Mahomes Reflects on Loss to Bills

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — After a challenging game against Buffalo, where he struggled significantly, Patrick Mahomes appeared hesitant to think ahead, especially regarding a potential playoff rematch. The Chiefs lost to the Bills 28-21, marking one of the toughest outings of Mahomes’ career.

“We’ve got to get there first,” he remarked, acknowledging the need for improvement following the defeat.

The Chiefs, now at 5-4, have encountered a tough streak against the Bills, losing five regular-season games consecutively. However, if they make the playoffs, it would be the first meeting since 2020, where they are undefeated in four previous postseason encounters.

Just when it seemed Kansas City had regained their rhythm with three wins in a row, this loss was particularly disheartening. “There were great moments and some bad moments,” Mahomes noted. “We need to be more consistent as a team and also as a quarterback.” He emphasized the importance of competition and execution.

In a lackluster performance, Mahomes completed only 15 of 34 passes for 250 yards and an interception. This marked the first time in his career he completed less than half of his passes in a regular season game, and also the 10th occasion he failed to throw a touchdown.

The interception occurred during a crucial period, halting Kansas City’s momentum when he was pressured and attempted a risky throw that was intercepted by a rookie defender, Maxwell Hairston.

The Bills’ defense made life difficult for Mahomes, sacking him three times and applying consistent pressure, recording 15 hits on him throughout the game.

Meanwhile, Mahomes’ counterpart, Josh Allen, shone brightly, completing 88% of his passes for 273 yards and contributing three touchdowns—one through the air and two on the ground.

“We knew a few plays would decide it, and they made those plays,” Mahomes stated, recognizing Allen’s superior performance.

Before this game, Mahomes had been riding a wave of success, completing 74% of his passes with impressive yardage and touchdown numbers. The previous three games had seen the Chiefs dominate, winning against the Lions, Raiders, and Commanders with a combined score of 89-24.

He acknowledged the Bills’ effective strategy, saying, “They had good pass rushers and a solid plan,” and he admitted he needed to evade pressure better and find new angles to throw from.

There were glimmers of brilliance, like a 29-yard connection on a crucial fourth-and-17 play that led to a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 28-21, though that wasn’t enough to win the game.

The Chiefs made some errors, such as turning the ball over on downs during a pivotal second-quarter moment when a pass intended for Laci Rice was intercepted.

Despite Rice’s solid performance, including four receptions and a rushing touchdown, and Kareem Hunt adding another score, Kansas City couldn’t seem to find their rhythm when it counted. Coach Andy Reid pointed out the necessity of capitalizing on opportunities, noting, “Against a team like this, you have to score touchdowns, not field goals.”

After the game, Mahomes gathered his teammates, urging them to learn from the experience quickly. “There will be no easy games from now on,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of refining their play.

With a bye week ahead, the Chiefs will now focus on preparations for their next challenge against Denver, who currently holds the top spot in the AFC West.

“It’s going to be tough when we come back,” Mahomes added, though he seemed confident that the team was ready to face the challenge ahead.