Bills preparing the same for Chiefs, even with Super Bowl on the line
Jan 22, 2025
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WROC) - The Bills have done a good job this season treating every game the same, regardless of the opponent or the stakes on Sunday.
This week is no different, even with a spot in the Super Bowl on the line.
The emotions, though, might be a little different. Especially since several Bill players know exactly what it feels like to lose this game, as Kansas City defeated Buffalo in the AFC Championship in the 2020 season.
"You always remember the feelings of not pulling through," Josh Allen said. "It sticks with you for awhile and it really doesn't leave."
While Spencer Brown may not have been with the Bills during that loss, the right tackle knows what it takes to perform well in game with high stakes.
"Jimmy Johnson said you lose more playoff games than you win," Brown said. "I think that's just playing free, relying on your technique, like, 'Oh, it's the AFC Championship game. Let's do something out of the ordinary.' Or maybe you give too much effort, a penalty or a block in the back. You're just playing, instead of controlled and poised, you're playing out of control."
Sean McDermott doesn't plan on making many adjustments as the Bills take the week to prepare for the reigning Super Bowl champs. With a regular season win over the Chiefs under its belt, the team knows what its capable of the second time around.
On top of the second meeting this year, the game marks Allen and Patrick Mahomes' fourth postseason meeting of their careers.
"When you know who you are, and you know what works for us, it's a lot easier," McDermott said. "If you have to adjust things this time of year, then it gets more difficult, perhaps."
The upcoming AFC Championship is the furthest Amari Cooper had made it in the postseason in his 10 years in the league. With the Super Bowl just a win away, he has a unique approach to the game.
"There's a saying in chess, 'Don't play to win the game. Don't play to lose the game. Don't play to draw the game, just play chess,'" Cooper said. "It's the same thing with football. You can't be afraid of losing, you've just got to go out there and play football."
Ed Oliver seems to have a similar mindset, having a simple priority when he's on the field.
"Keep a steady mind about yourself and go out there and attack. The most important thing is have fun," Oliver said. "When you're having fun, you're making plays, it's easier to win the game."
Even with the successful regular season for the Bills, those games are in the past. So are the Bills' playoff losses in recent years.
"All I think abut right now is just trying to put my best foot forward and win this football game," Allen said. "At the same time, I've said this a few times throughout the year of having a talk with Von Miller before the year, just being okay with whatever happens."
Most of the Bills don't want to spend time imaging what a win Sunday night would look like. Instead, they would rather focus on where their feet are, but Brown had a specific picture of how Sunday evening is going to go:
"It's either going to be a super celebration party, or me and a 24-pack by myself."