Texans’ Dominant Defense Sacks Josh Allen Eight Times, Stifles Bills’ Comeback
In a pivotal Thursday night showdown, the Houston Texans delivered a defensive masterclass, sacking Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen a career-high eight times and forcing three turnovers to secure a 23-19 victory. The win, which came at NRG Stadium in Houston, marked the Texans’ third consecutive win and moved their record above .500 for the first time this season.
Allen, who had accounted for six touchdowns in the Bills’ previous win over Tampa Bay, was under relentless pressure all night. The eight sacks were the most he has ever absorbed in a single game, with Will Anderson Jr. notching 2.5 sacks and Danielle Hunter adding two more. Anderson’s relentless pass rush also tied Mario Williams for the longest sack streak in a single season in franchise history, marking his sixth straight game with at least one sack.
The Texans’ defense was led by safety Calen Bullock, who forced three turnovers, including a crucial interception that sealed the game late in the fourth quarter. Bullock also recovered a fumble forced from Bills receiver Khalil Shakir, which set up a field goal that extended Houston’s lead. The Texans capitalized on their defensive dominance, with Davis Mills throwing for 153 yards and two first-half touchdowns while C.J. Stroud remained sidelined due to a concussion.
Despite the defensive onslaught, the Bills mounted a late rally. On their final possession, Allen took consecutive sacks, forcing a fourth-and-27. Buffalo managed to gain 44 yards on a short pass from Allen to Josh Palmer, who lateraled to Shakir, but the drive ultimately stalled. After a false-start penalty, Allen was intercepted by Bullock at the Houston 9-yard line with just 24 seconds remaining, ending Buffalo’s hopes of a comeback.
Earlier in the game, Bullock intercepted Allen on a tipped ball and returned it 44 yards for what would have been a touchdown, but the score was called back due to a block in the back. Houston instead added a field goal to extend their lead to 13-9. The Texans regained the lead late in the first half when Jayden Higgins caught an 8-yard touchdown pass with just eight seconds remaining. Houston’s scoring drive was set up by a 33-yard catch-and-run by Nico Collins.
Both teams suffered injuries during the contest. Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard left the game in the third quarter with an elbow injury, while Texans cornerback Ajani Carter exited in the fourth quarter with a hamstring issue.
The Texans’ victory improves their record to 6-5, while the Bills fall to 7-4. Houston will next travel to face the Indianapolis Colts on November 30, while Buffalo heads to Pittsburgh for a key AFC matchup.
With their defense leading the way, the Texans have firmly established themselves as a rising force in the AFC, while the Bills will look to regroup after a tough loss that exposed vulnerabilities in their offensive line.