Two of football’s most prominent commentators, Nick Wright of Fox Sports and Dan Orlovsky of ESPN, are locked in a heated debate over Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
During his appearance on “First Things First” on Wednesday, Wright criticized Orlovsky for defending Allen after the quarterback was criticized by an NFL executive in ESPN’s annual position ranking.
Wright found it “galling” to see Orlovsky’s defense and accused him of fabricating facts.
“Dan went on to make things up,” Wright said, while also referring to Orlovsky as his “pal.”
Wright’s main point of contention was Orlovsky’s claim that Allen had come close to winning a Super Bowl. Wright pointed out that the Bills have only reached the AFC Championship game once with Allen. “He is a wildly talented, flawed player, which is what this NFL exec said,” Wright stated, emphasizing why he believed Orlovsky’s defense was inaccurate.
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Orlovsky had originally defended Allen on ESPN’s “Get Up,” harshly criticizing the anonymous executive’s assessment. “He’s an idiot, that source, respectfully,” Orlovsky, 40, said. “That’s moronic to say. … Josh is two or three plays away from being a multi-Super Bowl-appearing quarterback, and potentially Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He’s lost to Kansas City in the playoffs by freak defense, and lost to Kansas City in the playoffs by a missed field goal. … For some reason, I don’t know what the reason is, Josh Allen has become the cover guy for who can become the biggest hater and say the dumbest stuff.”
Josh Allen, at 28, has become a polarizing figure among fans and analysts. The former first-round pick has been highly productive, both as a passer and a runner, finishing in the top five in MVP voting three times in the past four years and ranking fourth in expected points added per play among qualifying quarterbacks since 2019.
However, Allen’s turnover issues have persisted. His 57 interceptions over the past four years are the most in the league, and his 37 fumbles rank second.
Allen’s high-risk, high-reward style of play produces spectacular highlights but also leads to questionable decisions. Last season, Buffalo’s playoff run ended in a three-point loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC divisional round, a game that included a crucial missed 44-yard field goal by kicker Tyler Bass with 1:47 remaining.
In response to their postseason disappointment, the Bills made significant roster changes. Star receiver Stefon Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans, and the team lost key defensive players like Tre’Davious White, Micah Hyde, and Jordan Poyer, as well as receiver Gabe Davis. Allen’s new primary target is expected to be Keon Coleman, the No. 33 pick.
With these changes, Allen and the Bills are determined to finally reach the Super Bowl, a goal that has eluded them since 1993, and to validate supporters like Orlovsky. The Bills will report to training camp in Rochester, N.Y., on July 23, setting the stage for a pivotal season.
