Chapter 329 Prepare for a rainy day
At Christmas, NFL games are still going on, and the atmosphere is even heating up, because the regular season is coming to an end, and every game may affect the playoff spots, and the sparks and tension of the confrontation will be even higher. One floor.
The Kansas City Chiefs are at home for the third consecutive week, and are facing a crucial life-or-death battle for the third consecutive week, but this time, they are finally no longer a mortal enemy in the same district——
But the Miami Dolphins in the American League East.
In the 1980s last season, the Miami Dolphins, who had a generation of legendary superstar quarterback Dan Marino, were undoubtedly one of the best and top teams in the league; but after entering the millennium, because of the same conference With the strong rise of their arch-enemy New England Patriots, the Miami Dolphins have also fallen into a long trough and have never found their direction.
Last season, the Miami Dolphins reached the playoffs for the first time in eight years since the 2008 season, but unfortunately lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers and were eliminated in the first game. Everyone thought that the Miami Dolphins might usher in a full recovery, but they did not expect quarterback Ryan. -Ryan Tannehill suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear and the team is in trouble again.
In the end, they had to recall retired former Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler to take over the team, but his performance was not satisfactory.
So far, they have six wins and eight losses in the season, completely missing the playoffs.
But if you underestimate the Miami Dolphins, you may capsize in the gutter——
The head coach of this team is Adam Gase, who served as the offensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos from the 2012 season to the 2014 season. He teamed up with Manning to create the strongest offensive team in history before being poached to Miami. Dolphins as head coach.
It was under Gase's guidance that Tannahill, who had never performed well, completed his transformation and led the Miami Dolphins back to the playoffs last season.
Similarly, two weeks ago, the Miami Dolphins, who had no hope of making the playoffs, defeated the defending champion New England Patriots at home, handing their rivals in the same division their third defeat of the season, a shocking upset.
In this game, facing the Kansas Chiefs who are in the final sprint for a playoff spot, the Miami Dolphins are not ready to give up the victory easily.
After the opening, the two sides were locked in a stalemate all the way into the second quarter. The Kansas Chiefs opened up the situation by passing the ball and pushed forward strongly. They encountered the tight defense of the Miami Dolphins in the red zone. In the end, they relied on Levi's personal ability to score the touchdown. Break the deadlock——
So, the previous scene appeared.
The Christmas gift carefully prepared by the Kansas Chiefs for the captain of the defensive team came belatedly. Despite some twists and turns, it was finally fulfilled.
This touchdown broke the balance of the confrontation between the two sides and became a turning point in the game.
On the one hand, the Miami Dolphins' stalemate was interrupted. The defensive team tried their best to stop the opponent. This also became a heavy blow and the spirit was vented.
On the other hand, after breaking the deadlock, the Kansas Chiefs finally took off their burdens and let go——
In the first two weeks of the competition, it was a desperate battle, and it was a sworn enemy in the same district. There was no way out to fight to the death. Instead, they were able to focus, eliminate distracting thoughts, and fight the last battle with one heart and one mind. From state to performance, they adjusted to the best. They really played their best game of the season. Two dominant games.
But in this week's event, playoff qualification is close at hand and within reach, and the entire mentality has undergone a subtle change; coupled with the excellent performance in the past two weeks that has boosted confidence, this week we face teams that have missed the playoffs and hope to establish an advantage as soon as possible. Easily crush your opponents to win and win quickly.
In such a situation, they are too excited and their cooperation is not smooth.
In the first quarter of the game, the back-and-forth between strong players created an arc of ups and downs, and the whole state was still very irritable. It was not until after this touchdown that the mentality finally adjusted to the normal range, and the Kansas Chiefs found their own rhythm - —
Confidence and status, complete the fit in the right position, release the corresponding power.
In the game, the balance of victory and defeat also tilted, and it soon completely tilted towards the Kansas Chiefs.
The Kansas Chiefs' offensive team has blossomed in many ways. Not only the main players, but also the running backs and wide receivers who came on the substitute rotation have also performed well. The entire offense has completely opened up the situation and does not need to rely on one player to carry the team forward. At the same time, the Kansas Chiefs defensive team was completely in control of the situation. After Levi ran the ball for a touchdown, they strangled the Miami Dolphins offensive team and only allowed one more free kick to score until the end of the game.
"9:32".
The Kansas Chiefs easily won, continuing their outstanding performance over the past two weeks and defeating their opponents with a huge advantage. They didn't even try their best in the second half. In the fourth quarter, the second team was rotated again, entering the adjustment phase early to build up momentum for the playoffs.
Beep, beep beep!
As the whistle sounded at the end of the game, Arrowhead Stadium was boiling.
From six-game winning streak to six-game losing streak and then to three-game winning streak, the Kansas City Chiefs' season has been a roller coaster, but no matter what, after defeating the Miami Dolphins, the Kansas City Chiefs secured the American League West division one round ahead of schedule with a record of nine wins and six losses. Championship, guaranteed a playoff spot.
Although there is still one week left in the regular season, the outcome of this game is irrelevant to the Kansas Chiefs——
Not only cannot it affect the playoff berth, but it also cannot affect the playoff seeding. Neither victory nor defeat will change the team's position.
Therefore, after the game, Reid announced to the team early:
In the last week's away game against the Denver Broncos, the team will enter a full rotation, with backup quarterback Mahomes starting the game and leading the team. The players from the second team are the starting lineup, while all the main players are rested.
This was also something I never expected.
Who would have thought that three weeks ago, the shadow of six consecutive losses lingered, and the team stood on the precipice of ending the season early; now it has locked in a playoff spot early and entered a bye, preparing for a single game in the playoffs in advance. Preparation for elimination.
Definitely a surprise!
After experiencing the playoff wall and setbacks season after season, Reid also has his own considerations——
Everyone believes that Reid's rotation is to sharpen his skills for the playoffs this season, including the players and coaching staff of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Only Reed himself knows that this is only a small part of the reason. The real important reason lies in the layout.
Does anyone remember what the Kansas City Chiefs did in the draft at the beginning of the year?
Third pick, Levi.
The 10th pick, Mahomes.
Reid believes that if the Kansas City Chiefs want to be more competitive in the future, they should put their hopes in this group of young people.
Levi has grown up rapidly this season, and then it's the quarterback's turn.
In the locker room, players one by one celebrated Mahomes as the first starter in his career. The young man smiled honestly and restrainedly, unable to hide his happiness.
However, Levi raised his head and looked at Reed, and the two exchanged glances.
Reed thought, wait a minute, did this ghost see it?
The smile on Levi's lips rose, and even a smile appeared in Reid's eyes.
(End of chapter)