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The Kansas City Chiefs squared off against the Miami Dolphins in Frankfurt, Germany on Sunday morning. Obviously, this was a highly anticipated game. Both teams entering the contest at 6-2, it was a crucial one for both teams atop the AFC playoff picture. Kansas City enjoyed a fast start and tremendous first half defensively. Meanwhile, Miami charged back to make it a close game in the fourth quarter. In the end, the Chiefs were able to emerge victorious over the Dolphins by a score of 21-14.
We have seen the Kansas City defense step up time after time. But against this dynamic Dolphins offense, the Chiefs were able to take matters into their own hands, so to speak. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense were not as bad as the prior week, of course. But when looking back at this showing, it was another mixed bag for a group that is working to figure it out.
What were our top takeaways from the Chiefs defeating the Dolphins in Germany? Let’s kick it off.
Quick Start, Tepid Finish
The Kansas City Chiefs got the ball first in Sunday’s game. And quite frankly, the Chiefs could not have started any better against the Dolphins. Kansas City drove 75 yards down the field in seven plays for a touchdown. Mahomes was able to hit strike after strike with excellent anticipation and ball placement. He spread it around to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Travis Kelce, Skyy Moore and Noah Gray. He and Justin Watson appeared to connect on a touchdown in the back of the end zone. After review, it was determined that Watson did not survive the ground to maintain possession, the only thing that truly stopped KC on the first drive. But right after that, Mahomes threw a quick pass to rookie Rashee Rice, resulting in a 11-yard touchdown.
It was then an up-and-down process over the next few drives. The Chiefs were able to find some success with the running game and quick passes. However, Kansas City was forced to punt on three consecutive drives after the opening touchdown score. Eventually, Mahomes led a 13-play, 95-yard drive for a touchdown late in the first half. He was precise to all areas of the field. Mahomes utilized his legs to extend plays, to boot. In the end, it was a wide open Jerick McKinnon who scored the second touchdown for the Chiefs against the Dolphins.
The second half was even more frustrating than those earlier trio of drives that resulted in punts. Kansas City could not connect on passes in the intermediate or deep areas of the field. The Chiefs had a little more trouble trying to run at Miami’s defense. Additionally, KC gave a fumble away to the Dolphins. And when they had an opportunity to run for a first down on third-and-short, the Chiefs ran an ugly pass play, in which the Dolphins played it perfectly. Thankfully, the Kansas City defense came through to hold Miami at the end. There was a chance where they should not have been forced to make one last stop, however.
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Spags Dives Deep Into His Bag
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Kansas City has had one of the best defenses all season long. In Germany, that was proved even further against a dangerous Miami offense. The Dolphins were held to 14 points, their lowest total of the season. All told, the Chiefs did a great job of limiting a majority of Tua Tagovailoa‘s completions to being short or modest, at best. Kansas City also limited the Miami running game for a large chunk of their rushing attempts. The Chiefs did well to work laterally when the Dolphins looked to get the running backs the ball in space. On top of that, Kansas City rarely missed any tackles against this daunting skill position group.
The Chiefs were able to carry out their assignments. This defense remained poised and determined as the game got deeper. But most of all, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo dove deep into his bag of tricks against the Dolphins. Miami was unable to anticipate and adjust to the pressure packages that Spagnuolo ran. He was able to collapse the pocket quickly by activating defensive back blitzes. This led to free runners for defensive linemen, once the DBs got home immediately.
In other moments, Spagnuolo mixed coverages, forcing many checkdowns from Tagovailoa. If he did attempt a deeper throw, the Alabama product was forced to be pinpoint, as the Chiefs had tight coverage on the Dolphins. Spagnuolo has had some great years with KC. But in 2023, this may be the greatest coaching job that he has delivered for this team.
Chiefs Show Up Against Top Competition, Once Again
It may not have always been pretty. But for whatever reason, the Chiefs just know how to show up against top competition. That is especially true, when there begins to be a bit more doubt in what this team can accomplish. That was highly prevalent after the horrific loss to the Denver Broncos the game before. Sure, they still have offensive issues to work on over the upcoming bye week. Yet, Kansas City is still operating with the league’s best quarterback. He and this offense can find a spark in any instant.
On the other hand, the Chiefs were able to hand the Dolphins a difficult loss. Kansas City now has a crucial head-to-head victory over a top AFC contender. As we know, the Chiefs have hosted five straight AFC Championship Games. If they were to get to that round again, Kansas City already has victories over two of the other three current AFC division leaders (Miami, Jacksonville Jaguars).
The Chiefs also create another maddening feeling for the Dolphins. Sunday’s loss in Germany was the sixth straight time that Miami has lost to a team above .500, dating back to last season. For just this season alone, the Dolphins are 0-3 against teams with a winning record. They are 6-0 this season against teams at .500 or ones that having a losing record. In fact, the six teams that Miami has beat this year are only a combined 11-30 this season. Will they ever be able to come through when the lights shine brightest?
Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.