The Buffalo Bills fell to the Kansas City Chiefs to end their 2024 playoff run. The game featured all of the elements of the heartbreak.
Entering the game at Arrowhead Stadium, it was commonly believed that the Bills would face environmental challenges.
One storyline ahead of the game was the officiating. For better or for worse, pundits latched onto this aspect ahead of the contest.
It was not if the controversial calls would occur, but when. Of course, the calls had an impact.
But there’s a bit more to it.
It’s easy to blame the officials for their role in the Bills’ 32-29 loss. However, there was a lot that the Bills didn’t do well, which ultimately led to another image of Buffalo players and fans watching Kansas City on Sunday:
An uneven first half
Imagn
Buffalo didn’t start the game particularly well. The offense went three-and-out on an uninspired drive. QB Josh Allen looked a bit too amped up for the start, as his initial passes were off the mark.
Even when the Bills settled in and took a lead early in the second quarter, the game felt far from comfortable for them. Buffalo clawed its way into the lead following a fortunate fumble by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Ed Oliver recovered the fumble, and the Bills offense rattled off a 10-play drive to take the lead.
However, the Bills could not sustain the lead, as Kansas City would score the next two touchdowns, putting the Chiefs up 21-10. Once again, Buffalo was forced to dig themselves out of a hole.
Mack Hollins caught a perfect pass from Allen to bring the game back to a one-score deficit. It was a minor miracle that the Bills were only down five at halftime.
Not getting James Cook more touches
Getty
James Cook had only four carries in the first half. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s adjustment in the second half was great–get the ball in the hands of Cook. Buffalo only rang up 43 rushing yards as a team in the half.
The Bills shifted their focus to the run game on their opening drive following halftime. Buffalo ran the ball on 11 of 12 plays. Cook rushed five times for 45 yards. He scored on a ridiculous diving attempt for a touchdown on fourth down.
Fast forward to the final drive of the game. Cook had zero touches as Buffalo turned the ball over on downs.
The final offensive play
USAT
Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo put on a clinic…
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