For the first time in his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes is set to take the field in a road playoff game. The Chiefs’ highly anticipated matchup against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, New York also marks the first time that Kansas City will enter a playoff game as an underdog in the Mahomes era.
While speaking with the media on Wednesday, the 28-year-old quarterback emphasized the importance of communication when playing in hostile environments.
“[Head] Coach [Andy] Reid preaches communication,” Mahomes explained. “You have to have nonverbal communication whenever you’re playing on the road and we try to do a good job of that – of just being able to be on the same page, being able to execute at a high level, and then not letting anything be too positive or too negative, just kind of staying even-keeled and going about your business.”
Calling plays and audibles clearly may be where Kansas City’s offense starts on Sunday, but the reigning MVP made it clear that he is also preparing to ensure that emotions don’t get the best of him or his teammates.
Said Mahomes: “I think that’s important on the road because it seems like one bad play is magnified more and a big play is magnified more, so just staying with the process is something that Coach Reid preaches, and we do a great job of that.”
The Chiefs are looking to make their sixth consecutive AFC title game appearance, but unlike previous seasons, Kansas City will have to take care of business on the road. It will be a daunting task, as the Bills have won six straight games since starting the season 6-6.
