1. Feed the Big Three
By now we all know who they are. Running back Isiah Pacheco, wide receiver Rashee Rice and tight end Travis Kelce are the trifecta that makes the engine run at this point. The best part is that not all three of them have to go off for the Chiefs to find success. You just have to feed them.
Ever since the Chiefs have made these three the big focus, one of them has a big game because opposing defenses cannot zero in on all three of them. Against the Ravens, Pacheco only rushed for a measly 2.8 yards per carry. That worked just fine though, because the Chiefs had the lead, it kept the clock ticking and it made the Ravens respect the run so Kelce and Rice could get open.
That particular formula led to a monster day from Travis Klece against the Ravens, as it also did against the Bills. Against the Bills, Pacheco ran for 6.5 yards per carry, resulting in an even more prolific day from the offense. But the point remains, the Chiefs were able to hold onto the lead because of the running game. Pacheco has also helped improve the red zone offense, tallying three touchdowns in three playoff games.
Against Miami, Pacheco ran for 89 yards on 24 carries, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. On that day it was Rashee Rice who blossomed while the Dolphins had to respect the run and Kelce. Rice hauled in eight catches that day for 130 yards and a touchdown.
The other side effect of making the offense revolve around these three is that it limits the mistakes that others such as Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Skyy Moore, Kadarius Toney and Mecole Hardman can make. Mahomes is more confident throwing to Rice, Kelce and even Justin Watson. Making defenses heavily prepare for the big three has also allowed Valdez-Scantling the opportunity at redemption as well.