Chiefs OC gives thoughts on one key players' growth throughout the season
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted better this last offseason than they probably ever have when you think about guys that play valuable snaps even from the back end of the draft. I mean, this team has several day-three guys who start or play almost the entire game and make game-winning type of plays. But, in […]
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted better this last offseason than they probably ever have when you think about guys that play valuable snaps even from the back end of the draft. I mean, this team has several day-three guys who start or play almost the entire game and make game-winning type of plays.
But, in my opinion, none have had a bigger impact than Isiah Pacheco, who was a seventh-round pick and has now helped re-introduce a solid run game to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The rookie starting running back is changing the way the Chiefs are looked at and played, and he will carry that over into the Super Bowl. The guy he works with a lot on the coaching staff, couldn't be more proud of him.
“I’m proud of the way he’s stepped up," offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said. "(Isiah) Pacheco has just taken everything in. And he’s gravitating toward the O-linemen, he’s understanding calls, I think also, too, Jerick McKinnon has done an outstanding job of helping him as well. We got a good nucleus of guys in that room. And I know his name hasn’t been mentioned in a while, but Clyde (Edwards-Helaire) has done a great job of helping him – and that’s the beauty about the team that we have.
"There is no particular person here that (doesn’t) help in any way. All of our guys understand the importance of making sure that our guys know what to do. So if coaches are to the side, players are coaching each other up, making sure that they know exactly what’s going on because you never know when that player might be called upon and we’re going to need that player to be at their best. But he’s done a great job.”
It's great that the older guys at the position, and one that has been in through a lot in Jerick McKinnon, are surrounding the rookie and helping him along the way. Even Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who has essentially had his job taken from him, is supportive and helpful.
Pacheco finished his rookie season with 830 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. To make things even better, he is building the trust of the staff to put him in the passing game, and his pass protection is getting much better.
The Chiefs have leaned on the run game a lot more in the last few months than they had last season or even at the beginning of the season, and a large reason why is because of Pacheco and his running style.
Featured Image Via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
