Andy Reid Assesses Blame After Chiefs’ Ugly Loss to Bills
It’s becoming a tale as old as time, albeit one that still stings all the same for the reigning AFC champions.
For the fifth time in a row, the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Buffalo Bills in the regular season. Buffalo superstar quarterback Josh Allen is now 5-1 in his regular-season career against Kansas City standout Patrick Mahomes, and it may not be the last time these foes see each other before February.
Simply getting to January would be a nice start, though. Unfortunately for Andy Reid’s team, it enters the bye week outside of the AFC playoff picture. What are Reid’s initial thoughts following an ugly 28-21 loss in Week 9?
Andy Reid Takes Blame for Chiefs’ 28-21 Loss to Bills in Week 9
As far as the blame game is concerned, Reid is starting by looking within. Speaking to the media on Sunday evening, the winningest head coach in franchise history said he needs to be better for his team.
“We’ve got to do a little better than that, obviously, when you’re playing a good football team,” Reid said. “It starts with me doing my job better and giving our guys an opportunity and put them in good positions where they can make some plays.”
A few questions later, he doubled down on not allowing his players enough chances to do damage.
“Listen, I could’ve helped the guys out, and I didn’t do a very good job of that,” Reid said. “And then we’ve got to obviously do a little better when given that opportunity.”
In all, the final score may not be an accurate depiction of how the action unfolded. For starters, the Bills outgained the Chiefs by 99 total yards and had the ball for nearly 10 minutes longer. They gained seven more first downs than Kansas City, too, a testament to their success. Per rbsdm, Allen averaged 0.43 EPA/play (90th percentile) to Mahomes’s -0.02 (37th).
To be fair to Reid, it wasn’t even remotely all his fault. Mahomes himself played a poor game for his standards, and his offensive line struggled in pass protection. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s side of the ball also got carved like a pumpkin leftover from Halloween on Friday night or a turkey on Thanksgiving in a few weeks.
As is typically the case, however, Reid will accept responsibility as the leader of the team whether it’s on him or not.
Kansas City to Emphasize Rest During Upcoming Bye Week
The Chiefs didn’t suffer many injuries in Sunday’s defeat. According to Reid, the only noteworthy one was right tackle Jawaan Taylor sustaining an ankle ailment in the second half. Left guard Kingsley Suamataia seemed to be banged up late, but Reid didn’t elaborate on that or even acknowledge it.
On the flip side, Kansas City came into the weekend down some players. The absence of left tackle Josh Simmons, while not injury-related, continues to be a dark cloud hanging over the organization. Running back Isiah Pacheco missed each practice of this past week and was out on Sunday. His MCL injury isn’t deemed to be long-term, which is good news.
This late into the season, no one is 100%, whether that be physically or mentally. Reid is well aware of it, which makes the upcoming Week 10 bye timely.
“I’ve got a good locker room there,” Reid said. “Rest up, and they’ll come back strong. That’s what we do. Guys are nicked up here, or throughout the year here. They’ve got to make sure they get in and get worked on.”
Historically speaking, Reid may be the best there is pertaining to the bye. Coming off that week of rest and preparation, Reid-coached teams are 22-4 in their next outing. Considering the Chiefs are looking up at the 7-2 Denver Broncos, that’s a big deal. Add in the fact that Denver plays the 2-6 Las Vegas Raiders while Kansas City rests in Week 10, and that makes the perceived advantage even more important.
How the Chiefs respond to the time off could determine if Reid’s accountability has a ripple effect.
Hal Steinbrenner Supports Kid Rock's All-American Halftime Show with Turning Point USA, Declares Strong Message for America
Hal Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees, has publicly supported Kid Rock’s All-American Halftime Show in partnership with Turning Point USA, praising the event for its patriotic tone and clear message of American values. With tickets sold out within hours and a crowd of passionate fans chanting slogans like "Hold the Line, Skip the Bunny," Steinbrenner highlighted how the event resonates with the current cultural climate and the importance of freedom and individuality in America.
“I’m fully behind Kid Rock’s All-American Halftime Show,” Steinbrenner said in a statement. “It’s a celebration of what makes America great — our love for music, our appreciation for freedom, and our unwavering support for values that unite us as a country. This event, along with Turning Point USA’s involvement, is exactly the kind of positive, patriotic message that America needs right now.”
The All-American Halftime Show, which is set to be a major spectacle, has sparked significant excitement among fans, especially those who feel that traditional American values are being overlooked in mainstream entertainment. The event's growing popularity has led to a wave of support, as crowds flocked to buy tickets, eager to be part of the celebration of freedom and independence.
Steinbrenner, who is known for his strong opinions on various cultural issues, emphasized that the show represents more than just a performance. “It’s a message. A loud and clear message to the NFL and to everyone watching that America is choosing guitar over political correctness, passion over censorship, and freedom over division,” he said.
The chant, "Hold the Line, Skip the Bunny," was widely understood to be a direct response to the cultural and political debates currently unfolding in the country, especially in relation to the entertainment industry. The phrase symbolizes a rallying cry for those who want to preserve traditional American values in the face of changing trends in media and entertainment.
“Events like this remind us of the power of music, unity, and standing up for what you believe in,” Steinbrenner continued. “It’s not about divisiveness; it’s about bringing people together under a shared love for our country.”
As the countdown to the All-American Halftime Show continues, Kid Rock and Turning Point USA are gearing up to deliver a performance that promises to stir up conversation, inspire patriotism, and send a powerful message to the NFL and beyond. Steinbrenner’s endorsement reflects the growing movement of Americans who are eager to reclaim their cultural space and stand strong for the principles they believe in.
