A few Thoughts about the Chiefs Game, in no particular order

[Virgil]

For those who've read these for a while, you'll know that I typically try to let some time pass after each game before writing these.  My goal is to let the emotions, positive or negative, simmer down before attempting to put objective thoughts out there.  However, as some of you may know, I couldn't relax heading into this game and had to put a few thoughts out there for a pre-game.  While only week 5, as all the players reminded us after the game, I knew what was on the line for our confidence and one seed.  I didn't know what to expect, but I know it wasn't the complete domination that was put on display.  If ever there was a game that silenced every single doubt I had about our team, this was it.  If you are hear for negative thoughts at all, please keep scrolling.  In fact, I have more notes for this game than anything I've ever written, so be prepared for some generic headers.  Additionally, everything went so well, that the no particular order will be in full effect this game

 

1 - Beane - When we made our first two picks in this years draft, it was clear with the selection of Groot and Boogie that the Chiefs were on our mind.  Some, including myself, were skeptical about drafting the same position twice, but Beane (in all his wizardy) proved why he gets paid the big bucks.  Boogie surprised me with as much as he was on the field, but absolutely made an impact.  He didn't get a sack, but he disrupted the offensive line from almost every position and didn't let Mahomes get comfortable.  On the other side, Groot justified his selection on the tip and pick.  His size, athleticism, and overall awareness on the field is astounding considering how little NCAA and NFL experience he has.  Both guys were difference makers and you have to credit the plan all the way back in April by Beane.

 

2 - The Drive - There are so many plays to highlight in this game, but the last touchdown drive was by far the biggest standout to me that encompassed everything in this game.  Up by 11 and coming off a Chiefs touchdown, the Bills needed to kill some clock and drive the dagger into the Chiefs soul.  The Chiefs were prepared for the run and unleashed the blitzes.  Almost as if he had their playbook, Daboll called a masterful set of plays to counter anything being thrown at him.  If they blitzed, we called a quick pass to the opposing side.  If they stacked the box, we ran to the outside.  The icing on the cake was on first down inside the 20 when everyone assumed run, but Josh threw an absolute dart into a tight window to Sanders for a touchdown.  Not only was the play calling great, but the execution was perfect.  The Chiefs stacked 10 in the box at times and we were still able to run right through them.  When's the last time we could say that?  The drive was all about the Bills as an organization imposing their will against the reigning AFC champions on prime time to put everyone on notice.

 

3 - Knox - Cheers to the first tight end since the early nineties to break one hundred yards and score a touchdown.  Just a great game where Knox got open deep, made contested catches, and blocked like a champion all game.  While I've liked Knox since his angry run days, his hands and overall performance made me consider Ertz and Hollister to take the job.  Knox has been nothing short of spectacular this season as a tight end and the relationship between him and Allen is immeasurable.  His awareness on the touchdown pass to follow Allen across the field, make the catch and score from 60 yards out is just another weapon teams now have to plan for.  Knox on wood, but I'd say he's earned himself a drop or two without players calling for his job.

 

4 - I seem to recognize your face
Haunting familiar, yet I can't seem to place it
Cannot find the candle of thought to light your name
Lifetimes are catching up with me
All these changes taking place
I wish I'd seen the place
But no one's ever taken me

 

5 - Allen - As you know, I don't google or reference stats when writing these, so please save your corrections for the comments.  I believe Allen broke 300 yards on only 15 passing plays and averaged over 15 yards per completion?  At one point, he was 4 for 4 for 185 yards on passes over 15 yards.  I was worried about sugar high or 2022 Josh showing up for this game, but instead got "go ***** yourself" Josh.  He was accurate downfield with huge arm strength.  The first touchdown pass to Sanders was jaw dropping.  No man should be able to make that pass with so little arc and perfectly into a receivers hands from that far out.  It's unfair.  He ran with power and decisiveness.   His first rushing touchdown probably hurt the defenders more than himself.  On "The Drive," he slid after a decent rushing gain and the Honeybadger was standing over him with his arms on his hips, clearly frustrated as if saying "what else can we do?!"  Josh was the best quarterback on the field and it wasn't close to me.  For those who want to complain about his intentional grounding call, Diggs was 10 yards away from his grounded ball and even while laying out sideways, is a throw he can make.  Allen earned every single penny of that 43 million in this game and even hurdled a defender to celebrate!

 

6 - Hyde's Pick 6 - While Hyde was all over the field and played great, the pick 6 was such a great play that it needs it's own spot.  The Chiefs ran this play before in the game, where Hill went in motion and Tre followed him.  It's a drag route that almost utilizes a pick.  The first time they ran it, Hill got roughly 15 yards.  On this play, which even I saw coming, Hyde picked it up and broke on the pass quickly.  Chris "Chiefs Homer" Collinsworth put the pick on Hill, but I argue that the play of Tre and Hyde created that turnover and put the lead at 18.  Hyde can say it's only game 5, but he was balling tonight and was a main reason why Hill was overall ineffective in this game.  Also, the crushing hit against Kelce by Poyer and removing of Hills helmet might indicate we were a little hyped up and sent a message 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

7 - Frazier - I've been very critical of the defensive game plans we ran against the Chiefs last year.  However, we almost ran the same scheme against them this game and saw an entirely different result.  What a difference talent and one year makes!.  We didn't send a fifth blitzer during the entire game and gave up everything underneath.  Last year, CEH torched us or Hill/Kelce racked up insane YAC.  This year, our heavy line of Star, Boogie, Groot, and Oliver were making arm tackles as the halfbacks tried to sneak through holes.  Our defense was absolutely swarming to all plays within 10.  We let them catch it, but that was all they got.  I can't count how many gang tackles this team made.  Edmunds was decisive again and shut down multiple runs or plays to the outside.  With that, I formally apologize for my criticism of the game plan last year, as clearly it was a solid one.  There were countless plays were you could see Mahomes first, second, or even third reads be covered and he had to make things happen on the fly.  He was never comfortable and it showed. 

 

8 - The replacements, part 2 - Milano being out was a big concern heading into this game, as Kelce is such a threat (not tonight).  Klein stepped up in a big way and was very active on the field.  We didn't get to see him blitz, but he definitely wasn't a liability in coverage.  I also liked to see him and Milano talking on the sideline (just another strong relationship that translates on the field).  Additionally, Neal had a great game on defense and special teams.  He laid the thunder to cause a turnover against the Chiefs during a kickoff.  Additionally, he was assigned to cover Kelce and Tyreek a few times, doing a great job.  In a next man up culture, it was on display and both guys showed up solid.

 

9 - Receivers - Besides Sanders, the Chiefs effectively took Beasley and Diggs out of the game.  We brought in Davis and Kumerow on running plays, which were a bit obvious at times (until the Sanders second TD).  Diggs was concerning to me as it seemed like he was just locked up in single coverage against a relatively unknown defensive back.  Beasley was seen frustrated on the sideline as his usage seemed very low.  To score 38 points without most of our receivers contributing is even more amazing and shows everyone that we are truly multi-dimensional.  I am not worried about any of our receivers bouncing back.

 

10 - McD - McD thanked Reid for firing him as a defensive coordinator by frustrating him in front of his fans during Prime Time.  I know they have a good relationship and I don't have any issues with Reid.  But anyone telling you this wasn't a chip on McD's shoulder is lying to themselves.  This was a huge win and McD had his team more prepared and executed at a higher lever.  The thing that kept this game close was my fear and Chiefs reputation.  If you watched this game with no knowledge of either team, you would probably pick the Bills to win 9 times out of ten.  Everything, from coaching to players to execution worked in this game, and when that happens, you have to tip your cap to the head coach.

 

The sullied - I didn't want to disgrace the top 10 by mentioning either of these things, so here's my opportunity.  Also, I apologize to anyone who doesn't know me as I write this as it may leave a bad taste in your mouth about me.  With that, ***** the refs and ***** Chris Collinsworth.  Some calls went against the Chiefs, but my god were they inconsistent.  The phantom hold against Morse should result in a fine.  I understand that a physical game was played, but there was just no excuse for the amount of flags thrown.  Secondly, if the Chiefs did well, it's because Mahomes and Reid are amazing.  If the Chiefs did bad, it's because the Chiefs made a mistake.  According to Collinsworth, the Bills had zero to do with the outcome of this game and simply showed up.  You could see the Chiefs thong CC was wearing at times and I'm glad we don't have to hear from him again anytime soon.

 

 

The Bills control their destiny to the 1 seed and have a very forgiving schedule coming up.  Let's not have a letdown against the Titans and continue to roll.

 

Go Bills!!!!

 

 

Edited October 11, 2021 by Virgil

[The Wiz]

Regarding #5, Sal said this morning he's the first QB in a decade to pass for 300+ yards on 15 or less attempts.

 

Last one was Josh Freeman for Tampa.

Edited October 11, 2021 by The Wiz

[Virgil]

Just now, The Wiz said:

Regarding #5, Sal said this morning he's the first QB in a decade to pass for 300+ yards on 15 or less attempts.

 

Last one was Josh Freeman for Tampa.

So, elite company 😋

[cwater10]

8 minutes ago, The Wiz said:

Last one was Josh Freeman for Tampa

Do I remember Josh Freeman as a Bill for something like 1 game or was that a just a very strange bad dream to have?

[BritBill]

Very good as usual, Virgil.

 

In regard to point 1, I’d love to have Beane paid in massive arses 👍 

[Arkady Renko]

8 minutes ago, cwater10 said:

Do I remember Josh Freeman as a Bill for something like 1 game or was that a just a very strange bad dream to have?

I think you are thinking of Josh Johnson.  The Bills tried to sign Josh Freeman, who ended up signing with the Vikes mid-season and failing.  

[CSBill]

👍 👏 😎

[buffaloboyinATL]

Great write up as usual Virgil. Collinsworth kept trying to pin our success on the fact that Chris Young didn’t play, and finally, after he said it at least 20 times, Al Michaels pointed out that the Bills were without Milano and still played well. (I’m not sure Collinsworth knew who Milano was, based on his reaction). 

[cwater10]

Just now, Arkady Renko said:

I think you are thinking of Josh Johnson.  The Bills tried to sign Josh Freeman, who ended up signing with the Vikes mid-season and failing.

So my subconscious had a wrong Josh nightmare, the prequel?  The drought was tougher on me than I thought.

[The Poojer]

Collinsworth also called Josh Allen mediocre in his first 2 seasons.  Inconsistent, jumpy, exciteable, sure, but he has never been mediocre while in a Buffalo uniform

 

Just now, buffaloboyinATL said:

Great write up as usual Virgil. Collinsworth kept trying to pin our success on the fact that Chris Young didn’t play, and finally, after he said it at least 20 times, Al Michaels pointed out that the Bills were without Milano and still played well. (I’m not sure Collinsworth knew who Milano was, based on his reaction). 

[Rick 'r Mortis]

Pearl Jam fan.

 

You have a special place in my 💓 forever.

[The Wiz]

1 minute ago, The Poojer said:

Collinsworth also called Josh Allen mediocre in his first 2 seasons.  Inconsistent, jumpy, exciteable, sure, but he has never been mediocre while in a Buffalo uniform

 

 

[Virgil]

6 minutes ago, BritBill said:

Very good as usual, Virgil.

 

In regard to point 1, I’d love to have Beane paid in massive arses 👍 

Good catch.  Thank you 

[cwater10]

23 minutes ago, Virgil said:

2 - The Drive - There are so many plays to highlight in this game, but the last touchdown drive was by far the biggest standout to me that encompassed everything in this game.  Up by 11 and coming off a Chiefs touchdown, the Bills needed to kill some clock and drive the dagger into the Chiefs soul.  The Chiefs were prepared for the run and unleashed the blitzes.  Almost as if he had their playbook, Daboll called a masterful set of plays to counter anything being thrown at him.  If they blitzed, we called a quick pass to the opposing side.  If they stacked the box, we ran to the outside.  The icing on the cake was on first down inside the 20 when everyone assumed run, but Josh threw an absolute dart into a tight window to Sanders for a touchdown.  Not only was the play calling great, but the execution was perfect.  The Chiefs stacked 10 in the box at times and we were still able to run right through them.  When's the last time we could say that?  The drive was all about the Bills as an organization imposing their will against the reigning AFC champions on prime time to put everyone on notice.

This was so impressive.  How great was it to see The Bills on the delivering end of one of those answers?  The look on Mahomes face from the sideline revealed so much about the moment.

[In Summary]

• Virgil's day after posts have a nice tone and tenor.  Thanks.
• For Buffalo not to reestablish it's defensive identity would actually be surprising for a McDermott team.  I enjoy a smothering defense as much as I enjoy the 300+ yard passing performances.
• Allen looked confident and played smart - especially considering the weather conditions.  No back foot throws and held onto the ball. 
• With an emerging Knox, Buffalo finally crosses the threshold where there are just too many threats for opposing defenses to handle.  
• Poyer had a nice hit later in the game.   He consistently hits which I love because a "finesse defense" scares nobody.  I think you're still allowed to hit and intimidate without going full on Bill Romanowski or Vontaze Burfict (??).  
• Bleeding the clock with effective runs when you're playing with a lead later in the game is a beautiful thing.  Each 1st down is just crushing to the opponent. 

[Just in Atlanta]

Great reporting, as usual. 

 

My extra take:

When Rousseau's near, you can feel the offense feeling his presence. When he wraps you, he takes you down a second quicker than other defenders. He positively engulfed the Chiefs skill players a few times.

 

My God, Mahomes cries a lot. Not sure if this is his MO or if he was desperate. 

 

Teams going for it on fourth - what a sign that our offense is (still) explosive but (now) also diverse.

 

Our D line never looked out of gas, even chasing Mahomes all over the place. We now have strength and depth defensively. 

I normally like Collinsworth but he got on my nerves, as well as the nerves of most Bills fans last night. In addition to his bad hot takes he also applauded Dawkins, who is well known statistically to be the worst lineman in the league during the first four games.

 

Those flags! But it not just against the Bills. That roughing the passer call for Allen was also BS - it took away a Chiefs INT and you could argue the calls were worse against the Chiefs. These control freaks really need to chillax a bit and let them play the game. Wasn't there supposed to be more relaxing around holding this year?

 

Allen would not be denied in the fourth. You could see it in his eyes. 

We have the No. 1 team in the AFC and there should be little debate. How cool is that?

[Rock'em Sock'em]

13 minutes ago, The Wiz said:

 

I loved that exchange between AM and CC.

AM: He hinished 2nd in MVP last year, he seems to be the leader this year...

CC: Yeah, yeah, he's been pretty good but...

AM: 2nd down and 6 off the fake, Josh Allen throws, touchdown!

CC: OK, he's the MVP.

[ticketssince61]

42 minutes ago, Virgil said:

6.  Our defense was absolutely swarming to all plays within 10.  We let them catch it, but that was all they got.  I can't count how many gang tackles this team made.

 

That was the aspect of the defense that stood out the most to me. Every time they completed a short pass, there was a total swarm of Bills around the receiver.

 

It seemed they had no YAC as a 5 yard completion stayed a 5 yard completion and not 15 yards and a first down. Frazier called a great game, and the Bills D executed it to perfection

[RichRiderBills]

26 minutes ago, cwater10 said:

So my subconscious had a wrong Josh nightmare, the prequel?  The drought was tougher on me than I thought.

 

We also signed Devonta Freeman last year right?

 

So we have a Freeman too...

[RochesterLifer]

7 minutes ago, In Summary said:

• Allen looked confident and played smart - especially considering the weather conditions.  No back foot throws and held onto the ball. 

Actually (and this is not intended to argue), I think Josh is still throwing off his back foot at times, but pulling through the throwing motion with his upper body. I am wondering if that is key the adjustment he made. In younger days, I was a college pitcher and pay attention to (albeit different) throwing motions. The second half throw to Knox is where is was most apparent to me. Maybe (I have inadequate knowledge here) his problem was not throwing off his back foot, but not following though, allowing the ball to softly sail. I could easily be wrong on this.