The Buffalo Bills were going to need to play almost a perfect game to keep their playoff hopes alive against the Kansas City Chiefs. They basically were able to do that in a 20-17 victory and the Bills have now won three straight regular season games in Kansas City.
When looking back at the game, they were a number of players who stepped up and made big plays when needed. These are four players who impressed in Week 14 against the Chiefs.
4 Buffalo Bills who impressed in Week 14 against the Chiefs
Ed Oliver
Ed Oliver had another big game in the middle of the Buffalo Bills defense. The Bills extended Oliver in the offseason and the move is looking pretty genius on the part of general manager Brandon Beane as Oliver has taken that next step in 2023.
It was more of the same against the Kansas City Chiefs as Oliver began the game teaming with Greg Rousseau for the first, and only, sack on Patrick Mahomes. He ended the game with his first pass defended of the season when he tipped a throw by Mahomes on 3rd and 15 on their final drive of the game.
A.J. Epenesa
The Buffalo Bills defensive end only played four snaps against the Kansas City Chiefs after suffering a rib injury. However, Epenesa made a huge impact in just those four plays with an interception on the opening drive.
On the play, Epenesa was able to tip a pass thrown by Mahomes up in the air and would track the ball for the turnover. This would be Epenesa's second interception of the season and has been very disruptive in the passing game with eight passes defended this season, compared to seven in his first three years in the NFL.
It is a contract year for Epenesa and he is playing his best football at the perfect time.
Taron Johnson
Taron Johnson doesn't get enough credit for what he is able to do for this defense. The Bills are almost exclusively in nickel and the scheme doesn't work without a player like Johnson.
In the game against the Chiefs, Johnson would lead the Bills in tackles with nine total and also have a pass defended. However, he also had a fumble recovery in the second half after Christian Benford knocked the ball loose.
This has been pretty typical of Johnson over his career as he seems to make plays at just the right time when the defense needs it. The amount of injuries the defense has had to manage this season, the Bills are going to need him to continue to step up as they continue their push towards the playoffs.
James Cook
The Buffalo Bills offense didn't have a great game but certainly did enough to get the win. One of the players who really stood out on this side of the ball was running back James Cook.
Cook began the game with a huge 25-yard reception that he was able to basically walk in for the first score of the game. He wouldn't stop there and had two more receptions that went for 10 or more yards with a 12-yard reception and then a 27-yard reception just in the opening quarter.
He finished the game with over 100 yards from scrimmage with 58 rushing yards and leading the team in receiving with 83 receiving yards. However, it felt like there was a missed opportunity as Cook wasn't involved much late in the game.
The reasoning is a bit unknown but it could have been due to the pass rush getting to Josh Allen and the Bills electing to go with Latavius Murray, who is much better in pass protection. Whatever the reason, James Cook continues to show he needs to be the featured running back for this offense.