The Buffalo Bills’ offensive line had a historically bad night against the Houston Texans. So bad, it set a new record for Josh Allen.
The MVP quarterback was battered and harassed, as he was sacked a career-high eight times in this Thursday Night Football game. The Texans, whose defense entered Week 12 ranked first in the NFL in total yards, handled Allen and his line, causing him to throw two interceptions and post a 67.4 passer rating.
From Dion Dawkins to O’Cyrus Torrence, the Bills’ OL had issues all night. And while those eight sacks were valid, there has to be an asterisk by some due to Spencer Brown trying to play through injury in Houston.
Josh Allen was pressured on 33% of his dropbacks vs. the Texans and took a career-high EIGHT sacks 😳
On those dropbacks, Allen produced only ONE first down. pic.twitter.com/SxliWuoboF
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) November 21, 2025
While this game may be the worst the unit has looked this season, Buffalo’s OL is in a different space than in 2024. Across 20 games last season, including the playoffs, Allen was sacked 19 times.
That sack total is now at 28 for Allen through 11 games in 2025.
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The craziest thing about the performance may be that it was not all bad on the night. James Cook rumbled to 116 rushing yards and a touchdown on 6.8 yards per carry.
Will Anderson Jr. and Josh Allen
Houston Texans' defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) and Buffalo Bills' quarterback Josh Allen (17). / Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
But pass protecting against Pro Bowl edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter was a much tougher task. Anderson finished with 2.5 sacks, while Hunter added two.
The Bills will have nine days off to prepare for their next tilt against the Steelers. And hopefully in that span, they can get Brown healthy and sure up the protection upfront.
Because if they look anything like they did versus the Texans while visiting Pittsburgh, T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig could have a field day in Week 13.
Will Anderson Jr. traveled 51.7 yards to sack Josh Allen, the longest distance on a sack since Week 2, 2023.
No other Texans defender over the last decade has covered more than 37 yards on a sack.#BUFvsHOU | #HTownMadepic.twitter.com/aZfNQ2A4EI
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 21, 2025
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