Bills Offensive Line Takes Giant Step Forward in 2023
Going into the 2023 offseason, the Buffalo Bills front office knew they had to improve their offensive line as the unit was a major reason the team slumped down the stretch and into the playoffs.
The Bills graded among the worst offensive lines in 2022 according to Pro Football Focus. Rodger Saffold and Spencer Brown contributed heavily to the offensive line struggles last season.
Saffold’s 43.7 grade was among the lowest in the NFL last season and his play at left guard was a major liability for the Bills. Dion Dawkins also suffered from Saffold’s more than subpar guard play and it was evident in his performance on the field.
The 2023 offseason saw the Bills sign left guard Connor McGovern in free agency to replace Rodger Saffold, and although he’s been average at best so far this year, he has been heads and shoulders over his predecessor.
Spencer Brown missed a majority of the 2022 training camp with a back injury and his ‘22 campaign was riddled with injury and recovery, all-the-while starting 14 games in the regular season and playoffs. The Bills front office was confident he’d take a step forward in 2023 with a healthy offseason, didn’t sign or draft his replacement, and Spencer has proven Brandon Beane and company right.
Another big move this offseason was the Bills drafting right guard, O’Cyrus Torrence in the second round in April. Torrence won out the starting right guard spot over Ryan Bates in the preseason and has stood his own at the position so far this year.
2022 vs 2023 Bills O-Line PFF Grades
— Put Steve Tasker in the Hall of Fame (@HOFSteveTasker) November 1, 2023
2022 2023
LT Dawkins 73.5 LT Dawkins 76.2🔥 ⁰LG Saffold 43.7 LG McGovern 58.4🔥 ⁰C Morse 61.4 C Morse 66.6🔥 ⁰RG Bates 61.8 RG Torrence 60.5⁰RT Brown 51.4 RT Brown 70.0🔥🔥
#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/gyoSgQt98x
With the improved play at both guard spots, veteran left tackle Dion Dawkins and center Mitch Morse both have elevated their games this year as well.
One stat that shows the offensive lines improvement is their sacks allowed per game. Josh Allen so far in 2023 has been sacked only 12 times in 8 games—equaling 1.5 sacks per game. This is a marked improvement over 2022 where Allen was sacked 33 times in the regular season equaling 2.06 sacks per game.
The 2022 Buffalo Bills allowed 2.06 quarterback sacks per game.
— Put Steve Tasker in the Hall of Fame (@HOFSteveTasker) November 2, 2023
The 2023 Buffalo Bills have allowed 1.5 sacks per game so far.
This is WITH a QB who’s been told to stay in the pocket and not run.
The offensive line is by far the most improved unit for the Bills.#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/B3sfNVPuou
As we enter the midpoint of the season, it’s important to remember that as promising as the Bills offensive line has looked to date, there is still a lot of season left to go. Injuries happen and player’s tendencies are unveiled on tape. But compared to last season this Buffalo Bills offensive line is no longer the team’s weak link.
