Kansas City Chiefs running back Derrick Gore put on a show against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday as the Chiefs piled it on the Raiders in a 48-9 victory, but Gore’s extensive playing time was a little unusual.
Not in a bad way, but in a way that the Chiefs don’t typically do things. The Chiefs went three-deep at running back on Sunday which is not something we see a lot of. Most of the time the Chiefs go with a rotation of Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Darrel Williams with maybe two or three snaps going to someone else. However, the Chiefs truly committed to the running back by committee approach.
The Chiefs gave the ball to the running backs 21 times against the Raiders and they were split up 9 carries to Gore, 10 carries to Edwards-Helaire, and 2 to Williams. Not only that, but the Chiefs used their running backs in the screen game more than it seemed like they had all season, and Gore himself added a pair of receptions for 23 yards.
Derrick Gore‘s role in K.C. offense is expanding
Every season there are a handful of “bottom of the roster” players that a majority of Chiefs fans pound the table for saying we should see more of. because they flash nearly every time they get on the field. Most of the time those players never become much but every once in a while someone emerges such as Byron Pringle or Jody Fortson.
Derrick Gore is in the same boat and was a fan favorite coming out of preseason for good reason. Then, Gore got some run in a real game against the New York Giants when Clyde Edwards-Helaire was out with injury. Gore had 11 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown against the Giants in week 8 all while showing off some serious vision and shake.
Gore’s usage wavered a bit following his coming-out game against NYG, but he seems to have emerged once again through patience and hard work that led to another opportunity against Las Vegas. Now, we’re seeing Gore’s role expand and it feels there’s a chance that he becomes a featured part of the offense going forward.
Personally, I believe Gore is the most talented back on the roster. Some may disagree and that’s okay but one thing Gore has going for him over other options is his speed. Gore isn’t what you would call a burner but he’s definitely no slouch either. We saw him take one to the house for 51 yards on Sunday which was the longest run by a Chiefs running back since Damien Williams‘ 90-yard touchdown against the Vikings in 2019.
The Chiefs running back room has simply lacked explosive plays and big runs over the past couple of seasons but they seem to have something in Derrick Gore. The running back by committee approach will allow the Chiefs to utilize all their running backs and give them a chance to put together good performances as a trio as all of them bring something to the table.
It will be interesting to see just how much the Chiefs use Gore in the stretch run, but you won’t find anyone denying the fact he’s earned the opportunity to be a part of the offense.