“I just know we’re going to work hard, we’re going to have a heck of a week,” Josh Allen said, setting the tone as the Buffalo Bills prepare for their showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship. With a Super Bowl on the line, every detail counts. While the focus is on the game, the Bills have also made some key moves behind the scenes, shaking up their roster in preparation. But what does it all mean for the team’s chances?

So, this is one of those moves, every team makes, most of those teams if I imply. The Bills just signed defensive tackle Eli Ankou to their practice squad and cut QB Anthony Brown. You might think, ‘What’s the big deal?‘ But trust, it’s all part of the strategy as Buffalo gears up for the Chiefs. Ankou isn’t new to the grind – he’s spent time with the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Indianapolis Colts. Racking up 24 tackles and one sack in 30 games.

Sure, these numbers aren’t much but his experience with those teams is exactly what the Bills need right now. Especially with Mahomes and Co. coming to town. Ankou’s role in the practice squad is simple as shit, just tackle the shit out of the players. Simple, right? It’s about bringing that veteran savvy to a defense that needs to be sharp, fast, and ready for the Chiefs’ high-octane offense.

Eli Ankou’s a mountain at 6’3″ and 325 pounds. That my friend, is classified as a mountain. And the Bills need to stop such a guy to score in the practice. Just imagine, the Chiefs playing against him. He’s known for clogging up running lanes and applying pressure on the QB. So he’ll be huge in stopping Mahomes from getting comfortable in the pocket. Sure, he’s not a household name, but when you’ve got guys like him on the practice squad, you know the Bills are playing it smart. Ankou’s got the physicality and the game experience to jump in if needed, and right now, that’s exactly the kind of depth the team needs to hold its own against the Chiefs.

With Christian Benford sidelined due to concussion protocols, the need for extra muscle up front is even more critical. Eli Ankou’s ability to disrupt plays and plug up holes will help the defense stay locked in. It’s all part of that “Super Bowl or nothing” mindset. Sean McDermott has made it clear that every move counts at this stage of the season, and signing Ankou? That’s a solid move. This shows the Bills are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare for one of their biggest games yet.

Is it the coach’s problem or the entire team’s problem?

Sean McDermott recently opened up about the issues the Bills are facing as they prep for the Chiefs. First up: Taron Johnson’s shoulder injury. After dislocating it in the divisional round win, McDermott said, “It came out OK, a little bit sore, but all in all, ok.” While Johnson’s recovery is looking good, his absence could still be a problem for the defense as they face Mahomes and the Chiefs offense.

But it’s not just injuries on McDermott’s mind. He’s stressing the need for better fundamentals and execution. “More so than anything, I would say fundamentals and execution,” McDermott explained. Despite pushing these points since 2017, the Bills still need to clean up the basics as they head into a crucial game.

And then there’s the late-game clock management. With just over three minutes left in the last game. McDermott opted for a field goal instead of going for a touchdown, giving the Ravens one last chance. Fortunately, they didn’t capitalize, but McDermott knows these decisions could make or break them in the playoffs. On ball security, he stressed it’s vital, saying, “Protecting the football is a core belief in our approach,” knowing they need to keep that focus against tough defenses.