In just a few hours, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen will face off for the ninth time in their careers, with a lot riding on the outcome.
While Allen holds a 4-1 regular-season record over Mahomes, the Chiefs’ quarterback has dominated in the postseason, leading 3-0 in their playoff matchups. For the Buffalo Bills, this undefeated playoff streak of Mahomes is a significant hurdle. However, the Bills’ defense is determined to turn the tide in this highly anticipated AFC Championship Game.
Gregory Rousseau, the Bills’ defensive end, recently appeared on talkSPORT End Zone to discuss how the team plans to stop Mahomes. When asked how difficult it is to gameplan against the Chiefs’ star quarterback, Rousseau was clear.
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“It’s tough for sure. You know, you got to just take it one play at a time. Start off by stopping the run, force them into second-and-long, third-and-long situations, and then go from there. Guys are going to step up and make plays all over the field,” Rousseau explained.
How can the Bills stop the Chiefs?
This strategy is crucial for the Bills if they want to advance to the Super Bowl. The Chiefs’ offensive line, bolstered by Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, is a formidable force, even with some injury struggles.
To prevent Mahomes from getting into his rhythm, the Bills’ defense must neutralize the Chiefs’ running game early on. If they allow Mahomes to set up his passing game, it could spell disaster.
The Bills’ defensive game plan is clear: stop the run and force Mahomes and the Chiefs into third-and-long situations. But for this strategy to succeed, the defense must be on top of its game-something that’s been made more difficult by several key injuries to Buffalo’s defense.
Safety Tyler Rapp, who was injured in last week’s divisional-round win over the Ravens, has been ruled out of today’s game with a hip injury.
This marks the second straight season that Rapp will miss a playoff game due to injury. In addition, linebacker Matt Milano (hamstring), cornerback Christian Benford (concussion), and nickel cornerback Taron Johnson (neck/shoulder) are all dealing with injuries that could impact their availability and effectiveness in today’s game.
Milano has been limited in practice this week, while Benford entered concussion protocol after a hit during an onside kick. Johnson, meanwhile, injured his left shoulder in the same game.
As Buffalo takes on Kansas City with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, the pressure is on for the defense to step up despite the challenges. With key injuries and the task of stopping Mahomes and his explosive offense, the Bills will need to execute their game plan flawlessly. Can they overcome the odds and finally end Mahomes’ playoff dominance? This high-stakes matchup will certainly be one to watch.