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.

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.

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

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

The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills may be familiar with one another because of the number of times they have matched up over the last five years, but that truth does not drive away the difficulty for Steve Spagnuolo in preparing for Josh Allen.

The Kansas City Chiefs are headed back to the Super Bowl, where they'll look to secure the first-ever three-peat in NFL history. They got there thanks in part to an outstanding play call from defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

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

Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and co. are heading to New Orleans on February 9 to face the Philadelphia Eagles, but have something they don’t.

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.