While the Phins had the easiest schedule so far, but have the hardest finish
The Miami Dolphins are on quite a roll winning seven out of their last eight games! Despite their 8-4 record, Miami hasn’t beaten a quality AFC team this season. Sure, they’ve had two solid victories against the Rams and Cardinals, but those are their only two wins against teams with winning records. Also, four of their wins are against the worst teams in the entire league with two victories against the Jets and wins against the other stooges, the Jaguars and Bengals. Not a hot resume when you look closely. BUT, that’s the beauty of the Chiefs coming to town this week: Even a good showing against the reigning champs would give a ton of credibility to the Phins.
Playing the Chiefs is a HUGE blessing
Now, I’m not throwing cold water on what Miami has done. A win is a win in the NFL. I haven’t forgotten that in Training Camp the best price per head software in the world only had Miami pegged for a regular-season win total at over / under 5.5 games. Miami is already in the black and they still have 4 games left! So, I have nothing to complain about at all.
Miami has proven they can beat a lesser team, which isn’t something to scoff at. Beating lesser teams more often than not is a huge step from previous regimes and a crucial step towards becoming a good team.
But now, the Dolphins have a shot to prove they aren’t pretenders by either challenging or beating the reigning Super Bowl Champs, who are the best team in the NFL with the likely MVP in Patrick Mahomes. The various sportsbooks have the Dolphins as a big home underdog at +8.5, and the action is still coming in heavy on the Chiefs. While a victory would be an amazing boost to their playoff push, an upset of this magnitude will very difficult.
The spotlight will be on Eric Rowe v.s. Travis Kelce
The Chiefs’ strength is definitely their star-studded offense, although their defense is no slouch either. Even slowing the Chiefs would be a huge win for this young defense, but tight end Travis Kelce will make even that a tall order.
Eric Rowe has done a tremendous job this year covering opposing tight ends, but he’ll be hard-pressed this week. If Miami wants to win, Rowe must have an A+ game against Kelce, who is the best TE in football. Rowe did shut down Kittle when we played the 49ers. Maybe he can at least keep Kelce’s damage to a minimum?
Of course, Mahomes will be throwing the football and not an injured Garoppolo.
Big difference.
Even if Rowe can handle Kelce, Miami must limit penalties, play smart football, and keep the game close going into the 4th quarter. Above all, the offense must move the football and sustain drives. Every three and out will be a dagger in the heart of the Phins. Limiting the touches Mahomes gets will be crucial to an upset.
Tua will be in the spotlight
Miami used an up-tempo offense in the second half against the Bengals and Tua seemed to benefit from it… A LOT! Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey must let Tua use this again. A good dose of up-tempo offense in the hot Miami sun will quickly wear out the Chiefs’ defense, especially late in the game. The Phins will need every edge to score touchdowns instead of field goals. Unless the Dolphins play All-World defense, kicking for three in the Red Zone won’t be good enough this week.
Tua will get his first game where the team will lean on his play for the win. This game is a great opportunity not only for the Phins but Tua as well!
Will Miami show the NFL that they’ve arrived with an upset?
I don’t know. But, I feel good that the Dolphins can keep this game close going into the fourth quarter. The fact that I can say this and mean it shows how much the Phins have improved. We’ve come a long, long way Phins fans!
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans’ thoughts on the chances of Miami winning this week against the Chiefs?