The Bills have yet again set the stage for a high-stakes showdown. After a nail-biting 27-25 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo is heading to the AFC Championship game, cementing their place among the NFL’s elite. And as is often the case, Josh Allen played his part, steering the ship with another impressive performance, even if the numbers didn’t scream MVP.
The defense rose to the occasion with timely takeaways, and the special teams held their ground without mishaps. But, the real buzz in Buffalo revolves around how they’ve prepared to tackle the Kansas City Chiefs, a team they’ve eyed all season.
The Divisional Round triumph over the Ravens served as a blueprint for challenging the Chiefs. It’s clear the Bills need to dominate on the ground, a feat they convincingly demonstrated on Sunday.
Buffalo managed to eke out 0.18 expected points added per play with their rushing attack while breaking even through the air. James Cook anchored the rushing game, churning out 67 yards on 17 carries, and he wasn’t alone in his efficiency.
Ty Johnson contributed with five carries for 31 yards, while Ray Davis added four runs for 29 yards, including a crucial touchdown. Even Allen, primarily known for his aerial prowess, made a dent on the ground. His 20 rushing yards might not turn heads, but the two crucial touchdowns he notched up surely did, proving pivotal as the passing game hit a stalemate in the third quarter.
Containing Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes in the postseason is like trying to hold back a tidal wave. Yet, if Buffalo’s running backs can keep the down markers in sight and Allen can muscle through on crucial downs, this might just be their ticket to success.
Kansas City, with its defense-first approach backed by Mahomes’ brilliance, is a formidable fortress. If the Bills rely solely on Allen’s heroics, the Chiefs will be ready to capitalize on any mishaps and let Mahomes do what he does best.
However, if Allen and his rushers can control the flow of the game, keeping the Chiefs on their heels, Buffalo could very well dictate the terms. By managing the clock wisely and leveraging Allen’s tactical play on critical downs, there’s a pathway to victory on the ground, possibly avoiding the need to air it out against a relentless Kansas City defense.
Buffalo knows the weight of this moment. The opportunity to beat a juggernaut like the Chiefs hinges on their ground game prowess and Allen’s grit. Getting that balance right could be their golden ticket to advancing.
