How Kansas City Weather Will Impact The Bengals' Offensive Line In AFC Championship
2 min read • January 24, 2023
For the second season in a row, Joe Burrow's Bengals withstood a less-than-ideal offensive line – only one starter, left guard Cordell Volson, was active and healthy vs. the Bills – and will face the Chiefs in Kansas City for the AFC Championship.
The snowstorm in Buffalo created a slippery surface and likely helped mitigate the apparent disadvantages on the Bengals' offensive line, according to the Pro Football Docs.
The unsure footing makes it more difficult for defensive tackles to gain leverage and push up the middle and for speed-rushers to get home around the edge.
Case and point: the snow potentially saved Burrow from a significant lower left leg injury when Shaq Lawson slipped and slid head-first into his leg on a pass attempt in the second half.
Cincinnati Right tackle La'el Collins is out for the season, left tackle Jonah Williams and right guard Alex Cappa both remain doubtful, and center Ted Karras may be hobbled vs. the aggressive Chiefs' defensive front, which could regain an advantage on a clear playing surface.
The five-man unit – including left tackle Jackson Carman, right guard Max Scharping, and right tackle Hakeem Adeniji – allowed 12 QB pressures and one sack on 43 dropbacks against the Bills' pass-rush that hasn't been as effective without Von Miller.
The Chiefs logged the second-most sacks in the league, 55, behind 15.5 for all-pro Chris Jones, six for rookie George Karlaftis, and five each for Frank Clark and Mike Danna.
Kansas City allowed 144 rushing yards and one touchdown on 7.6 yards per carry against the Jaguars and gave up 34 rushes for 152 yards and one score in the Bengals' Week 13 win.
