NFL Playoffs 2020: Fatal flaw of all 12 playoff teams
Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans
In the opening round of the 2020 NFL Playoffs, the Buffalo Bills take on the Houston Texans. After going two decades without making the playoffs the Bills are in for the second time in three seasons. The Texans are in for the fourth time in five seasons.
Bills’ fatal flaw: Passing game
The Bills played very well in 2019. Even though they lost both of their games to the New England Patriots, they played them tough in both games and could have won either or both of those games. However, their passing game isn’t too good.
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The Bills’ passing attack ranked 24th in passing attempts and 26th in passing yards. They also ranked 21st in yards per pass attempt. This is a passing league and teams need to have an effective passing attack in order to win. The days of “three yards and a cloud of dust” are over.
Quarterback Josh Allen threw for 3,089 yards but only completed 58.8 percent of his passes. That won’t cut it in the playoffs. He needs to be accurate for the BIlls to win.
Texans’ fatal flaw: Offensive line
The Houston Texans ranked in the bottom quarter of the league in sacks allowed (49). Only one other team in the bottom quarter made the playoffs, the Tennessee Titans.
The Texans have a very good quarterback in Deshaun Watson. Watson spent most of the season running for his life yet threw for 3,852 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also completed 67.3 percent of his passes.
The Texans ranked last in pre-snap penalties with 36. They put themselves in a bad spot before a play even begins. If Watson has enough time to throw he could carve just about any defense. He’s proven to be a clutch quarterback who saves his best for the big games. If his offensive line keeps him upright in the playoffs, the Texans can ride Watson all the way to the Super Bowl.