The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills added another enthralling chapter to their rivalry in Sunday’s AFC Championship. For the fourth straight time in the postseason, Kansas City emerged victorious.
Lost in the midst of speculation of missed calls by the officials and a national audience growing tired of the Chiefs’ success was the stellar play of Patrick Mahomes. Despite a fumble early in the game, Mahomes rallied to throw for 245 yards and a touchdown while scampering for 43 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Usually, such a performance indicates a big game for tight end Travis Kelce, Mahomes go-to threat. But the Bills held him in check with only two catches and 19 yards for the future Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Kelce did stir criticism, not as much from his performance. Instead, his celebration of a Mahomes touchdown enraged his critics.
With just under two minutes to go in the second quarter, the Chiefs’ quarterback maneuvered one yard into the end zone for a score that gave Kansas City a 21-10 lead.
Kelce followed behind, shaking his head and taunting Bills safety Damar Hamlin. The minimal exchange did not draw a flag, but Jordan Phillips took offense and rumbled onto the scene to collide helmets with Kelce.
The veteran frankly sold the significance of the collision. Tony Romo called him out immediately.
“Travis Kelce knows how to get under your skin,” Romo said on the broadcast. “And then Phillips comes in. He tries for the flop.”
The ensuing penalty did not affect Buffalo as they would march down the field and score a touchdown before halftime. While Romo may have correctly identified Kelce’s intentions here, he also points to a revealing truth of the game.
There is certainly a mental edge for Kansas City who seems to have Buffalo’s number when it comes to the postseason. Phillips’ mistake did not cost the Bills in the moment necessarily, but the deciding moments sprinkled throughout the game leaned in favor of the victors.
Regardless of Romo’s flop’ criticisms or the vitriol spewed from the haters of the Chiefs’ dynasty, that overall levelheadedness has benefitted Kansas City more times than not durning their incredible run.
