5 takeaways from Bills win against Texans

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The Bills continued their hot streak this weekend by earning a shutout victory over the Houston Texans. In a game riddled by poor weather conditions, the Bills still found a way to hold the Texans to 0 points, while also maintaining their high octane offense and scoring 40 points. Buffalo dominated the game in just about every aspect and gave the fans who stayed in the pouring rain a good show. Here are 5 things we learned in the massive victory.

1. Spencer Brown gets the start at Right Tackle
Due to the injury to Right Guard Jon Feliciano, the offensive line had a significant shake-up this past Sunday. 3 out of the 5 starting positions on the offensive line saw a new starter take the field. Ike Boettger came in at Left Guard, while the usual Right Tackle Daryl Williams slid inside to play Right Guard. This left a hole that was filled by the Bills massive 3rd round pick, Spencer Brown. Brown, who has gotten snaps moving across the offensive line during the season, played a solid game and looks like a promising player for the future. It seems like Feliciano's injury is not severe, so it is unknown at this time how long we will see Brown on the starting unit. However, with this showing, there seems to be plenty of optimism for the young rookie. Already becoming a fan favorite, the future is bright for Spencer Brown.

2. Dawson Knox is Legit
After a pair of lackluster years to start his career in Buffalo, all eyes were going to be on Dawson Knox this year. Some calling it a "make or break" year for the Bills Tight End, Knox had to prove he can shoulder being the featured Tight End on this roster. He has done just that to start the season. Knox has been one of Josh Allen's favorite targets to begin the season, especially in the red zone. He hauled in 5 receptions for 37 yards, including 2 touchdowns inside the red zone. Already beating his previous career-high in touchdowns scored just 4 games into the season, there is plenty of reason to be excited for what's to come for the young Bills Tight End. Continuing to build that relationship with Josh Allen, Knox may be primed for a big year.

3. Bills Run Game Continues to Show Improvement
A big knock on the Bills last year was their inability to run the football effectively. So much so that it was rumored that the Bills would spend high draft capital in the NFL draft to bring in a new Running Back to "electrify" the Bills run game. 4 games into this season, we can confidently say the run game has taken strides from last year. Utilizing a Running Back by committee approach, the Bills seem to be getting the most out of their 2 young Running Backs, Devin Singletary and Zack Moss. Both rushing for 14 times, both Moss and Singletary ran efficiently on the field. Singletary had 79 yards on the ground, while Moss had 61 yards as well as a rushing touchdown. Both backs ran with power and swiftness, as with the weather conditions, they were leaned on heavily, especially in the 1st half. The Bills identity has not changed. They are a team that will throw the football 40-50 times a game. Despite this, this team needs to be able to run the football to keep defenses on their toes. The duo has looked promising to begin the season and is giving the Bills passing offense a great complimentary run game.

4. Bills Defense Continues to Dominate
Another shutout produced by the Bills defense solidifies the idea that this defense can and will dominate. In past years, we would see the defense struggle to keep up with the offense in games, though through these first 4 games, it seems as if the defense has arrived. In a game without starting Strong Safety Jordan Poyer, and starting Nickel Corner Taron Johnson, the defense had no signs of slowing down. Intercepting Texans rookie Quarterback Davis Mills 4 times, and forcing a fumble on another occasion, this Bills defense just bullied the Texans all day. "Everyone is executing at a high level," Bills Middle Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds says. "I can't say I'm surprised because I know the amount of work we put in," he adds. Statistically, the Bills defense is among the league's best to begin the year. They are outscoring their opponents 118-21 in their last 3 games. If this type of production can hold up even marginally, it could be the missing piece to complete a longer run in the post-season.

5. The Bigger Picture
The Texans will not be the best team the Bills play this year. In fact, they may be the worst. This is a game that Buffalo should have won, and convincingly, they did. However, throughout their years, we have seen Buffalo stoop to the talent level of their opponents, and not keep their foot on the gas per se. This was not the case. In a game where Buffalo went 3/7 on touchdowns in the red zone, the Bills achieved the 2nd biggest win in franchise history, winning by 40 points. Sean McDermott has this team ready for anything. They will be prepared for any team, regardless of record, talent, proximity, or weather. The players know that there is more left to achieve, and they want it. They aren't letting up for anyone or anything, and this game was proof of that.

Next Week – The Bills will be on the road to play a prime-time game on Sunday Night Football. An AFC championship rematch, this will be a true test for the Bills, playing a Chiefs team that has reached the Super Bowl in both of the past 2 years. Kickoff is at 8:20 p.m.