Chiefs-Dolphins: One More Game To Go Before Playoffs

The Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs faced each other at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Dec. 21, 2008. The game was a must-win for the Miami Dolphins, if they hope to be in the playoffs. It was not easy for the Fins, and the Chiefs almost won.

First Quarter

The Miami Dolphins started with lightning speed, as they scored the first touchdown in less than a minute after the start of the game with a 7-0 lead. Carpenter was able to execute a 31-yard field goal, widening the lead for the Fins to 10-0.

Afterwards, the Chiefs saw some holes in the defense of the Dolphins and started to take advantage of the situation. Thigpen was able to score a touchdown and with the extra point, the game was 10-7 in favor of the Dolphins.

Second Quarter

Kansas City was able to come from behind to score a touchdown while the Dolphins were playing catchup. The results were 14-10 and then 17-14 in favour of the Chiefs.

The Dolphins were suffering badly as they had a weak defense and there were not enough people blocking the offense.

The score were to eventually be 21-17 in favor of the Chiefs. When hope was lost, Fasano surprised the crowds with his touchdown followed by the Carpenter free kick, which tipped the scales in favour of the Dolphins [24-21].

Thigpen had some tricks and stunned the Dolphins with a touchdown and another extra point in favor of Kansas City [28-24].

Halftime Reflection

It appeared that while the Miami Dolphins started the game without problems, the defenses were weak. There were holes in the Dolphins formation that the Chiefs took advantage of.

Thigpen deserves some praise for accentuating the positive from the negative and using it to his advantage [as well as for the Chiefs].

Third Quarter and Fourth Quarter

The Chiefs scored another field goal, giving them the advantage of 31-24. The Dolphins were far from finished, as Williams scored another touchdown and Carpenter scored with a free kick.

The score was a tie of 31-31 and continued this way until the end of the fourth quarter.

Both teams struggled to break the tie but it was another touchdown by Williams and the free kick by Carpenter that gave the Dolphins a 38-31 victory.

Postgame Reflection

While Thigpen was able to turn negative factors into positive factors, the Dolphins had a comeback factor. Pennington, Williams, Ginn, and Carpenter were able to convert adversity to their advantage.

Another factor that may have helped is the loss of the New York Jets to the Seattle Seahawks.

At the present time, the Miami Dolphins have a 10-5 record. While it is hoped that the team will make the playoffs, the 2008 NFL Season for the Fins is a lot better than 2007.

Miami Dolphins 38-31 Kansas City Chiefs

Miami Dolphins: 6/10

Kansas City Chiefs: 4/10

Players of the Game

Thigpen-Kansas City Chiefs

Pennington-Miami Dolphins

Williams-Miami Dolphins

Ginn-Miami Dolphins

Carpenter-Miami Dolphins