KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 12, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The Chiefs make a third straight Super Bowl, but not without a controversial marking on what should have been a first down. Here is how the game ultimately played out:
Bills Run Game
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 12: James Cook #4 of the Buffalo Bills scores a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter in the game at Hard Rock Stadium on September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Bills changed their entire offensive game plan in the second half, running the ball effectively and holding time of possession. James Cook led the team with 85 yards rushing and 2 TDs. Surprisingly, Cook was not in the game on multiple fourth-down snaps, which the Bills struggled to get.
Josh Allen
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills passes the ball for a Touchdown to Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs #14in the game between the Buffalo Bills vs the New York Jets on Monday Night Football at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)
He threw for 257 yards and 2 TDs and ran for 39 yards. However, the Bills were stopped on two two-point conversion attempts and were also stopped on multiple fourth-down “tush pushes”.
Bills Pass Catchers
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 01: Dalton Kincaid #86 of the Buffalo Bills signals during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
Dalton Kincaid had a terrible drop that cost them the game on a fourth-down play. Mack Hollins led the Bills receivers with 73 yards receiving and a TD. Shakir was busy in the first half but quiet in the second half.
Mahomes Found The Right Matchup
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Bills defense sacked Mahomes twice, but when they lost CB Christian Benford, the entire game changed as backup CB Kair Elam gave way too much space to Xavier Worthy and was picked on repeatedly by Mahomes.
Chiefs RBs
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 10: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs hands the football to Kareem Hunt #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Kareem Hunt out-touched Isiah Pacheco 17-5 and led the Chiefs with 64 yards and a TD.
Mahomes Used his Legs
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 13: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts as he takes the field before the AFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Miami Dolphins at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Patrick Mahomes threw for 245 yards and a TD, but he was even more effective with his legs, rushing for 43 yards and 2 TDs.
Kelce Was Quiet
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 29: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates a third quarter touchdown during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 29, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Kansas City defeated Detroit 34-30. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
Bills LB Matt Milano held Travis Kelce in check as he only had 2 catches for 19 yards.
Worthy Was A Star
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MAY 22: Wide receiver Xavier Worthy #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs participates in OTA Offseason workouts at The University of Kansas Health System Training Complex on May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
The offensive star of the game was rookie WR Xavier Worthy, who had six receptions on seven targets for 85 yards and a TD. Worthy ran simple routes but his YAC was exceptional as he showed tons of elusiveness.
Stopping Josh Allen
CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 05: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after his team’s 24-18 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The Chiefs defense only had 2 sacks, but they were terrific on short-yardage situations, stopping Josh Allen on multiple “tush push” occasions. This is a precursor for the Eagles game, where they will see it again with Jalen Hurts.
