This week on Thursday Night Football, the Houston Texans upset the Buffalo Bills in Houston to improve to 6-5 on the season. The Texans are fighting for an AFC wildcard spot and have now won three straight games with backup quarterback Davis Mills, while starter C.J. Stroud remains sidelined with a concussion. Although Mills has performed respectably in relief, the driving force behind Houston’s success is its defense, which has been the number one ranked unit in the league all year.
Led by a loaded defensive line featuring Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, along with strong linebackers and two lockdown corners, the Texans have proven capable of shutting down nearly any offense. Houston sacked Bills quarterback Josh Allen eight times Thursday night, overwhelming a Buffalo offensive line typically considered one of the league’s top pass protection units. The Texans faced similar offensive struggles last season and only reached the playoffs due to a weak division, but their defense carried them to a win in the Wild Card round for the second straight year.
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Even when Stroud returns, his performance last season and so far this year does not inspire much confidence in Houston’s offense becoming more than mediocre. Still, this defense is capable of smothering virtually anyone, making it very realistic that they could once again hold an opponent under 20 points and win a playoff game without needing much from the offense. Buffalo’s outlook is less encouraging despite having a better record, as the lack of pass-catching weapons continues to limit the offense.
Even with Josh Allen, a strong offensive line, James Cook producing at a high level on the ground, and a 7-4 record, frustration around the team is mounting. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s play-calling has become predictable and stale, often relying on the same few short, underneath concepts. Bills fans have grown frustrated watching Allen—who dominated the league from 2020 to 2022 pushing the ball deep downfield—reduced to screens and quick throws.
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Recently fired Giants head coach Brian Daboll was the Bills offensive coordinator during Allen’s first four seasons, including his breakout 2020 and 2021 campaigns when he played at an MVP level. With fan frustration growing, Daboll’s firing immediately sparked speculation about replacing Brady and reuniting Allen with his former coordinator. When asked about the possibility, head coach Sean McDermott said, “Brian’s a great coach. Unfortunate to see that happen to him. At this point, that’s not under any type of consideration.”
Although a reunion is unlikely during the season, moving on from Brady and bringing Daboll back after the year is still very possible if the offense doesn’t evolve and attack more aggressively downfield. McDermott’s job security is also far from guaranteed, especially in the eyes of the fanbase. Allen will be 30 next season, and McDermott’s defenses have repeatedly collapsed in the playoffs, costing Buffalo multiple potential Super Bowl appearances. If the defense once again sinks the Bills in the postseason, it will be difficult to justify giving McDermott another year as the head coach.
Two of the schools represented have had Bronko Nagurski Trophy winners in their past. Two have not. In alphabetical order, the finalists are safety Caleb Downs of Ohio State, defensive end Cashius Howell of Texas A&M, cornerback Leonard Moore of Notre Dame and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech.
