The Buffalo Bills are one day away from their first AFC title game in just under 30 years. The Bills Mafia have waited long enough, and now they have the opportunity to stamp their ticket to Super Bowl LV.
Defensive Tackle Harrison Phillips
In yesterday’s media availability, Owen spoke to defensive tackle Harrison Phillips about what this moment meant not only for his team – but the die-hard Buffalo fan base.
“It means everything… Personally, this is one of the reasons why I’m so fired up, because of the Bills Mafia and all of the people I’ve met during my time here… Their father took them to the game, and now they can take their kids to the game.”
But it’s not going to be an easy ride for the Bills. Phillips will be hunting down the reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes on Sunday night – who will be starting in his third consecutive home AFC title game. Despite the challenge, the three-year pro was adamant that this is just another game for his defence.
“It’s not going to be too much different. We’re going to continue to play our football. We still have our goals that we set for ourselves every game.”
So who’s going to step up and challenge the Chiefs’ ‘pick your poison’ offence this Sunday? Phillips had some good ideas about that too.
“They say big time players show up in big time games… Terrence Johnson did that for us last week. Who’s it going to be this week? I might bet on Jerry Hughes or Mario Addison coming off the edge with a forced fumble or something. I know that my guys are all going to be trying to make that play.”
Regardless of who makes the big plays against the Chiefs, one thing’s for sure. Harrison Phillips and the rest of the Bills’ defence has one goal in mind.
“We’re going to do everything we can to go one more step, and then one more step after that.”
And it’s all for one thing – the Bills Mafia.
“28 years they haven’t had this – that’s most people’s lifetimes – it’s my lifetime.”
Outside Linebacker Matt Milano
This relentless focus and determination to beat Kansas City was echoed by Bills’ linebacker Matt Milano too.
“We have a great game plan in place for the Chiefs. We’re ready to go.”
But the four-year pro isn’t overthinking things as he prepares for the big title game this weekend.
“I’m just really enjoying the process of it… I’m not trying to think about the Super Bowl, I’m not thinking about the fourth quarter, third quarter. I’m just taking it one play at a time – trying to do my job every play.”
Milano also touched on how his chemistry with fellow linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has developed during their time together and the impact that’s had on the field.
“Our relationship over the last three years has grown tremendously. You kind of have a sense of where he [Tremaine Edmunds] is going to be and where I’m going to be when we’re both out there – so being able to play off someone like that just makes you that much faster.”
The Ninety-Nine Yards team also joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ media availability this week as they prepare for their trip to Green Bay. Click here to see what Head Coach Bruce Arians, Offensive Co-Ordinator Bryon Leftwich, Centre Ryan Jensen, and Tight End Rob Gronkowski had to say.