‘Teams already have gone for it on fourth down eight times versus each of the Chiefs’ and the Bills’ defenses. That’s a lot, because every team averaged 20 fourth-down attempts last season. The overall rate of go-for-it calls is up only a fraction over last year, keeping with a year-over-year trend. But it seems opposing coaches are thinking they need to be aggressive to keep up with Mahomes and Josh Allen.’
Archives for October 10, 2021
Bills lock up slot corner Taron Johnson with extension through 2024
‘Johnson has developed over the past several years into a significant asset in the Bills’ defensive backfield. He made one of the biggest plays of the 2020 regular season when he returned an interception against Pittsburgh 51 yards for a touchdown. He made one of the biggest plays in Bills playoff history when he returned an interception of a Lamar Jackson pass 101 yards for a touchdown in the 17-3 divisional round playoff victory over Baltimore in January.’
Scouting report: Josh Allen balancing out ‘turnover-worthy’ plays with big-time throws
‘Prediction: Chiefs 31, Bills 27.’
Bills Mailbag: How Star Lotulelei’s return has lit a fire under the defense
‘“Just that whole attitude shift that he brings along with his play. He’s just a physical presence, big, powerful man who is a very intelligent football player, as well. He has a quiet demeanor, but when you’re around him and you get to know him a little bit, you see his other qualities, his leadership, the way he practices, the way he prepares. He’s helped us tremendously up front and as a defense, just bringing a presence about him, that we were missing. I’ll be frank with you – we missed that. It’s great to have him back.”’
Alan Pergament: Bills-Chiefs may get huge ‘SNF’ rating locally a week after high numbers for Bucs-Pats game
‘For the third time in four Sunday afternoon games, a Bills game hit a 45.9 rating or higher despite being a blowout.’
How do Buffalo Niagara’s small-market realities impact negotiations over the Bills stadium?
‘The median age in the Buffalo market is 40.8 years old. Most other NFL markets are in the 30s. The slightly older Buffalo population isn’t problematic, but when contrasted against the average age of Bills season ticket holders – approximately 51, according to a team official – it illuminates an important gap for the Bills: “Attracting younger fans is a key goal in the sustainability of the franchise in Buffalo,” said Ron Raccuia, executive vice president of Pegula Sports and Entertainment, the management company that oversees the holdings of team owners Terry and Kim Pegula.’
Bills getting lots of league-wide love, but Chiefs are still kings of the AFC, for now
‘I just think this is going to be a tough one on the road in perhaps the most hostile environment in the league going against an electrifying offense that seems impossible to stop. Until the Bills prove they can beat the Chiefs, I have to pick against them in this spot.’
Buffalo Bills agree to 3-year extension with Taron Johnson
‘Johnson is reportedly receiving $24 million over three seasons with $14 million guaranteed, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. The deal will keep him in Buffalo through the 2024 season.’
Buffalo Bills must be aggressive to win against Chiefs on SNF (5 things to watch)
‘Buffalo needs to be just as aggressive as Baltimore and Los Angeles on Sunday Night Football if they hope to hand Kansas City their third loss of the season.’
Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs 2021 preview with odds, predictions for Week 5
‘Buffalo faces a Chiefs defense that is a bottom-three unit. Despite the weather, I see this game being a shootout with both offenses moving the ball up and down the field and scoring their fair share of touchdowns. I think the Bills can pull off the upset, but until I see it happen, I’m going with the team that has been the class of the AFC for the past few seasons in a nail-biter.’
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs NFL Week 5: (TV channel, time, live stream information)
‘Allen must utilize this team’s weakness defensively and generate as much offense as possible. It is important that they keep Mahomes and his offense off the field for as long as possible.’
‘He’s Mr. Buffalo’: Ravens pick-6 made Taron Johnson a Bills hero, but he’s not done yet
‘“I’ve been like that since Pop Warner,” he said. “It’s just hard for me to eat in the morning – just thinking about the game. I have to drink carbs just to get my energy.”’
3 stats that show Bills & Chiefs have been class of AFC, neck-and-neck over past 20-plus games
‘The Chiefs-Bills rivalry is still in its infancy, but with two great quarterbacks and plenty of stars on both rosters there is plenty of reason to believe that these two teams will be duking it out for years to come.’
Five takes: Bills must pressure Mahomes if they hope to beat Chiefs at rainy Arrowhead
‘Last season, in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mahomes was pressured on 52% of his drop backs which led to a long night for the former MVP. The Bills must apply the same level of pressure tonight if they hope to walk away victorious.’
Sunday’s Kansas City Coverage
KC Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes throws few NFL interceptions (Kansas City Star)
Here are the Kansas City Chiefs’ keys to victory in highly anticipated AFC showdown vs. Buffalo Bills (Kansas City Star)
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Bills: Who has the edge on offense, defense in Sunday showdown? (Kansas City Star)
KC Chiefs-Bills starts with Mahomes vs. Allen, but these players could factor in, too (Kansas City Star)
KC Chiefs-Bills prediction: If it comes down to defense, home team could be in trouble (Kansas City Star)
Chiefs LB Willie Gay Says Mental Health Is A Struggle (AP)
Chiefs vs Bills: Mutual respect between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen (KSHB-TV)
Chiefs make flurry of roster moves Saturday (KSHB-TV)
How to Watch and Listen | Week 5: Chiefs vs. Bills (Chiefs.com)