Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel gave credit to his team’s defense for adjusting to the dynamic Kansas City offense in their Week 9 loss.
Vic Fangio’s unit only gave up seven points after the opening drive that resulted in a Kansas City touchdown.
“I thought they had a very good plan,” McDaniel said in his post-game media availability. “I was very, very proud — just we approached the game as a team, ready for the Super Bowl champions and understanding that we were going to have to be — that they were going to have some success. But the biggest thing is I didn’t want to see people waver, and wow, did we get tested with that.
“I think the biggest thing is we didn’t let the first drive, knowing that historically the Kansas City Chiefs, led by Andy Reid, have always been very, very good at presenting new problems and new issues, specifically in the openers, and so when you — just handling that storm, to have seven points given up by the defense after that first drive, that’s the huge thing that I’m really, really encouraged by our mental fortitude, because I know as the season progresses, these games get bigger and bigger, so you have to be able to sustain things or you have to be able to survive situations where you’re going to get presented with new problems in game and adjust, and I thought we did a great job with that…”
Despite it being an ugly game for the offense, the defensive side showed they’re capable of slowing down an offense led by an MVP quarterback in Patrick Mahomes.
Fangio’s group shut out the Chiefs in the second half, allowing the Dolphins to get back to within one score.
Linebacker Bradley Chubb was all over the place in the second half, including his strip sack of Mahomes which was recovered by defensive lineman Zach Sieler. This play set up the Dolphins deep in Chiefs’ territory, leading to a quick touchdown by running back Raheem Mostert to bring Miami within a touchdown.
This is a game where if the Miami offense played up to their standards, it may have been a decisive victory for the aqua and orange.
The team has much to discuss and build upon heading into the bye week, but the defensive growth was inspiring.
