Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel Anticipates High Stakes Match Against Chiefs
FRANKFURT, Germany – As the Miami Dolphins prepare to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday, head coach Mike McDaniel acknowledges the narratives that will inevitably arise regardless of the game’s outcome.
With both teams boasting a 6-2 record and finding themselves in a four-way tie atop the AFC, alongside several other teams trailing just one loss behind, the parity in the NFL and the limited number of games played so far contribute to the multitude of storylines enveloping each team.
“I’ll tell you what’s going to happen with the Miami Dolphins. We lose, we can’t beat good teams. We win, we’re going to win the Super Bowl,” McDaniel quipped on Friday. “None of it matters. You have to be your best when your best is required, and that’s when there’s elimination games. So you’re trying to build towards that and take advantage of every opportunity to best service yourself for the situation at the end of the season.”
Unfortunately for the Dolphins, starting right guard Rob Hunt will be absent from Sunday’s match. Sidelined by a hamstring injury during last week’s game against the New England Patriots, Hunt did not practice this week, despite traveling with the team to Frankfurt as part of the NFL International Series.
On a more positive note, Miami may witness the return of left tackle Terron Armstead. Eligible to be activated this week from injured reserve, Armstead’s 21-day activation window opened, leaving McDaniel optimistic about the Pro Bowler’s progress throughout the week. McDaniel, however, refrained from committing to Armstead playing on Sunday, emphasizing the need for continued assessment and caution to avoid any setbacks.
“We still have a day to assess and we’re not going to get ahead of ourselves, but it’s been very encouraging and we feel optimistic, but have to just see how today plays out to make sure that there are no setbacks,” McDaniel stated. “We feel very good about all the offensive linemen we play, and there’s a long season, so we don’t want – there’s no reason for him to be pressing through something that might hurt him in the long run.”
Meanwhile, center Connor Williams did not experience any setbacks this week in his recovery from a groin injury that caused him to miss the Dolphins’ previous three games.
In a lighthearted moment, McDaniel humorously described Williams as “one of the more frustrated players that doesn’t play that I’ve been around,” highlighting the discontent shown by Williams when unable to participate in games or practices. Williams, while laughing off McDaniel’s comment, confirmed his frustration with being sidelined for almost a month.
“I think to play on this level, you have to have that space,” Williams expressed. “You can access that high space so you can execute on a high level, and just being out and having to withhold that, then just being around the guys and serving a different role and a different purpose in the last couple of weeks, (was frustrating).”
“And that might be where the death stares come from because I’m just trying to stay as locked in as possible.”
The Dolphins will also be without safety Brandon Jones, who remains in the concussion protocol and did not travel with the team for this week’s game.
As the Dolphins and Chiefs clash in this highly significant match, both teams are aware of what is at stake. With narratives abound, it ultimately comes down to the players proving themselves when it matters most, especially amidst the fierce competition for playoff spots.