Josh Allen hasn't forgotten about the last time he played at Reliant Stadium on a Thursday night in Novemeber.
The result went the exact same as the first three times he visited Houston for a game against the Texans, though this one might have been the worst outlook.
Allen, a consensus MVP candidate and arguably the most dangerous quarterback in the NFL, was sacked eight times and threw two interceptions in a 23-19 loss on Thursday Night Football last season as the Texans were guided by Davis Mills to a third-straight win.
Eight sacks were the number to remember, but Allen was hit 12 times, including once on third down that resulted in an interception to Calen Bullock.
The quarterback took the blame, but the offensive linemen made it clear that
the loss was on their shoulders.
Spencer Brown is looking forward to returning to Houston pic.twitter.com/sC4kJGnA5t
— Jenna Cottrell (@JennaCottrell) September 9, 2026
“Dion (Dawkings) and I both got banged up, they got a lot of pressure on Josh, and they came out firing," Bills right tackle Spencer Brown said. “Their defense is easily the top defense in the NFL, in my opinion. The way they fly around, the way they chase the ball, their secondary, how they cover. And obviously they have $80 million tied up in pass rush guys."
Those pass rushers, Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., were credited with six of the eight sacks and eight of the 12 QB hits. If Hunter wasn't beating up on Dawkins, Brown was gettng blown back by Anderson off the right side.
The Texans' defensive line doesn't just feature the two Pro Bowlers, as Houston reunited with former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney and veteran defensive lineman Logan Hall. Houston's defense finished top 10 in sacks last season, mostly recording the most sacks in a game against Allen and the Bills.
Josh Allen on his faith in Spencer Brown vs. Texans: “It’s extremely high. I love Spencer Brown not only as a football player but a human being…I’m extremely excited to have him as my right tackle.”
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) September 9, 2026
Says Brown deserves Pro Bowl or All-Pro recognition pic.twitter.com/9Q2XrTRcE6
But Allen, who looks to start the Year 1-0 on the road, has faith that past mistakes are immediate lessons learned for the next battle. He has faith this time around, that number will be significantly less.
"I love Spencer Brown not only as a football player but a human being," Allen said. "I’m extremely excited to have him as my right tackle."
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Josh Allen prepared for Texans' pass rush, but will Bills O-line slow it down?
