MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- A few thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs' 34-15 win over the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium:
What it means: If the Chiefs didn't save their season by beating the Dolphins, they at least guaranteed they will stay relevant for a while longer. At 0-2 heading into the game, the Chiefs' season was rapidly heading for oblivion before they went on the road and picked up their first victory. They're still in dangerous territory with their next three games coming against the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers. But they now have reason to believe they can survive that gauntlet intact and with something still to play for.
Stock watch: Running back Knile Davis had a big game as the featured back, with 132 rushing yards and a 21-yard touchdown. But he lost a fumble with less than three minutes left and the Chiefs trying to merely kill the clock. Quarterback Alex Smith had a nice game throwing the ball, but his fumble early in the third quarter with the Chiefs ahead 14-3 was costly. The Dolphins used the resulting field position to score a touchdown. Nose tackle Dontari Poe led an improved pass rush with 1.5 sacks.
Imaginative passing game: The Chiefs did a nice job playing to the strengths of their receivers. Smith completed at least one pass to seven receivers. Most were short passes designed to take advantage of a receiver's ability to run after the catch. That's what Dwayne Bowe does well, and Smith got him the ball in the open field more than once. Joe McKnight wasn't used just on flares and wheel routes but also as a down-field receiver. Travis Kelce's first NFL touchdown came on an underneath route. He then outran the Miami defenders to the end zone.
Game ball: McKnight provided a huge boost to the passing game. Used mainly as a third-down back, McKnight caught six passes for 64 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
What's next: The Chiefs have their first Monday night game at Arrowhead Stadium since 2010 when they play the 2-1 New England Patriots.
