X-factors for the Buffalo Bills in Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers

Buffalo Bills Offensive Line

The Carolina Panthers have no problem getting pressure on the opposing quarterback due to Haason Reddick and Brian Burns. These two players have combined for 18.5 sacks, which is only 4.5 fewer than the Buffalo Bills team total of 23.

After going up against a good Bucs’ defensive line, the Bills’ offensive line has another tall task ahead of them. Unfortunately, they could be going into this game without arguably their best offensive lineman, left tackle Dion Dawkins.

Dawkins tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday but with recent changes to the league protocols, there is still a chance he could return for Sunday. However, if he is not able to play this week the coaching staff will need to try and figure out a solution to replacing their starting left tackle.

It doesn’t seem like there is just one player that can be plugged into that spot and they will need to shuffle their offensive line. The likely replacement is Spencer Brown, who did see snaps on the left side during the preseason. If the Bills move Brown from right to left tackle, the domino effect would be Daryl Williams at right tackle with Jon Feliciano the likely player to move into the starting offensive line at right guard.

It is far from ideal, but this might be the best offensive line the Buffalo Bills can put together if Dion Dawkins is not able to play.