The Lead

Respect and understanding between teammates can oftentimes propel a team to success.

And as Broncos defensive ends Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers enter their first season together in Denver, they believe they are building a foundation that can be a difference-maker.

It didn't take long for Allen and Franklin-Myers to get on the same page. In just the second week of training camp, they already understand one another's playing style and perspective on the game, and they believe this will allow them to get off to a quick start in 2024.

"That whole learning period of playing with a guy opposite of you, we didn't really have and it was pretty smooth sailing," Allen said July 25. "That's pretty rare to have, and to have that is huge — so we've hit the ground running so far with it."

Before joining forces in Denver, Allen and Franklin-Myers both gained valuable experience in the league. Allen came to Denver in 2023 after spending time with the Cardinals, and Franklin-Myers will be entering his first season in Denver after stints with the Rams and Jets.

The veteran players have played in similar defenses in the past, and they believe this will play a key role in allowing them to complement one another this season.

"Through the conversations, through the little bit of practice that we've had and just getting a chance to work [through] some of that stuff and bounce ideas off of each other, it's only going to make us that much better," Franklin-Myers said Monday.

The opportunity to play together is one that the two teammates don't take for granted. Although they will be entering just their first season on the same team, the seed was planted long before now.

"We've known each other for a couple years now," Allen said. "We've always joked about playing with each other. I've been watching him for a while and to see it up close and talk to him about it, it's cool because we see the game the same way."