HOUSTON -- A few thoughts on the Buffalo Bills' 23-17 loss Sunday to the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
What it means: After a hot 2-0 start, the Bills have now lost back-to-back games and sit at 2-2 at the quarter mark of the season. The questions rightfully begin at quarterback. EJ Manuel finished 21-for-44 passing for 225 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions -- the first of which was an 80-yard pick-six from J.J. Watt that turned the tide of the game in the third quarter. The Bills' defense did their part in this one, forcing three turnovers and holding the Texans to 37 rushing yards, but the offense proved far too inconsistent to win. This is a recurring, troubling theme for the Bills, whose early wins were mostly the product of defense and special teams -- and whose offense could threaten their chances of success this season.
Stock watch: Manuel, down. Yes, he threw that 80-yard touchdown strike to Mike Williams. I don't think that absolves Manuel of what was probably the NFL's worst quarterback performance of this season before that play. Manuel averaged 3.2 yards per attempt before his touchdown toss; only two games -- from Ryan Tannehill (3.04 yards per attempt in Week 16) and Nick Foles (2.76 yards per attempt in Week 7) -- were worse last season. Manuel didn't get help from his offensive line or receivers at times in Sunday's loss, but there were enough poor throws from Manuel to put the majority of the blame on the second-year quarterback's shoulders.
Williams injured: Veteran defensive tackle Kyle Williams, a team captain and the Bills' longest-tenured current player, departed to the locker room in the third quarter with a knee injury. He did not return. The Bills do not have a more consistent defensive player than Williams, and any lost time on his part would be a big blow.
Watkins watch: The Bills entered Week 4 as just one of two teams without a drop, according to ESPN Stats & Information. That changed quickly after Sammy Watkins dropped his first two targets Sunday from Manuel. Watkins finished with four catches for 30 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown grab. Through four games, Watkins has been a contributor to the Bills' offense but hardly the vital cog that Buffalo needs him to be.
Game ball: RB Fred Jackson. It's a back-to-back honor for Jackson, who also received my game ball in last week's loss to the San Diego Chargers. Even when the Bills' offense is down as a whole, Jackson keeps on trucking. He led the team with six catches, the second consecutive game that he's topped the Bills' receiving charts. Jackson, the NFL's oldest running back at 33, added 33 yards on seven rushes.
What's next: The Bills will head back on the road next weekend to face the Detroit Lions.
