Buffalo Bills: Keys to victory against Chiefs in AFC Championship Game

3 of 4

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 16: Justin Tucker #9 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after missing a field goal in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Bills Stadium on January 16, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

Capitalize on Opponent’s Mistake

The Buffalo Bills played an excellent game on defense last week, but there were plenty of moments that the offense couldn’t capitalize off of the Ravens’ mistakes. The best kicker in the league missed two field goals and the Bills didn’t score points on either of the subsequent drives. Furthermore, because of those missed field goals and other mistakes, like dropped passes, the Bills had plenty of drives with great field position, but once again most of those drives did not yield any points.

The Bills’ first points last week came off of a drive that started on the Baltimore 38 yard line because of a 23-yard punt. It’s great that the Bills got points at all from this drive, but a drive that starts just 38 yards from the end zone is one that needs to be finished in a touchdown more times than not.

Additionally, the Ravens backed themselves up to their one-yard line midway through the 2nd quarter, and from 2nd and 29 from their own yard line, the Bills defense eventually allowed a first down two plays later. This ultimately allowed the Ravens to punt the ball from their own 42-yard line instead of their own end zone, thus affecting the field position battle.

If the Buffalo Bills want to beat the Chiefs in this AFC Championship matchup, the Bills need to capitalize on as many Chiefs’ mistakes as possible. If the Chiefs are in a 3rd and 20, the Bills defense cannot allow a conversion. If the Bills defense holds the Chiefs offense from scoring points on a drive, the next offensive drive for the Bills needs to end with points on the board.

It would be tough for fans to expect the Bills defense to duplicate last week’s performance against this high-powered Chiefs offense. If the Bills want to win it’s going to have to be done on all three phases. When the defense does well, the offense needs to compliment them. When the offense goes three and out, the defense needs to force just a field goal or get the ball back quickly. If the Bills can play good complementary football, their chances of advancing to the Super Bowl increase greatly.

Home/Buffalo Bills News