SB Nation Kansas City - Chiefs Vs. Dolphins Reactions: 'No Contending Team Should Be Hammered Like That'https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48935/kc-fave.png2011-11-07T21:44:01-06:00http://kansascity.sbnation.com/rss/stream/23007952011-11-07T21:44:01-06:002011-11-07T21:44:01-06:00NFL Scores, AFC West Standings: Chiefs, Chargers, Raiders All Tied For Division Lead
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Oq8xmhisEizONP8-ThZQk8rR_gQ=/17x0:982x643/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/4662057/131656577.jpg" />
<figcaption>Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Kansas City Chiefs missed an opportunity to get a leg up in the AFC West division race when it lost to Miami on Sunday. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> 31 vs. Kansas City Chiefs 3:</strong> The Chiefs missed a golden opportunity to get a head up in the AFC West by suffering a disappointing loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The Dolphins were winless coming into the game and Matt Moore enjoyed his best day of the season with 244 yards and three touchdowns. </p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> 45 vs. San Diego Chargers 38:</strong> The Chargers nearly pulled off the comeback but came up just short. <span>Philip Rivers</span> threw for 385 yards and four touchdowns in the loss but San Diego fell for the third straight game. </p>
<p><strong>Denver Broncos 38 vs. Oakland Raiders 24:</strong> <span>Willis McGahee</span> ran for 163 yards and two touchdowns as <span>Tim Tebow</span> led the Broncos to a 38-24 victory over the Raiders. </p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pane sports_data_widget division_standings clearfix">
<h3>AFC West Standings</h3>
<div class="pane-body">
<table class="standings zebra" cellspacing="0">
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th> <th>T</th> <th>PF</th> <th>PA</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first "><a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>131</td>
<td class="td-last">201</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first "><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" style="text-decoration: underline;">San Diego</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>199</td>
<td class="td-last">204</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first "><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" style="text-decoration: underline;">Oakland</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>184</td>
<td class="td-last">216</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first "><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver</a></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>171</td>
<td class="td-last">224</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="updated">(updated 11.7.2011 at 4:20 AM EST)</p>
</div>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p><br id="1320722097142"></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><i>Check the week’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl">NFL news and scores</a> and browse our list of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/blogs#football">NFL blogs</a>.</i></strong></p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2011/11/7/2546027/nfl-standings-2011-afc-westKris Willis2011-11-07T08:01:09-06:002011-11-07T08:01:09-06:00Todd Haley Says Chiefs Knew How Dangerous Dolphins Were Despite 0-7 Record
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/exbUQvHgNjCYGioT7IQoM5ZwogU=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828121/large_kansascity.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>No matter what you might think, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> swear they weren't overlooking the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a>. That means that it's inaccurate to refer to Sunday's 31-3 loss as the classic "trap game."</p>
<p>Head coach Todd Haley referred to such notions after the game as off base and came hard against such ideas that the Chiefs were underrating the Dolphins due to their winless record and the fact that they'd been leading the race that's now known as Suck For Luck.</p>
<p>"I really believe our guys understood that this was a dangerous team," said Haley after the game. "We went through every aspect of this team and where they were, why they were there. There’s a reason you lose games and they were doing a couple of those things that get you beat, just like we’ve gone through stages and had the same thing. But our guys understood fully that we had to play our best game and we didn’t do that. I don’t think our guys’ preparation or understanding of how we were trying to play and what we expected from them were an issue here today."</p>
<p>The only way to explain it is that the Dolphins beats the Chiefs soundly in every area. The Chiefs offensive line couldn't protect the quarterback and the Chiefs defense somehow couldn't stop Matt Moore or <span>Reggie Bush</span>. It wasn't about mindset. It was about execution.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2011/11/7/2543496/todd-haley-says-chiefs-knew-how-dangerous-dolphins-were-despite-0-7Matt Conner2011-11-07T07:40:27-06:002011-11-07T07:40:27-06:00AFC West Standings: Division Becomes Any Team's To Win - Even The Broncos
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/exbUQvHgNjCYGioT7IQoM5ZwogU=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828121/large_kansascity.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Just seven days ago it seemed the San Diego Chargers had a comfortable route towards returning to the AFC West Division title, with a two game lead over the middling <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chiefs</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a>. Two losses in seven days - including one to the Chiefs - coupled with Denver's comeback win at Oakland and Kansas City's stunningly awful performance against the winless <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dolphins</a> - has leveled the entire division. Even "AFC West Champion < Tebow" is a possibility.</p>
<p>This week's intra-division games will set the course for the second half of the 2011 season, and could determine which team will be positioned to scrape their way out of this unpredictable division. The Chiefs will host Denver on Sunday, while Oakland will travel to San Diego for a game between two teams with a combined 1-5 record in their last six games.</p>
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget division_standings clearfix">
<h3>AFC West Standings</h3>
<div class="pane-body">
<table class="standings zebra" cellspacing="0">
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th> <th>T</th> <th>PF</th> <th>PA</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first "><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>195</td>
<td class="td-last">140</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first ">Kansas City</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>208</td>
<td class="td-last">130</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first ">Oakland</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>196</td>
<td class="td-last">162</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first "><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver</a></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>119</td>
<td class="td-last">170</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="updated">(updated 11.7.2011 at 3:20 AM CST)</p>
</div>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p><br id="1320672607393"></p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2011/11/7/2543973/afc-west-standings-division-becomes-any-teams-to-win-even-the-broncosSteven Godfrey2011-11-07T06:46:28-06:002011-11-07T06:46:28-06:00Chiefs Vs. Dolphins Reactions: 'No Contending Team Should Be Hammered Like That'
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/exbUQvHgNjCYGioT7IQoM5ZwogU=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828121/large_kansascity.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>As various sportswriters make their opinions known about the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss to the Miami Dolphins, the obvious realization is that none of them are going to be good about Kansas City. After all the Dolphins were 0-7 and the Chiefs were tied atop the <span class="caps">AFC</span> West lead. They lost at home 31-3 and looked lifeless against arguably the worst team in the <span class="caps">NFL</span>. Go figure. Here are some of the responses:</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/35021/the-mild-mild-west" target="new"><strong>Bill Williamson of <span class="caps">ESPN</span></strong></a>:<br>
What’s worrisome about Kansas City is that on Sunday it reverted back to the first two games of the season when it was beaten by a combined score of 89-10. No contending team should be hammered like that at home by a bottom feeder like Miami. Plus, the Chiefs’ schedule gets extremely difficult in Weeks 11-15. They have road games at New England, the Jets and Chicago and home games against Pittsburgh and Green Bay.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFP-Sunday-Rewind.html" target="new">Matt Bowen of National Football Post</a></strong>:<br>
I can’t explain why the Chiefs couldn’t execute after beating the Chargers on Monday night, but Tony Sparano and the Dolphins deserved this win. QB Matt Moore threw 3 TD passes vs. a Chiefs’ secondary that played with an aggressive style last week, Reggie Bush was productive (142 total yards) and WR Brandon Marshall posted over 100-yards to go along with a score. Plus, when you add in a defense that held K.C to three points, we have to ask why it took so long to see some positive results from the Dolphins.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://%20http://www.kansascity.com/2011/11/06/3251914/chiefs-fall-flat-in-31-3-loss.html#ixzz1d1UkIkhu" target="new">Adam Teicher of the KC Star</a></strong>:<br>
Even if the Chiefs beat the Broncos next week, it will be hard for them to get back what they lost against Miami. They have a difficult upcoming schedule that includes games against the Patriots, Steelers, Bears, Jets and Packers, so they needed to beat the weaklings in their way. They missed that chance Sunday.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2011/11/7/2543924/chiefs-dolphins-reactions-no-contending-team-should-be-hammered-likeMatt Conner2011-11-06T21:53:24-06:002011-11-06T21:53:24-06:00Todd Haley Refuses To Point Out Chiefs Offensive Line In Loss To Dolphins
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/exbUQvHgNjCYGioT7IQoM5ZwogU=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828121/large_kansascity.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Todd Haley was baited, but he refused to bite. Instead of directly answering a question of what he thought about the Chiefs offensive line play in their loss to the Miami Dolphins today, Haley instead refused to call anyone out and instead spoke of a unit that fought together all day despite giving up sacks and falling behind to a team that was previously 0-7.</p>
<p>In today’s post-game press conference, Haley took the question in stride. "One thing we said coming into this game is that this group could pressure the quarterback. They’ve got a bunch of guys that can bring it and they’re not afraid to bring additional players. [Defensive Coordinator Mike] Nolan does a terrific job creating disguise. We knew it was going to be a major test.</p>
<p>“Watching the tape I’m going to be very careful about saying much negative about our guys because what I saw was a group that kept fighting,” he continues. "That’s kind of been their calling card and I think that will be what serves us well and what allows us to accomplish our goals and make our dreams happen. I like the group, none of that’s changed. We just have to be better across the board.”</p>
<p>That’s a fine line for Haley to walk and he’s done a great job of communicating for the team without throwing his players under the bus. But it’s also clear that the poor line play today led to five Miami sacks and woeful QB protection overall.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2011/11/6/2543517/todd-haley-refuses-to-point-out-chiefs-offensive-line-in-loss-toMatt Conner2011-11-06T15:42:26-06:002011-11-06T15:42:26-06:00Miami Dolphins Defeat Kansas City Chiefs 31-3
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/exbUQvHgNjCYGioT7IQoM5ZwogU=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828121/large_kansascity.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>There’s no good explanation for this — from the stat sheet to the overall records of the teams involved. Yet somehow the Miami Dolphins came into Arrowhead Stadium to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 31-3 on a day that most expected the Chiefs to walk away with.</p>
<p>The Chiefs came into the game 4-0 in their last four games with a big win on Monday Night Football against the Chargers. The Dolphins, meanwhile, were on a roll in their Suck for Luck campaign and were winless on the season. Until today.</p>
<p>Perhaps it’s the classic trap game on a short week. Perhaps the Dolphins were overlooked since the Chiefs had just beaten the Raiders and Chargers in successive weeks. Yet nothing accounts for this final score. The Chiefs handily won time of possession, had zero turnovers, rushed for more yards, and were nearly equal in total yards and yet nearly lost by 30 at home to a last place team. Go figure.</p>
<p>For the Dolphins, Matt Moore (yes, that Matt Moore) was somehow the hero with three touchdowns on the day, one to Brandon Marshall and two to Anthony Fasano. For the Chiefs, Steve Breaston had 115 receiving yards and Dwayne Bowe added 88. But the Miami Dolphins pass rush had five sacks and it was a bad day overall for the Chiefs offensive line.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2011/11/6/2542711/miami-dolphins-defeat-kansas-city-chiefs-31-3Matt Conner2011-11-06T14:28:42-06:002011-11-06T14:28:42-06:00Dolphins Vs. Chiefs Update: Everything Going Right For Miami, Lead 28-3
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/exbUQvHgNjCYGioT7IQoM5ZwogU=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828121/large_kansascity.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>For <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> head coach Tony Sparano, he's probably thinking where has this performance been from my offense all season? The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> have had no answer for Matt Moore and the Dolphins offense, as Miami has a 28-3 advantage over the Chiefs going into the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>Matt Moore, in his best performance all season, has thrown for three touchdown passes to go along with 213 yards passing. in the first half, Moore connected with his tight end <span>Anthony Fasano</span> for two touchdowns to give Miami a 14-3 lead. In the second half, Moore found <span>Brandon Marshall</span> in the endzone to push the lead to 21-3.</p>
<p>A <span>Reggie Bush</span> 28-yard scamper put Miami ahead 28-3.</p>
<p>Todd Haley has been unable to get anything going offensively, as the Chiefs have tried to run the ball but done so unsuccessfully for just 97 yards on 30 carries. <span>Matt Cassel</span> has been mediocre, throwing for 164 yards and unable to put together scoring drives all day.</p>
<p>This will be the first win of the season if Miami hangs on, while a loss would put the Chiefs at 4-4.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on the Chiefs, check out <a href="http://arrowheadpride.com/">Arrowhead Pride</a>. For more on the <a href="http://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2011/11/nfl/teams/miami-dolphins" class="sbn-auto-link">Dolphins</a>, visit <a href="http://www.thephinsider.com/">The Phinsider</a>. For all your NFL coverage, check out <a href="http://sbnation.com/">SB Nation's NFL page.</a></i></b></p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2011/11/6/2542527/dolphins-vs-chiefs-update-everything-going-right-for-miami-lead-28-3Eddie Maisonet2011-11-06T12:59:02-06:002011-11-06T12:59:02-06:00Dolphins Vs. Chiefs Update: Two Moore To Fasano TD's Gives Miami 14-3 Lead
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/exbUQvHgNjCYGioT7IQoM5ZwogU=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828121/large_kansascity.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Its clear that Matt Moore's favorite target is <span>Anthony Fasano</span>. The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> quarterback has connected with his tight end on two touchdowns thus far to give Miami a 14-3 advantage over the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Chiefs</a> early in the second quarter.</p>
<p>On the day, Moore is 9/12 passing for 160 yards and two touchdown passes.</p>
<p>The Chiefs put together a 14-play, 53-yard drive on their first possession of the game resulting in a 43-yard field goal by Ryan Succop to give Kansas City an early 3-0 lead. The Chiefs have punted on their next two possessions and have only gained 26 yards in total. </p>
<p><span>Matt Cassel</span> is leading the Chiefs in passing (51 yards) and rushing (18 yards) thus far, not a good sign for Todd Haley.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on the Chiefs, check out <a href="http://arrowheadpride.com/">Arrowhead Pride</a>. For more on the <a href="http://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2011/11/nfl/teams/miami-dolphins" class="sbn-auto-link">Dolphins</a>, visit <a href="http://www.thephinsider.com/">The Phinsider</a>. For all your NFL coverage, check out <a href="http://sbnation.com/">SB Nation's NFL page.</a></i></b></p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2011/11/6/2542335/dolphins-vs-texans-update-two-moore-to-fasano-tds-gives-miami-14-3Eddie Maisonet