4 young heroes who can carry the Kansas City Chiefs all the way (again)

Isiah Pacheco, RB

The Chiefs have been dealing with a number of significant injuries in the backfield for most of this season, which has made it tough for the team to churn out consistent production in the run game. Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire have all missed time this season, and Pacheco in particular has already had two surgeries in the last calendar year for his shoulder.

The good news is that Pacheco's injury timing has been impeccable since he's healthy and effective right when the Chiefs needed him most: the postseason.

When Pacheco is on, he angrily moves the chains with his inimitable running style—one noted for his toughness and vision. What makes him even more impressive is how much better he is as a pass catcher than he was a year ago as a seventh-round rookie who unexpectedly climbed the depth chart to take over the lead back role.

On Saturday, Pacheco had 24 carries for 89 yards and 1 touchdown and many of those carries were obvious runs in difficult situations intended to milk the clock—bringing down his 3.7 yards/carry average. Those who watched the game, however, won't ever forget the sight of Pacheco's ground game at work like a hot knife through butter and how much he was missed when sitting out due to injury.