Bills edge Texans 36-31 as Rousseau records two late-game sacks and forced fumbles

Buffalo held off a late Houston comeback to win 36-31 on Sunday, with defensive end Greg Rousseau delivering a sack and forced fumble early and again in the final seconds. The first turnover set up a Tyler Bass field goal, and the second sealed the victory after the Texans drove to the Buffalo nine-yard line with 25 seconds left.

Rousseau said the plays reflected the new defensive scheme introduced by coordinator Jim Leonhard, adding, "It means everything. That's what we're here for, we're here to get stops."

Quarterback Josh Allen completed 20 of 29 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns, earning an A+ grade for the passing offense. Wide receiver Dalton Kincaid posted 130 receiving yards on five catches, and newcomer DJ Moore added 100 yards and a touchdown.

The Bills' running game was less effective, with James Cook gaining 57 yards on 13 carries and a costly fumble that was recovered by guard O’Cyrus Torrence. The team’s overall run-offense rating was marked as average.

Defensively, Buffalo recorded three sacks on Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud, who threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns. Safety Cole Bishop and cornerback CJ Gardner-Johnson combined for 15 tackles, though Bishop briefly left with an injury.

Special teams performed well; Tyler Bass made all six of his kicks, and rookie punter Tommy Doman posted a 54.5-yard net average. New special-teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers oversaw a solid unit.

Head coach Joe Brady, in his debut, guided an aggressive passing attack and became the first Bills coach to win in Houston. The team now turns its attention to a home opener against the Detroit Lions.