Kansas City, Mo. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Bills got a much-needed win in Kansas City over the Chiefs on Sunday, 20-17, to keep their playoff hopes alive.
It’s back to the Arrows pointing Up to start:
ARROW UP:
The locker room
After a very tumultuous week at One Bills Drive, especially with head coach Sean McDermott in the crosshairs after a scathing article was written about him and his style, multiple players not only came to his defense while speaking after the game, but the common words were “Sean has our back, and we have his.”
Several even said the situation pulled them together, and galvanized them as they prepared for this game.
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James Cook
Cook had one of his best games as a pro, rushing 10 times for 58 yards, (5.8 per-carry) and catching five passes for 83 yards and a touchdown, totaling 141 yards of offense.
Josh Allen heroics
Allen didn’t have the best day statistically, completing 23-of-42 passes for 233 yards, one touchdown and one interception, but he made a few spectacular plays when they were absolutely needed. This included a few throws as he was surrounded by defenders and either going down or out of bounds to connect for gains.
The Bills starting quarterback also ran for 32 yards, totaling 264 yards of offense, including a touchdown run.
Knox and Kincaid
Much was made about the return of Dawson Knox and how he would fit into the Bills offense. He was a needed asset, as he and Dalton Kincaid were targeted a combined 11 times, catching eight of those passes for 57 yards.
A.J. Epenesa
Epenesa got hurt early in the game, but before that happened, made a huge play on the Chiefs’ first offensive series. The fourth-year pass rusher stepped in front of a Patrick Mahomes pass to bat it up in the air, and then come down with the interception himself.
Taron Johnson
The Bills' nickel cornerback lead all players on the Buffalo defense with nine total tackles, while also adding a pass breakup and fumble recovery.
Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau
Oliver and Rousseau combined for the only sack the Bills had on the day. Between the two of them, they also added up for five tackles, three quarterback hurries, and two pass breakups.
Tyler Bass
The Bills kicker was perfect on the day, connecting on both of his extra point attempts and both of his field goal tries. This included the 39-yard game-winning kick with 1:54 remaining in the contest.
Penalties
The Bills did commit a couple penalties that were costly, but overall did a good job of staying disciplined in a tough, loud environment. They were called for only four fouls for 35 yards on the day.
ARROW DOWN:
Fourth quarter punt return
On the first play of the fourth quarter, the Bills were leading by three points and needed to pin the Chiefs deep in their own territory. However, Sam Martin’s punt only traveled 40 yards, and returner Richie James came back 25 yards the other way to set Kansas City up at the Bills' 41-yard line.
Eight plays later, the Chiefs tied the game with a field goal.
Pass protection
The Chiefs were able to get to Allen far too much, often times forcing him to bail on the pocket. They finished the game with three total sacks, but also 10 quarterback hurries.
Third down defense
The Chiefs finished the game 6-for-12 (50%) on third downs.
End of half clock management
At the end of the first half, the Bills had the ball at the Chiefs' 48-yard line with 26 seconds remaining. Plenty of time to get into field goal range, even though they had no timeouts remaining.
However, Allen threw an incompletion deep, then decided to run on 3rd-and-1, costing valuable time. With only six seconds remaining, he spiked the ball. With no timeouts left, the Bills attempted a Hail Mary from the Kansas City 44-yard line that fell incomplete.
Buffalo came away with no points, despite still leading 14-7.
Play-calling in final minutes
With the game tied and the Bills with a first down at the Chiefs' 22-yard line with 2:12 remaining, they attempted a wide receiver screen to Stefon Diggs, which fell incomplete and stopped the clock. This was helpful for the Chiefs, as it saved them from burning a timeout.
Then on the next play, with 2:10 left, Allen threw deep, but that was also incomplete, once again stopping the clock.
Instead of getting the game to the two-minute warning after one play, they allowed the Chiefs much more time when they finally received the ball after the Bills ultimately kicked a field goal.
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