UPDATE: The Houston Texans pulled off a stunning victory against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night, defeating them 23-19 in a thrilling match that showcased a dominant defensive performance. The Texans’ defense overwhelmed quarterback Josh Allen, recording a staggering eight sacks and forcing three turnovers, sealing the game with a crucial interception from Calen Bullock as time expired.
The game turned tense as Allen faced relentless pressure on the Bills’ final drive, culminating in a fourth-and-27 situation. Despite a desperate 44-yard completion to Josh Palmer, a false-start penalty set Buffalo back. With just 24 seconds remaining, Bullock intercepted Allen at the Houston 9-yard line, ensuring the Texans’ victory.
In the absence of starting quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was sidelined due to a concussion, Davis Mills stepped up and threw for 153 yards with two touchdown passes in the first half, pushing Houston’s record to 6-5 and marking their third consecutive win.
Allen, who had an explosive performance last week with six touchdowns, struggled significantly this time, finishing with 253 yards but failing to score. This game marked the most sacks he has ever taken in his career, with linebacker Will Anderson Jr. contributing 2.5 sacks to the effort.
“We knew we had to pressure him all night,” Anderson said. “Our goal was to disrupt their rhythm, and we did just that.”
The game saw multiple lead changes, starting with James Cook giving Buffalo an early advantage with a 45-yard touchdown run, despite a missed extra point. The Texans answered back with a field goal, then took the lead with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Christian Kirk just before halftime.
However, a remarkable 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Ray Davis briefly put the Bills back on top at 16-13. The Texans responded late in the half with another touchdown pass, retaking the lead just before the break.
The intensity continued into the second half, with Bullock’s interception marking a critical turning point. The Texans maintained their composure despite Buffalo’s attempts to rally, including a 38-yard field goal by Matt Prater to close the gap to 23-19 with six minutes remaining.
Injuries also played a role in the game, with Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard leaving with an elbow injury and Texans cornerback Ajani Carter exiting due to a hamstring issue. Additionally, Buffalo receiver Keon Coleman was benched for a second consecutive game due to disciplinary reasons.
Looking ahead, the Bills are set to visit Pittsburgh on November 30, while the Texans will travel to Indianapolis on the same date. Both teams will need to regroup quickly as they face critical matchups in their playoff pursuits.
This electrifying game has left fans buzzing and set the stage for an intense final stretch to the season. Stay tuned as more updates unfold on this developing story.
