The Buffalo Bills won their season opener for the seventh time in their last 10 seasons, 36-31 over the Houston Texans. And they did it in a place that had previously served as a house of horrors: Houston, where Buffalo had lost its last four meetings and had not won since the 2006 season.
While the Bills are on a short week as they prepare to open their new Highmark Stadium Thursday night against the Detroit Lions, today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by hearing from head coach Joe Brady, offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, who offer up their key takeaways from Buffalo’s impressive season-opening win.
Check out the assessments below and then let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 13: Head coach Joe Brady of the Buffalo Bills reacts after his team’s touchdown against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of a game at NRG Stadium on September 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
What stood out and what needs to be improved after 36-31 win in Houston?
Head coach Joe Brady picked up the first win of his young coaching career Sunday vs. the Texans, but when he took the podium to address the media Monday, Brady said his team is still trying to learn more about itself and its playing style.
We “have a pulse, but you’re still trying to get a feel of how to use guys offensively, defensively, special teams, and to see the guys be able to make the adjustments; to see the guys be able to look through it all, be able to kind of play all the way through inside the red zone and figuring out, that’s what I was proud of,” Brady said.
Brady reflected on the impact DJ Moore had on the passing game in his Bills debut, Dalton Kincaid’s huge performance, the emotional return to Houston for defensive tackle Ed Oliver and why Oliver deserved a game ball; and how well his offensive line performed against a dominant Houston pass rush.
We also hear why defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard plans on limiting the number of snaps his defensive starters log and how his pass rushers, led by Greg Rousseau, enjoyed a dominant performance in Week 1. We then hear from offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael on the blossoming connection between Kincaid and Josh Allen and how the team successfully used 13 (one running back, three tight ends) personnel to stymie the Texans.
HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 13: Tight end Dalton Kincaid #86 of the Buffalo Bills wraps up the ball high after a reception as safety Reed Blankenship #6 of the Houston Texans chases from behind during the NFL game between the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills on September 13, 2026, at Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX.(Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Even more Bills news
Examining how wide receiver DJ Moore showed how he will make an impact on Buffalo’s offense. Plus, discussing the potential breakouts of outside linebacker Greg Rousseau and tight end Dalton Kincaid; offering up reasons for Bills fans to be excited and causes for concern following the win in Houston; breaking down the biggest winners and losers from the snap counts in Week 1; and getting to know Buffalo’s newest practice squad fullback.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 13: DJ Moore #2 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second quarter of the game at NRG Stadium on September 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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