Buffalo Bills: Does Patrick Mahomes reported turf toe change gameplan?
The news for most of the week around Patrick Mahomes was about him being in the concussion protocol. However, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback cleared the protocol on Friday and didn’t receive an injury designation, and is set to play against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game.
While he didn’t receive a designation, it doesn’t necessarily mean he is completely healthy. On Sunday NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Mahomes is also dealing with a turf toe injury.
Patrick Mahomes was quoted in the article by Rapoport to have said the toe was feeling better but it certainly raises the question of how it might change what he is able to do on the field today. He is not considered to be a mobile quarterback but has shown to be a threat to run the ball.
This season, Mahomes set career highs in rushing attempts (62) and rushing yards (308) and for the third straight season had two rushing touchdowns. In Week 6 against the Bills, Mahomes had 10 rushing attempts for 36 yards.
How does this impact the defensive gameplan for the Buffalo Bills?
The question now for the coaching staff is how this changes their gameplan entering Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. If Patrick Mahomes is hesitant to run outside of the pocket, it could allow the Bills to be more aggressive with their defensive linemen.
Last week against the Ravens, gap discipline was critical in slowing down Lamar Jackson. The Bills defensive linemen had to find a balance of putting pressure on the Ravens’ quarterback but also not allowing him to escape the pocket.
While Mahomes is not Lamar Jackson, if Jerry Hughes, Mario Addison, Ed Oliver and the rest of the defensive linemen know he can’t move as quickly they can be a little quicker off the snap and pressure a little faster.
It is also worth watching how Patrick Mahomes is throwing the ball and planting his feet. A toe injury like this can potentially cause some inaccuracies if he is not able to plant and drive the ball the way he typically does.
These types of errant throws could create more opportunities for turnovers that are not typically there when playing a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes.
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