FRANKFURT, Germany -- In a thrilling game that marked the first-ever regular-season NFL matchup in Frankfurt, Germany, the Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious with a hard-fought 21-14 win over the Miami Dolphins at Deutsche Bank Park on Sunday. The Chiefs' defense, led by an impressive fumble return for a touchdown by safety Bryan Cook, ultimately proved to be the difference-maker.

The Chiefs (7-2) managed to contain the Dolphins' top-ranked offense, albeit by a narrow margin. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes showcased his skills by throwing two touchdown passes, helping his team secure the victory. Mahomes, making his European debut, finished the game with 185 yards passing on a 20-of-30 completion rate.

Kansas City's offense experienced some struggles in the second half, but their defense stepped up when it mattered most. The game-changing play came just before halftime, as Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie stuffed former teammate Tyreek Hill on a short pass, causing a fumble. Mike Edwards recovered the ball and lateraled it to Bryan Cook, who returned it 59 yards for a crucial touchdown.

Mahomes praised Cook's athletic prowess, likening his speed to that of a sprinter in a track and field relay. The touchdown proved to be a pivotal moment in the game, with Mahomes acknowledging its significance.

While the Chiefs celebrated their triumph, Miami's hopes of mounting a comeback were dashed in the final moments. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's inability to handle a snap on fourth-and-10 from the Chiefs' 31-yard line with just over a minute remaining sealed the Dolphins' fate. Tagovailoa took responsibility for the mishap, lamenting his missed opportunity against a strong Chiefs team.

Despite Miami's valiant efforts, the team fell short once again against opponents with winning records, dropping to 0-3 in such matchups this season. Tagovailoa completed 21 of 34 passes for a season-low 193 yards.

The Dolphins (6-3) finally gained momentum in the third quarter when Tagovailoa connected with Cedric Wilson Jr. for a 31-yard touchdown pass. Additionally, a strip-sack by Bradley Chubb on Mahomes granted Miami the opportunity to close the gap further. Running back Raheem Mostert capitalized on the turnover, scoring a 13-yard rushing touchdown. However, it was not enough to overcome the Chiefs' early lead.

As the Chiefs head into their bye week, Coach Andy Reid reflected on the importance of their win, ensuring a positive flight home. The team has not experienced back-to-back losses since the 2021 season and remains unbeaten in international games, with successful outings in London (2015) and Mexico City (2019).

On the other hand, the Dolphins will use their bye week to regroup before hosting the Las Vegas Raiders on November 19th. This will be their chance to bounce back and improve their international record, which currently stands at 2-5.

Despite missing out on a live performance by Taylor Swift, who was scheduled to perform at halftime, the game provided plenty of excitement for the fans in Frankfurt. The Chiefs' victory further solidifies their status as contenders, while the Dolphins will seek to iron out their shortcomings during their upcoming break.

The rematch is set for the Chiefs on November 20th, as they face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in a Monday Night Football showdown at Arrowhead Stadium. The highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch will surely have Chiefs fans eagerly awaiting their team's next challenge.