The Kansas City Chiefs' defense just had an encouraging showing against the Houston Texans. Particularly as a pass rush and in the secondary, the Chiefs swung momentum in their favor on many occasions. However, the run defense did leave a bit to be desired following the playoff victory.
In total, the Texans rumbled for 149 rushing yards on 29 carries as a team. That was good enough for 5.1 yards per carry, overall. If not for one huge run by C.J. Stroud and multiple positive gains by Joe Mixon, Kansas City would have won by a greater margin.
This week's opponent, the Buffalo Bills, is not known as a run-first team. However, quarterback Josh Allen is as tough to tackle as anyone among running quarterbacks. And in the last couple of years, James Cook has been able to hit home runs and chunk gains due to his electric speed.
While Cook and Mixon are not carbon copies of each other, their running styles are similar. The Chiefs could have learned a few lessons from last week on how to better corral Cook this week.
Patience Is A Virtue For Mixon, Cook
One thing that makes Joe Mixon so effective, is how he waits for his opportunity, allowing his blocks to set up. Mixon is a patient runner who can pounce at the correct moment. And once he does that, he can generally find a massive running lane to go through. He did that multiple times against Kansas City. In the end, Mixon was able to eat up over five or six yards with ease before being touched.
James Cook has become very deceptive for opposing defenses, as well. His patience has been on display on runs in between the tackles. Cook has a much faster gear that he can reach, compared to that of Mixon, however. When he feels a hole opening up, Cook can go from zero to 100 and run away from defenders with his long speed and burst. He will not hesitate on a chance to bounce things outside, either. As a result, pursuing too far on angles is an immediate fault that defenders usually take when taking on this Buffalo rusher.
Working for extra yardage
Another element that has made Cook so effective, is the way in which he finds extra yards after first contact. According to Fantasy Pros, roughly 47 percent of his rushing yards came after contact this season. Cook will fight to keep his shoulders facing forward. At the same time, the Bills running back has been very good about not wasting time in space.
Another area where Cook looks similar to Mixon is how the running back runs with a bit of a forward lean. You are facing a running back that offers a low center of gravity when going up against Buffalo. What do those elements truly come down to? For one, Cook is always looking to work up the field. He is also a running back that can surprise with strength, while still being able to best anyone with his speed.
Kansas City did a fairly good job of not missing tackles against him in the regular season meeting. But at the same time, Buffalo only gave him nine total carries. Cook could be utilized to control the clock against the Chiefs in the AFC title game. If so, Kansas City will have to understand how scrappy Cook can truly be as a runner.
Balance Has Been More Prevalent For Buffalo Offense
Josh Allen is enjoying one of his cleanest and most impressive seasons as a passer. But since last year's offensive coordinator change to Joe Brady, the Bills have been content with being a more balanced offense. It has helped Buffalo take more efficient shots through the air, especially when defenses may be keying in on the run. All told, the Bills are perfectly fine with letting James Cook cook.
Another element of Cook's success this year is due to the dominance of Buffalo's offensive line. They have been using six offensive linemen more and more as the season has got deeper. How does this affect the opposing defense? It forces them to deconstruct blocks quicker, while also leaving them less of a chance to attack laterally.
The Chiefs' defense will likely see this offensive personnel at a fair rate in the AFC Championship Game. That is especially true if this remains a back-and-forth slugfest. Kansas City has a diverse linebacker room to help counteract that six-offensive linemen attack. Though, the Chiefs have to be able to get after the runner quicker than they have lately. Too many yards have been reached before first contact.