MIAMI GARDENS ― The Miami Dolphins were looking to avoid an 0-3 start by upsetting the Kansas City Chiefs in a home opener at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami made it interesting, but fell to Kansas City, 24-10.
De'Von Achane was knocked out in the first quarter with a knee injury and did not return.
Malik Willis, Chris Bell, the offensive line and Jacob Rodriguez all played well for the Dolphins.
Miami trailed 17-10 with six minutes left and were driving but Malik Willis could not complete a 4th-and-6 pass attempt for Kevin Coleman, Jr.
The Dolphins will travel to Minnesota for a Week 4 contest before a Week 5 home game with Cincinnati.
The Chiefs are 3-0.
Here are our instant takeaways from the Chiefs game:
Any long-term injury to De'Von Achane would be devastating
De'Von Achane is far and away the best player on the Dolphins.
After all, he was their only Pro Bowler in 2025.
A knee injury to Achane in the first quarter is troubling. It's especially troubling when one considers Jaylen Wright, the backup running back, was also sidelined for this game. Achane did not return though he was seen on the Dolphins sideline in relatively good spirits.
Coach Jeff Hafley said entering the game that he had confidence in third-stringer Ollie Gordon II. And Gordon had some good moments on Sunday, though he also appeared to get banged up.
At one point Miami was down to fullback DJ Herman and receiver Malik Washington as backfield options.
But this entire offense is predicated on Achane and the threat of Achane.
Jacob Rodriguez is a future NFL star
Dolphins rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez had a fourth-down stop of Kenneth Walker.
Later Rodriguez had a diving, downfield interception of Patrick Mahomes off a tipped pass.
Later still Rodriguez had a tackle for loss. Then another.
Rodriguez is all about effort. He's all about determination. He's all about heart.
It's no surprise Rodriguez is already one of the most popular players on the Dolphins.
Malik Willis shows progress in Week 3
Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis led a 17-play, 91-yard touchdown drive against Kansas CIty and the best element is it kept the Chiefs offense off the field for more than nine minutes in the first half.
Willis made good decisions. He showed good poise. He showed good accuracy.
Willis took off and ran when needed. There was one time where he slid short of the first down marker on third down but he seemed focused on staying in bounds near the end of the first half.
Willis hit deep balls to Malik Washington and Chris Bell and Greg Dulcich. He wants to drive the ball down the field, which is, frankly, fun to watch.
Willis did lose a fumble in the second quarter.
Jeff Hafley won't go down without a fight
Much has been made about the undermmanned Dolphins showing consistent effort early in this season.
It also seems true that coach Jeff Hafley is willing to take some chances to pull of an upset or two.
Twice in the first half against Kansas City Hafley went for it on fourth down. This shows that, yes, he wants to "keep it close" but he's alway willing to take his shot.
Willis was incomplete to Malik Washington on a 4th-and-4 at the Chiefs' 49.
Willis was incomplete on a pass to Kevin Coleman on 4th-and-3 at the Chiefs' 37. But Kansas City committed a defensive holding on the play.
The Dolphins then went for it on fourth down at midfield with six minutes left, but Willis was incomplete for Coleman, Jr.
This and That
The Dolphins allowed tight end Travis Kelce to run wide open on the first defensive snap of the game for a 48-yard gain. While Miami's defense tightened things up later in the game, how exactly does that happen?... Chop Robinson was called for roughing Patrick Mahomes in the Chiefs end zone in an absolute joke of a call. Chop allegedly put his body weight on Mahomes. Whatever... The Dolphins still do not have a sack through three games... The Dolphins still have not led through three games... Miami passed on a 58-yard attempt from Riley Patterson near the end of the first half. While generally accurate, Patterson just does not have significant leg strength.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and Threads and X at @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins vs. Chiefs revealed these 5 important developments
