Five Questions with Battle Red Blog to get you ready for Bills at Texans

After a month of regular-season play, the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans both sit at 3-1 and atop their respective divisions. That isn't all they have in common, and it's a good bet you understand what else is on the docket this week. It's officially Stefon Diggs Week, and we're about to find out if the sparks are gonna fly . You can be certain Josh Allen and Diggs will both be turned on and amped up to prove they're each going to be just fine without the other.

This week, I connect with Scott Barzilla of SB Nation's Battle Red Blog to find out more about the Houston Texans' start to 2024. On tap is everything from quarterback C.J. Stroud's second season, and how integral running back Joe Mixon is to the Texans' success and what playing without him means this season.

Of course I also asked Barzilla something about Diggs before wanting to find out who some of Houston's more unheralded players are. We wrap things up by having Barzilla weigh in with his thoughts on the best way to attack and defend against the Texans.

Be sure to check out my responses to Barzilla's Bills-focused questions , available over at Battle Red Blog and also pinned on the home page of Buffalo Rumblings.

You can also hear what Scott Barzilla had to say in conversation with John Boccacino during the latest episode of Billieve.

I don't think Stroud himself is really much different. There's more talent around him. He has demonstrated a little more ability to make plays off schedule, but you are looking at pretty much the same Stroud.

This team in 19 games without Mixon since Ryans took over as coach has tried to establish a run game and maybe succeeded twice. Mixon is a different animal. He can make guys miss and get something out of nothing. He gives the Texans a credible running attack, which keeps the pressure off of Stroud to play hero ball.

Diggs has really been good around the goal line and on third downs. He has been good in working with young receivers. I'm sure that's due to him being in a walk year, but I'll take it.

The stars are on defense so far this year. Linebacker Henry To'o'to'o has been the most improved player on the team. He is playing much faster than he did before. Rookie corner Kamari Lassiter has been solid so far on the season as well.

The Texans are beatable with the run. You can neutralize their pass rushers by putting them on their heels. The Texans have struggled to cover tight ends so Kincaid could have a big day as well. On defense you shut down the run game and apply pressure to Stroud.