Zach Allen embraces fan arrival for Broncos training camp: ‘It definitely brings a lot of energy’

ENGLEWOOD — The atmosphere at Broncos Park is about to receive a major lift.

Fans comping to watch training camp will flood the grassy hill above the west-end of the practice field starting on Friday. Players embrace the community excitement from the beginning of a new season.

“It definitely brings a lot of energy, which is nice,” returning defensive end Zach Allen said Thursday following an acclimation practice at the team’s training facility. “Right now, everyone is excited because camp just started. But when we get to week three, four or five, it can be tough to get up. But we’re all professionals.”

Allen ranks among the more promising starters on a defense that enjoyed a late-season surge a year ago. Allen combined for 60 total tackles and five sacks. He started in every game (17) for the first time in his five-year NFL career. The Broncos signed Allen in 2023 free agency after four seasons in Arizona.

“It was a good thing to play the whole year,” Allen said. “If you look at my injuries or the reasons why I missed time (previously), it’s kind of freak things. It was a guy stepping on your ankle, kind of out of the blue. Then I got COVID. Or I broke my hand. It’s kind of just freak things. With the injury stuff, you’ve just got to make sure you stay on top of your body — and pray.”

Allen’s optimism in 2024 stems, in part, from the February promotion of Jamar Cain to defensive line coach. It led to a new “attack style” to help bolster the Broncos’ run defense and team sack total from last season (42) under second-year defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.

“Everyone has been in it now for over a year,” Allen said. “I think it’s simplified, so we’re in a really good spot. Guys are picking it up fast. So, it’s a lot smoother than it was at this point last year. … It’s just aggressive and attacking. We’re definitely there. It’s not just up front. It’s all three levels. Guys are really bought into that now. Our new coaches we brought in really believe in that. We have everybody on board, which is what you want.

“One hundred percent buy in. That's the big thing.”

Coach Sean Payton said the Broncos will begin padded practice on Monday, amending his previous comments that it would happen over the weekend. Allen and the defense are ready.

“We’re looking forward to Monday,” Allen said.