Not only are Buffalo coaches acutely aware of what Houston's defense can do, but so is Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Allen knows the Texans are limiting opposing offenses by just sticking to their fundamentals.
buffalonews.com
1. Defense Part I.
The Bills coaching staff had high praise for the Texans’ defense, and for good reason. The Houston unit leads the league in yards allowed per game (258.1) and points allowed per game (16.3). “Very talented,” Bills head coach Sean McDermott said. "They put together a good defense with different spots, critical positions. ... (Texans coach) DeMeco (Ryans) knows defense … and he's got a good defense there for just about every year.” Added offensive coordinator Joe Brady: “It's going to be a battle out there. They're the best defense in the league for a reason. It's going to be a great test and a great opportunity.”
Bills quarterback Josh Allen congratulates Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud on a victory at NRG Stadium on Oct. 6, 2024.
Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
2. Defense Part II.
Not only are Buffalo coaches acutely aware of what Houston's defense can do, but so is Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Allen knows the Texans are limiting opposing offenses by just sticking to their fundamentals. “The way they can produce those type of numbers and still be a team that doesn't blitz a whole lot. They're not a lot of exotic looks,” Allen said Tuesday. “They just kind of put the ball down and play. They're fantastic in the back end. I think their front is great. They're getting a lot pressure on the quarterbacks.”
3. Mills time.
The Texans will be without starting quarterback C.J. Stroud, putting the spotlight on backup Davis Mills. While Mills is a backup for a reason, he’s led the team to two straight wins. In those two starts, he’s thrown three touchdowns and one interception, as he’s gone 53 of 86 for 566 yards. “Good player. He moves their offense,” McDermott said. “He's mobile, smart and knows where to go with the ball, and it looks to me like they're playing well with him under center.” Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich said Monday that the team was doing their “due diligence” on Mills to be ready for Thursday.
4. Stay sharp on special teams.
The Bills were able to get solid field position thanks to their return game last Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But now, returner Mecole Hardman Jr. is dealing with a calf injury that kept him from finishing the game. The Bills brought back Brandon Codrington to the practice squad, but they also saw solid work last week from Ray Davis. But outside who’s returning, McDermott was thrilled to see how the blocking went from his special teams unit. “You have to have that as well,” he said. “So, that's an important piece for us.”
