The extreme weather conditions awaiting the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs for their playoff game on Saturday night reportedly are having an effect on a possible future opponent as well.
Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh said some of the team’s scouts had their flights to Kansas City canceled because of the weather in advance of the game.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said some of the team’s scouts had their flights canceled to Kansas City because of weather.
In talking about having scouts at games, John Harbaugh made sure to clarify “which is legal in pro football.”
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 12, 2024
The Ravens have a bye this weekend after earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 13-4 record. They earned a 56-19 victory against the Dolphins in Week 17 when the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs were still up for grabs.
After that defeat, Miami then went out and lost again in Week 18, a 21-14 setback against the Buffalo Bills this past Sunday that cost the Dolphins the AFC East championship and No. 2 seed in the conference. As a result, instead of having a home game this weekend, the No. 6 seed Dolphins must travel to play the Chiefs, who are the No. 3 seed after winning the AFC West.
ESPN graphic on the coldest temperatures at kickoff in NFL postseason history.
We’ll see where the AFC wild card game between the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs lands. pic.twitter.com/RC0EZk4TXK
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) January 11, 2024
That means the Dolphins are about to play one of the coldest games in franchise and NFL history with their season on the line.
There is snow in the forecast for the area on Friday, which may have contributed to the cancelation of the Ravens’ travel plans. In addition, conditions Saturday night could feature negative temperatures and even worse wind chills.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa said he won’t wear gloves during Saturday night’s frigid game in Kansas City.
“I think the whole thing is a mindset.” pic.twitter.com/cSZMK57v7I
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) January 10, 2024
In light of that forecast, the Dolphins practiced this week in Florida rather than going to Missouri early to try to get acclimated to the cold. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said earlier this week that he does not plan to wear gloves during the game.
Dolphins LB David Long Jr. says he likes to play in the cold: “A lot of people don’t want to hit or get hit in that cold weather. It hurts a little more.
“I like to see who’s going to break.” pic.twitter.com/oO6FZsBSra
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) January 8, 2024
Putting a positive spin on things, Dolphins linebacker David Long Jr. said he likes playing in the cold because many opponents don’t like to be hit.
The Dolphins are trying to win a playoff game for the first time since the 2000 NFL season. A victory Saturday night would be special for that reason alone. But if they were to win on the road against the defending Super Bowl champions in extremely harsh conditions, it would be an even more impressive feat.
