27, joined the Broncos on Sept. 1 when he was claimed off waivers from the Rams.

Rams coach Sean McVay and Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello both worked under Kyle Shanahan (in Washington and San Francisco, respective

ly) and that cross-over in schemes helped Allen upon his arrival.

“It’s a very similar offense from where I came from so even when I first got here, I was already pretty comfortable with the terminology,” Allen said. “I’ve learned a lot of that as I’ve been here.”

That comfort level should allow Scangarello to install a game plan of normal depth and breadth.

“I think the playbook is wide open,” Allen said.

Allen’s practice time when Flacco was healthy consisted of splitting scout-team plays with Rypien and first-team snaps “here and there.”

“There was usually a couple of plays they gave me to get in with the first huddle and call plays with them and work with (center) Connor (McGovern),” Allen said.

Allen started 38 games at Arkansas and was asked if he wondered if an opportunity like this would present itself.

“I don’t think I questioned (if it would happen),” he said. “It’s just something I’ve always worked for and tried to be ready for. The fact I have a whole week to prepare is definitely helpful. That will be beneficial for us. All those college games — college is one thing, but I’ve played in the preseason games for four years now.”

In four preseasons for Jacksonville (2016-17) and the Rams (201819), Allen was 146-of-226 passing for 1,510 yards, six TDs, 11 interceptions and a 72.3 passer rating.

The difference between Year 1 and Year 4?

“I think I’m just smarter all around,” Allen said. “I think my decision-making has gone through the roof since I first got (to the league). Everything was fast, everything was moving so quickly and you’re trying to make the quick reads. I think the game has slowed down for me as these four years have gone by.”

One Broncos player familiar with Allen is receiver Fred Brown, who was with the Rams during training camp in 2018.

“Brandon’s been in this league for the last four years so even though he hasn’t done it yet, he knows what it takes out there,” Brown said. “We all know he’s ready and he can throw the ball.

He brings a little athleticism to get out of the pocket, too.”

Allen said the ability to extend plays while on the move is primary contrast between him and Flacco.

“Obviously, Joe’s a great quarterback — he’s big, tall, can hang in the pocket and make throws,” Allen said. “The subtle difference we have, I think I’m more mobile, I think I can escape the pocket and make plays outside the pocket. I think that’s the main difference between the two.”

The Lock Countdown will pick up once he begins practicing, likely after the Broncos’ Week 10 bye. While aware of that storyline, it doesn’t hold immediate interest for Allen.

“That’s not something I can worry about,” he said. “I’m focused on Cleveland this week.”