Bills: 3 2023 roster holes that could cost Josh Allen a Super Bowl and why
By John Miceli
The Buffalo Bills enter the 2023 season with the great odds to win the AFC. However, a few roster weaknesses could preclude them from doing so.
After losing to Cincinnati in the divisional round of the playoffs last season, the Buffalo Bills enter the 2023 NFL regular season with the second-best odds to win the AFC behind only the Kansas City Chiefs. A few roster weaknesses could preclude them from doing so.
It has long been said that defense wins championships. I disagree. In today’s NFL, quarterbacks win championships.
For the Bills, this isn’t a problem. Josh Allen is one of the league’s best quarterbacks. After a slow first two years, Allen has posted more than 4,000 passing yards in each of the last three seasons.
While quarterbacks can mask a lot of roster problems, as teams get deeper into the playoffs, these talent gaps tend to be more easily exploited by similarly-talented opposing rosters. In the playoffs last season, Joe Burrow managed to play very efficiently in a convincing 17-point defeat of the Bills that exposed gaps in Buffalo’s coverage.
The Bills have a legitimate chance at a championship season, but there are a few roster holes opposing teams will attempt to exploit this season. Opponents success (or lack thereof) in doing so could determine the outcome for the Bills’ season.
Bills roster hole No. 1: Interior Offensive Line
The Bills committed offseason resources to rebuilding their interior offensive line this offseason. Their biggest offseason signing was of offensive guard Connor McGovern and they used their second-round pick on guard O’Cyrus Torrence.
It remains to be seen whether Torrence will start year one and even if he does, we don’t yet know how his play will translate to the NFL level as a rookie.
Overall, the Bills will need improved play from their offensive front if they have championship aspirations in 2023. In order for the offense to be dynamic through the regular season and postseason, keeping Josh Allen healthy, protected in the pocket, and allowing him time to make plays through the air will be of paramount importance.