A Tough Day in Miami
There is no doubt that the Kansas City Chiefs are the best team in the NFL. They hold the crown and will likely win a second consecutive Super Bowl if they remain healthy. The Miami Dolphins were without their three top rushers and lost their star tight end, and still had their chances to win the game today in Miami.
For a while, it looked like the Dolphins would win as they held a 10-0 lead, and this with the usually reliable Jason Sanders missing a 45-yard field goal. The Dolphins worked the magic of those beautiful throwback jerseys, the ones that every single Dolphins fan wants to see back full time; please, for the love of God, make it happen. The Dolphins defense continued their streak of interceptions on the first series of the game as Byron Jones intercepted Patrick Mahomes. Coming into the game, Mahomes had only two interceptions; today, he was picked off three times by Miami. Xavien Howard was among those to pick off Patrick Mahomes, raising his season total to nine.
Things turned sour after Miami took a 10-0 lead as the Chiefs went down the field 65 yards in four plays for their first score as Tyreek Hill caught a 32-yard touchdown pass. After Tua Tagovailoa had the first interception of his career on a deep pass to Jakeem Grant, the Chiefs took the lead as Travis Kelce caught a six-yard pass.
Leading 14-10 at the half, the Chiefs, as they tend to do, continued their surge as Hill caught a 44-yard pass from Mahomes. After a three and out, the Chiefs made it 28-0 on a 65-yard punt return by Mecole Hardman. Later Tagovailoa was sacked for a safety as Kansas City appeared to be leaving the Dolphins in the dust leading 30-10.
The Dolphins would not quit and scored two touchdowns to get back in the game, as Mike Gesicki caught a 29-yard pass for his second touchdown of the game. Unfortunately, Gesicki was injured on the next series, giving Miami fans something to worry about as he landed hard on his shoulder. The Dolphins capped that drive with a one-yard sneak by Tua to cut the deficit to 30-24. The Chiefs would answer with a field goal. Late in the game, Miami added a field goal, but the game ended when they failed to land the on-side-kick.
The game was a learning experience for the young Dolphins, and it is a game that they will win when they learn how to win and when they get more experience under their feet. Tua Tagovailoa had a solid game, passing for 316 yards with two touchdowns. The man who caught both touchdowns, Mike Gesicki, will have his shoulder evaluated on Monday. If the Dolphins lose Gesicki, it will be a big blow as he has played a Pro Bowl level all season.
At 8-5, the Dolphins are still in playoff positioning but can use some help from the Cleveland Browns in their game against the Baltimore Ravens. The division is likely out of reach with the Buffalo Bills holding a two-game lead, but if the division is wrapped up before Week 17, that could help Miami when they have to face the Bills in Week 17. The key is that next week against the New England Patriots in their final home game is now a must-win.