Kansas City Chiefs: Analyzing the future options at running back
By Grant Tuttle
As the Chiefs evolve without Kareem Hunt, what will be the course of action at the running back position for the future? We discuss.
There is no question, the NFL never sleeps. Whenever the unexpected happens, teams are forced to adapt, evolve, and/or change. Now, in Kansas City, the Chiefs face an interesting question. Given the release of Kareem Hunt, should the running back position change to a “by committee” plan, or should it continue to have a “feature back?” Here are the options that the Chiefs can explore for the future.
The case for running back by committee
If the Chiefs pursue this option, it seems to make a ton of sense. The benefits could actually outweigh the issues with not having a feature back. Right now, the Chiefs will likely move to a heavy dose of Spencer Ware and Damien Williams with a few Darrel Williams carries sprinkled in. Running back by committee is what the Chiefs are preparing to use for the remainder of the season. This style can create a bit of a conundrum for opposing defenses as they do not have one single style of runner to prepare for. Typically, a team will try to use one speed option and one power runner, so they can adapt to any situation (think Thunder and Lightning).
POINTS OF REFERENCE
For reference, there have been a number of successful offenses that have used this system. The New England Patriots have done this for years to great success, including this season. James White has served as the receiving back and change of pace player and Sony Michel has been more of the power back that primarily runs between the tackles. In many ways, this duo has kept the Patriots relevant on the offensive side of the football.
An example of where this is hasn’t worked would be with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who have a couple of young running backs, that complement each other stylistically, but struggle to produce big plays on the field. The offense that Dirk Koetter likes to run, seems ill-suited for this kind of style and it has shown this season.
HOW THE CHIEFS COULD USE THIS SYSTEM
I would like to see this system play out for the rest of the year before I draw a conclusion on what the team should do. That being said, at 27, it seems unlikely that the Chiefs will be interested in signing Spencer Ware to a long-term extension. Nonetheless, for the right price, he could be a part of the “committee” going forward with good hands and is a strong rushing ability. A lot rides on his performance this season as he and Damien Williams can play a very similar style.
If Brett Veach wanted to make it more difficult to stop this offense, he should consider adding a speed back to compliment the powerful style of rushing that they already have on the team. It seems relatively certain that in the 2019 NFL draft, there will be several talented running backs available throughout the draft. I think a player with a similar play style to Tevin Coleman of the Atlanta Falcons would make the Chiefs a very dangerous team to deal with.
If Kansas City chooses this route, it may save them money in the long run, depending on how they choose to build the “committee.” If they do it by adding mid-round picks, it will be very inexpensive. If they do it through free agency, it may be a bit more costly, but likely less than having a feature back. A cheaper option to make the backfield more unpredictable may be the way to go for the future of the Chiefs offense.