The Kansas City Chiefs finally have a running game. That's all thanks to the addition of Kenneth Walker, who the Chiefs paid handsomely this offseason, signing the reigning Super Bowl MVP to a three-year deal worth over $43 million.
We might only be three games into Walker's Chiefs tenure but fans can already say that Walker has been worth every penny of that deal. Not only are the Chiefs 3-0 but, for the first time since Patrick Mahomes' first year as a starter, the team has a ferocious run game. Defenses now have to account for the Chiefs' rushing attack, something they haven't had to do in several years. Walker is to thank for that.
Walker had a magnificent September with his new team, dashing for 360 yards and two touchdowns on 65 carries while also hauling in 82 yards and two touchdowns on 11 receptions. If you do the math, that's 442 yards from scrimmage and four total touchdowns.
Not only have Chiefs fans noticed what a baller Walker has been but so has the entire NFL. The league announced the awards for the best players from the month of September and, no surprises here, but Walker was crowned the AFC Offensive Player of the Month.
Kenneth Walker's addition to Chiefs roster already paying dividends
Walker immediately broke onto the scene in his first game in Chiefs red, rushing for 173 yards and a touchdown while also scoring a receiving touchdown as well. He was frustrating the Broncos' defenses all night long and it was such a beautiful sight for Chiefs Kingdom after not having a very prominent run game for so many years.
Walker followed that up with another stealthy performance, running for 117 yards against the Colts with 61 receiving yards. He might not have scored touchdowns in that game but his presence was still felt big time.
In Miami, Walker scored two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) and had 70 yards rushing on the day. He's such a force in this offense and it's been incredible watching what he can do and what he can help the offense accomplish.
To make matters better, the Chiefs look to have another stud behind Walker in Emmett Johnson, the team's fifth-round rookie out of Nebraska. Walker is good enough on his own but when you put him and Johnson out there together, it's no wonder people are suddenly fearing the Chiefs' offense again.
Not only is it good to have a solid run game just to keep defenses on their toes but it also helps Mahomes air it out from time to time as well. That's something he hasn't been able to do as much recently but the addition of Walker makes that a possibility again.
It certainly feels like this will be the first of many awards for Walker in Kansas City and Chiefs fans sure hope this is just the beginning of a dominant season for him.
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