Jerick McKinnon’s postseason production hits wall vs Jaguars

Running back Jerick McKinnon was a late-season star for the Kansas City Chiefs, but fell silent during the team’s playoff opener.

The Kansas City Chiefs left Arrowhead on Saturday with a ticket punch to the AFC Championship game once again. The Chiefs are making their fifth straight appearance after being written off by the national media and many football fans in 2022. Head coach Andy Reid had the tall task of replacing wide receiver Tyreek Hill, but his offense and quarterback Patrick Mahomes still posted historic numbers. That success was a group effort, and a huge part of it was running back Jerick McKinnon.

Unfortunately, McKinnon’s regular-season successes did not translate to the NFL postseason—at least so far.

McKinnon rushed the ball 11 times for 25 yards against Jacksonville and was nonexistent in his usual receiving duties. That might have to do with Mahomes’ injury early in the game, but for McKinnon to not see a single target is surprising. He was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month, and won the award for his production in December and January. This was largely due to his receiving skills and 9 total touchdowns during the span.

McKinnon certainly saw the field against the Jaguars, out-snapping rookie Isiah Pacheco 44-24. But Pacheco saw the bulk of the rushing opportunities, and he ended the game with 12 carries for 95 yards. Pacheco played that bell-cow running back role that fans love to see from him, but fans also expect McKinnon to be a receiving threat out of the backfield. His connection with Mahomes has been valuable this season, but many of his receptions come after a Mahomes scramble or later in the play.

The Jaguars also likely game-planned better for the seven-year veteran, knowing his ability out of the backfield. McKinnon caught six passes for 56 yards against the Jaguars in Week 10, taking short passes for sizeable yardage. Remember, the Jags held Chargers RB Austin Ekeler to minimal production just a week prior.

Where McKinnon did contribute on Saturday was in pass protection. He blasted an unblocked linebacker, Foye Oluokun, after Mahomes’ injury earlier. If Oluokun had a free shot at Mahomes, that could have spelled disaster for him and the team as a whole.

Fans remember McKinnon being the most productive back in the 2021 postseason, surpassing Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Hopes were high that he would have a repeat performance this postseason, but he certainly stumbled statistically against the Jaguars. There is still at least one more game for McKinnon to contribute to during this postseason. But, based on what I’ve heard from McKinnon during press conferences and availability, I doubt stuffing the stat sheet bothers him.

As long as he does the job Reid and the team need from him, that is all that matters during the postseason. Another crazy highlight touchdown would be nice against the Cincinnati Bengals next week, though!