Buffalo Bills: 3 reasons why offensive line will be “X” factor in 2023

1.) Josh Allen is surrounded by the most talent and depth in his career

There is an argument to be made that since Allen was drafted to the Bills, this current depth chart of running backs, wide receivers and tight ends are the most talent and depth he has had in his career. Allen has had the star receiver and the depth at different times, but not together.

The closest comparison would be 2020 when it was Diggs’ first season in Buffalo, when the Bills also had Cole Beasley, John Brown and a rookie Gabriel Davis. Referring to running back, Allen should be smiling as this running back committee of Cook, Harris, and Murray have the ability to catch passes on the outside of the backfield and can be a bull-runner between the lines so that Allen does not have to risk injury. 

Now that Diggs and Allen have built up a connection as one of the best in the league, each receiver aside from rookie Justin Shorter has NFL experience (Gabe Davis and Khalil Shakir knowing the system from last season, and the experience that Deonte Harty and Trent Sherfield bring to the offense gives Allen more weapons on the outside. In addition, with Dawson Knox and the rise of rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid, this gives Allen two weapons in the red zone to throw to. 

With the running game, Cook is being praised early on in training camp going into his second season with the Bills. For Harris and Murray, they provide the “big back” presence and are not afraid to lower their shoulder into contact. With these additions, this should allow Allen to avoid unnecessary contact. 

With all of this depth that Allen finally has, the offensive line has to be able to protect their quarterback and allow the big plays to be made by him. The less unnecessary pressure the quarterback has to face, the more he can thrive in his play.