The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Miami Dolphins in the NFL thriller in Frankfurt. The fans at Deutsche Bank Park create a home game atmosphere. According to Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, that was also a key factor in the success.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ 21-14 win over the Miami Dolphins in Frankfurt was less than an hour old when Patrick Mahomes was already thinking about the next game in Germany. “I’m looking forward to coming back and getting the opportunity to play here. Not just in Frankfurt, but also in Munich or wherever the NFL is playing,” said the star quarterback at the post-game press conference.

No wonder, because the Chiefs are not only traveling back with a win in their luggage, but were also able to enjoy a home game atmosphere at Deutsche Bank Park.

The Dolphins must have already realized during the US anthem that this AFC clash on German soil would be a tricky affair. During the final verse of the “Starspangled Banner”, instead of the “Home of the brave”, a long drawn-out “Home of the “Chiiieeefs” echoed through the Frankfurt stadium.

And the home of the… CHIEEEEFS! pic.twitter.com/2MMUH5KAse

– Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) November 5, 2023

The Chiefs fans were clearly outnumbered this afternoon. The noise during Miami’s offensive plays was deafening, with the famous “Tomahawk Chop”, for which Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is famous, ringing out from the stands time and time again.

Apparently, this atmosphere threw the Dolphins offense off balance and inspired the Chiefs defense – at least in the first two quarters.

At half-time, Head Coach Andy Reid’s team led by a surprisingly clear 21:0. It did not look like a dress rehearsal for a possible AFC Championship Game.

In the first half, Miami managed five fewer first downs than Kansas City. The Dolphins were unable to convert any of their third down attempts into a new first down – the Chiefs managed to do so on three of six attempts. KC was also clearly ahead in net yards – the cumulative space gained (200 vs. 110 yards).

Andy Reid: “Fans won the game “

Really a credit to the fans? At least that’s what Reid said after the game: “The Chiefs fans won the game for us. We could feel them. It was very loud.”

Mahomes also praised the “Chiefs Kingdom” to the skies: “The German fans were loud and passionate. You could tell they watch football regularly and really know their stuff. “

Of course, these statements have to be put into perspective to some extent. The Chiefs are well aware of their role as brand ambassadors in Germany. Presenting the fans with a metaphorical bouquet of flowers after the win can only be to their advantage.

Kansas City Chiefs: “Best defense in the NFL “

The Dolphins will be annoyed with themselves after the loss. “We beat ourselves. We had a lot of penalties and made life difficult for ourselves,” Tyreek Hill said after the game.

Miami’s star receiver had some important catches, but was unable to get one or two catchable passes under control and lost a fumble.

The performance of the Chiefs defense should not be downplayed either. “That has to be the best defense in the NFL,” enthused Mahomes: “That’s a great offense. To hold them to 14 points, even though I lost a fumble in our half of the game – that’s an outstanding performance. “

NFL in Frankfurt: Miami Dolphins fail in final drive

And yet the Dolphins fought back in the final period. With 2:28 minutes on the clock, Tua and Co. had the chance to level the game with a final drive. But things turned out differently – probably also thanks to the fans. First, the Dolphins quarterback underthrew his receiver Cedric Wilson Jr. with a pass, although the latter had enough space for a catch and possibly a touchdown.

Tagovailoa spoke of a “miscommunication”. He needs to “throw a better pass”. The loudness of the Chiefs supporters may have made communication difficult at the very least – although Tua refused to accept that excuse and took the blame.

When he failed to catch the ensuing snap and the Chiefs recovered the leather, the result was sealed. A happy ending for Mahomes and Co. that obviously left them wanting more.