Kansas City Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco is dark-horse MVP candidate for Super Bowl LVIII vs. San Francisco 49ers
Kansas City Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco is headed into his second-straight Super Bowl in Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers. The former 2022 NFL draft seventh-round pick is the energizer bunny for the Chiefs offense. Whether it’s his high-knee stomping running style or exciting touchdown celebrations, Pacheco brings juice to this team. The spotlight has never […]
Kansas City Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco is headed into his second-straight Super Bowl in Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers.
The former 2022 NFL draft seventh-round pick is the energizer bunny for the Chiefs offense. Whether it’s his high-knee stomping running style or exciting touchdown celebrations, Pacheco brings juice to this team.
The spotlight has never shown as too big for the Chiefs leading rusher. Pacheco runs with an attitude and level of aggression defenders hate to deal with for four quarters. When Super Bowl MVP is mentioned, the main position everyone identifies with is, quarterback.
Rightfully so, as they are the most important position in the sport. That said, there is a path for even an RB to take that mantle with a dominant performance.
Pacheco is a dark horse Super Bowl MVP candidate in upcoming tilt with the 49ers.In Super Bowl LVII against the Eagles, Pacheco rushed for 76 yards and a rushing touchdown. His role and touches in Andy Reid’s offense have increased from year one to year two, with rush attempts increasing by 35 carries. The targets and receptions have been an even more impressive revelation. Pacheco caught 44 of his 49 targets in 2023 in fewer games than he reached that mark in 2022. On the ground and through the air, Pacheco should be featured in tonight’s big game.
49ers run defense is leaky
The 49ers’ run defense has allowed 136 and 182 rush yards respectively in their two playoff games leading up to the Super Bowl. On tape, San Fran’s linebackers are too aggressive and it creates opportunities for RBs to cut back against the grain. That's especially the case on the zone/outside run concepts.
This could force some adjusting to the Chiefs postseason running game. In the last two postseasons, Kansas City has shifted to more gap scheme runs compared to zone. With the struggles of the Niners’ run defense versus zone, it would benefit KC to attack this weakness.
Pacheco has plenty in his favor to be a deciding factor in this game. The combination of his patience, burst, angry/violent running style, and OL could give this vulnerable Niners run defense trouble. Here's some data via RGR Football's Daniel Harms:
If Pacheco can work into the teeth of the Niners’ defense past their elite tackling LBs, he can gain yards after contact. Currently, he averages 4.6 yards per carry and 4.7 yards after contact. The Chiefs will need all of this to stay balanced and ahead of the chains.
Their ability to run and pass out of 3-TE sets will be a storyline to watch during this matchup. Especially in the run game, where they can exploit the Niners' struggles defending on the perimeter. Getting Pacheco on the edges sounds like the best plan of action especially early in this contest.
If Andy Reid features his explosive and versatile RB, his impact could be game-changing and paramount. The lack of true receiving weapons should ensure Pacheco receives his touches to make a sizeable impact in this game.
Pacheco may not be the MVP favorite with Patrick Mahomes on his team, but there’s a path for him to hoist that trophy. Remember, Deion Branch won MVP over Tom Brady in Super Bowl 39. Anything is possible.
Kansas City Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed embraces doubt because overcoming it has been the story of his life
Kansas City Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed was born from doubt and embraces it as he prepares for the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.
