Dolphins-Chiefs: Miami Passes Cold-Weather Test with 38-31 Win in Kansas City

It may have been cold in Kansas City, but both offenses were on fire in the first half.

History has not been kind to Miami teams playing in the cold weather in the winter months, but it did not affect them today. Although it was very cold in Kansas City, the Dolphins really didn’t have to battle the elements, other than a strong wind.

This game was a shootout in the first half, but then both defenses seemed to settle down in the second and there were only three scores.

Chad Pennington played a huge role in the Phins victory, as he went 26-for-34, with 235 yards and three touchdowns. Pennington has come up big all year for his team, and yet again carried them to victory today.

The knock on Chad his whole career has been his weak arm, but today, even with gusting winds, he still looked great.

The Dolphins have now reeled off three straight wins and can clinch the division with a victory against the Jets next week and complete one of the biggest single season turnarounds in history.

The Chiefs’ offense stayed right with the Dolphins until the end, and has been very impressive of late. Ever since the Chiefs converted to a spread offense, Tyler Thigpen has looked comfortable, and has put up big numbers on the ground and through the air.

He did not have his best game today, as he threw three picks, but he also had 320 yards, and three touchdowns (two throwing). Larry Johnson had a nice game on the ground, rushing for 108 yards and a touchdown.

This game got off to a very fast start, as Patrick Cobbs almost took the opening kick-off to the house. Ted Ginn, Jr. would then take a reverse 31 yards to the house on the very next play.

The teams would trade scores throughout the first half, with the Chiefs taking a 28-24 lead into the break. Both coaches seemed to be in a gambling mood, as there were numerous fourth-down attempts, some being converted, others not.

This game would come right down to the wire. Tied at 31-31, Chad Pennington took  the Dolphins 85 yards on 13 plays, which was capped off by an Anthony Fasano 14-yard touchdown reception. The drive also took over eight minutes off the clock.

After the Chiefs turned it over on downs deep in their own territory, a Ricky Williams fumble would give the Chiefs one more chance to tie it. However, with 1:45 remaining and no timeouts, there just wasn’t enough time. Thigpen gave it up on his third interception of the game anyways.

This was a very exciting contest, and now the Dolphins will travel to the Meadowlands to face the Jets. With a win, the Dolphins take the division, and if the Jets win, they will have to hope for a Patriots loss in order to win the division.