The Buffalo Bills’ bid for dominance experienced a hard jolt in Houston. After a dynamic opening drive in which the Bills covered 81 yards and capped it with a 45‑yard run by James Cook, the energy shifted and the offense essentially stalled. From that point on, the Bills managed no further touchdowns, and a 23‑19 defeat to the Houston Texans slipped into the record.
Quarterback Josh Allen endured a night to forget — he was sacked eight times (a personal career‑high) and absorbed four more hits, exposing a silenced offense and mounting frustration. Though he sustained a shoulder issue earlier in the game, Allen returned, only to be under siege. His numbers after midfield were stark: 5‑of‑11 for 36 yards, two interceptions, and a fumble by receiver Khalil Shakir inside Houston’s 15‑yard line.
The offensive line caved under pressure. Left tackle Dion Dawkins admitted the false‑start penalty late in the game changed momentum; coach Sean McDermott pointed to persistent first‑down failures (the offense averaged just 2.3 yards per play) as part of this “unhealthy formula.” With Zimmer‑wide injuries in the trenches and at linebacker and cornerback, the Bills’ depth was exposed.
McDermott didn’t sugarcoat it: “When Josh takes too many hits,” he said, “that’s just not a good formula.” The loss drops Buffalo to 7‑4 and puts them two games behind the New England Patriots in the AFC East. As the season moves forward, questions loom: Can the Bills protect their franchise quarterback? Can their offense regain life under pressure? And can an embattled line reassert itself before the margin for error disappears?