No matter how great a quarterback in the NFL is, he can only go so far based on how great the protection is in front of him. Josh Allen has helped turn the Buffalo Bills around, but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.Â
Everyone wants to talk about how the wide receiver position has been horrendous the last two years. You know what, I understand. I really do. At the same time, let’s not forget about how bad the offensive line was for Allen for the first two years of his career.
The only true protector that Allen has always had in front of him was his left tackle in Dion Dawkins. He was drafted a year earlier than Allen, and he has established himself as the franchise left tackle. Other than him, the Bills have had to build up the offensive line over time to protect Allen.
Bills have done fantastic job to improve offensive line over time
For the past two years, the Bills have had continuity which is something that they didn’t have for the longest time. In 2024, their offensive line consisted of Dion Dawkins, David Edwards, Connor McGovern, O’Cyrus Torrence, and Spencer Brown. In that season, Allen was only sacked 14 times.
Then last season, the same unit returned, but the sack number did go up to 40 which is clearly not great. However, we have to put in the fact that there were times when Allen would hang onto the ball for too long, and sometimes the wide receivers couldn’t get open.
Going into this season, the Bills will need to replace Edwards at LG, as Edwards left for the New Orleans Saints in free agency. The rest of the four will be returning though, which is great news, and Lou Scataglia from NFL Spin Zone has given the recognition that the Bills’ offensive line deserves, despite losing Edwards.
Bills' offensive line gets recognized as a top unit ahead of 2026 season
Scataglia ranked the Top 7 offensive line units going into the 2026 season, and the Bills were ranked at No. 2, only behind the Denver Broncos.
"The Buffalo Bills have a massive, physical offensive line. Guard David Edwards departed in free agency for the New Orleans Saints, but otherwise, this unit is the same. Buffalo's rushing offense was overwhelming last year, and it's because of how good they are up front. Alec Anderson could slide into Edwards' former spot, but the other four positions have been stable for years." said Scataglia.
This unit has helped Buffalo establish the rushing attack that it currently has had the last two seasons. They are a big reason why James Cook has become one of the best backs in the league.
They have also done a great job at protecting Allen for the most part. Even though Aaron Kromer retired as the offensive line coach the last few years, Pat Meyer has stepped in and he worked with Joe Brady in the past with the Carolina Panthers, so there is some continuity there.
Despite the left guard competition that will take place, Buffalo has a great foundation with their offensive line and there's no reason why they should take a step back. As long as they stay healthy, Allen should have plenty of time to throw and Cook should have plenty of open lanes to hit and take off towards the endzone.
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