NFL
By: Rick O’Donnell
The Kansas City Chiefs more than hoped to see this matchup this weekend against the Buffalo Bills. The Chiefs and Bills are becoming a regular storyline in the postseason and now KC will be looking for their retribution against Buffalo from their mid-season loss back in November. The Chiefs have been shaky at times but there hasn’t been much slowing them down on their way to the first 3-peat in NFL history. How exactly do they pull it off and beat the Bills?
It needs to start with the most obvious of statements, getting your playmakers more involved. Earlier in the season the Chiefs were without RB Isiah Pachecko, Kareem Hunt was bottled up for 60 yards, Travis Kelce faired far worse with 2 catches for 8 yards, and Patrick Mahomes threw for less than 200 yards and 2 interceptions. With the Chiefs healthier this time around, they should be able to spread the ball out more, open up the field, and make fewer mistakes. It will no doubt be a shootout as it always is with these two teams, but finding creative ways to get guys open will go a long way.
Kansas City might not be as explosive as they’ve been in the past but they’re finding ways to win close football games. One of the main reasons is taking care of the football. If Mahomes ends up with too much pressure in his face and rushes throws again, he has to make sure to throw them away. In the battle of field position with two gunslingers, Kansas City has survived against newcomers in the playoffs, but Buffalo is no longer naive to their ways. They can’t afford to give Buffalo any ground to make a play on.
It’s easier said than done, but the Chiefs need to bottle up Josh Allen. The Bills QB was their leading rusher in their first matchup and has been making guys pay with his legs for some time now. KC can’t afford to let the QB rush for 4.6 ypc when they’re trying to create second, or third, and long situations. If you remove Josh Allen’s rushes from the stat sheet, Buffalo rushed for less than 3.0 ypc. Against most other teams that’s a drive killer, but if they let Josh Allen scramble without help, he’s going to find ways to burn them.
The Chiefs DBs also need to stay aggressive. One of the biggest knocks against Allen throughout his career are his turnovers. If the Chiefs can tighten up coverage while making receivers look open, there might be opportunities. If they give too much of a cushion then Allen will pick them apart. The Bills got 7 receivers involved the last time these two teams met. 3 of those pass catchers had over 50 yards receiving. They also allowed Buffalo to average 9.7 yards per reception. You can’t beat a team when they’re averaging a first down every time they air out the football. Tighten up the defense but disguise your DBs coverage and get takeaways.
Kansas City has been winning close games all season by the skin of their teeth. That’s nothing new for HC Andy Reid and he’s coached teams to get the job done despite their flaws. However, if the Kansas City Chiefs don’t match Buffalo’s energy this weekend it could slip away from them again. Clean it up and make a statement on your home turf.
