![Josh Allen Buffalo Bills NFL](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2023/12/AP23344827977413-620x413.jpg)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna (51) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Sean McDermott thought for a moment that a rough week for himself and the Buffalo Bills would end with one final gut punch, a daring touchdown pass from the Kansas City Chiefs with just over a minute remaining to steal a victory Sunday.
Then the Bills coach saw the yellow flag on the field.
Patrick Mahomes’ pass to Travis Kelce, which was then passed downfield to Kadarius Toney for the 49-yard score, was called back by an offside penalty on none other than Toney himself.
And when the Bills held the Chiefs on downs, they escaped from Arrowhead Stadium with a heartbreaking and head-scratching 20-17 victory.
“As the play unfolded,” McDermott said, “Kelce got wide open. The play after he caught the ball, I’ve never seen a play like that in the NFL. But I saw the referees indicate that direction. I didn’t know if it was a choice or what. It turned out to be offside.”
Rarely is an offside call called against an attacking player. But replays showed Toney’s foot was clearly over the line of scrimmage.
That didn’t make the conversation any better for Mahomes, who went after three different officials for an explanation. Or with Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who was still indignant after walking out of the locker room.
“It’s a little embarrassing for the National Football League that this is happening,” Reid said.
It was the second week in a row that the Chiefs (8-5) faced questionable leadership. Last week in Green Bay they wondered why there was no pass interference on a pass intended for Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the closing minutes of the game.
“No words, man,” Mahomes said. “To end another game and we’re talking about referees, it’s bad for the NFL.”
However, it was good for the Bills (7-6), and they certainly needed something positive.
Their week started with questions swirling around pass rusher Von Miller, who turned himself in to police during their farewell and is charged with third-degree assault on a pregnant woman. And the week ended with criticism aimed at McDermott, who in 2019 had used the September 11, 2001 hijackers during a team meeting to emphasize the importance of communication, and had to apologize again – just as he did after realizing how his mistake four year ago.
“Just so grateful. I am grateful for so many things,” McDermott said. “So many people have reached out. Andy Reid, a lot of their staff after the game. I know quite a few coaches on their staff. They are a class act. I appreciate that.”
The Bills’ Josh Allen threw for 233 yards with running and throwing touchdowns, though he also threw an interception for the ninth straight game. James Cook had 58 yards rushing and caught five passes for 83 yards and a score.
The Bills had been 2-6 in games decided by six points or less, and they had lost a lead in the final two minutes after three losses.
“It wasn’t the nicest victory. We all know that,” Allen said. “But the defense played fantastic.”
Mahomes finished with 271 yards passing and a touchdown with an interception, and Rashee Rice had seven catches for 72 yards and the score. But it wasn’t enough to prevent the Chiefs from losing for the fourth time in six games.
“It’s a check,” senior guard Trey Smith said. ‘You have to dig deep. We still have games to play.”
The Chiefs continued their recent track record of poor starts on Sunday. Mahomes was intercepted by AJ Epenesa on their first series, they punted on each of their next three, and it wasn’t until the final minutes of the first half that Kansas City was able to sustain a drive that ended with Jerick McKinnon’s touchdown run.
At that point, the Bills had already reached the end zone twice.
The first touchdown came when Cook came out of the backfield unchecked, caught a tap from Allen and ran 25 yards for the score. The second came at the end of a 73-yard drive, when Allen held the ball over the right sideline and rose up at the Kansas City 4, only for the entire Bills offense to rally behind him and advance into the end zone.
If the Eagles have the ‘tush push’, the Bills offer their ‘team trample’.
Buffalo scored a field goal just before halftime, but the momentum quickly swung Kansas City’s way. Mahomes led a nine-play, 75-yard march that ended with Rice’s touchdown catch, then forced their defense on back-to-back punts, before another drive ended with Butker’s tying field goal with 11 1/2 minutes remaining.
The Bills had one last scoring drive in them, which ended with Tyler Bass’ go-ahead field goal with 1:54 to go.
The Chiefs thought so too, until they saw a penalty flag on the field.
“I played seven years in the National Football League and I’ve never been caught offside offensively,” Mahomes said, still seething at his postgame news conference. “Would you like another minute to make that call?”
INJURIES
Buffalo lost Epenesa in the first quarter shortly after he hit a pass in the air and took it away. …FS Micah Hyde left with a stinger late in the first half. He was replaced by Taylor Rapp in the second half.
Kansas City RB Isiah Pacheco (shoulder), LT Donovan Smith (neck) and LB Drue Tranquill (concussion) were inactive.
NEXT ONE
Buffalo will play Dallas next Sunday.
Kansas City visits New England next Sunday.