The Bills victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11 was a mission statement to the rest of the NFL. Andy Reid’s team escaped with several wins in more than half of their nine victories. After playing in Buffalo in Week 11, the Chiefs fell to a team that exposed some dents in the armors of the two-time defending Super Bowl Champions.
Like most meetings between the two teams, the last two drives of the game determined the winner. Josh Allen’s 26-yard touchdown run ended the Chiefs undefeated season, but the game was not without its issues for both teams.
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Kansas City has often played down to its competition, playing close games against both the Las Vegas Raiders (win, 27-20) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (30-24). Despite that, the Chiefs still beat every team on its schedule. Buffalo has fired off six straight wins. Even with the hard-fought victory, what will translate into a potential second meeting between the two teams?
What Will Translate In A Second Meeting After Bills Victory Over Chiefs?
Factors That Worked And May Work Again Against Kansas City
Since Buffalo won, a lot of things worked. One huge reason for the win was winning the time of possession battle. Kansas City entered the game leading the NFL at 33:22. Patrick Mahomes and the offense were able to control the ball in every one of its victories, putting pressure on opposing offenses.
That pressure in turn translated into forcing mistakes the Chiefs turned into points. By sustaining its drives throughout the game, the Bills limited Mahomes’ chances of grinding out the clock. Buffalo’s victory was highlighted by winning the time of possession battle 34:03-25:57. Here’s the breakdown of Buffalo’s touchdown drives:
- 1st Quarter – 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:15
- 2nd Quarter – 9 plays, 70 yards, 4:45
- 4th Quarter – 10 plays, 83 yards, 6:03
- 4th Quarter – 12 plays, 70 yards, 5:35
Buffalo made its long drives count instead of coming away with nothing. Against a team like the Chiefs, that’s paramount, especially since the games will always be close. The Bills pass rush recorded only two sacks, but entering the showdown, the Chiefs offensive line allowed only 20 sacks. With the secondary clamping down on Kansas City’s receivers, Von Miller and Terrel Bernard were able to take Mahomes to the ground.
An Effective Offensive Approach In Bills Victory
Since Kansas City was a top-five team against the rush, Buffalo needed to alter its ground attack. James Cook only had 20 yards on 9 carries but punched it in for two scores. He also caught five passes for only seven yards. Even with less-than-average numbers, the mere fact was that the Chiefs had to account for Cook. The Bills weren’t going to rush for 200 yards and three touchdowns but still needed to keep Kansas City honest on the ground.
Allen’s legs actually proved to be the most effective as he rushed 12 times for 55 yards and a fourth-quarter score. Instead of putting on his cape through the air, Allen punished the strength of the Chiefs defense. Conversely, Mahomes didn’t take off and run like he usually does when receivers are covered.
The passing game didn’t burn the Chiefs to the ground but it still proved to be effective without two top options. Both Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid missed the game, but Curtis Samuel (5 receptions, 58 yards, touchdown) and Dawson Knox (4 receptions, 40 yards) contributed. Amari Cooper (2 catches, 55 yards) returned as well. With a full complement of receivers, the offense could be more explosive in a potential second meeting.
What May Not Work in January
Winning masks many issues but the issues still remain. While Buffalo didn’t allow a sack, the Chiefs defenders routinely put pressure on Allen. Chris Jones was in the backfield a lot but Allen’s mobility allowed him to evade the pressure in the Bills’ victory. A few steps in a different direction and those evasive maneuvers could turn into sacks.
The Bills defense did a good job of stopping Kansas City’s 21st-ranked rushing attack. Kareem Hunt did plow through the hole several times but only had 60 yards on 14 carries. Starting back Isiah Pacheco should be back in the coming weeks. He’s a more diverse back, but the two-headed monster will be harder to stop.
If Kansas City dedicates its game plan to pound the ground more in another meeting, it could test Buffalo’s 13th-ranked rush defense. Another issue that has persisted during Buffalo’s 9-2 start is issues in the kicking game.
Tyler Bass missed an extra point against the Chiefs and is 33-of-37 on the year. He’s also 19-of-22 on field goal attempts. When that happens against top-tier opponents, it can often cost a team victory. If Bass can’t address his misses, the regular season victory may be meaningless if it’s the difference between advancing or going home.
Main Photo Courtesy of Gregory Fisher – Imagn Images
