The Houston Texans are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Buffalo Bills, and despite the hype surrounding the game, the team is focused on treating it as just another contest. Coach DeMeco Ryans emphasized the importance of staying focused on the present moment, saying, “It’s ‘can we play our best versus our next opponent?’ All of the storylines on the contenders and all — we’re in Week 5. Let’s be the best team in Week 5, and that’s the only thing that matters.”
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who was traded from the Bills in the offseason, echoed Ryans’ sentiments, stating, “A lot of other people are gonna feel away or have a lot to say about X, Y, Z and I don’t mind. I’m not mad at it. Just trying to go 1-0.” Diggs is looking forward to facing his former team, but he’s not letting emotions get the better of him.
The game also features an intriguing quarterback matchup between C.J. Stroud and Josh Allen. Stroud, who had a successful rookie campaign, is coming off a historic year where he was named to the Pro Bowl and won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Allen, on the other hand, has finished top-three in MVP voting twice and is leading the league in total QBR.
When asked if the quarterback matchup added excitement, Stroud replied, “Not really. [Allen is] a heck of a football player, but, of course, yeah, my competitive nature is I want to win my one-on-one. But it’s not an added juice or anything. It’s just another week, trying to go 1-0 versus myself.”
The Texans will need to rely on their passing game to propel them, especially if running back Joe Mixon is unable to play. Stroud has been effective through the air, ranking fifth in passing yards, while Diggs has been a reliable target, ranking sixth in receptions. Wide receiver Nico Collins has also been impressive, becoming the first player since 1999 to lead the league in receiving yards by over 100 yards through the first four weeks of a season.
As the Texans prepare to face the Bills, they’re focused on staying grounded and avoiding distractions. With a chance to win at least four games in the first five for the first time since 2012, the team is eager to prove themselves against one of the AFC’s top teams.
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