UPDATE: In a stunning display of defensive prowess, the Houston Texans defeated the Buffalo Bills 23-19 on Thursday night, sacking quarterback Josh Allen a staggering eight times. The Texans’ defense, led by Calen Bullock, who forced three turnovers, sealed the victory with a critical interception in the final moments of the game.
This decisive win is particularly significant for the Texans (6-5), marking their third consecutive victory and elevating them above .500 for the first time this season. Meanwhile, the Bills fall to 7-4, struggling to maintain offensive momentum against a relentless Houston defense.
With just 24 seconds left in the game, Bullock intercepted Allen at the Houston 9-yard line, clinching the victory. Allen, who had thrown for six touchdowns in a prior game against Tampa Bay, managed only 253 yards without a touchdown this time. He faced relentless pressure, with standout performances from Will Anderson Jr., who recorded 2.5 sacks, and Danielle Hunter, who added two more.
Quarterback Davis Mills, filling in for C.J. Stroud who is sidelined by a concussion, threw for 153 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, proving instrumental in the Texans’ offense.
The game saw its share of dramatic moments, including a thrilling 44-yard touchdown run by James Cook for Buffalo, which initially gave the Bills an early lead. However, the Texans quickly responded with a touchdown from Christian Kirk, marking his first score as a Texan.
With both teams trading leads, Houston managed to stay ahead thanks to a late field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn, pushing the score to 23-16 before Buffalo narrowed the deficit with a field goal of their own. The Bills attempted a heroic comeback, but Bullock’s interception thwarted their efforts.
Injury concerns arose for both teams, with Buffalo linebacker Terrel Bernard leaving the game with an elbow injury and Texans cornerback Ajani Carter sidelined due to a hamstring issue.
In a notable off-field development, Bills receiver Keon Coleman was benched for the second consecutive game following disciplinary issues related to tardiness. The Bills also placed receiver Mecole Hardman on injured reserve after he sustained a calf injury in his debut.
Looking ahead, the Bills will visit Pittsburgh on November 30, while the Texans prepare for a matchup against Indianapolis on the same day. As the postseason approaches, both teams must regroup and strategize for the upcoming challenges.
This urgent victory not only boosts the Texans’ morale but also raises questions about the Bills’ resilience moving forward. Keep an eye on both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
