Texans‘ Defense Shuts Down Bills, Emerges as NFL’s Top Unit
HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Texans’ defense delivered a dominant performance against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night, securing a crucial victory and solidifying its position as one of the league’s premier defensive units. A late interception by rookie safety Calen Bullock sealed the 28-16 win, capping a night where the Texans consistently pressured Bills quarterback Josh Allen and forced multiple turnovers.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans praised the emotional intensity of the sideline during the game, especially highlighting the relief felt after Bullock’s game-ending interception. ”Calen went out and intercepted the ball two times, forcing a fumble to get us in plus territory there,” Ryans said. “A lot of emotions going on on the sideline through that entire drive, but for Calen to come down with that interception was my favorite play, because it meant it was over.” Bullock, a 2024 third-round pick, was awarded a game ball for his standout performance.
Bullock’s night included two interceptions and a forced fumble, though one interception was called back due to a block in the back penalty on defensive end Danielle Hunter. Despite the penalty, Bullock became the first player since Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch in Week 6 of the 2024 season against the Dallas Cowboys to record two interceptions and a forced fumble in a single regular-season game. “A dream come true showing up on a stage like Thursday night,” Bullock told ESPN. “We are the only team on, everybody watching, the whole world watching, so a dream come true.”
The Texans’ defensive line, spearheaded by Will Anderson Jr.and Hunter, played a pivotal role in the victory, combining for 4.5 sacks and 10 total pressures.Ryans credited the defensive line’s relentless pursuit of the quarterback. “Credit goes to, first and foremost, our defensive line,” Ryans stated. “For the way they go out, the way those guys relentlessly rush the passer and everybody on the back end is playing sound and playing together. When we do that, we’re tough to move the ball against.”
Bullock’s two interceptions bring his season total to nine, placing him among the league leaders in interceptions since 2024. The Texans’ win improves their record to 6-5, and ESPN Analytics currently gives them a 35% chance of reaching the playoffs and a 7% chance of winning the AFC South.
Houston will return to action after a mini-bye week to face the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts (8-2) in Week 13, a game with notable divisional implications given the texans’ 0-3 start to the season. Bullock expressed the team’s mindset: “We have that mindset, that we are the best every time we step out there on the field.”
