The Buffalo Bills' inconsistent season continued with a 23-19 loss to the Houston Texans, with Sean McDermott's team once again unable to consolidate itself in the AFC playoff picture.
While the loss was poor, the biggest storyline to come out of the game was the Bills' offensive line's performance against the Texans' much-vaunted defense.
In total, eight sacks were allowed, as the offensive line, which did have some moving and shaking due to injuries, simply couldn't hold up against the Texans' ferocious pass rush.
And speaking on his MVP quarterback getting mauled, coordinator Joe Brady knows that simply can't happen if they want to win football games,
"I mean, at the end of the day, Josh got hit too much, and that's not a recipe for any success,” Brady said.
More: Bills' Joe Brady has odd reaction to baffling Tyrell Shavers game vs. Texans in Week 12
Bills' AFC East dominance over after Texans loss
Having won the division for the past five straight seasons, the Bills have been the bullies of the AFC East, but now, with the emergence of Drake Maye with Mike Vrabel, the New England Patriots have two hands on the AFC East title.
At 9-2 and the Bills at 7-4, there is now some serious breathing room for the Patriots, and if they beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12, then that lead will be extended.
The Bills and Patriots do meet in Week 15, but if things keep trending the way they are, Buffalo could be out of contention for the division before it even meets New England. Playoffs aren't on shaky ground for Buffalo, but the division certainly is, and you can make the case that it is already gone.
The winds of change are blowing through the AFC East, folks.
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