Halftime Recap: Texans Hold 20-16 Advantage Over Bills
Thursday Night Football delivered an intriguing first half as the Houston Texans head into the locker room with a 20-16 lead over the Buffalo Bills. The early storyline focused on Davis Mills, who had a rocky start but steadied enough to help Houston build a two-possession cushion by halftime. On the other sideline, Josh Allen faced a few nerve-wracking moments before settling in and guiding Buffalo into striking distance before the break.
Mills Finds a Rhythm After a Slow Start
What began with a tough first quarter for Mills—the Texans fell behind on the scoreboard as Buffalo grabbed a quick 6-3 edge—turned into a more balanced performance as the half wore on. Mills finished the half 11-of-21 for 122 yards with two touchdown passes. His second-quarter surge helped Houston extinguish several Bills threats and convert opportunities into points when it mattered most.
Houston’s cohesion in the passing game showed a willingness to push the ball downfield and execute in the red zone, even after an inauspicious start. The Texans’ play-calling in the red zone looked purposeful, aiming to maximize Mills’s arm talent and the offense’s tempo to keep Buffalo off balance.
Buffalo’s Response: Allen and Co. Battle Back
Buffalo answered with quick-strike drives and a few big plays of their own. Josh Allen, who had a few scare moments in the first half, settled into a more efficient rhythm as the half progressed. The Bills mixed in both the pass and the run, looking to exploit Houston’s defensive tendencies. Buffalo’s defense also tightened up on several Texans drives late in the second quarter, forcing a couple of timely stops that prevented the score from getting out of reach.
Key Trends Shaping the Second Half
As the teams head to the locker room, a few themes will define the second-half prospects:
– Red-zone execution: Mills’s ability to finish drives in the red zone will be critical for Houston’s momentum. If the Texans can convert more trips into touchdowns, they can widen their cushion and complicate Buffalo’s strategic plan.
– Containing Allen: Buffalo will want to keep Allen from extending plays with his legs while pressuring him to make quick, accurate throws. Houston’s pass rush and coverage on the perimeter will be crucial in keeping Buffalo within striking distance.
– Turnover avoidance: Both teams will want to minimize mistakes. A turnover or a defensive takeaway could swing the momentum and give one side a much-needed spark in a close game.
– Ground game balance: The effectiveness of both offenses’ running games could dictate field position and clock management in the second half. A steady ground attack can help control the pace and keep the ball out of the opponent’s hands.
What to Expect in the Second Half
The halftime scoreboard tells a story of a competitive, high-stakes matchup with playoff-like urgency for both teams. For Houston, maintaining Mills’s passing efficiency while sustaining long, methodical drives will be the blueprint to extend their lead. Buffalo, on the other hand, will likely lean on Allen’s playmaking ability and an evolved offensive script to flip the script and regain control of the contest. If the Bills can tighten up their protection and create more explosive plays, they could wrestle back momentum in a hurry.
Bottom Line
With the game in the balance at 20-16, the second half will be a telling measure of teams’ adjustments and resilience. Davis Mills has shown he can guide this offense in moments of pressure, while Josh Allen remains a dynamic threat capable of changing the complexion of any drive with a single carry or connection downfield. Fans should expect an entertaining, tightly contested finish as the Texans seek to hold their edge and Buffalo looks to reclaim supremacy in the fourth quarter.
