AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME! Bills at Chiefs, Sunday 6:40 pm on CBS

[YoloinOhio]

3 minutes ago, Michael1962 said:

Any other link? it won't play for me.

Hmmm that’s weird. It worked for me, not sure if it’s on other platforms 

[LeGOATski]

Stefon Diggs: I don’t want this moment to pass me by

 

I'm watching Diggs quietly put together a playoff performance similar to Larry Fitzgerald's 2008 run, which culminated in the Super Bowl.

 

Even if they want to take away Diggs, they won't be able to.

 

Fitz

Game, Rec/yds/TDs

1,      6/101/1

2,     8/166/1

 

3,     9/152/3

SB,   7/127/2

 

Diggs

 

1,     6/128/1

2,    8/106/1

 

If the Bills/Chiefs game turns into the shoot-out some people expect it to be, Diggs could put up a similar game 3 line. 

 

This will be exciting and could be historical.

[97bills]

1 hour ago, TheProcess said:

Terrell Davis is such a hater. 

I was thinking the same thing the hate a 15-3 team gets every week in unreal we could we 25 games in a row and lose one and everyone will say I told you they suck. I would love the bills to win the super bowl and tell all the media no interviews 

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

70 more hours 

 

[97bills]

2 hours ago, GETTOTHE50 said:

everyone is saying, 'oh do you really want to get into a shoot out with the chiefs? shouldnt you run the ball and try to be balanced?' blah blah blah

 

how else do you beat the chiefs asides from trying to get into a shootout and outscore them? do people really think a 100 yd game from singletary is going to win the bills the game?

 

its going to take a 350 yd performance from JA17 with everyone getting the ball.

I hear you on singletary but I think we might need both 350 from Allen and a 100 on the ground 

[Scott7975]

2 hours ago, GETTOTHE50 said:

everyone is saying, 'oh do you really want to get into a shoot out with the chiefs? shouldnt you run the ball and try to be balanced?' blah blah blah

 

how else do you beat the chiefs asides from trying to get into a shootout and outscore them? do people really think a 100 yd game from singletary is going to win the bills the game?

 

its going to take a 350 yd performance from JA17 with everyone getting the ball.

I agree.  I think the "run the ball and keep them off the field" mentality is old and outdated.  It would slow down our own offense.  Running the ball is not what we are good at.  Even if it was all you do is lower the overall score.  You still have to score TD's and still have to stop them from scoring TDs.  I really don't see how running the ball keeps them from scoring TDs.  It just keeps us from scoring TDs.

[Bob Chandler's Hands]

1 hour ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

The player on injury report who concerns me most is Vernon Butler

This 100%. Butler out requires Jefferson to move inside and Murphy, Epenesa and Johnson all active. 

Butler is the only true wide-body and has been playing well.  Phillips is similar and also playing well but need two of them if they want to consistently keep only 6 in the box and not get gashed in the running game like in week 6. 

[YoloinOhio]

3 minutes ago, Bob Chandler's Hands said:

This 100%. Butler out requires Jefferson to move inside and Murphy, Epenesa and Johnson all active. 

Butler is the only true wide-body and has been playing well.  Phillips is similar and also playing well but need two of them if they want to consistently keep only 6 in the box and not get gashed in the running game like in week 6. 

Zimmer?

 

[Bob Chandler's Hands]

21 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

Zimmer?

Of course, but I consider him more like Oliver's rotational partner. Whereas Butler and Phillips spell each other on the other side. 

At least that's my take on it. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 hour ago, elroy16 said:

 

 

That hat is amazing. 

 

 

"I don't think it takes a whole lot" is a special level of stupid. 

 

 

 

The link keeps changing, weird.

 

I.Need.That.Hat

[Shortchaz]

33 minutes ago, Scott7975 said:

I agree.  I think the "run the ball and keep them off the field" mentality is old and outdated.  It would slow down our own offense.  Running the ball is not what we are good at.  Even if it was all you do is lower the overall score.  You still have to score TD's and still have to stop them from scoring TDs.  I really don't see how running the ball keeps them from scoring TDs.  It just keeps us from scoring TDs.

I was in the camp that wished we had a stronger running game but watching the playoffs has solidified something for me. The bills run specific short pass plays that are essentially running plays. They’re 3-5 yard plays with potential for more. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

3 minutes ago, Bob Chandler's Hands said:

Of course, but I consider him more like Oliver's rotational partner. Whereas Butler and Phillips spell each other on the other side. 

At least that's my take on it. 

 

At a high level, you've pretty much got it.  That said, the Bills mix the line around a TON based on whether they're more focused on run or pass that game, what down and distance etc.  They also swap around who lines up at 1T and who lines up at 3T.  I started trying to figure out who was paired with whom and where they were lined up snap by snap in a couple games and I gave up 'cuz it made my head hurt.

 

Butler saw 53% of the snaps against the Colts and I'm pretty sure that's the way the team would prefer to go this week if he can play.  But it's pretty hard to stop a behemoth OLman if you aren't playing on solid underpinnings.

[Figster]

Mod in the K C forum is crying his eyes out because TBD fans think his Mahomie slammed his helmet down and he didn't.

 

 All a little slow over there I'm afraid...

 

He's reading If anyone wants to chime in

[YoloinOhio]

9 minutes ago, Bob Chandler's Hands said:

Of course, but I consider him more like Oliver's rotational partner. Whereas Butler and Phillips spell each other on the other side. 

At least that's my take on it. 

Fair point, I don’t think they protected any DL on the PS this week. Will be interesting to see what they do. I feel like if he practices tomorrow though he has a shot to play

Just now, Figster said:

Mod in the K C forum is crying his eyes out because TBD fans think his Mahomie slammed his helmet down and he didn't.

 

 All a little slow over there I'm afraid...

 

He's reading If anyone wants to chime in

I’ll pass. I went to that board years ago (Orton was our QB) and my eyes are still bleeding. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

On 1/20/2021 at 7:00 PM, Mark Vader said:

How can the state of Wyoming not cheer for us?

 

The 'Pokes weigh in on that CBS "rooting interests" map!

 

[Warcodered]

4 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

The 'Pokes weigh in on that CBS "rooting interests" map!

 

Totally agree but also, from one of the replies on there why would Minnesota root for the Packer either?

[Putin]

On 1/17/2021 at 5:24 PM, LOVEMESOMEBILLS said:

They just don't seem to be "clicking" like they were last year. To me they don't seem nearly as scary to play right now. 

And with all that I still think Allen will need to have his best game of the playoffs , he will need to be smart with the ball , we can’t afford any sack / fumbles or turnovers and give KC extra possession, 

Hopefully our D shows up again BIG Time!!

GO BILLS BABY !! 

[Stank_Nasty]

5 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

The 'Pokes weigh in on that CBS "rooting interests" map!

 

Last year we had a nice fire going before the WFT game and a nice couple randomly stopped by and asked if they could get warmed up. We obviously invited them right in. Got to chatting. Weren’t bills fans, but had flown in from Wyoming the night before just to watch their old cowboy Qb and get the game day experience in OC. Before they walked off they both had said it most definitely won’t be their last trip.... i thought that was pretty dang cool.  

[Scott7975]

46 minutes ago, Shortchaz said:

I was in the camp that wished we had a stronger running game but watching the playoffs has solidified something for me. The bills run specific short pass plays that are essentially running plays. They’re 3-5 yard plays with potential for more. 

 

I agree.  My personal opinion is that I would like to be able to run the ball better but not to keep another offense off the field.  More so that it makes it tougher for defenses to defend everything.

53 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I.Need.That.Hat

Me.Too.

[Slippery Rubber Mats]

3 hours ago, TheProcess said:

Scott Pioli is also a hater. 

I have added him to the list. No bandwagon for you later Scotty.

[par73]

11 minutes ago, Tuel Time said:

I have added him to the list. No bandwagon for you later Scotty.

I was going to mention Pioli. When asked what the Chiefs needed to do to win, he smirked, and said Mahomes just has to show up. For the Bills, he laughed-- tough to see how, and said Allen and Diggs would have to each have the game of their lives.

[Pokebball]

1 minute ago, par73 said:

I was going to mention Pioli. When asked what the Chiefs needed to do to win, he smirked, and said Mahomes just has to show up. For the Bills, he laughed-- tough to see how, and said Allen and Diggs would have to each have the game of their lives.

So lets plan on Allen and Diggs having the game of their lives.  I'm good with that.

[Process]

Forecast getting worse. We better be ready to play in rain/snow and some wind. 

[zow2]

6 minutes ago, Process said:

Forecast getting worse. We better be ready to play in rain/snow and some wind. 

 

Strap it up Bills.  The finesse team from Buffalo is gonna have to throw it in the rain. 

If it’s any consolation, the weather in KC looks worse on Monday. 

[njbuff]

3 hours ago, Success said:

 

LOL 

 

I mean, that's one of the most ridiculous takes I've heard.  Well, except Bradshaw taking the Ravens by 9, and then the Saints by 17, in the same weekend.   

 

I get "KC will likely win" (though I disagree), but "I don't think it takes a whole lot?"

 

I'm tellin' ya - I can't wait for the game. I watched the replay of the 1st mach-up last night - worst game I've seen us play since the Orton years, and we were down 6 with 5 minutes to go.  Bring on the Chiefs.

 

 

And they were an inch away from a Harrison Phillips fumble recovery from having the ball with a chance to take the lead late in a stinker game for the Bills.

[YoloinOhio]

 

[The Wiz]

40 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

A stat that will never get mentioned on live TV. 

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

Not sure if this was posted

it’s a few days old

 

 

 

 

[BillsfaninSB]

1 hour ago, Process said:

Forecast getting worse. We better be ready to play in rain/snow and some wind. 

I wish the Bills were in all white.  Those dirty uniforms would look mean!

[Big Blitz]

Just thinking about it more and more....

 

I want to blitz and bring pressure from everywhere until Patrick Turf Toe makes us pay.  Attack attack attack.  Double A gap blitzes all night.  Have Hughes and Addison rush to contain.  Until we see how well he's moving around.  

 

Not 75% of the time.  But definitely more than half.  And early in a series.  Don't wait.  Rush 4 on the 3rd downs. 

 

The one thing about QBs numbers against the blitz in today's NFL is that if you have great skill guys.....odds are you are going up against garbage secondaries and can take advantage.  How many elite pass Ds are there in the league?  5?  I think we're one of them.  I have zero issue bringing 5 or 6 from any and all angles.   

 

 

Yes?  No?  

 

 

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

56 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

ahh— the ole point differential now used against our enemies!! How the tides have turned. 

[JGMcD2]

1 hour ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

@High Football IQCan you confirm ?

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

9 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Buffalo -vs- Everybody, Baby!  Got the Hoodie!

 

 

 

Its crazy to me that almost every prediction has the score super close yet theyre all picking the chiefs lol how is that even possible 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

5 hours ago, RichRiderBills said:

Maybe why Pioli is unemployed. Didn't the Chiefs fire him?

 

I've been really unimpressed with his commentary all year.

 

Well, he’s employed by NFL as some kind of analyst I guess.  But Yes, the Chiefs fired him.  The place was a dumpster fire on his watch.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8550269/flaws-chiefs-gm-scott-pioli-exposed

 

Quote

The first three major decisions Pioli made with the Chiefs went as follows: (1) He hired Todd Haley as head coach. (2) He traded for quarterback Matt Cassel. (3) He used the third overall selection in the 2009 draft on defensive end Tyson Jackson. The team ultimately fired Haley last December after an ugly, heavily publicized rift developed between him and Pioli. Cassel was just benched this week after producing 14 turnovers in his first five starts. Jackson remains on the roster

 

FWIW there’s some history; Daboll was hired as KC’s OC in 2012 after Pioli’s golden pick Todd Haley was forced out as HC in favor of Romeo Crennel.  The offense arguably got worse under Daboll, but it’s pretty clear that the organization was pretty toxic and polarized at that point, Cassel reportedly thought he was above taking coaching (while throwing pick after pick), morale was in the sewer, the race for the #1 draft pick was won, and everyone from Pioli on down was swept out of the building for 2013.  It’s not clear who could have succeeded as OC that year.

 

All that to say it wouldn’t surprise me if Daboll and Pioli might have some personal history which could get in the way of Pioli being able to professionally and impartially assess the Bills team, because he strikes me as the kind of man who believes he’s the Smartest Man in the Room and doesn’t need to reappraise, revisit, or question himself.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

2 hours ago, Process said:

Forecast getting worse. We better be ready to play in rain/snow and some wind. 

 

That means about as much as the forecast getting better at this point.  We might know something by Saturday.

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

2 hours ago, Process said:

Forecast getting worse. We better be ready to play in rain/snow and some wind. 

the forecast is fluctuating a bit now. I don’t think we will have much certainty until Saturday, if I had to guess. Just a few hours ago it was like 1% chance of rain.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

3 minutes ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

the forecast is fluctuating a bit now. I don’t think we will have much certainty until Saturday, if I had to guess. Just a few hours ago it was like 1% chance of rain.

 

Yeah, if you look at the current surface map you kind of don’t need an advanced degree in meteorology to see why

(I tried to paste in a link to the current surface conditions & radar map but was disallowed)

 

 

[Zerovoltz]

Ok......here are my thoughts......from your favorite KC fan on this board (probably the only KC fan on this board, except @Yav He loves KC more than anyone I know) 

 

First a note about the weather.  Mahomes played college ball at Lubbock, TX.  That place is very windy and cold and sometimes snowy in winter.  Mahomes has played in a couple snow games with KC and many times in very cold temps.  KC does NOT change what they do (and unless it's a crazy deep snow game, they won't...and that isn't anticipated)  So....all of what I am saying here, applies regardless of weather.

 

WHEN KC HAS THE BALL:

 

Will use a ton of presnap motion to see that Bills coverage looks like.  Also use that presnap motion to show same play a few times...then start running 2 or 3 variants out same look to keep D off balance.

 

KC won't insist on trying to run into stacked boxes.  Mahomes will check out to a pass, and vice versa.  

 

KC will be looking, as they always do...to exploit matchups with Kelce.

 

If the Bills go with a heavy zone scheme...watch for KC to run a lot of "floods" to one side and let Patrick read the defenders either moving to cover, or staying in place...Mahomes will look to exploit the spot that wasn't/isn't covered in that situation.

 

KC's weak points on O.  

 

Interior O line....this group is a bottom 5 group and has been since Mitch Morse left.  KC's entire interior is 7th round or later JAGS that they get by with because Pat Mahomes.  RT has been a revolving door also since we lost Schwartz, our pro bowl RT.  Only LT Eric Fisher has been consistent....and most games he's solid but elite edge rushers get the better of him...fortunately, the Bills don't have a Bosa brother.  If you want to put a wrench in the works of the KC offense, a good way to do that is with interior pressure.  Teams that can rush 4 and get there in a hurry, give Mahomes trouble as he needs the time to sift through the 7 deep zones in that case.  

 

KC isn't a good red zone team.  Close in, if you can keep tabs on the small WR's, you've got a fighting chance....just have to make sure you've got Kelce fully accounted for.  No fade or jump ball options limits what KC does down close in.  Couple that with again, the POOR interior O line, you have a team that doesn't get a push in short yardage situations.....also limitiing what they do in close.  KC relies on Mahomes improvisation and shemed up misdirection type stuff down close to make up for this.  Holding KC to red zone field goals is a MUST for the BIlls.

 

 

WHEN BUFFALO HAS THE BALL:

 

The bills run more 3 and 4 WR sets than any team in the NFL....wich plays right into what KC does best on D.  KC allowed the fewest receptions by WR's for the year.  KC has a DEEP stable of very capable pass defenders who according to PFF (NOT a service I like, but just using the stat to make my point)  ....KC has 6 Corners ranked in the top 60 overall.  (or something like that)  If you do the math...PFF thinks KC has 6 guys who are good enough to start on just about every team in the leauge.  That isn't even counting Honey Badger.  Badger is used as an occasional blitzer, but generally plays an exceptional centerfield, and his AT SNAP reads are exceptoinal VS the run....counted a good number to times VS Cleveland where he flew up on pitches to the outside and turned the play back inside before the lead blocker could get to the inside defenders.  KC doesn't blitz a ton, but when they do, it's often a DB...KC will show alot of saftey action on the line and then havet those guys drop out the majority of the time.  CB L Jarious Sneed had a few sacks from the CB spot and is a deceptively good blitzer when called on.  ....As long as the Bills are in 3 and 4 wide...KC is going to give you a steady diet of Nickel and Dime packages...wich is what they prefer to be in.

 

If the Bills can generate a threatening running game....that gets KC into more base looks wich means KC's POOR LB corps is on the field more.  KC is among the worst LB units in the NFL at covering TE's and RB's out of the backfield with LB's.  It will take some doing to get KC out of Nickel.....as KC doesn't mind letting a team have chunk runs between the 20's as long as the big pass plays are held in check....strong chunks running in the red zone would make KC roll out the base D more often....thus removing some good DB's from the field and giving the Bills a better look to pass against.

 

Cleveland was generally getting the ball out pretty fast VS KC.  KC had no sacks...and this isn't a big pass rush/sack D, but Chris Jones is disruptive, and has a knack for playing his best at big moments in a game.  Frank clark has been disappointing this season, but he was getting around the corner pretty good VS cleveland...The other DE's are not pass rushing threats at all.  

 

 

Mahomes has proven these big games are not too big for him...and this is a battle tested, championship team, that brought back ALMOST the entire super bowl winning roster from last year.  They don't panic and with Mahomes on teh field, eveyrone knows there is always a chance until the clock hits zeros.  

 

Keep in mind, Mahomes has won 2 playoff games where the other team returned a blocked punt for a TD...he's 5-1 overall.  He's never finished 4 quarters of a playoff football game with his team having lost.  (only loss was OT in 2018 AFCCG where he never got the ball)  

 

 

In my opinion, this isn't a good matchup for the Bills in that what KC does best on D, is stop what Buffalo does best on O.  And while the Bills also have a very very good secondary....Travis Kelce is the difference maker.  ....and as seen before, if the Bills try to play a bunch of light boxes, KC will take what is given.  Also, without a strong 4 man rush, Mahomes will beat 7 man zones.

 

Ultimately, I think the Chiefs, are just a little too much for this very very good and talented Bills team.

[transplantbillsfan]

Anyone else get the feeling Davonta Freeman is going to be active and play a role?

[buffalo2218]

1 minute ago, transplantbillsfan said:

Anyone else get the feeling Davonta Freeman is going to be active and play a role?

I’d prefer Antonio Williams over Freeman