Isiah Pacheco was a major piece during the last two playoff runs for the Kansas City Chiefs. While he is still a valuable piece, his injury earlier this year made an adjustment inside Kansas City’s running game. Kareem Hunt, who is getting a second chance with the Chiefs, has taken this opportunity at full stride and has not looked back.
At the end of the regular season and during last week’s Divisional Round win, the Chiefs’ running game was a bit choppy throughout games. It is an offense that will operate more out of the air with their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. However, going into a highly anticipated AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills, the Chiefs must be able to tap into the run game in various situations. And at this point, it may be time to start Hunt as the lead running back.
Hunt has been efficient when given limited chances lately. While Pacheco can still make a difference, defenses are struggling more when trying to slow down Hunt.
Hunt Still Proving To Be Dynamic
Even as an older running back option, Kareem Hunt has still proven to be a dynamic runner. His two chunk-generating carries against the Texans last week were propelled by his patience, vision, and decisiveness. Hunt knew how Houston’s defenders were trying to scrape toward the interior of the offensive line. He timed up his bounce to the outside perfectly and sliced through without anyone coming close to knocking him down at his legs.
Pacheco has just not been able to find consistent juice after his return from injury. Some of that seemed like Kansas City was protecting him for the playoffs at first. However, it has been challenging for the Rutgers product to get in a clear rhythm. Compared to what we had become accustomed to in the prior seasons, Pacheco has been unable to add extra yards after contact as often. When contrasting that to what Hunt has brought to the table, the idea of making Pacheco a change of pace to Hunt’s physical style could be an added benefit.
Hunt’s performance in big moments must be considered
This season has possibly changed the minds of some people, in terms of the “running backs do not matter” crowd. Kareem Hunt may not have had as stellar of a season as Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry. However, Hunt has been pretty impressive, given he had no training camp or long ramp-up period after being signed in September. What may be even more intriguing, is how often Hunt came through in key moments for the Chiefs offense.
Hunt was able to put Kansas City on his back when they needed it. If a short-yardage situation called for a conversion up the middle on the ground, Hunt came through. He came through when needing a first down to ice the game in multiple outings this year, to boot. More importantly, Hunt’s ability to win on runs down in the red zone recently made the Chiefs that much more dangerous, given red zone issues in past years.
If you look at how tight this Sunday’s AFC Championship Game could be, Hunt is someone in whom Kansas City should trust. He has only succeeded when called upon this year. And if you need someone to find that small crease to break things open, Hunt has been determined to find it.
Will Hunt Get More Opportunities Against Buffalo?
There is a belief that Mahomes and the passing attack can take control against the Bills’ defense. But obviously, giving someone like Kareem Hunt more than 8 carries has to be a priority of Kansas City’s game plan. The Chiefs have only given Hunt double-digit carries in two of his last six games.
Hunt had 10 games this season in which he received double-digit rush attempts. In eight of those 10 outings, he finished with 3.5 yards per carry or higher. It will be a major chance to not only get Hunt going with more touches against Buffalo but to also stay more balanced to limit Josh Allen’s chances on the other side.
The Chiefs do not have to skew their play calling to a 50-50 share between the run and the pass. Yet, keeping the Bills defense honest has to be something that Kansas City coaching staff incorporates into the offensive script.
