Lisa Foxx
Media Praises Allen, Ignores Mahomes
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills met for an AFC Divisional game Sunday in Orchard Park, New York. It was the third time in the past four years that the teams have met in the postseason. The Patrick Mahomes led Chiefs were 2-0 in the playoffs against the Bills going into the game, but were 0-3 against them in their last three regular season match-ups. Going into Highmark Stadium on Sunday, this was the All Pro quarterback’s first road playoff game and there was much made about this in the national media with much to prove for Mahomes and the Chiefs.
.
.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s performance was very physical and athletic. He ran for 72 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw a laser into the end zone while running to the left for the team’s third TD of the game. It was an impressive throw that required incredible skill and athleticism.
.
.
Josh played a good game and looked great doing it. However, Josh Allen and the Bills lost the game, 24-27.
.
.
.
It was reported prior to the game that Bills head coach Josh McDermott wanted Allen to play his game. In other words, the Bills were going to “Let Josh Cook”… and cook he did.
.
.
I understand why so many Josh Allen defenders are gushing to acknowledge his accomplishments on the field on Sunday. He was a specimen who put on an athletic display. That can’t be denied. There was however…
.
.
… another quarterback on the field who was superior in every aspect of the game that mattered. He is considered the best quarterback in the league, and he led his team to a victory in this important playoff game. If you turn on the television — or your favorite streaming app — all you hear is how great the Bills quarterback was in Sunday’s Divisional playoff game.
.
.
It’s a shame, because Mahomes was athletic, strategic, and dynamic on the field. The Chiefs had a plan and executed it well. There was no need for Mahomes to run around and make heroic plays to win the game. True, it may not have looked as flashy, but it was masterful quarterback play on display and it should be acknowledged.
.
.
.
When Mahomes did have to improvise, he managed it flawlessly. He has never been sacked in a postseason game, but on the Chiefs’ very first drive Mahomes almost went down. He was able to squirm out of and around the tackle and scramble out of the pocket for a pass downfield to rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice. That pass was on the money and kept a crucial drive going in a hostile environment. BTW, JOe Brady is the Bills’ OC:
.
.
.
Mahomes made some beautiful passes to WRs Rice and veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantlin in the game. He threw a bullet to WR Justin Watson on a 3rd down to keep the opening drive alive, but the ball went through his arms as he was unable to pull it in. That pass and drop aren’t mentioned much, if at all, during the discourse following the game. Meanwhile Allen’s “incredible” throw to Bills WR Stephon Diggs that was dropped is considered a “travesty”. To be fair, there is probably more to that story than just the drop, but that’s a different story. Kurt offers great insight:
.
.
Mahomes and the Chiefs offense had eight plays of 20 yards or more, one of those was a touchdown pass to his tight end Travis Kelce for 22 yards. That throw made history. It was the 15th post-season TD between Mahomes and Kelce, tying the record held by future HOF’ers Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. Mahomes and Kelce went on to break the record Sunday with another TD pass, making it 16 post-season TDs for the duo.
One of the best plays of the game was by Mahomes when, in the 3rd quarter, he had no passing options on a 2nd & 7 play so he ran out of the pocket and saw a waiting defender. Mahomes motioned his tight end to scramble, which alerted the defender Mahomes might pass the ball. The defender bit as Mahomes faked a throw, allowing Mahomes to scuttle around him and down the sideline for a 24-yard gain. It was an understated but brilliant play. It was also the longest run of the game. Here’s a look:
.
.
Patrick Mahomes took the league by storm in 2018 with his incredible throws and unorthodox playing style. He has proven that he can play off script — described as backyard football by some — when needed and he’s one of the best to do it. He has plenty of highlights to prove it.
.
.
Patrick Mahomes has also matured, both as a person and as a player. He doesn’t have to be the hero for the team like before. Despite the struggles and frustration surrounding the team’s receiving corps this season, Coach Andy Reid adjusted the game plan, and the Chiefs offense is looking better than ever this season. Mahomes looks comfortable and confident and is executing at a high level both mentally and physically.
.
.
Patrick Mahomes has a post-season resume that deserves attention and respect. The ability and humility to adapt his play and do what it takes to win — and not necessarily to shine himself — is most impressive. Mahomes understands that winning is more important than looking good on a stats sheet. Flash is great, but it takes more than flash to win a championship.
.
Lisa Foxx — ArrowheadOne
.