Chiefs vs. Bengals: Four positive takeaways from a frustrating game
By Matt Conner
Speaking of the run game…
We know, we know, the run game is not what sells tickets, but the Chiefs really do have the power to run the ball very well when they want.
There was a time when Arrowhead was electric because the Chiefs were running the football down the throats of every opponent. From Christian Okoye and Barry Word to Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson, it was an impressive stretch of team history marked by mammoth front lines and uber-talented backs.
These days, the Chiefs are happy to have the best quarterback in the game under center and a high-octane offense installed. But the front line employed in K.C. these days is also a bunch of maulers who are likely happiest when asked to create lanes for anyone who wants one. From the giant frame of Orlando Brown Jr. on the left through a Pro Bowl-caliber trio along the interior of Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith, the Chiefs are truly blessed in the trenches.
On Sunday, the Chiefs laughed at most efforts to slow the run by the Bengals and ended up with 138 rushing yards on only 25 carries for the afternoon. Mahomes Magic will win most games for the Chiefs, but this offense can and should be balanced going forward. The run game is just that good when they want to use it.