Chiefs-Dolphins scouting report

When the Chiefs run

The Dolphins could make running the ball tough for the Chiefs. They run a unique 5-2 scheme that features three run-stuffing defensive tackles who are playing well in Jared Odrick, Earl Mitchell and Randy Starks. The Chiefs found a way to run the ball moderately well last week against the Broncos, but their patchwork offensive line could have a tough time getting some push up front. Knile Davis performed well last in week in place of Jamaal Charles, who is questionable for this week’s game because of a high ankle sprain.

When the Chiefs pass

Defensive end Cameron Wake is one of the league’s best pass rushers, and defensive end Olivier Vernon is pretty good, too. The Chiefs’ tackles, Eric Fisher and Ryan Harris, will absolutely have their hands full. The Chiefs should be able to move the ball, though, particularly if the offensive playcalling resembles last week’s effort more than the dispiriting effort it showed against Tennessee. But the Dolphins have a pair of solid veteran cornerbacks in Brent Grimes and Cortland Finnegan, so Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith better not make any egregious mistakes.

When the Dolphins run

The Dolphins hired former Eagles quarterback coach Bill Lazor to be their offensive coordinator this offseason, and Lazor has installed a shotgun-heavy system that resembles Chip Kelly’s innovative offense in Philadelphia. That said, the Dolphins’ offense took a big blow when it lost starting running back Knowshon Moreno to an injury last week. He’s a superior running back to his replacement, Lamar Miller, who is battling an ankle injury.

When the Dolphins pass

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill has looked better under Lazor, but his accuracy is still spotty. Considering the Dolphins’ protection issues last week and the fact the Chiefs’ still haven’t forced a turnover this year, it sounds like KC is due for an interception or two. The Chiefs’ pass rush has been solid, too. They just need to keep tight end Charles Clay and receiver Mike Wallace in check. Clay is a good receiver for his position while Wallace has the type of deep speed the Chiefs can’t match. The safeties need to be disciplined and make sure he doesn’t get behind them.

Special teams

The Chiefs haven’t been world beaters in this area this season, as kicker Cairo Santos has been shaky. But the Dolphins have been a disaster. Last week, they gave up a kick return for a touchdown, had a punt blocked and fumbled on a punt return. This is the kind of game where special teams coach Dave Toub can have an impact.

Coaching

Miami’s Joe Philbin has worked to be more accessible to his players this season following last year’s bullying scandal, and players have noted the change in their leader. Still, Chiefs coach Andy Reid got that kind of buy-in from his players the moment he stepped foot in Kansas City last year. The offensive playcalling got back on track last week and the defense did, too.

X-factor

Don’t underestimate the impact of the South Florida heat. The Dolphins handled the Patriots in week one because of it, and the Chiefs are 2-8 all-time at Sun Life Stadium. By the way, the Dolphins have already sold over 70,000 tickets, so it should be a packed house.

Bottom line: Chiefs 30-27

This will be a tough game. You’ve got the Dolphins coming off a bad loss, and they’ve got a significant home-field advantage. Still, it’s hard to imagine this Chiefs team going 0-3, and they are due some turnovers. If they lose — with games vs. New England and San Francisco up next — they could be staring at an 0-5 start.

Terez A. Paylor, tpaylor@kcstar.com

This story was originally published September 20, 2014 at 11:38 AM with the headline "Chiefs-Dolphins scouting report."