Josh Allen finally got that monkey off his back, securing his first-ever road win against the Texans in Houston with a 36-31 shootout, earning the Bills a B+ grade for Week 1. It was a huge statement for Allen, but for Houston, it’s a big problem as their supposedly stout defense got absolutely gashed.
Allen Slices Up a Supposedly “Elite” D
Allen was throwing darts all day long, man. He racked up 334 yards and two touchdowns, and the craziest part? He did it against a defense that everyone said was going to be one of the best in the NFL this year. Talk about a statement! He hit Josh Palmer for a 34-yard touchdown with just 1:34 left on the clock, and that was the game-winner, plain and simple. And let’s not forget new guy DJ Moore, who already looks like a brilliant addition for Buffalo. He snagged five passes for 100 yards, including a monster 43-yarder in the first half. The Bills defense might be a work in progress, no doubt, but if Allen keeps playing like this, they’ll have all the time in the world to figure their stuff out.
Houston, You Have A HUGE Problem
So, about those Texans. They earned a B- grade, and honestly, that feels generous considering what happened. Their defense was supposed to be elite, right? One of the best in the league? Well, Week 1 says otherwise. They got absolutely gashed up and down the field by one of the league’s top quarterbacks. Sure, it’s just one week, but things aren’t getting any easier next time out. Guess who’s on deck for Week 2? None other than Joe Burrow. If the Texans’ D doesn’t tighten up fast, we’re talking about a serious, season-long problem, and that Week 1 loss could be just the beginning.
Week 1 Was Pure Chaos Across the League
Man, Week 1 always brings the heat, and this year was no exception. We saw the Saints claw their way back from a 21-0 deficit against the Lions, only to lose on a two-point conversion attempt. Can you believe that? The Bears and Panthers went absolutely wild, combining for 96 points, which is the highest total ever in a Week 1 game, a true Scoragami! And then there’s the Browns, who lost 34-10 to the Jaguars. Seriously, since 1999, they’re now 3-24-1 in opening week. But the real shocker? The Arizona Cardinals. Those guys were the biggest underdog of the week at +9.5, and they rolled into Los Angeles and pulled off a total shocker, a 26-14 win over the Chargers. Oh, and for the first time since 2009, both the Jets and Giants managed to win their openers. Even the Ravens got an A- for their start!
The Texans are staring down Joe Burrow in Week 2, and if that defense doesn’t figure things out, it’s gonna be a long season for them. For the Bills, they’re riding high on Allen’s arm, but they gotta tighten up that defense if they want to keep this momentum going. Man, Week 1 always delivers, doesn’t it? The NFL is back, baby, and it is going to be a wild ride if this past Sunday was any indication.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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