'Pop is the heartbeat of the team' – Samaje Perine discusses the dynamic of the Chiefs' RB room
It's still weird to say, but the Kansas City Chiefs' offense has revolved around the running game in 2024. It's not that the Chiefs are necessarily a run-first team, nor do they rank exceptionally high in rushing offense (14th in the NFL), but running the ball effectively and staying committed to it has made a […]
It's still weird to say, but the Kansas City Chiefs' offense has revolved around the running game in 2024.
It's not that the Chiefs are necessarily a run-first team, nor do they rank exceptionally high in rushing offense (14th in the NFL), but running the ball effectively and staying committed to it has made a huge difference in their overall efficiency. It all started when Kareem Hunt returned to Kansas City back in late September.
The more Hunt became integrated within the Chiefs' offense, the more it improved. Hunt has averaged 24 carries over his last four games, and three of those four games have been the Chiefs' best offensive performances. Hunt carrying the load has also helped backup running back Samaje Perine make an impact in the receiving game, as he has six catches and a touchdown over the last two games.
Perine discussed the dynamic of the Chiefs' running back room to the media on Friday, including their fallen leader Isiah Pacheco.
"The only dynamic shift is he's a lot more quiet than what Pop (Isiah Pacheco) is," Perine said. "You know, Pop is the heartbeat of the team. He's loud, he's out there, but Kareem, he's like me, he's very quiet. So, that's pretty much the only thing that's changed, and our ability to just, you know, with the injuries that we've had, just to pluck in pieces and keep it moving. It kind of shows the genius of of what Coach Reid can do, and what this offense can do, and how we've shifted to kind of more of a run first team. Whereas, people are used to seeing Pat (Patrick Mahomes) just air it out. But, that's it's not where we are right now, but we continue to find ways to win."
While Hunt and Perine have made a good duo, Pacheco will provide a big boost for the Chiefs' offense when he comes back. He has been on injured reserve since Week 3 with a fractured fibula, but we could be just weeks away from his return. Pacheco and Hunt rotating will keep each other fresh and more effective, with Perine sprinkled in during passing situations.
Defenses have to respect Kansas City's rushing attack more than ever during Mahomes' tenure, which is taking pressure off of him in the pass game. It will help him even more when Pacheco returns, as Pacheco will not only provides another rushing threat, but he is also a very good receiving back.
