On an early Sunday morning, November 5th, the Chiefs defeated the Miami Dolphins 21-14 at Deutsche Back Park in Frankfurt, Germany.
The Chiefs traveled late to Germany, arriving on Friday around 10 a.m. local time. The team drew some criticism from the media, who raised concerns about having only a little more than 48 hours to adjust before game time.
On his podcast, “New Heights,” star tight-end Travis Kelce told his listeners that he “has no concerns over jet lag affecting the team.”
He was proven right as the Chiefs came out victorious in Frankfurt.
The Chiefs’ defense has been impressive all season. Led by veteran pro bowlers Justin Reid and Chris Jones, the Chiefs are 2nd in the NFL in points allowed per game with an average of just 16.
Second-year players George Karlaftis and Trent McDuffie have greatly improved from last year.
Karlaftis has six sacks in nine games, and McDuffie is tied for first in the NFL with four forced fumbles.
These sophomore players came up big in Germany; McDuffie laid a strong into former Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill, who fumbled on a screen pass late in the second quarter, which was picked up by Safety Mike Edwards, who quickly lateraled the ball to fellow safety Bryan Cook, who returned the ball to the endzone to give the chiefs a 21-0 lead right before halftime.
The Chief’s defense ended the game, giving up just 14 points to what is widely considered the most explosive team in the NFL.
Led by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins’ offense leads the NFL in both points per game and yards per play.
Meanwhile, the Chief’s offense had a strong start, marching down the field on the game’s first drive before Patrick Mahomes found rookie receiver Rashee Rice on a screenplay for a touchdown.
But the offense quickly returned to the incontinence we’ve seen so far this season, only scoring once more and punting the ball a season-high six times.
This offensive inconsistency has fueled concerns about the Chiefs wide receiver group led by veterans Justin Watson and Marques Valdes-Scantling.
Many expected the younger pass catchers, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, and Justyn Ross, to take on more prominent roles in the offense, but this has yet to happen for many reasons.
The lack of a true difference-making wide receiver has been felt in the absence of big plays since the Chiefs traded away Tyreek Hill in early 2022.
The Chiefs are now 7-2 heading into their bye week, a chance to regroup with a week off and look for answers for the struggling offense.
Head Coach Andy Reid has an impressive career record after the bye week at 27-4.
On Monday, November 20th, the Chiefs will play an exciting Super Bowl rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles at Arrowhead.
The Eagles are a solid team that lacks any real weakness, but the Chiefs will be playing with the confidence of a home-field advantage. I’m predicting a Chiefs win 23-21.