Three keys to a Chiefs victory over the Dolphins in Week 9
The Kansas City Chiefs are set to kick off against the Miami Dolphins in one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the 2023 season. The game constitutes Tyreek Hill’s first meeting against Kansas City since being traded to Miami last year.
Much of the narrative surrounding this international tilt has revolved around Hill, but the intrigue is anything but one-dimensional. The Dolphins have become one of the NFL’s best teams over the course of the last eight weeks and may be able to unseat the Chiefs as the AFC’s top team with a win in Frankfurt, Germany on Sunday.
Expect fireworks from both teams in this game, and Hill’s involvement to be the focal point of the commentary on the television broadcast.
Here are three keys to a win for Kansas City:
Simplify the offense with quick passes and running game
Andy Reid got awfully cute against the Denver Broncos in Week 8 and paid the price for his hubris when Kansas City took its second loss of the season at the final whistle last Sunday. Patrick Mahomes was reportedly ill, and despite the reigning MVP’s obvious struggles under center, Reid did nothing with his playcalling to help take pressure off his sickly quarterback.
While Mahomes may not be under the weather in this matchup, Reid could still stand to get back to the basics against Miami to ensure a balanced approach on offense. Emphasis on short passes and the ground attack could serve Mahomes and Kansas City well as they look to get back on track to stay atop the AFC playoff picture.
Make Tua Tagovailoa uncomfortable
Kansas City’s pass rush has been a key factor in the Chiefs’ success in 2023, and the defensive line will need another strong showing against Miami to come away with a victory in Frankfurt, Germany. Chris Jones’ involvement will be of particular interest in this game after second-year lineman George Karlaftis took the top spot on Kansas City’s sack leaderboard last week with a stellar performance against Denver.
Tagovailoa can’t find Tyreek Hill deep downfield if he is consistently harassed before the speedy receiver can gash the Chiefs’ secondary, so it will be imperative for Steve Spagnuolo and Kansas City’s defensive coaching staff to keep their foot on the gas in this game.
Do not get bludgeoned by Miami's rushing attack
Raheem Mostert has been one of the most effective running backs in the NFL this season averaging 5.4 yards per carry. With so much speed on the outside, Mostert has been facing light boxes, as defenses are focused on containing the passing attack.
If the Chiefs can close the gaps for Mostert and this rushing attack, passing lanes could be unavailable for Tagovailoa to dissect Kansas City’s secondary.
