3 matchups that will decide Colts vs. Bills Week 11 game

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 09: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills carries the ball as Darius Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts defends during the second half of the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Bills Stadium on January 09, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) tries to avoid Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53). Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Colts vs. Bills matchup to watch: Josh Allen running vs. athletic linebackers of Indianapolis

What makes Bills quarterback Josh Allen special isn’t only his rocket arm. It’s his ability to run the ball as well. When teams focus on dropping back in coverage to stop Buffalo’s passing attack, they often leave plenty of open lanes for Allen to exploit with his legs.

Something that Indianapolis has that will help counter this is athletic linebackers. In addition to the entire group being athletic, the Colts have debatably the most athletic and best linebacker in all of football in Darius Leonard.

If Leonard and the other linebackers are able to effectively spy on Allen and keep him in the pocket, they give Indianapolis the option to call more complicated coverage schemes without worrying about Allen breaking contain.

In the last matchup, Allen ran 11 times for 54 yards and one touchdown, and while that wasn’t the most explosive day of his career, Leonard and the defensive front will have to limit him even more.

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