Can the defensive line carry momentum in?
On paper, this area reads as a make-or-break area for the Bills that Buffalo should have the advantage in. The Texans have a bit of an improved offensive line from last season, but they’re still not very good.
Buffalo’s defensive line has turned it on in the second half of the season. Jordan Phillips led the Bills with 9.5 sacks, in a bit of a surprise. Another surprise? Shaq Lawson led Buffalo with 17 tackles for loss. Lawson’s health is up in the air due to a hamstring issue, but the whole crew has to take advantage of the Texans’ offensive line in this one. The Bills have to put Deshaun Watson and Carlos Hyde on the ground behind the line of scrimmage in this one, especially if the offense doesn’t put up early points.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Texans’ offensive line has a few players who are brutal. Right tackle Chris Clark grades at 46.0 while right guard Zach Fulton clocks in at a 50.9 overall. Those are both in or near PFF’s lowest grade category of “poor.” Left guard Max Scharping sits at 56.4, considered a “below average” grade as well.
Only former Dolphin Laremy Tunsil has had a productive season per PFF, as he ranks as their 15th best tackle in the NFL. Aside from him, the Bills’ defensive front has to take advantage of this weakness.
Jordan Phillips is EATING. #BUFvsTEN | #GoBills pic.twitter.com/bapnY7pLMR
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 6, 2019