Josh Allen will want to avoid “Ravens’ tough test” LB Kyle Van Noy in AFC Divisional
As the Buffalo Bills prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional round, quarterback Josh Allen will have to contend with one of the league’s most dominant defensive forces, Kyle Van Noy. The Ravens’ outside linebacker has been a game-wrecking presence, leading the team with 12.5 sacks in 2024. Under defensive coordinator Zach Orr, Van Noy anchors a relentless defense that thrives on pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Let’s dive into how this matchup could define Sunday’s showdown.
Kyle Van Noy: The Ravens’ Defensive Game-Change
Kyle Van Noy has proven to be an essential piece of the Baltimore Ravens’ defense, combining experience, skill, and tenacity to disrupt offenses. With 12.5 sacks this season, Van Noy has been a nightmare for opposing offensive lines, thriving under Zach Orr’s aggressive schemes. Despite his soft-spoken demeanor off the field, Van Noy’s presence on the field is anything but quiet. He excels at exploiting weak points in protection, collapsing the pocket, and forcing quarterbacks into hurried throws.
Alongside standout players like Nnamdi Madubuike, who fortifies the interior, and Odafe Oweh, who creates havoc from the edge, Van Noy is part of a fearsome unit that swarms quarterbacks and forces errors. This aggressive style will put immense pressure on Josh Allen, who must navigate one of the most well-rounded defenses in the NFL.
The Ravens’ Strategy: Containing Josh Allen
The Ravens’ defensive game plan revolves around keeping quarterbacks like Josh Allen contained. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr uses a “swarm attack” philosophy, emphasizing discipline to keep quarterbacks inside the numbers and limit their mobility. This approach is particularly effective against dual-threat quarterbacks like Allen, who can make big plays with both his arm and his legs.
Allen’s mobility was a factor in the Bills’ AFC Wildcard victory, but Baltimore’s defense is a significant step up from the novice Denver Broncos unit he faced. In that game, the Bills’ offensive line gave Allen solid protection but still allowed two sacks. Against a more experienced Ravens defense, the margin for error will shrink. Expect Van Noy and his teammates to capitalize on any lapses in Buffalo’s protection.
The Bills’ Counter: Quick Passes and Creative Play-Calling
To counter the Ravens’ ferocious pass rush, the Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator, Joe Brady, will need to design a game plan that neutralizes their pressure. Quick passes, screens, and misdirection plays will be critical in keeping the Ravens’ defense on their heels. By getting the ball out of Allen’s hands quickly, the Bills can avoid long-developing plays that leave Allen exposed to sacks or forced throws.
One key to success will be Buffalo’s ability to establish some semblance of a run game. Earlier this week, Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith emphasized the importance of making the Bills one-dimensional by shutting down their running game. If Baltimore succeeds in this goal, Allen will face relentless pressure from Van Noy and the rest of the defensive front.
Key Matchup: Bills Offensive Line vs. Ravens Pass Rush
The outcome of this game could come down to how well the Bills offensive line handles the Ravens’ aggressive pass rush. Van Noy, Madubuike, and Oweh will test the line’s ability to protect Allen, especially in high-pressure situations. While the Bills’ line performed admirably in the Wildcard round, Baltimore’s defensive front is on another level in terms of talent and discipline.
If the Ravens wear down Buffalo’s O-line as the game progresses, Allen’s decision-making will come under the microscope. Whether through sacks, hurried throws, or turnovers, the Ravens’ defense has the potential to change the game if Allen can’t stay upright.
Conclusion
The matchup between Josh Allen and Kyle Van Noy could be the deciding factor in Sunday’s AFC Divisional game. Van Noy’s ability to disrupt Buffalo’s offense and force mistakes will be pivotal to the Ravens’ chances of advancing. Meanwhile, Allen must find ways to outmaneuver Baltimore’s swarming defense, using quick decisions and creative play-calling to keep the Ravens off balance.
This clash of elite talent promises to be a must-watch for NFL fans, with the outcome likely hinging on whether Allen can rise above the relentless pressure from Van Noy and the Ravens’ defense. For the Bills, protecting their quarterback and executing a well-rounded offensive game plan will be key to their success.
With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes will be on Josh Allen, Kyle Van Noy, and the battle in the trenches as two AFC heavyweights collide.
