Four reasons to remain optimistic about the KC Chiefs in 2022

Isiah Pacheco

Perhaps the most positive sign for the Chiefs at this stage in the season is the evolution of its seventh-round rookie running back Isiah Pacheco. He’s been a revelation since Week 9, posting 450 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. His growth as the team’s new starter in the backfield gives the offense another dimension. Pacheco’s averaging nearly five yards per carry on the season and with him in rhythm, Andy Reid and company can stay in phase and out of third-and-long situations.

The rookie out of Rutgers also gives them the ability to slow games down when Reid commits to such a strategy. Such was not the case versus the Broncos on Sunday, but Pacheco did rattle off an angry run for 10 yards to ice the game. Pacheco’s vision is serving him well at this stage of the season. His success is a bonus for an offense that can now play a more balanced brand of football and work off of play action from time to time.