One of the unexpected heroes of the Kansas City Chiefs' AFC Championship victory against the Buffalo Bills was veteran RB Samaje Perine. He caught a 17-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes to seal the game and send the Chiefs to their fifth Super Bowl in the last six years, earning himself more than his fair share of adoration from the frenzied fan base.
That was Perine's only touch of the game, but it was certainly an important one. He was long considered to be the third running back, perhaps even the fourth in a crowded room with Kareem Hunt, Isiah Pacheco, and Carson Steele, though came up clutch when he needed to.
As Andy Reid told the media on Monday following the victory, the Chiefs knew going into the game that they'd go to Perine in a marquee moment.
Andy Reid said the play called for RB Samaje Perine was their No. 1 option heading in for a gotta-have-it to win the game.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) January 27, 2025
Andy Reid Reveals Key Samaje Perine Play Was Chiefs' No. 1 Option in Big Moment
The 29-year-old Perine was largely an afterthought throughout the year, especially once the organization reunited with Hunt. He hadn't eclipsed five touches since Week 4, finishing the campaign with just 20 carries for 92 yards and a TD along with 28 catches for 332 yards and another score.
Nonetheless, Kansas City saved his best play for when the team needed it most. The Bills left Perine open in the most critical sequence in the fourth quarter, allowing the former Denver Bronco to shine. Distracting defenses is one of Reid's calling cards and he utilized his deception to perfection against the Bills.
Perine is a free agent after this season. He's done a nice job filling the Jerrick McKinnon role on the offense as a pass-catching running back and reliable blocker, though most assumed he'd be let go after this year. Based on Reid's trust in him though, perhaps that thinking was premature.
Either way, the Chiefs are now onto the Super Bowl to take on the Philadelphia Eagles. FanDuel Sportsbook has Kansas City as a 1.5-point favorite and hopefully, Perine has one more game-clinching play up his sleeve.
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