A Few Thoughts about the Chiefs Game - Community Edition

[strive_for_five_guy]

1 hour ago, 1billsnut said:

“How do we dominate and it comes down to a hailmary?”

 

We basically won in every phase of the game……except coaching. 
 

Too many bonehead decisions. 🤷‍♂️

I generally loved how the Bills looked too.  My biggest gripe was the decision to kick the FG w 20-something seconds left

rather than punt.  Yes, a field goal make ends the game.  But, I would think the Chiefs needing to drive 80+ yards for a TD with no timeouts and 20 seconds or so is extremely unlikely too.  Some may point out 13 seconds, but the Chiefs only needed a field goal there and had three timeouts.  With the field goal miss, the Chiefs ended up with a couple shots at the end zone.

[zow2]

Bills vs Seattle Super Bowl. Calling it now 

[BB2004]

2 hours ago, Mikie2times said:

As always great write up, you're probably my favorite post game summary poster. 

 

The good

 

1. The secondary looks like it could develop into a strength as the season wears on. That is a really exciting development and could turn the tide on the the direction of this season. 

2. McD is calling the bulk of these plays if not all of them. I'm fine with that. We need to be in our best calls more than ever. 

3. The defensive line looked great, Bosa was on fire. The Hoecht loss is devastating. He looked like a real player. 

4. Cook is just so good and the offensive line was dominating

5. Kincaid is a serious difference maker and almost required for us to be effective offensively 

6. Allen had a great game and stayed in the pocket more, offensive line kept him super clean most the day. 

7. Love the pressure on the hail mary. We have seen a few of those transpire now, it would have been so disappointing to see us drop everybody and give a clean throw. 

 

The bad

 

1. Again nothing downfield with our WR's and very limited work outside of screens. I don't think we can climb to the top of the mountain with this type of WR output.

2. Hoecht injury seemed impactful almost right away. Bosa was insane, but he's also disappeared at times. As have others. Can we get consistency in line play and grow as the season wears on?

3. A couple calls bothered me. The 3rd and 10 screen to Shakir. I get that we aren't a long yardage offense at this point, but we can't throw in the white flag on 3rd and 10. This sort of goes back to point #1 about downfield WR production. It is required as an offense and we will need it. 

4. Kicking the FG late. You have 7 point lead, a punt pins them inside the 20 and likely drains 3-4 more seconds off. It would have forced them to go 80+ yards with no timeouts and under 25 seconds. Sign me up for that. The ONLY chance they had was that missed FG and we walked into that. Didn't bite us today, but I really disagree with that move. 

 

The final

 

It was a huge win for us for playoff seeding and AFC east seeding. Pure domination vs one of the better teams in the AFC. It was a similar script to how we lost the last couple weeks but this time we dished out the punishment. The progression of guys like Bishop and Max can't be understated and could really transform this defense. As you said, it's 1-0, and we have a long way to go, but great win and exciting to see some development with key players. 

I agree with everything except the part about not kicking the field goal at the end of the game. Prater will make that kick more often than not. It’s definitely risky but the reward is that you win the game if you make it. 

[gonzo1105]

For years I have begged the Bills to add speeed to their defense , particularly in the secondary and they finally after years listened. Bishop and Hairston are freaks athletically and Hancock is above average as well and you saw such a stark difference in this Gamecin comparison to others. 
 

Trust me what Hyde, Poyer, and White did for this organization establishing culture and using their brains were fantastic but they were never fast enough to stay with elite speed on offense. These kids can. 
 

They just need to commit to it now. The 3 youngsters should start in the secondary with Benford and Johnson when he’s healthy. Get them as many looks and reps as humanly possible to get them ready for the playoffs. 
 

My concern is on the DLine, we need to get these guys healthy and quick. Jones and Sanders need to be back ASAP

[Don Otreply]

Nice write up Virgil, always a good read, thanks 

 

 

[ganesh]

The chiefs overplayed stopping Cook and they didn't do a good job.  Allen played the perfect side kick and hurt them when they over-committed to stopping Cook.  Complimentary Football.

25 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

For years I have begged the Bills to add speeed to their defense , particularly in the secondary and they finally after years listened. Bishop and Hairston are freaks athletically and Hancock is above average as well and you saw such a stark difference in this Gamecin comparison to others. 
 

Trust me what Hyde, Poyer, and White did for this organization establishing culture and using their brains were fantastic but they were never fast enough to stay with elite speed on offense. These kids can. 
 

They just need to commit to it now. The 3 youngsters should start in the secondary with Benford and Johnson when he’s healthy. Get them as many looks and reps as humanly possible to get them ready for the playoffs. 

Agreed.   Benford, Hairston, Hancock and Bishop are the future of this defensive back field.  When Strong comes back next year, it should give us a young and dynamic backend to this defense.    Johnson, White, Poyer, Rapp etc will be on their way out after this season.

2 hours ago, GASabresIUFan said:

A couple of things.  
 

1. Why was this game close? 
a. The terrible play call on 4th and 2 in the first gave KC a very short field.  

 

agree with the play calling.   It left a lot to be desired on both offense and defense.

 

Also, the two sacks that Josh took on that second last drive was not very good.  

 

Finally, the last two runs on that final drive was very lame.  We needed to execute to get the first down and run the clock down...not just run Cook into a wall and again 1-yard.

Edited 12 hours ago by ganesh

[GunnerBill]

If we'd have lost Prater would have deserved a big chunk of blame. Imagine that is a playoff game. Your kicker has a 52 yarder to win you the game. He HAS to make that kick. We all KNOW that the Chiefs kicker makes it in that scenario. 

 

Because people can rag on the 4th and 17 moment it has barely had a mention. But Prater nearly cost us. 

3 hours ago, BB2004 said:

I agree with everything except the part about not kicking the field goal at the end of the game. Prater will make that kick more often than not. It’s definitely risky but the reward is that you win the game if you make it. 

 

You have to try that kick. It is 52 yards. And the kicker HAS to make it. 

 

People on this forum will always find a way to blame coaches not players but that was 100% on Prater.

[GunnerBill]

5 hours ago, strive_for_five_guy said:

I generally loved how the Bills looked too.  My biggest gripe was the decision to kick the FG w 20-something seconds left

rather than punt.  Yes, a field goal make ends the game.  But, I would think the Chiefs needing to drive 80+ yards for a TD with no timeouts and 20 seconds or so is extremely unlikely too.  Some may point out 13 seconds, but the Chiefs only needed a field goal there and had three timeouts.  With the field goal miss, the Chiefs ended up with a couple shots at the end zone.

 

If you can't trust your kicker from 52 yards when a make wins the game you have the wrong kicker.

[GaryPinC]

5 hours ago, strive_for_five_guy said:

I generally loved how the Bills looked too.  My biggest gripe was the decision to kick the FG w 20-something seconds left

rather than punt.  Yes, a field goal make ends the game.  But, I would think the Chiefs needing to drive 80+ yards for a TD with no timeouts and 20 seconds or so is extremely unlikely too.  Some may point out 13 seconds, but the Chiefs only needed a field goal there and had three timeouts.  With the field goal miss, the Chiefs ended up with a couple shots at the end zone.

My biggest gripe was not being a little more aggressive with the playcalling to get another first down.  Run one play-action out of that formation.  Game over and you get Prater a better range.

[nuklz2594]

bishop had the light bulb go off in his head. well done kid. keep it up

[Sargent Hulka]

Just watching the highlights, Bernard is useless in pass coverage. What does this guy bring?

[Bill from NYC]

Great recap!!! My thanks also go out to Taylor Swift for not showing up, which allowed the refs to call a fair game.

[UKBillFan]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

If we'd have lost Prater would have deserved a big chunk of blame. Imagine that is a playoff game. Your kicker has a 52 yarder to win you the game. He HAS to make that kick. We all KNOW that the Chiefs kicker makes it in that scenario. 

 

Because people can rag on the 4th and 17 moment it has barely had a mention. But Prater nearly cost us. 

 

You have to try that kick. It is 52 yards. And the kicker HAS to make it. 

 

People on this forum will always find a way to blame coaches not players but that was 100% on Prater.

 

Was it wise to risk a kicker who was nursing an injury though? If fully fit I agree, the kick should be made. Instead I have some sympathy for him because of it.

[GaryPinC]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

 

If you can't trust your kicker from 52 yards when a make wins the game you have the wrong kicker.

I agree in principle if this was Tyler Bass, but he's our stopgap 41 year old  semi-retired kicker.  You can't trust him 50-55 and I wouldn't even put him out there over 55 yards.  

Let's hope the coaches don't share your opinion and game plan(ned) accordingly.

 

[GunnerBill]

4 minutes ago, GaryPinC said:

I agree in principle if this was Tyler Bass, but he's our stopgap 41 year old  semi-retired kicker.  You can't trust him 50-55 and I wouldn't even put him out there over 55 yards.  

Let's hope the coaches don't share your opinion and game plan(ned) accordingly.

 

 

I wouldn't have tried anything past 55. I'd have punted. But 52 yards, yea, your kicker just HAS to make that kick. No excuses. 

[KCNC]

Great job.  I continue to be flummoxed as to why the Bills refuse to throw to running backs.  At least the one was a big one.

[IYKYK]

Great write up Virgil, I swear your writing is so much better than the local sportswriters in Buffalo. Great job!!!

[TH3]

9 hours ago, Virgil said:

No lead in needed for this game; we all know what this is.  Please join in and list your thoughts as well.

 

Also, I know these are meant to be "in no particular order, but the first four points were all things we've been waiting all season for and I couldn't be happier with how they worked out.

 

1A - Hairston - Pick your play here.  Hairston kept up with Worthy EASILY on a deep route, batted down the game winning Hail Mary, and picked off Mahomes for his first career interception for the only turnover of the game.  Yes, it's only been a game and a half, but Hairston looks to be as advertised in coverage, speed, and hands.  You have to love it and he picked the perfect game for his coming out party.  Can't wait to see more of what this kid has to offer. 

 

1B - Bishop - I mean, holy ***** did Bishop ball out.  I didn't take notes for this game, so my memory might be failing me, but Bishop was EVERYWHERE this game.  Not only that, but he absolutely laid out Mrs Swift in the end zone.  Bishop had quite a few pass break up where he punished the receiver, and I honestly thought he had a chance at a pick six on a beautifully tracked swing pass to the near side.  I don't know what clicked recently, but if Bishop and Hairston are going to continue to play at this level, or secondary is in MUCH better shape. 

 

1C - Cook Catch - I was so tempted to put this first, but we threw to Cook in a crucial situation and got the first down.  I repeat, Brady called a pass to Cook out of the backfield.  It's amazing how such a simple play can get me so hyped.  Cook overall had another great game, eclipsing 100 yards against a team that doesn't allow those types of games.  It's almost as if the Bills realized that they have multiple stars on offense that aren't named Allen (see Kincaid).

 

1D - McD - While I'm not going to excuse the time outs on defense, I do understand why he called them.  The players clearly looked confused out there and McD needed to save them.  Now, why were they confused is a bigger issue.  Also, I don't know how much of the plays are being called by Babich or McD, but the defensive turnaround these past few weeks makes me believe McD is way more involved.  Holding Mahomes to under 50% passing and actually sending pressure on the final play was HUGE for the defense, and another thing we've been begging for out of this defense.  Making Mahomes throw up that last pass off his back foot, not allowing it to have enough power to get to the end zone was exactly how you need to play him.  Not only that, but Mahomes was smacked around the field today in the best way possible.  Also, did you see the Chiefs 3rd down conversion percentage?!  It's about time.

 

5 - Josh - I referred to the Chiefs as Allen's 7 iron, in that he always seems to pull out his best games against them.  Josh even said in his post game presser that he just felt different early on.  Josh only had three incomplete passes all game and was incredibly accurate on his balls downfield.  I still feel like Josh is playing a little frustrated or held back, but it's tough to argue with the results.  I like that we didn't force balls to Coleman and utilized the guys who got open.  We were a missed field goal from breaking 30, and that's even with us having two terrible drives after our opening one.  

 

6 - Defensive Line - While it sucks to lose Hoecht, and being without Oliver for the rest of the regular season, it was great to see the everyone else step up.  AJ played a great game, and smacked the sense out of Mahomes.  Bosa was a monster all game, minus the mind-numbing decision to stop his pressure on the 4th and 17 play.  Groot also was great in pursuit as well as against the run.  I would actually argue that Groot sneakily played one of the best games of the season.

 

7 - Kincaid - If ever there were a game for the those banging the drum of Kincaid being our #1 receiver or Josh hanging in the pocket a second longer, look no further than the long catch and run on the crossed by Kincaid.  With pressure coming and a congested middle of the field, Josh stepped forward and found Kincaid as he got behind the defender.  Sometimes I forget how fast Kincaid was.  His first touchdown got me on my feet and teams are going to need to start paying more attention to him.

 

8 - Hancock - For anyone with the All-22, I'm very curious to get feedback on Hancock from this game.  On the long catch before half, and the deep sideline catch on the pick play, was Hancock the responsible deep safety and slow to recognize the play?  I could be wrong, but he seemed to come to the play late.  Again, happy to be wrong, but he seemed to be responsible for 2 of the 3 biggest Chief passing plays. 

 

9 - Offensive Line - Even with the Chiefs sending stunt blitzes, extra rushers, and being dominant against the run, Josh overall had time, Cook got his 100 yards, and I didn't hear Chris Jones' name once.  Spencer Brown absolutely mauled some guys and I think we only had one holding penalty?  Just a great performance overall by the unit.  Shout out to Gilliam too.

 

10 - Stats and Outcome - There's two things I didn't like from this game.  Statistically, we dominated.  Mahomes was under 50% completion and didn't score a touchdown.  The Chiefs were terrible on 3rd down.  Kelce and Jones were non-factors.  And yet, we still needed to survive a Hail Mary at the end.  How is that even possible?  Yes, Prater could have made it a two score game and that 4th and 17th was ridiculous.  Even still, it's scary when we can play at that level and still barely win.  

 

 

Overall, I'm not putting stock into this win any more than we are 1-0 this week and have the tie-breaker over the Chiefs.  I'm glad to see the team back on the positive uptick both offensively and defensively, but I also recognize this game means nothing towards the outcome of our playoff success.  I'm back to believing we can play with anyone, and don't even try to tell me the Chiefs were holding back because it's only the regular season.  They want to win their division and this hurt them.  

 

Go Bills!

So….you are off the ledge?

[ganesh]

47 minutes ago, Sargent Hulka said:

Just watching the highlights, Bernard is useless in pass coverage. What does this guy bring?

and we paid him the big bucks..

[Casey D]

9 hours ago, Virgil said:

No lead in needed for this game; we all know what this is.  Please join in and list your thoughts as well.

 

Also, I know these are meant to be "in no particular order, but the first four points were all things we've been waiting all season for and I couldn't be happier with how they worked out.

 

1A - Hairston - Pick your play here.  Hairston kept up with Worthy EASILY on a deep route, batted down the game winning Hail Mary, and picked off Mahomes for his first career interception for the only turnover of the game.  Yes, it's only been a game and a half, but Hairston looks to be as advertised in coverage, speed, and hands.  You have to love it and he picked the perfect game for his coming out party.  Can't wait to see more of what this kid has to offer. 

 

1B - Bishop - I mean, holy ***** did Bishop ball out.  I didn't take notes for this game, so my memory might be failing me, but Bishop was EVERYWHERE this game.  Not only that, but he absolutely laid out Mrs Swift in the end zone.  Bishop had quite a few pass break up where he punished the receiver, and I honestly thought he had a chance at a pick six on a beautifully tracked swing pass to the near side.  I don't know what clicked recently, but if Bishop and Hairston are going to continue to play at this level, or secondary is in MUCH better shape. 

 

1C - Cook Catch - I was so tempted to put this first, but we threw to Cook in a crucial situation and got the first down.  I repeat, Brady called a pass to Cook out of the backfield.  It's amazing how such a simple play can get me so hyped.  Cook overall had another great game, eclipsing 100 yards against a team that doesn't allow those types of games.  It's almost as if the Bills realized that they have multiple stars on offense that aren't named Allen (see Kincaid).

 

1D - McD - While I'm not going to excuse the time outs on defense, I do understand why he called them.  The players clearly looked confused out there and McD needed to save them.  Now, why were they confused is a bigger issue.  Also, I don't know how much of the plays are being called by Babich or McD, but the defensive turnaround these past few weeks makes me believe McD is way more involved.  Holding Mahomes to under 50% passing and actually sending pressure on the final play was HUGE for the defense, and another thing we've been begging for out of this defense.  Making Mahomes throw up that last pass off his back foot, not allowing it to have enough power to get to the end zone was exactly how you need to play him.  Not only that, but Mahomes was smacked around the field today in the best way possible.  Also, did you see the Chiefs 3rd down conversion percentage?!  It's about time.

 

5 - Josh - I referred to the Chiefs as Allen's 7 iron, in that he always seems to pull out his best games against them.  Josh even said in his post game presser that he just felt different early on.  Josh only had three incomplete passes all game and was incredibly accurate on his balls downfield.  I still feel like Josh is playing a little frustrated or held back, but it's tough to argue with the results.  I like that we didn't force balls to Coleman and utilized the guys who got open.  We were a missed field goal from breaking 30, and that's even with us having two terrible drives after our opening one.  

 

6 - Defensive Line - While it sucks to lose Hoecht, and being without Oliver for the rest of the regular season, it was great to see the everyone else step up.  AJ played a great game, and smacked the sense out of Mahomes.  Bosa was a monster all game, minus the mind-numbing decision to stop his pressure on the 4th and 17 play.  Groot also was great in pursuit as well as against the run.  I would actually argue that Groot sneakily played one of the best games of the season.

 

7 - Kincaid - If ever there were a game for the those banging the drum of Kincaid being our #1 receiver or Josh hanging in the pocket a second longer, look no further than the long catch and run on the crossed by Kincaid.  With pressure coming and a congested middle of the field, Josh stepped forward and found Kincaid as he got behind the defender.  Sometimes I forget how fast Kincaid was.  His first touchdown got me on my feet and teams are going to need to start paying more attention to him.

 

8 - Hancock - For anyone with the All-22, I'm very curious to get feedback on Hancock from this game.  On the long catch before half, and the deep sideline catch on the pick play, was Hancock the responsible deep safety and slow to recognize the play?  I could be wrong, but he seemed to come to the play late.  Again, happy to be wrong, but he seemed to be responsible for 2 of the 3 biggest Chief passing plays. 

 

9 - Offensive Line - Even with the Chiefs sending stunt blitzes, extra rushers, and being dominant against the run, Josh overall had time, Cook got his 100 yards, and I didn't hear Chris Jones' name once.  Spencer Brown absolutely mauled some guys and I think we only had one holding penalty?  Just a great performance overall by the unit.  Shout out to Gilliam too.

 

10 - Stats and Outcome - There's two things I didn't like from this game.  Statistically, we dominated.  Mahomes was under 50% completion and didn't score a touchdown.  The Chiefs were terrible on 3rd down.  Kelce and Jones were non-factors.  And yet, we still needed to survive a Hail Mary at the end.  How is that even possible?  Yes, Prater could have made it a two score game and that 4th and 17th was ridiculous.  Even still, it's scary when we can play at that level and still barely win.  

 

 

Overall, I'm not putting stock into this win any more than we are 1-0 this week and have the tie-breaker over the Chiefs.  I'm glad to see the team back on the positive uptick both offensively and defensively, but I also recognize this game means nothing towards the outcome of our playoff success.  I'm back to believing we can play with anyone, and don't even try to tell me the Chiefs were holding back because it's only the regular season.  They want to win their division and this hurt them.  

 

Go Bills!

So maybe Beane is not a moron like many on this board contend when it comes to drafting and signing FAs.  Kincaid, Hairston Bishop Cook Walker Bosa  Hoecht to name a few.  Sure, he has some misses, all GMs do.  But I don't think he is a total idiot.