KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs sent a warning through the rest of the league on Saturday night, when they ran roughshod over the Miami Dolphins in the fourth-coldest game in NFL history, that they just might still be the team to beat in this year’s playoffs.
What is making the Chiefs so successful, though, is much different than usual.
They have played host to the past five AFC championship games, and played in three of the past four Super Bowls, relying on Patrick Mahomes and one of the game’s best offenses to put up an inordinate amount of points.
But with an inconsistent group of wide receivers dragging down the offense this season, the Chiefs have learned to lean on one of the NFL’s best defenses.
That was the case against the Dolphins. The Chiefs were content to play the field-position game all night, and when their defense gave their offense a short field, they were able to reach the end zone twice and kick four field goals for a 26-7 victory.
“I talked about it, I think in training camp — I really would not want to play our defense,” Mahomes said. “We have great players all around, every single level. You have players, you have depth, guys rotate in, can do it all, and then you have the scheme.”
Indeed, the Chiefs have thrived in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unpredictable scheme. Their defensive backs blitz with abandon, and their linebackers and edge rushers are just as adept at dropping into pass coverage.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, second from right, and tight end Travis Kelce, third from right, huddle with teammates before an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Miami Dolphins Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. Credit: AP/Charlie Riedel
On Saturday night, the Dolphins never seemed to know what was coming. They managed just 264 yards, going 1 for 12 on third down, and most of that production came on a 53-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill.
“We always talk, whenever you play a great…
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