What a disappointing ending for the Buffalo Bills.
The Kansas City Chiefs built their reputation as comeback kings during their run to Super Bowl LIV.
Back then, it looked like they were more comfortable overhauling deficits, including the big game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Sunday, the men in red proved that no lead was safe against them, regardless of the time left.
We love you, 17. pic.twitter.com/WWFB2enuEW
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 24, 2022
They will find a way to force a deadlock or win with Patrick Mahomes under center.
The Bills did everything to put the Chiefs away.
However, it’s never wise to leave time for Mahomes, even if it’s just a few seconds.
The Magical Fourth Quarter
It was like the Bills and the Chiefs were in a championship boxing fight.
Both teams traded punches and the game was still up for grabs by the fourth quarter.
The first 13 minutes looked like a chess match between the two AFC powerhouses.
Then, both teams delivered the most memorable two minutes in recent NFL history.
JOSH ALLEN AND GABRIEL DAVIS' 4TH TD GIVES THE BILLS THE LEAD WITH 17 SECONDS.
📺: #BUFvsKC on CBS
📱: https://t.co/bCIjXIlFWh pic.twitter.com/DgdL4Pwvnd— NFL (@NFL) January 24, 2022
It seemed like Allen and Mahomes disregarded the defenses they faced in those moments.
Three lead changes had everyone at their seat’s edges.
It’s hard to fault the Bills for thinking that Gabriel Davis’ second touchdown in the quarter might be the dagger that slew the AFC’s Super Bowl representative for the past two seasons.
After all, that six-play, 75-yard drive left 13 seconds on the clock.
If you remember, Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys had 14 seconds to score a walk-off touchdown against the 49ers during their Divisional Round game.
Special teams was huge yesterday! Everyone is talking about the Bills defense giving up points with 13 seconds left but why didn’t the Bills squib kick the ball so the Chiefs would only have time to run one good play? pic.twitter.com/jA1q0k6Mpq
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) January 24, 2022
However, time ran out on the Cowboys, ending their once-promising season.
The Chiefs had one second less than Dallas.
Even with three timeouts remaining, getting to at least field goal range was still difficult given the constraints.
Yet, Andy Reid’s crew proved that a baker’s dozen seconds is an eternity in football.
Kansas City’s Big Three Delivered
It’s unwise to count out the Chiefs, especially when Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce are playing.
They have strong chemistry that leaves them unfazed when attempting comebacks.
These three athletes helped the Chiefs unleash fury upon the Pittsburgh Steelers when T.J. Watt scored the first touchdown during their Super Wild Card Weekend encounter.
Against Buffalo, they understood what had to be done and executed without breaking a sweat.
What Chiefs’ HC Andy Reid told Patrick Mahomes in the final 13 seconds of regulation: “When it’s grim, be the grim reaper.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 24, 2022
As expected, the Bills lined up deep to prevent any big plays from happening.
Sean McDermott’s troops were fine as long as they don’t give up a touchdown.
That approach gave Kansas City the middle of the field to make completions.
A 19-yard completion by Hill got them near midfield, and the Chiefs pressed for time.
Then, Mahomes found Kelce at the seam for a 25-yard gain.
Patrick mahomes led the chiefs to score in 13 seconds
Jackson mahomes can make a tik tok in 13 seconds
The mahomes family is unlike any other
pic.twitter.com/7ATQJDk5uc— jw (@iam_johnw2) January 24, 2022
Two plays were all it took to give Harrison Butker an attempt within his range, and he sent the game to overtime.
Chiefs Went For The Kill
Criticism about the overtime rules was under the spotlight once again after Kelce caught the game-winning touchdown.
But that’s how the rules work, and it’s a subject for another discussion.
Without question, the Bills also deserved to win that epic showdown.
Josh Allen gave a tremendous performance with four touchdown passes while Davis caught all scoring throws for 201 yards.
If you’re member of #BillsMafia some may have destroyed their TV after that brutal playoff loss. If you put money and placed a bet on the game you’re out of your mind. After taking lead, :13 seconds left, how do Bills not kickoff short of endzone to force Chiefs to use some time
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) January 24, 2022
Meanwhile, Mahomes completed 33 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns.
Hill had 150 yards while Kelce had 96, with each player having a touchdown catch.
The NFL may have found its next Brady-Manning rivalry.
But until this brewing rivalry turns another page, the Bills won’t forget one universal guideline.
Never count Mahomes out until there’s no time left.
NEXT: NFL World Reacts To The Damon Arnette News
