James Walker, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Rapid Reaction: Miami Dolphins

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- A few thoughts on the Miami Dolphins' 34-15 loss at Sun Life Stadium:

What it means: The Dolphins (1-2) are in the middle of a two-game losing streak and lost to a previously winless Chiefs (1-2) team. Miami’s offense is struggling. The Dolphins are averaging just 12.5 points per game the past two weeks. There are major questions brewing on that side of the ball. Miami’s defense also didn’t play its best game and suffered from missed tackles and blown assignments.

Stock watch: Dolphins linebacker Jelani Jenkins' stock is on the rise. In his second career start, Jenkins recorded 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Jenkins also was credited for a safety in the third quarter. Jenkins led the Dolphins with 14 tackles in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills. With the way Jenkins has played since replacing the injured Dannell Ellerbe (hip) in the starting lineup, the Dolphins might be on to something.

Slow starters: The Dolphins have an ugly, recurring trend of slow starts. Miami trailed the Chiefs 14-3 at intermission and gave a winless team confidence on the road early. The Dolphins have been badly outplayed in the first half this season and trailed at intermission in all three games. Miami has been outscored 43-13 in first and second quarters this season.

Game ball: Dolphins starting running back Lamar Miller took the reins for the injured Knowshon Moreno and ran well for Miami. Miller rushed for 108 yards on 14 carries. It was Miller’s first 100-yard game since Oct. 31, 2013.

What’s next: The Dolphins will have their longest road trip of the season in Week 4. Miami will travel to London to play the winless Oakland Raiders (0-3). Oakland lost to the New England Patriots 16-9 in Week 3.

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