As the Kansas City Chiefs entered the bye, the front office's job was to evaluate the state of the roster at a pivotal point in the season. Ahead of the NFL's trade deadline in early November, the Chiefs had a month of game film to consider potential weaknesses that could be shored up by a signing or a trade. For the coaching staff, the week away allowed them to reflect on the same, but from a more tactical standpoint. Perhaps a meeting of the minds could lead to a reunion in K.C. if things don't improve soon.
The Chiefs' short-yardage ground game has been a source of frustration for an otherwise very good offense through four games. After years of watching Kareem Hunt serve as the league's battering ram exemplar, Kansas City has struggled to gain the requisite yards on 3rd-and-2 or goal-line situations. Kenneth Walker is a beast in the backfield, but he's proven inconsistent thus far in short-yardage scenarios.
Even when the Chiefs go big with defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga and additional offensive linemen in the mix, multiple opponents have been able to stave off their best efforts.
The numbers reveal a surprising weakness in the Chiefs' offense
The Chiefs have a 55.6 percent power success rate—converting 10 of 18—which is 23rd in the NFL. That's defined as 3rd- or 4th-down situations with 2 or fewer yards to go (or goal-line scenarios from the 2-yard line or closer). The league average is 64.4 percent. The toughest total to stomach here is the Chiefs' stuffed-run rate, which is runs that go for zero yards (or worse) in those situations. The Chiefs are at 39 percent there, which is No. 24 in the league.
Even more concerning is how things are trending in the backfield. Chiefs fans are likely to remember well when Walker was stuffed on three consecutive goal-line attempts in Week 2. The Chiefs only converted 3 of 8 short-yardage opportunities over the last two weeks, including a turnover on downs early against the Raiders in Week 4, when the Chiefs failed to convert on 3rd-and-2 and then 4th-and-2.
Kareem Hunt's track record makes a compelling case for a reunion
If the front office determines more help is needed, the good news is that a proven asset is readily available. Hunt was the Chiefs' leading rusher for each of the last two seasons, with an incredible success rate in such situations.
Last season, the Chiefs led the NFL with an 81.5 percent power success rate, well above the 67 percent league average, and their 16.7 percent stuff rate was second-best. Hunt was the engine, converting 37 of 45 attempts. He was 18 of 25 (72 percent) the year before.
So far, however, Hunt has yet to find meaningful work before Week 6. It's true that Hunt's usefulness for an offense is limited at this stage of his career. Age (31) has caught up with him in that regard, but he remains an effective weapon when utilized correctly. And the importance of sustaining drives is certainly worth using a roster spot for Hunt if nothing else gets it done. Other than a preseason visit to Detroit, Hunt has had little interest on the open market.
The Chiefs have other options before calling Kareem Hunt
It will be interesting to see if the Chiefs try to lean on new fullback Ben VanSumeren in the meantime. The Chiefs went without an official fullback for the last three seasons, with Michael Burton the last player to serve in that role, which was back in 2022. Yet in early September, the Chiefs signed VanSumeren to the practice squad and then promoted him for Week 1. When making roster moves to accommodate an injury that week, VanSumeren was given an active roster spot, which is where he's remained ever since. Perhaps he can be the answer.
Other than that, it's hard to see anyone else in that role. The Chiefs' tight ends aren't exactly going to barrel anyone over in this regard. A back like Brashard Smith is completely wrong for the role, while rookie Emmett Johnson is at least a better bet if Walker is completely benched in those scenarios. Still, a fourth back with a goal-line specialty would eliminate the doubts that have crept in.
After a week off, fans will be anxious to see what adjustments have been made to help convert those short-yardage situations. Using the team's current personnel would be the easiest approach, and the sample size is too small to really lay down some absolute judgments on the matter. But if opponents are still able to get the best of KC in those situations that are typically favoring the offense, it might be time to make a phone call to the short-yardage hero of old.
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