The Kansas City Chiefs’ undefeated streak in the 2024 NFL season came to an abrupt end on Sunday at the hands of Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
The Chiefs, who had been riding high with a perfect 9-0 record, fell 30-21 in a hard-fought battle at Highmark Stadium. While the loss was a tough pill to swallow for Kansas City, it also prompted head coach Andy Reid to reflect on his own decision-making during the game.
In his post-game press conference, Reid didn’t hold back in acknowledging where he believed he went wrong. “I probably could call some more runs, when it was all said and done,” Reid admitted. “When we had opportunities, we did a pretty nice job with it, with the exception of the short-yardage.” Reid’s transparency about his strategy, particularly his pass-heavy play calling, raised eyebrows as the Chiefs were out-run by the Bills, who controlled the ground game throughout the contest.
Kareem Hunt led the Chiefs in rushing, carrying the ball 14 times for 60 yards. Despite his solid performance, the Chiefs’ overall run game lacked balance, with only three other players—Xavier Worthy, Carson Steele, and Mecole Hardman—receiving a single carry each. Reid’s admission highlighted a missed opportunity to keep the Bills’ defense on its toes with a more diversified offensive attack. By contrast, the Bills’ commitment to running the ball proved to be a key factor in their victory.
Josh Allen was not only effective through the air, but he also used his legs to great effect. Allen rushed 12 times for 55 yards, including a crucial touchdown run late in the fourth quarter that gave Buffalo a nine-point lead, sealing the win. Reid discussed this play in his post-game comments, noting, “You want to try to stay in your lanes, when it extends that long it’s a tough thing to do. We’ll go back and learn from the thing and see what we can do better than that.” The Chiefs struggled to contain Allen when the pocket broke down, a glaring weakness that Reid and his staff will certainly address in the coming weeks.
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The Chiefs’ loss was not only due to Allen’s athleticism but also the Bills’ more balanced offensive attack. Unlike the Chiefs, who leaned heavily on the passing game, the Bills spread the ball around in the running game. James Cook contributed with 20 yards on nine carries, while Ty Johnson and Ray Davis added depth with 18 and 11 yards, respectively. The result was a more controlled, methodical offense that allowed the Bills to chew up clock and keep Mahomes off the field at critical moments.
Patrick Mahomes did his best to lead the Chiefs in their comeback attempt, completing 23 of 33 passes for 196 yards with three touchdowns. However, his two interceptions, including one late in the game on a fourth-and-long with the Chiefs trailing by two scores, proved costly. Reid took responsibility for his team’s shortcomings, acknowledging that both he and his players need to fix issues going forward. “We’re going to go back, learn from it, and do everything we can to get better,” Reid said, understanding that the loss highlighted areas where the Chiefs had previously excelled.
Despite the end of their winning streak, the Chiefs still stand as one of the top teams in the AFC. With a 9-1 record, they remain in prime position for a deep playoff run. However, this loss serves as a reminder that no team, no matter how talented, is invincible. The Chiefs will need to regroup and adjust their approach if they hope to maintain their status as one of the league’s elite teams.
Reid’s acknowledgment of his own mistakes is part of his leadership style, as he continually strives to improve. While the Bills were the better team on Sunday, Reid’s leadership will ensure the Chiefs learn from this defeat. “It’s always a tough loss, but the reality is you can learn a lot from it,” Reid said. “We’ll go back, make the adjustments, and continue to work hard.”
Moving forward, the Chiefs face a crucial stretch of games in their pursuit of another Super Bowl title. With teams like the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and Philadelphia Eagles all vying for playoff spots, every game becomes increasingly important. The Chiefs’ next steps will involve refining their play calling and ensuring that their offense and defense operate in sync.
As for Mahomes, the loss hasn’t shaken his confidence. “We’ll learn from this, we’ll get better, and we’ll be ready for the next challenge,” Mahomes said after the game. His ability to bounce back and lead his team will be crucial as Kansas City looks to reclaim their momentum. The Chiefs’ road to the Super Bowl may have encountered a speed bump, but with Reid and Mahomes at the helm, it’s far from over.
While the Chiefs will surely rue their missed opportunities in Buffalo, they’ll also recognize the lessons learned. Reid’s admission about the need for more balance in the run game could spark a renewed focus on the ground attack, which might just be what the Chiefs need to keep opposing defenses guessing. As always, Kansas City will be a dangerous team in the postseason, and Reid’s ability to adjust and grow from this loss will play a pivotal role in their playoff hopes.
As the Chiefs look to bounce back, they will face the challenge of proving they can win in a variety of ways. Whether it’s through the air or on the ground, Reid knows that his team has the talent to compete with anyone. The focus now will be on refining their approach, ensuring that they are ready for the challenges that lie ahead. The loss to Buffalo may have ended their streak, but it hasn’t ended their quest for another Super Bowl championship.