Willie Anderson defends Bengals' offensive line after Orlovsky tweet

TL;DR

Willie Anderson defended the Bengals' offensive line after Dan Orlovsky criticized it for not being able to block top AFC North pass rushers. Anderson emphasized the improvements made since 2021 and praised the line's performance in recent games.

Key points

Willie Anderson defends Bengals' offensive line
Dan Orlovsky criticized the line's ability to block AFC North pass rushers
Anderson highlights improvements since 2021
Anderson is a Hall of Fame finalist for 2026
Neither Anderson nor Ken Anderson received enough votes for induction

Mentioned in this story

Willie AndersonDan OrlovskyMyles GarrettT.J. WattTrey HendricksonJoe BurrowKen Anderson

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 tweeted that the Bengals' offensive line would struggle against the great pass rushers in the AFC North, implying that their defensive improvements wouldn't be enough.

How did Willie Anderson respond to Orlovsky's criticism?

Willie Anderson defended the Bengals' offensive line by stating that it has improved since 2021 and highlighted their effective performance in recent games.

What recent achievements does Willie Anderson have related to the Hall of Fame?

Willie Anderson was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026 but did not receive enough votes for induction.