The biggest question leading up to the 2023 AFC Conference Championship isn’t about how the weather and homefield advantage could benefit the Kansas City Chiefs or how the Cincinnati Bengals plan to make it four straight wins against their AFC rival. Instead, it’s about how Patrick Mahomes, 2022’s PFWA regular season MVP, will perform after suffering a high ankle sprain in the Chiefs’ 27-20 Divisional Round win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
It’s an important debate. Mahomes’ game revolves around his ability to escape pressure in the pocket and extend plays. When he decides to tuck the ball back into his ribs and make a break for it, he averages better than 7.5 yards per scramble. Limiting either factor would be a boon for Cincinnati and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
