Defensive Ends
The performance of the defensive ends likely was going to be one of the deciding factors in this game. The defensive end was a position the Buffalo Bills wanted to upgrade to get better at putting pressure on Patrick Mahomes.
In terms of getting pressure, this group did a good job of doing that. Patrick Mahomes rarely was able to throw from a clean pocket. However, they struggled to contain the Chiefs’ quarterback when the play broke down and Mahomes beat this defense running the ball.
The Bills’ inability to bring Mahomes down in the backfield when given the chance helped Kansas City keep drives alive and ultimately win the game.
Grade: C
Defensive Tackles
Once again Ed Oliver and Harrison Phillips put together a solid game in the middle of the defensive line. Oliver accounted for one of the two sacks by the Buffalo Bills while also finishing with two tackles for a loss and two QB hits.
Meanwhile, Harrison Phillips also continued his strong play from the second half of the season with four total tackles. The Bills had only three defensive tackles active for this game with Star Lotuleli adding three total tackles.
Grade: B