The Buffalo Bills defeated the Houston Texans 40-0 in a rain-soaked affair, one in which the weather put limitations on big plays and promoted some sloppy play.
For the Bills, it was all too easy. It’s mind-blowing that the Texans have a win this season, as the large underdogs played like a team that was quite overmatched. This was on display from the get-go, as Houston’s offense resembled a junior varsity squad facing off against a varsity defense. Davis Mills was 1-for-7 for three passing yards in the first half. With two sacks by Buffalo, the Bills “allowed” -23 net passing yards in the first half.
Buffalo used the game as an opportunity to try out some new things. The offensive line was shuffled, starting Ike Boettger and Spencer Brown while moving Darryl Williams to the guard spot. The Bills worked a downhill running game to salt this game away. Even Emmanual Sanders was involved in the run game.
After an opening play miscue by Buffalo’s offense in which it appeared that quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs were not on the same page, leading to an interception, the unit settled in and moved the ball methodically throughout the game.
Dawson Knox opened the scoring for the game, reeling in a 25-yard touchdown pass from Allen. It is the third straight game in which Knox has scored a touchdown.
Another week, another @dawson_knox touchdown!🔥 #NFLRebels
📺: #HOUvsBUF on CBSpic.twitter.com/DOrYGzrlX6
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) October 3, 2021
The only concerning deal from this game was that the Bills were unable to finish some drives with touchdowns. Kicker Tyler Bass was good with four field goals. It harkened back to the Buffalo game against the New York Jets when Bass hit six field goals in the game, scoring all 18 points for Buffalo. This is a stretch for the biggest negative on the afternoon.
The Bills offense pushed down the field once again early in the fourth quarter, as the Buffalo offense capped off an 11-play drive with Knox’s second touchdown of the game. Knox was wide open on the receiving end of a one-yard pass.
Davis Mills had little chance again the Buffalo’s defense. Star Lotulelei and Boogie Basham recorded sacks. Tremaine Edmunds, Micah Hyde, Tyler Matakevich, and Jaquan Johnson picked off the rookie quarterback. AJ Klein forced a fourth-quarter fumble.
It was quite a stat-building game for Buffalo’s defense. The Bills defensive unit allowed 109 total yards. Houston was credited with only 61 net passing yards.
Buffalo’s defense earned the shutout by getting everyone involved in the game. Deep bench players saw the field and helped close out this affair.
It just didn’t appear that the Texans should have been on the same field as the Bills. And, this was without Buffalo firing on all cylinders. The Bills ground out a 40-point victory, which is quite an accomplishment.
The only real concern from the game stems from Matt Milano’s hamstring. Milano, one of the top linebackers in the league this season, left in the second quarter. His status will be updated later throughout the week.
The road for the Bills becomes much more challenging next week, as the Bills travel to Arrowhead for a Sunday Night class with the Chiefs.