ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky: Bills ‘might be most haunted’ team in the NFL (video)
The Bills and Josh Allen earned a title from ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky that’s going to hurt.
Following the Bills’ 32-29 loss to the Chiefs in the AFC championship game, Allen became the QB with the most playoff starts without making a Super Bowl in NFL history.
All things considered, Orlovsky’s nicknamed makes sense because of it.
“I think it’s the most haunted organization and might be the most haunted player in the history of the NFL,” he said.
For more from Orlovsky, see the attached clip below:
In playoff history, teams to score 3+ touchdowns in a turnover-free game are 140-19.
Josh Allen is the only QB with multiple such losses, and he has 3 — all against the Chiefs within the last 4 seasons. https://t.co/7uT2rRpsFW
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky: Bills must make two moves to reach Super Bowl (video)
As the Buffalo Bills prepare to enter the 2025 NFL offseason, GM Brandon Beane and company will look for ways to improve the roster.
Analyst and former pro signal caller Dan Orlovsky has some insights on where to do just that.
Reaching the AFC championship with a retooled and younger roster in 2024 offers some promise regarding what could be accomplished in the club’s 2025 campaign.
During an appearance on One Bills Live, Orlovsky pointed out where he sees the greatest areas of need for Buffalo to get “over the hump” in such games to reach the Super Bowl.
The former QB has enjoyed a successful second career as an on-air analyst and has indicated on social media an interest in someday returning to the sidelines as a coach.
Here is the full clip breaking down those needs on both sides of the ball:
Don’t like Derek Carr, Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener? ESPN’s Dan Orvlosky sees Syracuse QB Kyle McCord and the Saints as a ‘strong fit’
At this point, it’s pretty safe to project Kellen Moore as the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans has to wait until after the Super Bowl to officially hire the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator, but they’ve told everyone else the race is more or less over.
As an offensive minded head coach, the first thought becomes what is he going to do at quarterback. A recent report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini suggested Moore was less than enthralled with the quarterback room, though he may have come around on the idea of working with them anyway.
Don’t like Derek Carr, Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener? ESPN’s Dan Orvlosky believes Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord would be a “strong fit.”
Drafting a quarterback from the Senior Bowl has been a recent trend for New Orleans. Ian Book, Haener and Rattler all attended the Senior Bowl before getting picked in the fourth and fifth rounds. The Saints could switch it up under new leadership.
McCord attended the Shrine Bowl and was recognized as one of the top performers during practice. CBS Sports’ Emory Hunt said McCord “had a fantastic week throwing the football, just building on what he all season at Syracuse.”
In his lone season at Syracuse, McCord led the FBS in passing yards while also finishing top-five in passing touchdowns. This would mark the third year in a row the Saints drafted a quarterback in the middle of the draft, McCord’s likely range. As with Rattler and Haener, the commitment to a mid-round is low.
This could easily be Moore taking a chance for 2025 while keeping the door open to select a quarterback early in the 2026 NFL draft.
Several former teammates shared high praise for Saints head coach candidate Kellen Moore. Lance Moore and Dan Orlovsky are in his corner:
Two former teammates of Kellen Moore have recently discussed his head coaching candidacy with the New Orleans Saints, and whether or not he would make a good head coach. These former teammates are Dan Orlovsky and member of the Saints Hall of Fame Lance Moore. Both of these players previously played on the Detroit Lions with Kellen Moore, and had the chance to get to know him prior to his coaching days.
Dan Orlovsky outlined the challenges Moore would face in New Orleans and why he believes the young coach can overcome them: “I think whoever gets that job probably goes through a little bit of a bumpy phase for the first year or two when it comes to just roster construction and how much money you have. But I’ll tell you this, I was with Kellen for a couple years, Kellen and I competed to be a backup in Detroit for a couple years. He actually texted me last week or two weeks ago when I was really critical of him on TV with some of his game plan, and he said ‘Hey thanks for the shoutout, it’s been a fun media week lol.'”
While Moore isn’t known as a big rah-rah leader like a Dan Campbell or Pete Carroll, leadership isn’t always loud. As long as he is expressing himself, Orlovsky expects Moore’s personality will win over his critics.
He continued: “So his personality I think has grown a lot, like when I was with him, he was a little bit reserved. Super intelligent, didn’t necessarily, like, command a room like some guys do in a head coaching role. But I do think it’s grown, now I look at the text and I say ok he’s a little more comfortable in his skin for him to text me that, and a little bit like a ‘F U’ to me in many ways. So I think he’s kind of grown in that role, he’s super smart, he’s very much so smart enough. I do like the fact that he was in Dallas, I like the fact that he was in L.A., I like the fact that he was in Philly, kind of experiencing a lot of different places, I think gives these coaches really good vantage points of what it looks like, what it doesn’t look like.”
“So I’ll be rooting for him, I think the world of him,” Orlovsky added.
Lance Moore worked closely with Moore on the Lions during their 2015 training camp and preseason, but that brief time together made a swift impression: “Smart guy, very very very smart guy. That, even though he wasn’t playing, he was like another coach in the locker room, on the field, and somebody that is very very bright when it comes to offensive acumen. So if he is the guy, I think he can do some really great things.”
Lance Moore also mentioned to WDSU that, nothing against Dennis Allen or any defensive coach the Saints may be considering, but as a guy who played with Drew Brees and is in the Saints Hall of Fame because of his heroics as a wide receiver, he hopes the Black and Gold go with an offensive coach.
It seems very clear that both have exceptionally high opinions of Kellen Moore, and believe he would make a good head coach option for the Saints. Both of them distinctly and quickly mentioning he is very smart is something that is consistent with other reports of his coaching style, as his scheme and offensive play calling are one of the best.
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky: James Cook’s vision sensational in win vs. Broncos
ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky is well-regarded for his knowledge of football’s intricacies. This week, he joined One Bills Live and praised the Buffalo Bills’ running game against the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card round, particularly James Cook.
Cook carried 23 times for 120 yards and a score in the 31-7 win at Highmark Stadium.
“I thought James Cook’s vision was sensational,” Orlovsky said. “His ability to wait for the hole and then get through the hole… that vision and burst was one of the better performances I’ve seen all season. It was in many ways, I don’t want to say flawless, but a big performance by that whole group.”
For Cook, this just added to his list of standout games on the ground this year. He had four 100+yard games and eight games of 70+ in the regular season.
He had a spectacular 2024 regular season as he continued to improve as a runner. He tied O.J. Simpson for the most rushing touchdowns in a season in Bills history (16). He did this despite carrying the ball over 120 fewer times than Simpson in his record-breaking year (1975).
Cook, Josh Allen (46 yards rushing), and Ty Johnson (44 yards rushing) led the way for a ground game that totaled 210 yards in the Wild Card win.
The Bucs offense was once again with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin but the influx of the 2024 draft class has this group looking young once again.
The 2024 NFL Draft is going to be looked back on as the class that became the foundation for the Bucs franchise. The likes of Graham Barton, Bucky Irving, and Jalen McMillan have shown they can make an impact in a variety of ways.
The Bucs offense was once again with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin but the influx of the 2024 draft class has this group looking young once again.
Not only are they looking young, but they are also playing well enough to get noticed by the national media. Dan Orlovsky of ESPN spoke about it on NFL Live on Monday, citing that their young talent led the charge late in the season.
He was especially impressed with “budding superstar” Bucky Irving and wide receiver Jalen McMillan. Both have become the centerpiece of the offense in recent weeks and are looking like they can be that for years to come.
One former NFL QB says Commanders QB Jayden Daniels was the NFL’s best player in Week 16.
“Jayden Daniels was the best player in the NFL this weekend.”
When was the last time you heard a NFL television analyst say such thing about a Washington Redskin or Washington Commander?
That was how Dan Orlovsky opened his comments Monday regarding the Commanders’ 36-33 come-from-behind victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor rushed for three touchdowns on his way to 218 rushing yards as the Colts defeated the Titans. Taylor’s effort was the only other possible candidate for the best overall performance in Week 16 games.
As for which team might have been the best in Week 16? That would go to the Green Bay Packers, who pulled off the first defensive shutout of the season when they blanked the New Orleans Saints 34-0 on MNF.
“Jayden Daniels was the best player in the NFL this weekend. He is unflappable.”
Daniels completed 24 of 39 passing attempts for 258 yards. There were two interceptions; however, there were also five touchdown passes. Not to be missed, the Eagles put good pressure on Daniels several times, but he managed to escape, only being sacked once.
The Eagles pretty much shut down the Commanders’ rushing attack. However, Daniels was also quite effective running, gaining 81 yards on his nine carries.
On the final play of the third quarter, trailing 27-14, Washington was in a tough spot. It was 4th down & 11 from just outside the Eagles’ 41. Dan Quinn elected to see if Daniels could make a play. However, the pocket quickly broke down, and Daniels ran up the middle of the field. When three Eagles converged at the 33, Daniels suddenly cut to his right and appeared to cause all three to miss entirely. He avoided another tackler at the 25, gaining 29 yards to the Eagles’ 11. Daniels finished the drive, finding Olamide Zaccheaus from four yards out, making it a 27-21.
Moments later, Daniels found Zaccheaus from 49 yards, giving the Commanders their first lead of the day (28-27). Trailing again 33-28 with 1:57 remaining, Daniels found Zaccheaus for seven yards and Terry McLaurin for ten. Daniels then ran up the middle for 12 yards. McLaurin was again on the receiving end of a 10-yard gain.
From the nine, Daniels dropped back and found Jamison Crowder in the back of the end zone for the game-winning score.
Orlovsky might have been right, Daniels might just have been the best player in the NFL last Sunday.
On ESPN’s NFL Live, former quarterback Dan Orlovsky used their newest tool to showcase the Vikings offense in a dynamic way.
The Minnesota Vikings had the best game of their season when they defeated the Atlanta Falcons. They doubled their score and won 42-21, and in the process, the world got to see that Sam Darnold was a future franchise quarterback with his arm talent and decision-making.
On ESPN’s NFL Live, former quarterback Dan Orlovsky used their newest tool to showcase the Vikings offense in a dynamic way.
The work that ESPN has started with its VR tool is spectacular. As a football fan, it gives you access to a viewpoint that has never been able to be realized before. Orlovsky breaks down what the Vikings are doing on offense to scheme confusion for defenses and what Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson see before they find themselves open downfield.
Be sure to check out the whole segment for yourself.
Ahead of Monday night’s Simpsons Funday Football broadcast, ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes pranked fellow analyst Dan Orlovsky with a Bart Simpson-inspired pun for the ages.
Paying homage to Bart’s prank calls to Moe’s Tavern, Kimes asked Orlovsky about a player on the upcoming game roster named “Hugh Jass.”
Hugh Jass? Get it? Orlovsky didn’t at first, as he fell hook, line and sinker for Kimes’ Simpsons-ready prank.
We like to think Bart was somewhere laughing in the background as Kimes executed this prank to absolute perfection.
As for Orlovsky, cowabunga, dude. You might want to brush up on your Simpsons episodes!
From Tom Brady to Colin Cowherd, the NFL world reacted in a big way to QB Bo Nix’s impressive performance.
After Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix had a historic performance against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11, NFL pundits have offered their takes on the first-year signal caller. Here’s a recap of the reactions this week.
Tom Brady names Bo Nix one of his 3 stars of the week
The pair mentioned in the game against Atlanta, Nix had his highest yards-per-pass (9.8) of the season.
Chris Simms breaks down Bo Nix’s ‘surgically explosive’ performance
Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms has seen the difference for the Broncos offense. “I just love the look of Bo Nix, I really do,” said Simms. “I love the offense they’re running, too.”
Shannon Sharpe, Chad Johnson chime in on Bo Nix’s big game
The two former pass catchers reacted to Nix’s huge stat line from the Falcons game. “(Nix) was one of three Bronco rookie quarterbacks to ever throw four touchdowns in a game,” noted Sharpe.
Colin Cowherd says Bo Nix is a top-12 quarterback in the NFL
After Nix had his highest stats of the season, ESPN insider Adam Schefter marveled at the young quarterback. “Rookies don’t do that,” Schefter remarked on the Pat McAfee Show. “That’s over 80 percent completion rate, four touchdowns, no interceptions. Bo Nix is getting better and better and better.”
Jamie Erdahl says Bo Nix was the NFL’s big winner in Week 11
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky said that Nix is having a great season. “He’s got control and he has the answers,” said Orlovsky. “Control of everything they’re trying to do in Denver offensively.”
PFF reacts to Bo Nix’s play and Broncos’ impressive offensive line
Although the rest of the NFL is giving Nix all the love, PFF realized that the Broncos’ offensive line is a key part of the success Nix has been having throughout the season.
Tim Jenkins breaks down film of Bo Nix’s best game yet
Tim Jenkins called Nix’s historic performance “the best performance I’ve seen out of a rookie quarterback this season, and if I’m really being honest, the best performance I’ve seen from a Broncos quarterback in a long, long, long time.”
Kurt Benkert reviews Bo Nix’s great game vs. Falcons
Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert broke down Nix’s incredible performance against Atlanta in an 18-minute video.
Doug Farrar breaks down Bo Nix’s recent rise
New All-22 video for @AthlonSports: Bo Nix’s ascent as the @Broncos‘ franchise QB after a long post-Peyton Manning search is happening. Sean Payton brought up two plays that speak to Nix’s recent development. Nix is taking one of the NFL’s most complex playbooks to the field. pic.twitter.com/w4qhzp9Eai
“Peyton Manning retired after the 2015 season, and from 2016-2023, the Denver Broncos threw 13 different quarterbacks into the fire to try and replace him,” said Farrar. “But now with 2024 first-round draft pick Bo Nix, Denver may finally have a guy to mercifully end that quarterback curse.”
Chris Long reacts to Bo Nix’s impressive improvement this season
Super Bowl champion Chris Long praised Nix, as an older rookie quarterback who is hitting his stride with head coach Sean Payton.
Chase Daniel says Bo Nix should be Rookie of the Year
“In my opinion, (Nix is) right now neck and neck with (Commanders quarterback) Jayden Daniels in the Offensive Rookie of the Year category,” said the former QB.
Nix is certainly making a serious case for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Can he continue this high-quality quarterback play through the rest of the season?
(@NFL_DougFarrar)