When the Buffalo Bills lost 23-19 to the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football, it wasn’t just another loss—it was a wake-up call. Josh Allen, the 28-year-old franchise quarterback, was sacked eight times, threw two interceptions, and looked every bit the victim of a broken offense. The game, played at NRG Stadium in Houston on November 21, 2025, didn’t just expose weaknesses—it laid bare a deeper crisis in Orchard Park.
Why the Bills Are Failing Josh Allen
The numbers don’t lie: eight sacks, two picks, and zero explosive plays. But what’s worse than the stat line is the pattern. This was the Bills’ third straight loss—to Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix, and now Davis Mills. Yes, Davis Mills. The same guy who was cut by the Texans two years ago. The same guy who, by all accounts, shouldn’t be beating an MVP-caliber quarterback. Colin Cowherd didn’t hold back: "I don’t want to see Chef Boyardee out cooking Bobby Flay ever under any circumstances, period." It’s not hyperbole—it’s desperation.
The Buffalo Bills organization, led by general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott, has spent years building around Allen. But now, with his prime years slipping away, the question isn’t whether Allen is good enough—it’s whether the team around him is good enough to win. The offensive line got worked. The play-calling was predictable. And the lack of a true deep threat? That’s not a coaching issue—it’s a personnel failure.
Julian Edelman: Shedeur Sanders and the New NFL Narrative
On the same episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, former New England Patriots star Julian Edelman weighed in on a different kind of story: the debut of Shedeur Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, starting for the Cleveland Browns against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
"He’s got poise," Edelman said. "Not just because of his dad. He’s got the eyes of a guy who’s seen this before. And that’s rare for a rookie." Sanders, a second-year signal-caller, was praised for his decision-making under pressure. His debut wasn’t perfect, but it was promising—and it’s part of a broader shift in the NFL. The league is no longer just about established stars. It’s about rising names, and Sanders is one of them.
Edelman also touched on Drake Maye’s breakout season with the New England Patriots. "He’s playing MVP-level football," Edelman noted. "And the Patriots are winning because of him, not in spite of him. That’s a complete turnaround from last year."
The Chiefs’ Slow Collapse and the Bears’ Rise
While Allen’s situation grows more urgent, another dynasty is quietly unraveling. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, are hovering around .500. After six straight AFC Championship appearances, they’re now in danger of missing the playoffs entirely. "They’re not broken," Cowherd said. "They’re just… tired. And nobody’s stepping up to carry the load."
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears, with 22-year-old rookie Caleb Williams at quarterback, are surging. Cowherd predicted they’d beat the Pittsburgh Steelers at Soldier Field on November 24. "Williams is faster than Justin Fields. And the Bears’ defense? They’re playing with purpose. This isn’t luck. This is a rebuild happening faster than anyone expected."
Week 12 Predictions and the Blazin’ 5
Cowherd’s "Blazin’ 5" for Week 12 was as bold as ever:
- Green Bay Packers to cover against the Detroit Lions
- Chicago Bears to beat the Steelers
- Seattle Seahawks to cover at home against the Arizona Cardinals
- Minnesota Vikings to win outright over the Carolina Panthers
- Los Angeles Chargers to upset the Denver Broncos in a shootout
"The Bears are the story," Cowherd insisted. "And the Bills? They’re the warning."
What’s Next for the Bills?
The clock is ticking. Allen is 28. His best years are behind him—or they’re about to be, if the front office doesn’t act. The Bills need a new offensive coordinator. They need to draft a true No. 1 receiver. They need to fix the line before the playoffs—because right now, they’re not playoff-ready. They’re just holding on.
And then there’s the T.J. Watt factor. Cowherd’s warning—"Don’t tease T.J. Watt"—wasn’t just about one sack. It was about discipline. About not giving elite pass rushers free runs. The Bills keep doing it. And they keep losing.
Behind the Scenes: Breer and the Bigger Picture
Albert Breer, senior writer for The MMQB, added context: "This isn’t just about Allen. It’s about culture. The Bills have been a top-three team for five years. Now, they’re a top-five team that keeps choking in December. That’s a mental issue. And mental issues don’t get fixed with new offensive linemen. They get fixed with leadership."
Is Sean McDermott the right man to lead that change? Is Brandon Beane still the right GM? Those questions are no longer theoretical. They’re urgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Josh Allen’s performance under fire if he’s an MVP-caliber QB?
Allen’s stats are still strong, but the context matters: he’s been sacked 8+ times in three of his last five games, and his supporting cast has regressed. The Bills’ offensive line ranks 28th in pass protection this season. When your MVP is constantly under siege and lacks a deep threat, even elite talent can’t carry the team. It’s not Allen’s fault—he’s being set up to fail.
How bad is the Bills’ offensive line really?
According to Pro Football Focus, Buffalo’s O-line has allowed 41 sacks this season—the third-worst in the NFL. Their pass-block win rate is just 53%, below league average. Key starters like Dion Dawkins and Ryan Bates have struggled with consistency, and the interior line has been a liability. Without a major upgrade this offseason, Allen’s career may be defined by near-misses rather than titles.
Is Shedeur Sanders really ready for the NFL?
Sanders’ debut against the Raiders wasn’t flawless—he threw an interception and missed a few reads—but his composure under pressure stood out. He completed 67% of his passes and led a 75-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. Scouts say his football IQ is elite, and his ability to extend plays mirrors his father’s. If he keeps improving, he could be the Browns’ franchise QB by 2026.
Why are the Chiefs at risk of missing the playoffs?
Despite Patrick Mahomes’ brilliance, Kansas City’s defense ranks 24th in points allowed. Their running game is inconsistent, and key players like Travis Kelce are aging. The AFC West is tighter than ever, and the Chiefs lost to the Chargers and Raiders in the last month. If they lose one more game, they’ll be on the outside looking in—something unthinkable just two years ago.
What does the Bears’ rise mean for the NFL?
Caleb Williams’ emergence signals a new era: young QBs are now leading rebuilds faster than ever. The Bears went from 3-14 in 2023 to playoff contenders in 2025. Their defense, led by Roquan Smith, is elite. This isn’t a fluke—it’s a blueprint. Other teams are watching, and it’s putting pressure on franchises clinging to veterans instead of investing in the future.
Will the Bills make the playoffs this year?
It’s unlikely. Buffalo is 7-5 and faces the Ravens, Dolphins, and Jets in their final four games—all division rivals with playoff aspirations. Even if they win three, they’ll need help from the Steelers and Titans. More importantly, their offensive struggles suggest they won’t survive a playoff game against a top defense. The window for Allen’s title run may be closing faster than anyone admitted.
