Pass rush must play a factor
If there’s one advantage the Bills should try to exploit against the Texans, it’ll come from their defensive front-seven and defensive line, specifically.
While the Texans do sport an often exciting offense, it only comes out if Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson has time. He often hasn’t in recent years. Watson was sacked a league-high 62 times a season ago and in 2019 he was brought down 44 times. The Texans allowed an average of 3.1 sacks per game this year, tying them in the fourth-worst in that category.
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.
Another one for Trent Murphy! #NYJvsBUF | #GoBills pic.twitter.com/5IRUwUUzQy
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 29, 2019