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11/21 13:43 CST Josh Allen's inconsistencies persist in loss at Houston, as
Bills slip further out of AFC East race
Josh Allen's inconsistencies persist in loss at Houston, as Bills slip further
out of AFC East race
By JOHN WAWROW
AP Sports Writer
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) --- As the injuries, turnovers and losses continue
mounting in Buffalo, Josh Allen and the Bills are running out of bodies and
answers to address their deficiencies.
The reality of it seemed summed up during a 23-19 loss to Houston on Thursday
night. It was early in the fourth quarter when the quarterback was caught on
camera slamming down his helmet on the sideline before turning to backup Mitch
Trubisky and saying: "What are we doing?"
The exchange took place after running back James Cook was stuffed for a 2-yard
loss on fourth-and-1 at Houston's 23. It's a failed play and a question that
has hounded the Bills (7-4) for much of this season, and especially during a
stretch in which they've dropped four of seven.
Every time Allen, the NFL's reigning MVP, and Buffalo enjoy an apparent
breakthrough, they follow up by getting stopped in their tracks --- and more
often the result of their own doing.
Allen is 2-4 this season when committing a turnover, and 1-4 when committing
two or more. And four of his eight interceptions have come inside an opponent's
20.
So much for the Bills' soaring Super Bowl aspirations in September.
Though still in contention, their chances of winning a sixth consecutive AFC
East title have dimmed. New England enters the weekend at 9-2, and already
counts a win over the Bills.
While Buffalo's defense has been the target of blame for its various
inconsistencies, particularly against the run, the numbers paint a different
picture in exposing the offense as being the main culprit.
In seven wins, the Bills have combined to score 245 points, versus 66 in four
losses. Buffalo has turned over the ball just four times in victories, as
opposed to 11 in their defeats, including three against Houston.
And then there's an offensive line that was supposed to be the Bills' strength
that has allowed 28 sacks --- 14 more than all of last year --- including eight
sacks against Houston, the most in Allen's eight seasons.
Meantime, many of Buffalo's defensive numbers are better in losses than in
wins, with the exception of takeaways. The Bills have forced 10 takeaways in
victories, and just three in the losses.
Then again, the defense has played short-handed for much of this season, and
could be down a fourth starter after linebacker Terrel Bernard hurt his elbow
against Houston.
Assurances from Allen and coordinator Joe Brady that the offense is fine have
been met with middling results. A week after Allen had three touchdowns passing
and three more rushing in a 44-32 win over Tampa Bay, he failed to find the end
zone Thursday night.
Though Allen's overseen two fourth-quarter comebacks this season, he has come
up short in combining for just 37 second-half points in four losses.
Until --- or perhaps the question is if --- the Bills regain their swagger, the
criticism directed at coach Sean McDermott and GM Brandon Beane of Buffalo
wasting Allen's prime years will only grow louder in January.
What's working Special teams. Backup running back Ray Davis has shined in taking over the kickoff return duties. A week after combining for 158 yards on four returns, Davis had 145 on three chances against Houston, including a 97-yarder for a touchdown.
What needs help Third-down efficiency. Buffalo finished 5 of 16 on third down against Houston and has combined to convert just 17 of 49 in four losses.
Stock up Cook. The fourth-year running back topped 100 yards for a sixth time this season, and upped his total to 1,084 --- 38 short of his career best. Cook is Buffalo's third player to top 1,000 yards in three consecutive years, joining Hall of Famers Thurman Thomas (eight straight) and O.J. Simpson (five).
Stock down Keon Coleman. The second-year receiver was a healthy scratch for a second consecutive outing for being late to a meeting last week.
Injuries Bernard finished the game watching from the sideline with his arm in a sling. ... Starting RT Spencer Brown did not finish after hurting his right shoulder. ... Rookie CB Maxwell Hairston did not return after being evaluated for a concussion.
Key number 0 --- Buffalo came away with no touchdowns on two trips inside the Texans 20, the first time the Bills have failed to score a red-zone TD since a 9-6 loss at Jacksonville on Nov. 7, 2021.
Next steps Take advantage of an extra few days off before preparing to play at Pittsburgh on Nov. 30. Buffalo has won four of the past five meetings, including playoffs. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
What's working Special teams. Backup running back Ray Davis has shined in taking over the kickoff return duties. A week after combining for 158 yards on four returns, Davis had 145 on three chances against Houston, including a 97-yarder for a touchdown.
What needs help Third-down efficiency. Buffalo finished 5 of 16 on third down against Houston and has combined to convert just 17 of 49 in four losses.
Stock up Cook. The fourth-year running back topped 100 yards for a sixth time this season, and upped his total to 1,084 --- 38 short of his career best. Cook is Buffalo's third player to top 1,000 yards in three consecutive years, joining Hall of Famers Thurman Thomas (eight straight) and O.J. Simpson (five).
Stock down Keon Coleman. The second-year receiver was a healthy scratch for a second consecutive outing for being late to a meeting last week.
Injuries Bernard finished the game watching from the sideline with his arm in a sling. ... Starting RT Spencer Brown did not finish after hurting his right shoulder. ... Rookie CB Maxwell Hairston did not return after being evaluated for a concussion.
Key number 0 --- Buffalo came away with no touchdowns on two trips inside the Texans 20, the first time the Bills have failed to score a red-zone TD since a 9-6 loss at Jacksonville on Nov. 7, 2021.
Next steps Take advantage of an extra few days off before preparing to play at Pittsburgh on Nov. 30. Buffalo has won four of the past five meetings, including playoffs. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
