KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs defense knows its hands are full this week preparing for Buffalo Bill's quarterback Josh Allen, and the players recently weighed in on just how big of a threat the young QB presents.
“(He) can throw the ball a mile, can use his legs, he is real physical when he’s running the ball, so he turns into a running back,” safety Tyrann Mathieu said.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones had similar thoughts.
"We gotta try to stop the run and contain this quarterback," Jones said. "The guy can throw 80-yard bombers. He can throw 60 yards on the run.”
Still shy of 25 years old, Allen is a leading candidate for MVP, along with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Although Allen's success wasn't as quick as the Super Bowl MVP's, he's made great stride three years in. After two up and down seasons, Allen has thrown for more touchdowns his third season – more than his first two years combined.
Jones said Allen is playing at an "MVP-caliber level."
“They’re steamrolling right now, man. They are firing on all cylinders," Jones said.
As far as Mathieu is concerned, the Bills QB is coming into his own.
“He is definitely growing into his own, more comfortable, more confidence," Mathieu said.
Allen led his team to a 13-3 record this season, while also leading the Bills to its first AFC Championship game since the 1993 season.
“To just see his progression from then to now, he is clearly one of the better quarterbacks in the league," Mathieu said.
Jones said the goal will be to slow Allen down.
“I don’t think use can stop him, but we can contain him,” Jones said.
The Chiefs welcome the Bills on Sunday to Arrowhead Stadium for the AFC Championship game. Kickoff is set for 5:40 p.m.