In one of the most electric season-opening games in recent memory, the Buffalo Bills narrowly survived a shootout against the imposing Houston Texans. The NFL's #1 defense was made to look like anything but, as the Bills exploded for a 36-31 win. What did we learn from one of the most thrilling games of the week?
Josh Allen is still a cheat code
Above all else, we learned that Josh Allen is exactly who he always is. In the moments where the formidable Houston defense closed in, Allen stepped up and made the extraodinary look ordinary.
From his 21-yard scramble to take the Bills' first touchdown of the season, as he powered through defenders with more grace than a man of his size show be able to display, to his rocket of a pass to Joshua Palmer to take the final lead, his ability to create out of thin air is exceptional.
The sheer velocity of his throw to Palmer, closing the gap with remarkable speed, was the only thing that turned a narrow window into an opportunity - Instead of a trap. Many quarterbacks don't have the power in their throw to get the ball to it's destination with such speed. Josh Allen offers that speed, and opens up windows for his offense.
D.J. Moore can elevate the offense
The Allen effect is immediately visible when one looks to the Bills' newest high-profile addition, D.J. Moore. Where Moore was WR2 in Chicago, he immediately becomes the second-best receiver to ever catch a ball from Josh Allen. Skill like that on a field offers it's own value, but also the value of gravity.
Josh Allen himself stated postgame that the game-winning throw was made possible by the defending safeties 'cheating' towards D.J. Moore. That's gravity, where the force of a single player's skill creates new chances elsewhere in the offense.
Greg Rousseau excels at OLB
The switch to a 3-4 base defense this season was an interesting but imperfect move. Most players play a 4-3 their entire lives, at least at most levels of play. Changing the roles and responsibilities of players takes time, and that puts the Bills' defense at a lull until they gain the comfort in the new system they need to thrive. It will happen, but at differing rates across the board.
One name has taken to the change like a fish to water. Former DE-turned-OLB Greg Rousseau was a bright spot defensively for the first time in a while. His two forced fumbles, both recovered by Buffalo, turned the game. In combination with his 5 QB hits, 2 sacks,4 tackles and a pass breakup, Rousseau was nothing shot of perfect for the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
A great deal of credit must go to Deone Walker for his impact on the defense, but Greg Rousseau splashed today in his new role. Where Walker kept it close, Rousseau shut the door.
Dalton Kincaid is finally healthy
One can't talk about the Buffalo Bills' win over the Houston Texans without mentioning Dalton Kincaid. In what was indisputably the best game of his young career, Kincaid's 5 catches for 130 yards were critical to the final score. For the first time in few seasons, a healthy Dalton Kincaid seems ready to lead this offense.
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