Texans’ defensive grades from 22-19 overtime win versus the Bills

The Houston Texans beat the Buffalo Bills on Saturday to advance. How did the J.J. Watt-led defense do to earn the win?

Safeties

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans entered the game without their starting strong safety, as Tashaun Gipson is now on the injured reserve. Instead, it was Jahleel Addae who got the start. Unfortunately, that didn’t last long, as he suffered an injury in the first half.

The 38-year-old Mike Adams played the majority of the game alongside Justin Reid. Despite his inexperience in the Texans’ system, Houston didn’t skip a beat in the safety department while he played.

Josh Allen struggled to pass deep. His game-long 38-yard completion was the result of a screen pass, not a ball targeting the safeties. The game’s longest pass in terms of air yards was from receiver John Brown on a trick-play, which Addae was beaten on.

Gipson’s abilities to lock down tight ends and slot cornerbacks were missed, but safety wasn’t the weak link of the defense.

Grade: B+