I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t sweating it leading up to the Bills/Chiefs game. I thought we’d probably win, but those games are often so crazy that it’s hard not to have room for doubt. Doubt no more Chiefs Kingdom! In 2024, AFC teams must still deal with the Chiefs to get to the Super Bowl.
It was a stressful game but less stressful than the last three meetings. The defense seemed to struggle to stop the run, but whether it was by design or not, they didn’t give up any big chunk plays. They kept the game close through the entire contest, only allowing Allen and his bills one touchdown.
Mahomes and his offense didn’t let the defense carry them this time.
The defense made the Bills work slowly down the field, and then the Chief’s offense punished them with short, quick drives. One drive had only a few plays before they scored. In fairness, the Bills punter often gave them a great field position.
Josh Allen only completed 10/21 passes beyond the line of scrimmage, while Mahomes went 17/23 for 215 yards and ran for another 19.
Travis Kelce’ had five receptions for 75 yards and TWO touchdowns (giving Mahomes and Kelce the record for most touchdown connections in postseason history). The best part about breaking that record was watching Jason celebrate his brother in the suites was something to behold.
Rashee Rice had a relatively quiet night, only having four receptions for 47 yards, but he looked injured and was enough to keep the Bills defense honest.
This benefitted Noah Gray AND MVS (who may not be able to catch a cold, but occasionally, he can catch the ball in big moments).
Isaiah Pacheco Tallied 97 rushing yards and added 14 yards receiving and a touchdown of his own.
On the defensive side, Justin Reid had eight solo tackles, with one for a loss and a quarterback hit. Drue Tranquil had four solo tackles, with one for a loss.
Trent McDuffie was quiet for him but had two tackles and a pass defended (unfortunately, that was probably an interception by Sneed if he had let that one go), but how will he get his 1st interception if he doesn’t keep trying?
George Karlaftis had a tackle for a loss and a pass defended. Chris Jones had a quarterback hit and a pass defended. Willie Gay had a tackle for a loss, and Jaylen Watson had a pass defended.
It’s hard to gauge how this team will do against the Ravens. I think of Allen as a better passer, but Lamar can undoubtedly pass, and he is extremely dangerous when he runs. We might still need more from our offense to keep up with the Ravens.
Having said that, every time I think I have our chiefs figured out, they surprise me. Sometimes for better, other times for worse.
Whatever happens Sunday, savor this moment, Chiefs Kingdom. The Chiefs have taken eight straight division titles and are on their 6th straight trip to the AFC Championship Game. This is a special time, and we should enjoy it while it lasts.
Until next time… GO CHIEFS!
