The Texans-Bills matchup turned out to be even worse than expected Sunday. Players have already described it as embarrassing.
So let's just jump right into these key takeaways from the game:
1. It was very early in the game, but Lonnie Johnson’s INT on Buffalo’s first offensive play felt like a game-saving play, it felt like Buffalo was about to win by 40. The Texans' inability to get points on that offensive possession was almost like throwing away a free coupon.
2. I think David Culley should’ve taken the points there, but I don’t have an issue with the decision to go on 4th and 2.
3. If the Texans cut all of their active running backs right now how many would have jobs within the next two weeks? I would say maybe one, Ingram.
4. Johnson’s zone coverage on Buffalo’s first TD didn’t seem ideal.
5. The Texans’ effort on defense early on was respectable. At the two minute warning they trailed 13-0 despite Buffalo having a short field twice and the Houston offense only having four total yards and a turnover.
6. At halftime the Texans were down 16-0 despite having eight total yards of offense. Tiki Barber was saying Buffalo had to be frustrated offensively, but on the flip side Lovie Smith had to be pleased with the defensive effort.
7. The gap between Tyrod Taylor and Davis Mills is as big of a current gap as you’ll find between starter and backup in the NFL. Most teams take significant steps back when the starting QB goes down, but with this talent-lacking Texans team it’s a rock bottom possibility, which is what was on display in Buffalo.
8. The weather in Buffalo could’ve been an equalizer for a team that can run the football, but despite the Texans insistence that they need to run the ball to be successful, they haven’t been able to run the ball effectively. This is likely a combination of scheme and personnel, I lean for toward personnel, but regardless of why it’s not surprising.
9. It wasn’t smooth by any means to the casual observer, but it can’t be overstated how great of an effort the CBS studio crew gave in attempting to provide play-by-play of the game when the power went out in Buffalo late in the third quarter.
10. I still don’t understand why Andre Roberts is on this roster.
11. I think Beth Mowins does well calling games, but based on social media (dangerous, I know) it seems like I may be in the minority there.
12. In a world where I have to hear about analytics, process, results, guys proving themselves to stay in the league salary structures and how the game is changing WHY IN THE HELL DOES ANDRE ROBERTS MAKE SENSE ON THIS TEXANS TEAM?!?! Why? Alright, I’ll move on now.
13. I could be wrong, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Zach Cunningham has played his last snap as a Texan.
I’ve heard from multiple people he’s unhappy and there have been whispers the team has been willing to move him for a while. I can’t blame Cunningham for wanting out and I can’t blame Caserio if he moves him.
14. I’m intrigued to see what the environment will be like at NRG with the Patriots in town. The GameDay atmosphere has been as meh as ever so far in 2021.
15. As we said last week, the Buffalo beat down and Davis Mills struggles were expected, but this week vs New England is where the more important evaluation of Mills takes place.
How does he bounce back? How does he look in his third start at home against an ok, not great, New England team? This week will say a lot more about Mills than the inevitable assing he took in Buffalo.
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