Through the first two weeks of the 2014 season the Kansas City ground game struggled. Chiefs running backs combined for just 3.3 yards per carry, a far cry from the 4.7 average they produced in 2013. Their odds of improving looked bleak heading into Week 3 against a stout Miami defense that stifled the Patriots’ running game in Week 1 and was allowing just 3.8 yards per carry, half a yard better than league average. Further, the Chiefs were missing All-Pro running back
Jamaal Charles. But against the Dolphins, Kansas City backs carried 38 times for 157 yards, a healthy 4.1 average.
It wasn’t just better execution; the Chiefs employed a surprising game plan, switching from their typical zone blocking scheme to one dominated by man/power techniques. They surprised the Dolphins and pushed them around with heavy lines featuring multiple tight ends. It was a successful game plan and Kansas City prevailed
34-15.
