It’s hard to write an Arrow Up/Arrow Down column after such a dominating performance, because I can think of so many Arrows Up and don't want to include everyone and everything. I also don't want to leave anyone or anything out.
So I’m going to touch on a lot, but be brief on each this week after the Buffalo Bills demolished the Houston Texans, 40-0 on Sunday to move to 3-1 on the season.
ARROW UP:
SHUTOUT!
After not having a regular season shutout since 2016, the defense did it again for the second time in four games. They were simply dominant all game long.
Five turnovers
Buffalo forced four interceptions of Texans rookie quarterback Davis Mills. The Bills defense also had a forced fumble and recovery in the fourth quarter.
Yardage domination
The Bills outgained the Texans in total yardage on offense, 450-109. Ridiculous.
Third down defense
Buffalo's defense only allowed the Texans to go 1-for-9 (11.1%) on third downs.
Penalties
The Bills were only flagged three times for just 30 yards.
Cam Lewis
Lewis jumped into the lineup for Taron Johnson at nickel cornerback and played well, registering five total tackles, one for loss, one pass breakup, and a forced fumble.
Jaquon Johnson
As for Johnson, he, too, played well filling in for Jordan Poyer on the day. He reeled in his first career interception in the win, and also picked up total tackles and a pass breakup.
Tyler Matakevich
The special teams specialist managed to pick up his first career interception, as well, while registering three total tackles and a pass breakup.
Tremaine Edmunds
The Bills' middle linebacker racked up a team-high six total tackles, plus an interception and a pass breakup in the shutout victory.
Carlos "Boogie" Basham
In his NFL debut on Sunday, the 2021 second round pick picked up his first career sack.
Ed Oliver and Star Lotulelei
The Buffalo interior defensive line was dominant on the afternoon. Oliver and Lotulelei combined for seven total tackles, two for a loss, a sack, and a quarterback hurry.
Tre’Davious White
Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks came into the game third in the NFL with 23 catches. White mostly covered him for the three quarters he was in the game, and he limited Cooks to two catches (only on three targets) for 11 yards.
Tyler Bass
The Bills kicker was perfect on the day, going 4-for-4 on field goals. 4-for-4 on extra points and amassing 16 points scored.
First half defense
The Bills dominated Houston right from the start, limiting the Texans to eight total yards. Eight.
Stefon Diggs
The second-year Bills receiver finished his afternoon with a game-high seven catches for 114 yards.
Emmanuel Sanders
The veteran receiver finished right behind Diggs in the receiving department with five catches for 74 yards.
Josh Allen after his first two passes
Allen's first two passes of Sunday's game were an interception and a bad incomplete overthrow. After that, he finished the game going 20-of-27 (74%) for 248 yards and two touchdowns.
Dawson Knox
The third-year Bills tight end continues to impress to start the 2021 season, finishing his day with five catches for 37 yards and two touchdowns.
Devin Singletary
After a bit of a rough day last week, Singletary bounced back with a solid day on the ground with 14 carries for 79 yards. He also averaged 5.6 yards per-carry.
Zack Moss
Moss continues to serve as a workhorse on the ground for Buffalo with 14 carries for 61 yards and his rushing touchdown.
Run game
The Bills had over 200 yards rushing. Then quarterback Mitchell Trubisky kneeled twice for minus-1 yard each. They finished with 199.
ARROW DOWN:
Red zone offense
Despite entering the Texans' 20-yard line on multiple occasions on Sunday, Buffalo only went 3-for-7 (43%) in the red zone.
Fumbles
The Bills fumbled the ball three times, and not just due to the weather.
The weather
It rained almost all day after several straight picture-perfect football days in Western New York. Can we start flexing games based on weather outlook?
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