Bills coach Sean McDermott expressed serious concern Friday over the number of hits quarterback Josh Allen absorbed during Thursday night’s loss to the Houston Texans, signaling a need for immediate offensive adjustments. The barrage of pressure raises questions about Allen’s durability as Buffalo navigates a crucial stretch of the season.
McDermott revealed Allen was hit 12 times and sacked eight times against Houston - a rate he deemed unsustainable for maintaining the quarterback’s health. “That’s not a healthy formula right there,” McDermott stated. “It’s not a healthy way to play or a healthy way to keep our quarterback healthy through the remainder of the season.”
The coach pinpointed predictable passing downs as a key contributor to the problem, stating the Bills must avoid situations where defenses can aggressively pursue Allen. “Second down and long turns into third down and long, and that’s the unhealthy formula I’m talking about,” he explained. “Josh takes too many hits. So we’ve got to figure that piece out.”
While reaffirming his confidence in the offensive staff, McDermott acknowledged the current scheme places a heavy burden on Allen to extend plays under duress. The Bills’ offensive success currently relies heavily on Allen’s ability to perform despite consistent pressure,a strategy McDermott suggested is not a viable path to long-term success.
