The stakes are high in the upcoming Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills match, and head coach Sean Payton isn’t leaving anything to chance for their Divisional Round. Surprisingly, conversation isn’t revolving around defensive schemes or offensive adjustments. The HC came up with something interesting to tackle the Bills’ Star Quarterback, Josh Allen’s, dominance.

“I think, I keep saying this, for years we were conditioned to raise the noise level when they broke the huddle.” HC Sean Payton said, requesting the fans to raise the roof when it matters the most. “The noise level needs to be loudest when they enter the huddle. And then, can you do that, hey, can we do that collectively for 120, no? I just need it for half the snaps in the game, right? So, say 65 snaps, 10 seconds; that’s a huge advantage.”

In the interview clip shared by reporter Ari Meirov on X, it is crystal clear that the HC is focusing on tactics from the outside of the gridiron as well, and what makes this strategy significant is the precision behind it. Payton understands that communication between Allen and his receivers becomes impossible once the huddle forms, especially with thousands of fans creating a wall of sound. The seconds-long window he referenced isn’t randomly quoted.

His warning isn’t verbal or confrontational, but strategic; Payton’s message is that Josh Allen will be challenged not just by Denver’s defense, but by every controllable edge inside the stadium.

It points towards the period when quarterback audibles can’t reach their targets, and offensive confusion takes place. The Broncos could use all the help that they can get, and for a good reason.

The team currently holds the AFC’s No. 1 seed and got one major boost for the upcoming match with linebacker Dre Greenlaw expected back on the field after his recent recovery. The Buffalo squad, on the other hand, suffers from injuries. Josh Allen’s team lost wide receivers Gabe Davis (torn ACL) and Tyrell Shavers to season-ending injuries that thin their already shaky receiving corps. The question here arises: why is the head coach still so nervous?

Josh Allen remains the biggest obstacle standing between the Broncos and victory

Josh Allen just carved up the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wild Card Round. He completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown. He added two rushing scores in Buffalo’s 27-24 victory. This marked Buffalo’s first road playoff win in 33 years. The Broncos saw this threat up close before. Last January, Allen torched Denver in the Wild Card Round. He threw for 272 yards and 2 touchdowns. Buffalo dominated 31-7 in that game. The concern is justified. Sean Payton spoke to the press this week about the challenges Josh Allen brings to every defense. He highlighted the QB’s core strengths and how exceptional his gameplay is.

“So there’s a lot that goes into that relative to defending him. He has tremendous legs,” Payton told reporters. “He’s a fantastic competitor. He was the difference when that game that was close last weekend, and here it is the final drive. It’s been a while since I saw someone gain seven yards on a sneak. He’s one of the stars of our league, and you see it year-in and year-out.”

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Josh Allen has scored 35 total touchdowns in the playoffs since his first postseason start, including 3 against the Jaguars. Pro Football Focus notes he holds four games with a 90-plus grade in the PFF era, more than Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers. He took big hits in Jacksonville but stayed turnover-free and led a late comeback on the road.

The Broncos’ first home playoff game in a decade kicks off Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Payton has done the math. The fans have the script. Allen has the ball. Let’s see if the noise starts when he enters the huddle.