Houston Texans: By the numbers following a 40-point loss to Bills

The Houston Texans lost by 40 points this past Sunday in Week 4 to the Buffalo Bills, and though the Texans weren’t the favorites by any means entering this game on Sunday, who would have ever expected them be shutout and lose by so much?

The Texans had just six first downs on offense, but they had five turnovers including the four interceptions by Texans rookie quarterback Davis Mills (two in each half) and a fumble by tight end Jordan Akins.

Losing possession of the football was just one aspect of the game that cost the Texans a chance to be competitive against one of the best teams in the league. For example, another number that pops out is the yards per reception average for those who caught a pass for the Texans at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo.

The Texans average was 7.9 ypc, but compare that to the Bills players and they averaged 12.2 ypc. The longest reception for the Texans was 16 yards by Brandin Cooks, and Buffalo had at least three players have a reception over 20 yards, including a 37-yard catch by Stefon Diggs. That s how games are lost, and not competitive.

Should we talk about the Houston Texans rushing game in Week 4 one final time? The lack of a rushing game the past three weeks is starting to show weakness by the Houston Texans. They basically don’t have a rushing game because on Sunday in Week 4 the total for the entire team was 48 yards. Two running backs – Phillip Lindsay and Rex Burkhead – each rushed for -1 yard in the game.

Mark Ingram II finished with 24 yards on the ground, and David Johnson had 21 yards rushing. This duo has to be better than this. Two running backs who each have rushed for 1,000-yard seasons during their NFL careers being held to under 50 rushing yards combined can’t continue to happen, or more bad losses are sure to come.

Houston Texans: Don’t forget about the defensive numbers

It can be said the Houston Texans offense did their defense no favors whatsoever in Week 4. Their numbers had some positives as Whitney Mercilus recorded a sack, and Lonnie Johnson Jr. had his first career interception in the regular season when he picked off a pass by Bills quarterback Josh Allen in the first quarter.

Mercilus, Desmond King II, and Kamu Grugier-Hill all had one tackle for loss, while Johnson, Christian Kirksey, and Terrance Mitchell each had a pass defensed.

Also for the Houston defense they were able to keep the Bills from scoring more points than they actually did by fighting tough, and forcing Buffalo to kick field goals instead of those drives turning into touchdowns. Buffalo made four field goals in their win over the Texans, but also scored four touchdowns.

Texans punter Cameron Johnston averaged 50.1 yards per punt as he had five of those, with one punt landing inside the 20-yard line. His longest punt was 61 yards to lead the special teams play.

All-in-all this was a bad day for the Houston Texans, and the numbers – including a total of 109 yards of total of offense – weren’t exciting or anything to celebrate. The good thing is the Texans get to move on and try again in Week 5 where they face the New England Patriots.