Josh Allen took a crushing hit but stayed tough. The Buffalo Bills faced the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football in Week 12. Will Anderson Jr. delivered a hard tackle from behind. Allen got up and kept pushing through the first half.
NFL standings 2025: Patriots and Broncos lead AFC race with 9-2 records
Arizona State basketball faces undefeated Hawaii in crucial Nov. 21 matchup
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Josh Allen had 28 touchdowns accounted for this season (most in NFL)
- James Cook scored a 45-yard touchdown for Buffalo early on
- Will Anderson Jr. sacked Allen with a hard hit in the first quarter
- Bills entered 7-3, Texans were 5-5 going into Thursday
- Allen owns an 8-0 record on Thursdays in his career
What Happened in Houston
Josh Allen showed his MVP form early on Thursday. The Bills struck first with James Cook bursting outside for a 45-yard touchdown. Buffalo’s offense looked sharp from the opening possession.
Best defense in NFL 2025: Texans lead with 258.1 yards allowed per game, historic season
Woody Marks suffers leg injury in third quarter vs Bills, uncertain status
Then came the big moment. On the second drive, Allen scrambled to avoid pressure. Will Anderson Jr. came from behind and crushed the Bills quarterback hard. Allen went down and stayed down for a moment. Trainers rushed over to check on him.
The crowd held its breath. Allen writhed on the ground briefly. But he got up and walked off under his own power. He would return to the game immediately, refusing to sit out. That’s the kind of toughness that defines him.
“Allen faced down hard in the ground, kicked his legs while on his stomach and then rolled onto his back still kicking his leg in pain.”
Why This Matters for the Bills
This moment defined Thursday’s showdown entirely. Josh Allen coming back immediately sent a message. The Bills weren’t backing down from the Texans’ top-tier defense.
Allen already had 28 touchdowns accounted for this season. He threw for 317 yards and 6 touchdowns just 4 days earlier versus Tampa Bay. Houston’s defense wanted to slow him down. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter represented the NFL’s best edge rushing duo.
But Allen has an 8-0 record on Thursdays. He knows how to perform under pressure on prime time. Taking that hit and bouncing back proved he wouldn’t be intimidated. The Bills needed that leadership moment.
The Defensive Standoff
Houston’s defense came to play with intensity. Will Anderson Jr. had 8 sacks on the season. He’s recorded sacks in 5 straight games. Danielle Hunter added 9 sacks in the current season.
| Key Matchup | Details |
|---|---|
| Will Anderson Jr. Pressure | 8 sacks on the year, most recent hit on Allen |
| Danielle Hunter Production | 9 sacks this season, 5 in last 2 weeks |
| Bills Run Game | 147.6 rushing yards per game, most in NFL |
| Texans Run Defense | 3.9 yards per carry allowed, 4th best in NFL |
The Bills had 147.6 rushing yards per game this season. That’s league-leading. James Cook had 96.8 per game, second in the NFL. But Houston allowed just 3.9 yards per carry, ranked 4th best in the league.
What to Watch Going Forward
- Will Josh Allen shake off the hit and maintain MVP pace?
- Can the Bills keep their rushing game rolling on the road?
- Will Dion Dawkins and the offensive line hold against elite pass rush?
- Can Buffalo stay undefeated on Thursdays (8-0 record)?
- What impact does Keon Coleman being inactive a second straight week have?
Can the Bills Handle Thursday Night Pressure?
Josh Allen has never lost a Thursday Night Football game in his career. His 8-0 record speaks volumes. But the Texans are no ordinary opponent. They hold the 2nd ranked defense by yards allowed.
Allen coming back immediately after that crushing hit said everything. Toughness, leadership, and determination. The Bills believe they can win in Houston. James Cook broke outside for 45 yards early. The offense found rhythm quickly.
Buffalo entered the game at 7-3. Houston sat at 5-5, needing wins badly for playoff hopes. The stakes were high on both sides. Thursday night always delivers drama, and this matchup delivered it instantly. Will Allen continue building his MVP case, or will the Texans defense steal the show?
Sources
- CBS Sports – Live coverage and real-time game updates
- The Athletic/New York Times – In-depth analysis and player tracking
- USA Today – Injury reporting and immediate updates
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.