Arrowhead Pride
Kansas City’s coordinators are preparing for another big showdown in Buffalo.
The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for what has become an annual showdown against the Buffalo Bills. Including the postseason, the two teams have faced off seven times since 2020. Once again, they find themselves at the top of the AFC standings: the 9-0 Chiefs lead the race for the No. 1 seed — with the 8-2 Bills right behind them.
While both teams are led by elite quarterbacks — Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen — neither has been its usual dominant level this season. But the intensity of this rivalry tends to bring out the best in both superstars.
Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo knows all too well that Allen poses s significant challenge. He’s played a pivotal role in three consecutive regular-season victories over the Chiefs.
“Listen, with this quarterback, there aren’t enough superlatives to say,” Spagnuolo said glowingly. “The extent of my knowledge and words is not good enough to do him justice because he’s tough and then, they put [running back James Cook] back there who can run it. We have to continue to play the run well — and then there’s all the other stuff.”
While Allen’s ball security has been one of his biggest improvements this season — he’s thrown just four interceptions against 17 touchdowns — Spagnuolo is concerned about what the quarterback brings to Buffalo’s ground game. By averaging 4.7 yards per carry (and scoring four rushing touchdowns), Allen’s dual-threat ability continues to be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
“What they add to it is the quarterback can run — and he runs like a fullback,” Spagnuolo explained, noting that he has the size to run straight ahead, rather than side-to-side. “So we know what we’re in for. We’ve gone against him quite a bit, but a lot of respect for him. We have our work cut out for us.”
Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is focused on preparing for a Bills defense that has allowed the league’s ninth-fewest points per game. It thrives on complementary football, using an aggressive pass rush to set up opportunities for a ball-hawking secondary, whose 11 interceptions are the NFL’s fifth-most.
“You start out schematically with what they do — and it matches the back end,” observed Nagy. “We always talk about rush-to-coverage and how that fits. Those guys have always done a great job. We’ve played each other a lot over the years.”
With athletes like defensive end A.J. Epenesa, the Buffalo pass rush can create chaos at the line of scrimmage, playing a crucial role in its success. To move the ball effectively, Nagy knows Kansas City must find ways to counter it.
“They’re tall and lengthy on the ends there,” Nagy said. “Epenesa, he had a nice tip last year for an interception. They do a good job of being able to change the launch points for the quarterback at the top of the pocket.
“They’re just good football players —...
