The Buffalo Bills came out of Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans with a win, and one Texans defender will be leaving with an extra penalty.
Texans defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. was flagged for a low hit on Bills quarterback Josh Allen in the third quarter, a penalty that helped push the Bills into field-goal range. Edwards will likely face more discipline from the NFL when the league announces player fines later this week.
Josh Allen Hit Could Cost Texans Defender
The play took place on a 2nd-and-9 for the Bills in Texans territory halfway through the third quarter. After Allen threw an incomplete pass to DJ Moore, the Texans were flagged for two separate penalties — a defensive holding call, and a low hit on Allen by Edwards.
The Bills declined the 5-yard penalty and instead moved 15 yards ahead on the hit by Edwards. They would go on to kick a field goal on the drive, giving them a 27-21 lead.
Edwards will likely face a fine from the NFL later this week. The league reviews plays from all games and announces fines for players who violate rules on unnecessary roughness and taunting.
It could be a costly play for Edwards. The NFL’s page on fines and appeals states that a roughing the passer penalty carries a $17,911 fine for a first offense.
Josh Allen’s Big Day
Allen had a huge performance against the Texans, a team that had tormented him in recent years. He completed 20-of-29 passes for 334 yards with two touchdowns, adding another two rushing touchdowns and 23 rushing yards.
He also avoided mistakes, committing no turnovers and taking just two sacks. Allen had been sacked eight times in a loss to the Texans last season.
As reporter Tommy Gallagher of WGRZ noted, Allen also made a bit of history in the win.
“In doing so, he reached a historic career milestone, becoming the fastest quarterback in NFL history to record 300 combined passing and rushing touchdowns,” Gallagher wrote.
“Allen now has 303 combined touchdowns — including 222 passing and 81 rushing — through 129 games. According to the NFL, Allen became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 300 combined passing and rushing touchdowns. Aaron Rodgers previously held that distinction, when he reached the mark in 134 games.”
Allen and the Bills have a short week before returning to the field to host the Detroit Lions. The Bills open the new Highmark Stadium on Thursday Night Football, facing a Lions team that played an extra 10 minutes to defeat the New Orleans Saints in the closing seconds of overtime.
Texans Player Facing NFL Discipline for Hit on Bills QB Josh Allen