Chiefs-Bills 5 questions with the enemy: How important is the loss of S Taylor Rapp?

We welcome Buffalo Rumblings for answers to five questions about the Bills before Sunday’s Week 11 matchup

On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs face the Buffalo Bills for the AFC Championship and a trip to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. We welcome Matt Byham of Buffalo Rumblings — our sister SB Nation site covering the Bills — for Five Questions with the Enemy.

1) Safety Taylor Rapp appears to be the biggest injury concern for the Bills this week. What would his absence mean for the Bills’ defense, and what they do well?

As of publishing, Rapp has been downgraded to “out” for Sunday. That’s not ideal for the Bills, obviously. He’s a monster hitter and tackler, but that sometimes comes as a detriment to his availability and those around him. As for what that means defensively, it all falls on Damar Hamlin and most likely rookie safety Cole Bishop (and potentially Kareem Jackson). Hamlin has blossomed this season as a more complete player who confidently diagnoses and communicates to his teammates.

I wonder if, should Buffalo struggle without Rapp, they might pivot to a 3LB look, bringing in Dorian Williams while sliding nickel cornerback Taron Johnson back to safety. It’s unlikely to happen since it’s more of a wishlist item of mine.

Losing Rapp doesn’t necessarily negate what the defense does well: that is playing sound fundamental football that maintains gap integrity while constantly looking to force a turnover.

Professional athletes always preach “next man up.” This team takes it seriously and their depth prepares as any starter would.

2) Buffalo delivered key turnovers against Baltimore, but they also never forced a Ravens’ punt, and Baltimore was in position to tie the game late. What are the weaknesses of the Bills’ defense at this point in the year?

Up until last weekend, their biggest weakness was stopping the run. Though Henry had a decent game, his rushing total was less than the yards he gained taking the football for six on the first play in Week 4.

Since it’s the playoffs, I’ll point out the team’s legacy weakness of failing to generate meaningful pressure along the defensive line. Top to bottom from edge rushers, to well-rounded defensive end, and the interior linemen, the common theme has been Buffalo’s defensive line disappearing in big games. I see that as one of the main keys for the Bills this weekend: Can they generate enough of the right pressure on Mahomes?

Another area of concern for me is pass defense against tight ends. For whatever reason, it always seems a though TEs find their way open with plenty of YAC. Even last week, when Terrel Bernard popped the ball out of Mark Andrews’ grip, I was lamenting how open he was to initially make the catch.

**3) In the first meeting, Buffalo used an efficient passing day by Josh Allen and a few key big plays...