Josh Allen has been ranked the NFL’s top quarterback in arm strength by analyst Dan Orlovsky, who placed the Bills star ahead of a list that includes Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Lamar Jackson.
Orlovsky defined arm strength as more than the ability to heave the ball long—it’s the capacity to drive throws “on a rope” into tight windows 15–20 yards downfield, delivering the ball quickly and accurately before coverage can close. By that standard he put Allen at No. 1, followed by Mahomes, Herbert, Jackson, Matthew Stafford, Baker Mayfield, Joe Burrow, Caleb Williams, Michael Penix Jr. and Jordan Love.
The ranking is supported by Allen’s 2024 numbers: he completed 15 tight-window throws of 10 or more yards last season (tied for third-most in the league), and nine of those went 20 yards or more—the highest total in the NFL. Those stats illustrate the kind of velocity and precision Orlovsky highlighted.
Allen’s arm strength shows up in game-changing moments. Last season he delivered an off-balance touchdown throw to Ty Johnson while rolling right from around the 30-yard line, placing a low, perfectly timed pass only Johnson could catch. Plays like that — throws made under duress, from imperfect body positions, into narrow lanes — are what separate elite arms from the rest.
Why this matters for Buffalo
– A top arm strength ranking reinforces the Bills’ ability to attack defenses vertically and exploit tight coverage with fast, accurate darts.
– It benefits play-action, deep crossing routes and contested catches, expanding offensive play-calling and keeping defenses honest.
– Allen’s mix of velocity and timing lets Buffalo aim for high-reward plays without sacrificing efficiency on intermediate passing downs.
Additional comments and editorial ideas
– Include short video clips or GIFs of Allen’s most notable tight-window completions to illustrate the point visually for readers.
– Add a mini breakdown of a specific play (e.g., the Ty Johnson touchdown) showing the coverage, Allen’s footwork, and why only his throw could have worked.
– Compare Allen’s tight-window completion rates with the other top-10 quarterbacks to give readers more statistical context.
Quick summary
Dan Orlovsky ranks Josh Allen as the NFL’s best QB by arm strength, citing his ability to drive the ball into tight windows. Allen led the league with nine tight-window throws of 20+ yards last season and made several highlight-reel, off-balance completions that underline his unique physical skill set. This trait is a key reason the Bills’ offense can pursue aggressive passing strategies as they head into the new season.
Hopeful angle
Allen’s elite arm gives the Bills a reliable engine for explosive scoring plays and should keep Buffalo among the league’s most dangerous offenses if the team stays healthy and continues to build around his strengths.