The Dolphins have made great strides in terms of credibility this season, but the fact that they have yet to beat a team with a winning record shows that they still have a long way to go.
This time it was the Chiefs who prevailed 21-14 and were a surprise at the top of the American Conference, which delighted the Germans in Frankfurt. To think that for years the English experienced cruel games in the presence of insignificant teams in London! The NFL isn’t kidding when it comes to seducing Germany.
Exactly, you would never believe that the Dolphins arrived in Frankfurt on Tuesday. In the first half they looked like a club that had just landed on German soil and was fighting jet lag with its feet in sauerkraut.
But let’s be realistic: Germany had nothing to do with this comedic start to the game because of the attack. Keep in mind that the Dolphins have lost to the Bills in Buffalo, the Eagles in Philadelphia and the Chiefs in Frankfurt this season.
In all three cases, the offense was limited to three, two, and two touchdowns, respectively.
A recurring problem
The German fans of the Dolphins hoped until the end of the game – in vain. AFP
In those three losses to clubs with winning records, the Dolphins averaged 17 points. They scored an average of 39 points in their six wins. However, the defeated teams had a poor overall record of 11-27 before the day’s games.
We can see the glass is half full when we say the Dolphins heated up the Chiefs, and that’s not wrong.
The defense had one of its best games this season, pressuring Patrick Mahomes 11 times and even forcing a turnover for the third game in a row. Mahomes was limited to 185 air yards despite throwing two touchdown passes to put the Chiefs ahead, his lowest total since December 5, 2021.
Therefore, there is hope for this unit, from which much was expected with the arrival of renowned defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey’s recent return to action will certainly help matters.
In rare cases it was the attack that wasn’t up to par. The Dolphins had to punt five times in the first half alone, more than in any other full game this season. Miami had not been shut out in the first half since September 2021.
Tyreek Hill, also returning to his old loves, was limited to 62 yards, and even worse, the ball he dropped that was returned 59 yards by Bryan Cook was the difference-making touchdown. It wasn’t the kind of reunion that was expected…
Important victory
Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice scored his team’s touchdown in front of 48,000 spectators at Deutsche Bank Park AFP
It was the Chiefs’ seventh win, allowing them to stay in first place in the conference for the playoff race. This win is especially important as they can now pick up victories against two serious rivals, the Dolphins and the Jaguars, in this close battle.
This win says a lot about the new version of the Chiefs. It’s becoming increasingly clear that they can now win games without Mahomes necessarily being confident. This is an element that must make other teams striving for great honors tremble.
The Chiefs totaled 267 yards, fewer than the Dolphins. They also got fewer first downs (16 versus 20). The defense is finally having its moment after limiting six rivals to 20 points or fewer this season.
As for Mahomes, while he wasn’t phenomenal, it’s worth noting that he distributed the ball to nine different receivers and not often to top-notch receivers. After a loss, he has just won the ninth game in a row. His career record in this regard is 15-3, demonstrating exceptional resilience.
Speaking of resilience, the Dolphins, for their part, will need exactly that. At the end of the schedule they will face the Jets, Cowboys, Ravens and Bills, who have winning records.
Here we find out whether it is a good or excellent team.