Willie Anderson defends Bengals' offensive line after Orlovsky tweet

TL;DR

Willie Anderson defended the Bengals' offensive line after Dan Orlovsky criticized it for facing tough pass rushers. Anderson emphasized the line's improvements since 2021 and its performance in protecting Joe Burrow.

Key points

Willie Anderson defends Bengals' offensive line
Dan Orlovsky criticized the Bengals' blocking against pass rushers
Anderson highlights improvements since 2021
He emphasizes the line's protection of Joe Burrow
Anderson recently had a kidney transplant

Mentioned in this story

Willie AndersonDan OrlovskyJoe BurrowKen AndersonMyles GarrettT.J. WattTrey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals

Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson responded to a tweet by ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky by defending the team's offensive line after Orlovsky pointed out that each of Cincinnati's AFC North rivals has a great pass rusher.

"Most sacks since 2020: Myles Garrett (95.0), T.J. Watt (80.5), Trey Hendrickson (74.5)," Orlovsky tweeted. "The Cincy defensive improvements will be lipstick on a pig if they can’t block those guys."

"Boy Dan hates the Bengals!" Anderson replied. "This (is) his usual offseason commentary about how the Bengals O-line is not protecting Joe. C'mon Dan! This (is) not 2021 O-line. Look what they did for Flacco and when Joe (Burrow) came back. He was barely touched and they ran the ball solid to good."

Anderson, who underwent a successful kidney transplant in March, was one of 15 modern-era player finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026. Neither Anderson nor former Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson received enough votes to be elected in February.

"There is no world where Ken Anderson should get a vote over Bill Belichick," ESPN's Damien Woody tweeted in January. Willie Anderson was among those in the replies of Woody's tweet.

Q&A

What did Dan Orlovsky say about the Bengals' offensive line?

Dan Orlovsky pointed out that the Bengals' AFC North rivals have great pass rushers and suggested that the Bengals' defensive improvements would be ineffective without better blocking.

How did Willie Anderson respond to Orlovsky's tweet?

Willie Anderson defended the Bengals' offensive line, stating that it has improved since 2021 and successfully protected Joe Burrow during the previous season.

What recent health issue did Willie Anderson overcome?

Willie Anderson underwent a successful kidney transplant in March.