Trying to contain Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills is a tall task as is, but even more so when you lose a key defensive weapon. That’s the current situation for the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC divisional round, with veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu exiting the game in the first half after catching friendly fire via a knee to his helmet. Mathieu was immediately evaluated for a concussion and subsequently ruled out — not to return in this game and putting his status for a potential AFC Championship Game in question if the Chiefs are able to avoid the upset at the hands of the Bills.
Mathieu is the definitive leader of the Chiefs’ defense, and the three-time First Team All-Pro will be missed both from a mental aspect as well as physically, the latter being a nod to his ability to play all over the defensive secondary to provide support in both passing and run defense. His absence will force others to step up, or the Chiefs hope so, with Allen enjoying a stable of weaponry that includes Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, Emmanuel Sanders and tight end Dawson Knox.
It’s all about surviving to advance in the NFL playoffs, and the Chiefs find themselves in a fight to do so at Arrowhead Stadium, and against a Bills team who themselves are without a key starter — All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White having long been placed on season-ending injured reserve.
