Mecole Hardman has career day against 49ers for Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman scored three touchdowns, propelling the Chiefs over the San Francisco 49ers.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman shocked football fans with his three-touchdown performance against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 23. This was not only Hardman’s first NFL rushing touchdown but his first multi-touchdown game in Kansas City. While quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the defensive unit had great performances, Hardman is a popular pick for Kansas City’s MVP against San Francisco.

According to the NFL, Hardman is the first wide receiver in the modern era to record two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown in the same game. Despite the difference in the box score, all three scores came on jet sweep plays.

Hardman’s performance and usage will certainly force opposing defenses to respect the Chiefs’ pre-snap motion once again.

Hardman entered Sunday’s matchup as a non-factor due to his underwhelming production. But, opposing defenses still have to respect his playmaking ability and head coach Andy Reid’s manufactured touches for the speedster. Many thought that Hardman was the heir apparent to wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s role, but that has not materialized yet this season.

Hardman started the 2022 season on shaky ground. He was the team’s longest-tenured member of the receiving corps, one of the few remaining pieces of the Super Bowl-winning team. Hardman’s contract expires after the 2022 season, leaving questions about his future in Kansas City. His lack of refined route running has limited him in the NFL, but when he gets the ball, good things usually happen. Hardman averaged 8.7 yards after the catch in 2021, which was second in the NFL. His most recent performance only shows the value he has to the Chiefs’ game plan.

Few players divide the Chiefs’ fanbase as Hardman does. However, all of the Chiefs’ Kingdom loved his performance against the 49ers. Hopefully, this performance gets him more touches for the rest of this season.