Kansas City, Missouri - known for its iconic barbecue, historic jazz scene, and diehard football fans. But this week, the city is preparing for a different kind of fanfare, one that involves snow, freezing temperatures, and a wild-card playoff game between the Chiefs and the Dolphins. As the blustery weather sets in, questions arise about how the frigid forecast will impact the game and whether the Chiefs will try to acclimatize by practicing outside.
With 6 inches of snow blanketing the ground, Coach Andy Reid took one look out the window and decided that venturing outside for practice might not be the wisest choice given the conditions. However, it seems there's a good chance the team will brave the elements tomorrow. But let's face it, the weather won't be doing them any favors. More snow is in the forecast, and by game day, the temperature may struggle to reach double digits while the wind chill plummets well below zero.
Now, some might argue that growing up in Kansas City has prepared the Chiefs for such icy battles, but Coach Reid cautions against relying on that presumed advantage. He dismisses the notion of engaging in a snowball fight on the field as if it were child's play. However, the Miami Dolphins might find themselves wishing for a playful diversion amidst what could be an uphill struggle.
The Dolphins have a less-than-stellar track record when it comes to playing in chilly temperatures. They've lost ten straight games when the thermometer dips below 40 degrees, and not just with narrow defeats. No, these losses come with an average point difference of 17, enough to send a shiver down any fan's spine. And now, they must face the Chiefs' powerhouse in a stadium with wind whipping from every angle, while the accumulated snowfall adds another layer of dread.
However, it's worth mentioning that not all Dolphins are strangers to inclement weather. Linebacker David Long, a Cincinnati native, has had his fair share of cold encounters growing up. Even wide receiver Tyreek Hill, now on the Dolphins but former Chief, will be returning to Arrowhead Stadium for the first time since his trade two years ago. However, it's Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa who may face the coldest challenge. Having grown up in Hawaii and played college ball in Alabama, Tagovailoa may be unaccustomed to the bone-chilling conditions that await him.
But the Dolphins aren't about to concede defeat before the game has even begun. They refute the notion that warmer weather makes them soft or scared, emphasizing that they too have players who hail from various climates. They've dealt with their fair share of challenging elements in the past, even if they haven't handled them particularly well. Their cold weather losing streak began back in 2017, with a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers when it was a 'balmy' 17 degrees at kickoff. The streak continued, retelling tales of frozen woes in Buffalo, Cleveland, Green Bay, and, ironically, Kansas City.
Of course, the Chiefs aren't strangers to chilly matchups either. Though their hometown has seen colder days, this game promises to be a bone-chiller. But fear not, Chiefs fans, because history is on their side. With just one loss in their past ten home games when the temperature dropped below 40 degrees, and a flawless 4-0 record in playoff games, the Chiefs have proven themselves to be masters of the cold. Even quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a Texas native who had never played in such wintry conditions until he arrived in Kansas City, has become fond of these frosty encounters. He even jokingly admitted that he'd prefer playing a football game in subzero temperatures rather than chasing his child around the backyard.
Let's not forget that some of the most memorable Chiefs victories have occurred in chillier circumstances. Just four years ago, Mahomes defied the cold with a remarkable performance, throwing for 294 yards and three touchdowns to secure a 35-24 victory against the Titans in the AFC championship game. Two weeks later, he won his first Super Bowl ring in the warmth of sunny Miami with a triumph over the San Francisco 49ers.
So, as the snowflakes fall gracefully over Arrowhead Stadium, the stage is set for an epic battle between the Chiefs and the Dolphins. The elements may be harsh, the temperature bone-chilling, and the wind biting, but both teams are ready to take on the challenge. Only time will reveal who will emerge victorious from this frigid showdown. In the meantime, let's bundle up, grab a warm beverage, and prepare for an unforgettable clash on the frozen gridiron.
