2. The Chiefs Defense Made Plays Down The Stretch
The Chiefs defense had their worst game of the year for the better part of three quarters on Sunday night. They allowed the Bills to score on four of their first five possessions and were getting manhandled at the line of scrimmage. Yes, some of it was Josh Allen making incredible plays, but the tackling was terrible and the defense couldn't find a way to get off the field. That all changed on the final three Bills possessions of the game.
The Chiefs defense came up clutch in the fourth quarter as they forced a three and out that turned into a turnover on downs when the Bills tried a fake punt (more on that later). Then in one of the biggest moments of the game, they forced another three and out following the Mecole Hardman fumble out of the end zone. That was one of the most clutch stops of this season. Finally, with the game on the line they were able to hold the Bills to a long field goal attempt on a cold windy night in Buffalo and the rest is history.
I should also point out that the defense forced that long field goal attempt after they missed a chance to recover Josh Allen's fumble and put the game away. That was another time where the defense refused to crumble when a lot of other teams would have, especially after all their struggles early in the game. Overall the Chiefs were once again able to tighten things up in the 2nd half and slow the opposing team down. In fact, it turns out no other defense in the league faired as well against the Bills in the second half this season.
Buffalo ended up averaging 3.6 yards per play in the 2nd half of each game versus Kansas City this year.
— Rich Hribar (@LordReebs) January 22, 2024
Those were their two worst games in 2nd half yards per play on the season.
The defense may have had a rough time early on, but their toughness late in the game when they had every excuse to be mentally and physically exhausted was impressive and another huge reason KC won and advanced.
Now let's talk about the offense.