The Buffalo Bills were eager to bounce back after a 35-10 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football. Unfortunately, they struggled again in Week 5.
In a 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, October 6, quarterback Josh Allen posted the worst completion percentage of his career, connecting on just 30% of his passes.
Allen completed only 9 of 30 passes for 131 yards and one touchdown. Remarkably, he finished the game despite a potential injury scare in the fourth quarter. With six minutes remaining, Allen scrambled on third down and was tackled by his legs. Although it looked like he might have suffered a serious head injury, Allen later explained the situation.
“Big hit to the chest. Rolled my ankle,” Allen told reporters. “They thought I hit my head, but I felt well enough to return.”
Bills head coach Sean McDermott praised Allen’s toughness, saying, “Josh is a warrior. Took a hard hit, but he came back for his team.”
Allen’s health is vital for the Bills’ success this season. While he is known for his toughness, the team needs to be cautious with their $258 million franchise player. Last week, Allen took a hard hit to the head after fumbling during the Ravens game.
Due to the score and game conditions, backup Mitch Trubisky played the fourth quarter against Baltimore. Allen, however, downplayed the injury, saying, “It was more about my back hitting the ground. I’m fine.”
Fans & Analysts Shocked as Josh Allen Returns After Apparent Concussion
Many fans and analysts were surprised to see Allen back on the field on Sunday. Trubisky stepped in for one snap, but Allen returned after a brief evaluation in the medical tent.
Fox Sports 1 host Emmanuel Acho commented, “We all saw Josh Allen seemingly get knocked out, yet they gave him smelling salts and sent him back. As if that undoes head trauma. 🤦🏾♂️.”
NFL analyst Chase Daniel added, “If they allowed Josh Allen back after hitting his head, then the concussion protocol is flawed. He looked like he was out.”
One fan remarked, “Terrible decision by the NFL and the Bills to let Josh Allen return. Concussion protocols must be consistent.”
Sean McDermott Criticized for End-of-Game Coaching Decisions
After struggling in the first two quarters, Allen and the Bills found some rhythm in the second half, tying the game 20-20. With 32 seconds left in the fourth quarter and no timeouts, the Bills had possession. However, Allen threw three incomplete passes, and the Bills punted from deep in their own territory.
McDermott’s decision not to run the ball and burn the clock baffled many analysts. Houston’s defense allowed an average of 5.4 yards per carry, and abandoning the run when Allen was struggling with passes proved costly.
The Texans, with three timeouts remaining, returned the punt to the 46-yard line. With two seconds left, Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn nailed a 59-yard field goal for the win. McDermott accepted responsibility after the game. “I’ve got to be better. It starts with me. Running the ball was the more efficient option,” he said.
Former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt commented, “Baffling game management decisions by the Bills…” ESPN’s Mike Greenberg wrote, “There will be worse losses this season, but there may not be a dumber one.”
