Bills Fall to Texans in a Game Marked by Mistakes and Injuries
The Buffalo Bills suffered a defeat against the Houston Texans with a score of 23-19 in a Week 12 encounter that was full of ups and downs. Despite a promising start with a score in the first offensive series, the Bills failed to maintain the pace and fell in a game where mistakes and injuries were determining factors. The game began with a strong offensive drive by the Bills, culminating in a 45-yard run by James Cook. However, the joy was short-lived, as the team did not find the end zone again for the rest of the game. The loss left the Bills with a 7-4 record, placing them two games behind the New England Patriots in the AFC East. Quarterback Josh Allen had a difficult day, being sacked eight times, the most in his career, and suffering four other hits. In addition, Allen had his third game with multiple turnovers and no touchdowns.The Bills put together a final offensive series that included a fourth-down conversion and a 27-yard gain, but ultimately they didn’t achieve the desired success. A false start by left tackle Dion Dawkins on a key play and a second interception by Allen sealed the defeat.They wanted to win today. We had the opportunity at the end, but we have to find a way.
Josh Allen
Allen struggled against the pressure of the Texans, who blitzed on only seven of his 45 pass plays (16%). His two interceptions came against four or fewer attacking defenders, and he was sacked six times on those plays. The offense failed to generate much progress, even when it reached the Texans’ territory. Allen completed 5 of 11 passes for 36 yards, with one interception and two sacks after crossing midfield. Injuries were a significant factor for the Bills. Allen suffered a left shoulder injury during a play in the first quarter, although he was able to continue playing. Coach Sean McDermott expressed his concern about the number of hits Allen took.I have to get better, for sure. This happens over and over. It’s difficult. It’s difficult to play on the offensive line. It’s difficult to be at your best all the time. Stadiums like this, it’s loud. There’s no excuse. I have to get better in moments like that. I pride myself on being the best.
Dion Dawkins
On the defensive side, the Bills allowed two touchdowns in the second quarter, although they conceded only 60 yards in the second half. The injuries kept piling up. Linebacker Terrel Bernard left the game with an elbow injury, while rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston was evaluated for a concussion and did not return to the field. Right tackle Spencer Brown suffered a shoulder injury in the third quarter and returned to the game, but did not participate in the final offensive series. Other players were also evaluated for injuries. During the game, frustration became evident. On a fourth-down play and one yard to go from the Texans’ 23-yard line, Allen handed the ball to running back James Cook III, who was tackled for a two-yard loss. Allen showed his frustration on the broadcast.Well, when the quarterback gets hit 12 times, I don’t like that. I don’t like that statistic at all. And it’s not a healthy way to play or a healthy way to keep our quarterback healthy for the rest of the season. So, that’s not a good formula there.
Sean McDermott
McDermott commented that he listens to Allen’s plays to be able to call a timeout if necessary and that he will talk to Allen about what happened. The lack of precision extended to the turnovers, as the Bills have committed three in each of their last three games, something that hadn’t happened since 2006. Allen threw two interceptions and wide receiver Khalil Shakir lost a fumble on Buffalo’s 15-yard line. The offensive problems began on the first play, with the team averaging 2.3 yards per play, their second-worst mark in a game since Allen was drafted in 2018. That ineffectiveness contributed to long second and third downs, to which the sacks only added. McDermott pointed out that not gaining on the first play makes the offense more predictable.Just frustration on my part. In a situation like that, I probably should have called a timeout. Just getting… we got the play late. Didn’t give ourselves a chance there.
Josh Allen
That’s the formula, the unhealthy formula I’m talking about when Josh takes too many hits. And then, we have to fix that. And I believe in our offensive staff, I believe in our coaching staff.
Sean McDermott
