PHX Reporter

Josh Allen addressed the Buffalo media earlier this week, expressing uncertainty about facing the new-look Cardinals defense. "Let's study them and let's understand the type of scheme that they run," Allen said. "At the end of the day, we don't have a whole lot of film on the guys that are actually going to be on the field."

The Cardinals, however, are well-prepared for Allen. Known for his dual-threat capabilities, Allen's ability to both pass from the pocket and gain yards with his legs is well-documented.

Last season, Arizona faced similar quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Justin Fields, and Jalen Hurts. Linebacker Owen Pappoe believes this experience will benefit them in preparing for Allen. "It's all within the game plan that we have, and we execute it to the highest of our ability," Pappoe said. "Guys like him, he's going to make plays. But we still got to make sure we limit as many of those as possible."

Allen holds records as the youngest quarterback in league history to surpass 15,000 passing yards and 2,000 rushing yards. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray achieved this milestone last year and remains close in age to Allen.

To emulate Murray's mobility in practice sessions against Allen, Arizona has focused on backup quarterbacks Clayton Tune and Desmond Ridder. Coach Jonathan Gannon emphasized their athleticism: "They're both mobile guys," he said. "We've got a few things that we're going to do in practice to make sure we're on point with that."

Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis described Allen as "elite" while acknowledging Joe Brady's effective offensive unit for Buffalo. Running back James Cook also poses a threat after finishing last season with over 1,100 rushing yards.

Rallis noted that stopping Allen requires tackling him like a running back due to his speed and power: "We have to take good angles, wrap him up and get him to the ground because he's a load to bring down."

Pappoe echoed these sentiments: "Nick has a really good plan for us... He's a talented player and we just got to come ready to play."

As they enter coach Gannon's second season opener, Arizona's defense looks improved through free agency and draft acquisitions. Despite changes in personnel, their intensity remains evident.

"They're a high-intensity, pedal-to-the-metal type of defense," Allen said. "They don't take plays off. They play extremely hard."