Josh Allen's inconsistencies persist in loss at Houston, as Bills slip further out of AFC East race

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.

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