Dan Orlovsky Breaks Down Needs for the Buffalo Bills

When it comes to identifying what NFL teams need to compete for championships, few analysts bring the same quarterback-centric perspective as Dan Orlovsky. The former 12-year NFL signal-caller—who played for teams like the Lions and Texans—has built a reputation for sharp, game-ready insights, especially when evaluating offensive dynamics and roster gaps. For the Buffalo Bills, a team with Super Bowl talent but inconsistent results, Orlovsky’s recent breakdown of their critical needs carries significant weight. He doesn’t just list surface-level fixes; he dives into scheme-specific adjustments and roster moves that would directly impact the Bills’ ability to support Josh Allen and contend in the AFC. Dan Orlovsky Breaks Down Needs for the Buffalo Bills is a deep dive into the gaps that, if filled, could turn the Bills from playoff contenders into title favorites.

Orlovsky’s analysis starts with the Bills’ most pressing need: offensive line stability. Having played behind inconsistent lines during his NFL career, he knows firsthand how much pressure (both literal and figurative) falls on quarterbacks when the line struggles. “Josh Allen is one of the most resilient QBs in the league, but he shouldn’t have to be,” Orlovsky said on ESPN’s NFL Live. “The Bills’ line has let him down too often this season—18 sacks in their last six games, and countless other pressures that force him to scramble when he should be stepping up in the pocket.” Orlovsky points to right tackle as a critical weak spot, where injuries to Spencer Brown have exposed backups who lack the athleticism to handle elite edge rushers. He suggests the Bills need to either sign a veteran swing tackle before the playoff push or adjust their scheme to use more tight end help on the right side. “It’s not just about talent—it’s about reliability,” Orlovsky explained. “Allen needs to know his blind side and right edge are secure so he can focus on reading the defense, not avoiding defenders.” Dan Orlovsky Breaks Down Needs for the Buffalo Bills emphasizes that fixing the line isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for Allen to play at his MVP level.

Another key need Orlovsky highlights is secondary depth, especially at cornerback. With Tre’Davious White sidelined by a knee sprain and backup Kaiir Elam struggling to contain top wide receivers, the Bills have become vulnerable to passing attacks. Orlovsky, who studied opposing secondaries extensively during his playing days, notes that the Bills’ lack of depth forces them into predictable coverages. “When you only have one reliable corner, defenses know exactly where to attack,” he said on his podcast The Dan Orlovsky Football Show. “Teams like the Chiefs and Dolphins are going to target Elam early and often in the playoffs—they’ll use motion to isolate him and force him into one-on-one matchups he’s not ready for.” Orlovsky suggests the Bills should explore the practice squad or free agency for a veteran corner with playoff experience, someone who can step in as a third option and allow the Bills to play more aggressive man coverage. He also stresses the need for better safety help, as Micah Hyde’s hamstring injury has left the middle of the field exposed. “A healthy secondary isn’t just about stopping passes—it’s about allowing the defense to pressure the QB without fear of giving up big plays,” Orlovsky added. Dan Orlovsky Breaks Down Needs for the Buffalo Bills makes it clear that secondary depth will be a make-or-break factor in the playoffs.

Orlovsky also zeroes in on the Buffalo Bills’ need for a more consistent run game—a gap that has become more apparent with James Cook’s recent ankle injury. While Cook has been solid (892 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns), the Bills lack a reliable backup who can replicate his blend of speed and pass-catching ability. “Latavius Murray is a tough runner, but he’s not a threat to stretch the field or catch passes out of the backfield,” Orlovsky said during a segment on CBS Sports. “When Cook is out, the Bills’ offense becomes one-dimensional—defenses know to stack the box and force Allen to beat them with his arm.” Orlovsky points to the playoffs, where physical, consistent running games often win close matchups, as a reason the Bills need to address this gap. He suggests they could sign a veteran like Duke Johnson (who has experience with pass-heavy offenses) or lean more on fullback Reggie Gilliam to open holes for Murray. “The run game isn’t just about yards—it’s about keeping the defense honest,” Orlovsky explained. “If the Bills can’t run effectively, Allen will face more blitzes and coverages designed to limit his options.” For the Buffalo Bills, Orlovsky’s insight underscores that a balanced offense is essential for playoff success. Dan Orlovsky Breaks Down Needs for the Buffalo Bills highlights how a stronger run game would take pressure off Allen and make the offense more unpredictable.

Another need Orlovsky emphasizes is the Buffalo Bills’ ability to limit turnovers—specifically, Allen’s interceptions. While Allen has improved his turnover rate this season (7 interceptions vs. 15 in 2022), he still throws costly picks in high-pressure moments, like the two he had in the Week 16 loss to the Patriots. Orlovsky, who knows the mental toll of turnovers on a quarterback, says the Bills need to help Allen make better decisions through scheme and preparation. “Josh has the arm talent to make any throw, but sometimes he tries to do too much,” Orlovsky said. “The Bills’ coaching staff needs to simplify the offense in critical situations—limit his pre-snap reads, give him clear checkdown options, and emphasize that a safe throw is better than a risky one.” Orlovsky also suggests the Bills should use more play-action passes to slow down pass rushes and create easier throwing lanes, which would reduce the pressure that leads to interceptions. “Turnovers kill playoff runs,” he added. “The Bills can’t afford to give teams extra possessions, especially against elite defenses like the Ravens or Chiefs.” For the Buffalo Bills, fixing the turnover issue isn’t just about Allen—it’s about the entire offense working together to minimize risk. Dan Orlovsky Breaks Down Needs for the Buffalo Bills frames this as a mental and strategic need, not just a physical one.

Orlovsky wraps up his analysis by highlighting the Buffalo Bills’ need for better situational football—specifically, red-zone efficiency and third-down conversions. The Bills rank 15th in the NFL in red-zone touchdown percentage (58%) and 12th in third-down conversion rate (38.6%), numbers that Orlovsky says are “good enough for the regular season but not for the playoffs.” He points to their tendency to get too pass-heavy in the red zone, which makes them predictable, and their struggles to convert short-yardage runs as key issues. “In the playoffs, every red-zone trip matters,” Orlovsky said. “The Bills need to use their tight ends more in the red zone—Dawson Knox is a mismatch for most linebackers—and commit to the run on third-and-short.” He also suggests the Bills should practice more situational drills in practice, to build muscle memory for high-pressure moments. “Situational football is about preparation,” Orlovsky explained. “The more you practice it, the more natural it becomes in a game.” For the Buffalo Bills, improving in these areas would turn close losses into wins and make them a more dangerous playoff team. Dan Orlovsky Breaks Down Needs for the Buffalo Bills concludes that these needs, while specific, are fixable—and that addressing them could be the difference between a early playoff exit and a Super Bowl run.