Buffalo Bills: Tyrod does just enough, defense holds up in shocking win over Chiefs

It was not the prettiest of football games but it was one where the Buffalo Bills were able to come out on top. The Bills stunned the Chiefs 16-10 Sunday to improve to 6-5 as they head into December.

The Defense

We all know how poorly the Buffalo Bills’ defense played heading into this game. Sunday, the defense reemerged into its old self as the run D bottled up Kareem Hunt. The rookie running back was held to just 17 yards.

Buffalo also did an outstanding job shutting down bona fide playmaker Tyreek Hill. The wideout made a few plays but never scored and had his longest play of just 11 yards.

Tre’Davious White continues to turn heads. The rookie corner had another great game but will be remembered for the game-sealing pick off Alex Smith late in the fourth quarter.

Overall, the Bills held the Chiefs to 236 total yards, 26 minutes of possession, and just three rushing first downs.

The defense was worn out by the fourth quarter, but they held on and capitalized off Alex Smith’s mistake.

A terrible personal foul call that shouldn’t have been called against EJ Gaines almost killed the Bills’ hopes but luckily, the Bills were able to hang on despite the refs’ call against them.

Tyrod and Shady did just enough

The Buffalo Bills’ offense was far from elite. Play calling was terrible and they were miserably failing to convert second and shorts or third shorts into first downs.

Kansas City’s defense came into the game ranked close to the bottom of the league and newly acquired Darrelle Revis was inactive.

However, they had the Bills looking confused and lost as the game progressed.

The Bills did not have a ton of tricks up their sleeves but had just enough to outscore the opposition.

The Bills had under 100 total yards in the second half, which is shameful.

I feel like on Sunday the Bills got quintessential Tyrod Taylor.

He threw some really errant passes, didn’t take any chances downfield, and was not afraid to take off with his feet.

He did, however, protect the ball, not turning it over once. Tyrod threw for over 100 yards and threw the team’s lone TD to Zay Jones in the first half.

I’ll give him credit, the play calling was horrific and painful at times. Tyrod did a decent job to keep drives alive and get his offense in field goal range.

Possessions were long enough to keep the defense rested which allowed them to step up on their end.

LeSean McCoy had 22 carries. He only had 49 yards but he touched the ball enough to tick away the clock in a game where the Bills led most of the way.

Again, Shady just being out there is the number one asset to this offense. When he goes off, the Bills win. When he gets touches and the Bills protect the ball, the Bills win. Notice a theme?

Thank You, Stephen Hauschka

“Hausch-Money” did it again. His streak of 50+ yard field goals made may have been broken but he was still killing it.

He was good for three field goals, including a 56-yarder, in a game where he was asked to deliver four times.

Touchdowns were few and far between in this one, and the field goals are what helped bury the Chiefs.

AFC Playoff Picture

The AFC this year is what I call a “hot mess”. Only the Browns are mathematically eliminated.

The AFC Wild Card race is wide open.

Buffalo, right now, sits in the final Wild Card Spot. Only the Ravens have a chance to match their record on Monday Night Football.

Buffalo’s chances for the Wild Card are still alive and well. Despite still having to play New England twice, the Bills have to host the Colts and then play Miami twice.

With three very winnable games left on the schedule, will 9-7 be enough to get to the playoffs?

Who knows.

Please Keep Picking Against Them

Tyrod Taylor even mentioned it after the game. The Buffalo Bills love playing with the underdog label.

Going into Sunday, most national media outlets gave the Bills little to no chance by mostly picking the Chiefs. Most fan voters were also picking the Chiefs.

My point: The team (although they shouldn’t) pays attention to who is picking them to win. When it is virtually no one, it motivates them.

Patriots Week

The victory against the Chiefs on the road, although glorifying, will be very short-lived.

Next week, the mighty New England Patriots come to town for the teams’ first meeting this season.

Next: Buffalo Bills: Kelvin Benjamin won’t improve Buffalo’s offense

It may be “Patriot Hate Week” at One Bills Drive, but for once, it’s also “playoff season”.

That is a beautiful thing.

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