Buffalo Rumblings
Bolton is the full package as a dominant NFL linebacker with the Chiefs
The Buffalo Bills hit the field at Arrowhead Stadium this evening to face the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. Among the many headlines to consider and Chiefs players to take note of, one player quarterback Josh Allen and company will have to pay special attention to is linebacker Nick Bolton.
Bolton is simply one of the best players on Kansas City’s defense. He led the Chiefs in tackles with 106 during the regular season and was third in tackles for loss with six.
Let’s see what the film says about KC’s star linebacker.
When the Bills attempt to rush the ball with running back James Cook, staying on block will be vitally important in going against Bolton. Here’s why:
As above, when the ball was snapped Bolton ran forward, heading right. He then engaged the offensive linemen and shed his block to then turn and make the tackle on the RB for a stop.
Here we get to see Bolton’s instincts on the blitz. As Bolton began his blitz and engaged the center, he then flowed left as quarterback Justin Herbert scrambled right to then hit Herbert just as he was throwing the ball.
This is a play we could see a few times in the battle between Bolton and Josh Allen.
Here we get to see Bolton’s physicality, which is something Buffalo will have to be ready for when attempting to establish its running game.
At the snap, Bolton flowed right in pursuit of the running back. He then met the H back in the hole (the led blocker), destroying the block to then make the tackle for the stop.
As the film and stats show, Nick Bolton is a full-on problem at the linebacker position. He’s an adept defender in both the passing and run game. Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense will have to be aware of where Bolton is on every play.
What do you believe the Bills need to do in trying to take Nick Bolton out of the game?
