Josh Allen’s inconsistencies persist as Bills slip in AFC East

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Because the accidents, turnovers and losses proceed mounting in Buffalo, Josh Allen and the Payments are working out of our bodies and solutions to handle their deficiencies.

The fact of it appeared summed up throughout a 23-19 loss to Houston on Thursday night time. It was early within the fourth quarter when the quarterback was caught on digicam slamming down his helmet on the sideline earlier than turning to backup Mitch Trubisky and saying, “What are we doing?”

The trade happened after working again James Prepare dinner was stuffed for a 2-yard loss on fourth-and-1 at Houston’s 23. It was a failed play and a query that has hounded the Payments (7-4) for a lot of this season, and particularly throughout a stretch through which they’ve dropped 4 of seven.

Each time Allen, the NFL’s reigning MVP, and Buffalo take pleasure in an obvious breakthrough, they comply with up by getting stopped of their tracks — and extra usually the results of their very own doing.

Allen is 2-4 this season when committing a turnover, and 1-4 when committing two or extra. And 4 of his eight interceptions have come inside an opponent’s 20.

A lot for the Payments’ hovering Tremendous Bowl aspirations in September.

Although nonetheless in rivalry, their probabilities of successful a sixth consecutive AFC East title have dimmed. New England enters the weekend at 9-2, and already has a win over Buffalo.

Whereas Buffalo’s protection has been the goal of blame for its varied inconsistencies, significantly in opposition to the run, the numbers paint a distinct image, exposing the offense as the principle perpetrator.

In seven wins, the Payments have mixed to attain 245 factors. They’ve 66 in 4 losses. Buffalo has turned over the ball simply 4 instances in victories, versus 11 in defeats, together with three in opposition to Houston.

After which there’s an offensive line that was alleged to be the Payments’ energy, which has allowed 28 sacks — 14 greater than all of final yr — together with eight sacks in opposition to Houston, essentially the most Allen has taken in a sport in his eight-year profession.

Meantime, lots of Buffalo’s defensive numbers are higher in losses than in wins, excluding takeaways. The Payments have 10 takeaways in victories, and simply three in losses.

Then once more, the protection has performed short-handed for a lot of the season, and may very well be down a fourth starter after linebacker Terrel Bernard harm his elbow in opposition to Houston.

Assurances from Allen and coordinator Joe Brady that the offense is okay have been met with middling outcomes. Every week after Allen had three touchdowns passing and three extra speeding in a 44-32 win over Tampa Bay, he failed to seek out the tip zone Thursday night time.

Although Allen has overseen two fourth-quarter comebacks this season, he has come up quick in combining for simply 37 second-half factors in 4 losses.

Till — or maybe the query is that if — the Payments regain their swagger, the criticism directed at coach Sean McDermott and basic supervisor Brandon Beane of Buffalo losing Allen’s prime years will solely develop louder in January.

What’s working

Particular groups. Backup working again Ray Davis has shined in taking up the kickoff return duties. Every week after combining for 158 yards on 4 returns, Davis had 145 on three possibilities in opposition to Houston, together with a 97-yarder for a landing.

What wants assist

Third-down effectivity. Buffalo completed 5 of 16 on third down in opposition to Houston and has mixed to transform simply 17 of 49 in 4 losses.

Top off

Prepare dinner. The fourth-year working again topped 100 yards for a sixth time this season, and upped his complete to 1,084 — 38 wanting his profession greatest. Prepare dinner is Buffalo’s third participant to prime 1,000 yards in three consecutive years, becoming a member of Corridor of Famers Thurman Thomas (eight straight) and O.J. Simpson (5).

Inventory down

Keon Coleman. The second-year receiver was a wholesome scratch for a second consecutive outing for being late to a gathering final week.

Accidents

McDermott listed Bernard as week to week and stated RT Spencer Brown (proper shoulder) remains to be being evaluated to find out the extent of his harm. He didn’t rule out the potential for one or each probably touchdown on injured reserve. … Rookie CB Maxwell Hairston didn’t return and is within the concussion protocol.

Key quantity

0 — Buffalo got here away with no touchdowns on two journeys contained in the Texans 20, the primary time the Payments have failed to attain a red-zone TD since a 9-6 loss at Jacksonville on Nov. 7, 2021.

Subsequent steps

Benefit from an additional few days off earlier than making ready to play at Pittsburgh on Nov. 30. Buffalo has gained 4 of the previous 5 conferences, together with playoffs.