Hurts largely succeeded against the blitz on the NFC side of the playoff bracket. But the Los Angeles Rams, who sacked Hurts seven times in Philadelphia’s 28-22 win in the divisional round, gave the Eagles quarterback considerable trouble. Oftentimes it appeared his checkdown options were ill-placed or covered up entirely.

The game — and the Chiefs’ historic charge toward an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat — was slipping away Sunday night in Kansas City.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo pulled out one of his best calls when his team needed it against the Bills.

The situation came on the other side of the two-minute warning on Sunday night. With Kansas City clinging to a 32-29 lead, Allen and the Bills faced a do-or-die 4th-and-5 situation on their own 47-yard line. With Buffalo holding all three of their timeouts, Sean McDermott left his offense on the field to try and convert fourth down.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's use of the blitz could be the Chiefs' key to beating the Bills in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday.

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo shares rules for maintaining Buffalo #Bills QB Josh Allen: ‘He sees everything’ | @EdEastonJr

Yes, cornerback Trent McDuffie — historically an excellent pass-rusher from the outside, and one who helped save the Chiefs in last year’s Super Bowl with a well-timed rush — got the green light to attack Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Or, perhaps, he made that decision on his own.

Stopping the Josh Allen tush push was a major part of the game and it is the play that is still being discussed as a lot of people think that it should've been a first down. It wasn't, and Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spent a lot of time getting his team ready for plays just like that.

What's the secret to the Kansas City Chiefs' success? Get the inside scoop from one of the Chiefs' most recognizable players.

The Super Bowl coaching staffs feature five coaches in their 60s, including Andy Reid, the oldest head coach in the NFL in 2024.

Sean McDermott needs to take a hard look at his defense and make some structural changes for next season, writes Mark Gaughan.