What the Chiefs can learn from rough starts for the Bills and Bengals

2. Coaching Matters

With 13 seconds left in the AFC Divisional Round, the Bills chose to kick a touchback to the Chiefs rather than squibbing a kick to drain the clock. The Chiefs would tie the game with those 13 seconds. The Bills chose to hire Sean McDermott as a defensive-minded coach. As per usual, the offensive coordinator (Brian Daboll) of the elite offense got a head coaching opportunity. While the Bills offense certainly has been outstanding the last two seasons, Allen has never looked as dominant as he did with Daboll. The Bills essentially fired their defensive coordinator (Leslie Frazier) this off-season as well.

In Cincinnati, Zac Taylor is an offensive mind. He spent time with Sean McVay and has helped build a great offense for his quarterback. This stability has helped the offense with continuity over the years and helped keep great defensive mind Lou Anarumo in town, too. While the coaching staff for the Bengals has been solid, it's hard to argue their scheme is a net positive for them. When you watch the Bengals offense, it's just their dudes being better than yours.

The Chiefs have had the unique advantage of having elite schemers on both sides of the ball. Andy Reid is one of the greatest offensive minds to have ever coached and Steve Spagnuolo is in the upper tier of defensive minds in the league currently. This has allowed the Chiefs to elevate lesser talent throughout the years and to get the most out of their stars.