For the third time in the past year, the Tyrann Mathieu-led Kansas City Chiefs defense will meet Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, as they will face off in the AFC divisional round.
If there is one defensive talent who knows just what it takes to play against a dynamic quarterback like Allen, it sure is Mathieu. Whether in coverage or when simply tracking him down when he is on the run, the veteran safety has had a bulk of responsibilities in career clashes with Allen.
In speaking during a press conference ahead of the Chiefs’ home playoff clash with the Bills, Mathieu went in-depth on Allen’s versatility as a quarterback, where he noted that the Kansas City front seven must be on close watch whenever the fourth-year passer is moving out of the pocket.
“I think he’s a great athlete,” Mathieu said. “He’s obviously a guy that can make all the throws, and any time he’s using his legs, it seems like it’s to his advantage. So, it obviously adds extra pressure on the guys that are covering, but it also adds pressure on the guys that are rushing him just to stay in their lanes and not let him break containment and get into open field.
“But I think anytime he decides to tuck and run the ball, we have to treat him like a running back and treat him like one of these wide receivers where all 11 guys have to pursue and get to the ball. I think it’s going to be one of those games where we’re going to have to tackle him, and we’re going to have to tackle him well.”
Allen showed off his unique skill set as a passer in the Bills’ statement victory over the New England Patriots in the AFC wild-card round, which included five touchdown passes.
Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll may once again open up the playbook for Allen in an effort to keep the Chiefs front seven off guard in this AFC divisional round clash.
Follow Us
Subscribe