The Houston Texans proved head coach DeMeco Ryans made the right call in giving up defensive play-calling once again on Thursday night in a defensive masterpiece, sacking quarterback Josh Allen eight times and forcing three turnovers.
“Well, when they hit the quarterback 12 times, I don’t like that,” head coach Sean McDermott said after the 23-19 loss. “I don’t like that stat at all. And it’s not a healthy way to play or a healthy way to keep our quarterback healthy through the remainder of the season. So, that’s just not a good formula there.”
Despite the standout performance from the defense, the Bills still had a chance to win the game late in the fourth quarter, but came up empty after a series of mistakes.
More Football: National Champion Coach Could Join Lane Kiffin at LSU
More NFL: Al Michaels Under Fire for ‘Rough’ Bills-Texans Game
Earlier in the fourth quarter with frustration mounting, Allen handed the ball off to star running back James Cook who was immediately tackled for a two-yard loss. After the play the star quarterback was caught on the broadcast visibly questioning, “What are we doing?”
After the game Allen revealed the frustrating moment came from the play call coming in late.
“Just frustration on my part,” Allen said after the game. “In a situation like that, probably should have just banged a timeout. Just getting … we got the play in late. Didn’t give ourselves a chance there.”
After falling to 7-4, the Bills will get an extended break before traveling to Pittsburgh for a battle against the Steelers.
More NFL: Texans Cut Running Back Hours Before Bills Game in Surprise Move