The Chiefs offense got some chunk plays and big bursts from both running backs in the dramatic win over Buffalo.
Headed into Sunday’s Divisional Round Playoff game the talk was all bout the QB matchup between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, as well as how each team would slow down the other’s weapons. Not much talk was made about Jerrick McKinnon who a week prior had torched the Steelers, as well as Clyde Edwards-Helaire returning from injury. The Bills defense didn’t seem to care too much about stopping the Chiefs’ running backs, and the Chiefs exploited them on it early.
The Chiefs ran a few big plays with Helaire, mostly off of the iso zone look, which has a tight end going through the backside isolating on a linebacker in a two-man box. The other LB is either going to be blocked by the play side guard or take himself out of the play following the tight end. These resulted in big chunk plays from Helaire.
The Chiefs continued to welcome Heliare back to action with a designed pass route out of the backfield. Buffalo had a hard time finishing when they got to the ball and it was nice to see Helarie start to look like the 2020 version of himself.
Andy Reid will always feed the hot hand and this week McKinnon was used effectively in the passing game.
There was very little hesitation from Helaire, when he hit the hole he hit it with a head of steam and looked to finish every play with authority.
Andy had several plays drawn up for McKinnon and they were all in big situations. That goes to show how much trust Reid has in the veteran back even for having spent such a small amount of time together.
This should also reflect on McKinnon’s character, he was an established veteran but spent most of the season on the injury list or sitting behind other runners. When his name was called he gave the Chiefs his best effort and it has paid off for both parties.
McKinnon finished with five receptions for 54 yards, and 24 rushing yards giving him 78 total yards. Edwards-Helaire finished with 60 rushing yards on only seven carries, and one reception for nine yards. The production from both backs helped keep the Bills off balance and even opened up some drag route passes to the Chief’s speedsters Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman late in the game.
The offense is rolling, scoring 42 points in each of their first two playoff games against the NFL’s number one ranked defense in Buffalo, and facing a very good defense with the likely defensive player of the year TJ Watt in Pittsburgh. The offense has been sensational in all phases through the first two games of the postseason. They must finish against the Cincinnati Bengals to earn a chance to compete in the Super Bowl. The kickoff is set for 2 pm central time.
