The Buffalo Bills faced a disappointing defeat against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football, despite the final score suggesting a close contest. The Bills were, in fact, outplayed by the Texans, whose defense has earned its top ranking in the league this season. The Bills” offense, particularly their offensive line, struggled significantly, revealing ongoing issues as the team navigates the rest of the season.
With a current record of 7-4, the Bills are likely to make the playoffs, but securing the division title appears increasingly out of reach. As a result, they may find themselves competing in the wildcard round away from home. Coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich must make critical adjustments to their game plan if they hope to turn their fortunes around.
In the matchup, Texans running back Woody Marks showcased impressive performance, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and accumulating 74 yards. The Texans managed a total of 109 rushing yards, maintaining an average of 4.4 yards per carry. Although the Bills” defense improved in the second half, they failed to generate any significant pass rush, recording zero sacks and only four hits on the quarterback.
Unfortunately for the Bills, the performance of their defense may ultimately lead to another disappointing playoff exit in 2026. Veteran players like Taron Johnson have not played up to expectations, contributing to the team”s struggles. The once-strong Bills offensive line, which allowed the fewest sacks last season, has regressed this year. This decline was evident against the Texans, who sacked quarterback Josh Allen eight times during the game.
Aside from a notable 45-yard touchdown run from running back James Cook, the Bills” ground game was effectively neutralized. The team has now turned the ball over three times in three consecutive games. Although they managed to overcome those turnovers against the Buccaneers, such mistakes are typically detrimental and lead to losses.
Right now, the Bills appear to be in disarray, particularly along the offensive line. This lack of protection for Allen has forced him into making poor decisions, resulting in additional sacks and turnovers. While Allen remains an exciting player to watch, his decision-making this season has been frustrating. He often opts for challenging throws instead of taking the easy completions that the defense offers.
As the team looks ahead, they must address these concerns quickly to ensure they are competitive in the playoffs.
