An underrated weapon that defenses aren't accounting for could take the Chiefs' offense to the next level
The Kansas City Chiefs' offense is finally showing signs of becoming what we thought it could be before the start of the season. During Saturday's 27-19 win over the Houston Texans, quarterback Patrick Mahomes connected with eight different receivers. Five of them recorded at least 30 yards, and three caught at least five passes. The […]
The Kansas City Chiefs' offense is finally showing signs of becoming what we thought it could be before the start of the season.
During Saturday's 27-19 win over the Houston Texans, quarterback Patrick Mahomes connected with eight different receivers. Five of them recorded at least 30 yards, and three caught at least five passes. The return of Hollywood Brown and the evolution of Xavier Worthy has really opened up Kansas City's passing game.
When you also factor in DeAndre Hopkins, Travis Kelce, and an improved Noah Gray, the Chiefs suddenly have a dangerous set of skill position players. They also have a nice one-two punch at running back between Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. That's a lot for an opposing defense to prepare for.
However, the Chiefs have another weapon who is often overlooked – running back Samaje Perine. Last week against the Texans, Perine caught three passes for 50 yards. One of those receptions went for 26 yards on a swing pass, and Perine had the situational awareness to get out of bounds as the clock was ticking down in the first half.
The completion got K.C. into comfortable field goal range as Harrison Butker connected from 44 yards. Perine has 25 catches for 289 yards and a touchdown on the season, and his last six catches have gone for an average of 17 yards. Later, Perine caught a pass on a crucial third down on the final drive of the game that went for 16 yards and a first down.
Beyond the stats, Perine has been a great pass blocker during third-down situations. That is an extremely valuable trait in coach Andy Reid's offense, especially with the offensive line issues that the Chiefs have had this year. While speaking to the media, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy discussed the comparisons between Perine and Jerick McKinnon, who played for K.C. from 2021-2023.
"I would say for what he [Perine] does, they're very similar," Nagy said. "They're different in the fact that Perine runs a little bit bigger, and when it comes to some of the protection stuff, I would say McKinnon has a real good, savvy feel to a lot of different things that Perine has as well. And I think you're starting to see that. Just like yesterday we hit him on that swing route there in the backfield."
"And not only did he make a great catch and a great run down the sideline, but he also got out of bounds, which was at that point in time was important at the end of the half," Nagy continued. "And then at the end of the game, another critical time. I think that really reminded me of McKinnon, being able to kind of slide to the flat and get open and that look that he gave. So, maybe a little bit different body types, but very similar as far as their mindset and how they think and when you have that in the backfield, whether it's third down or any other time. But, more importantly, third down protection wise, where to go and then how to have that route savviness out of the backfield. It really helps you out a lot."
McKinnon was a huge difference maker for the Chiefs' offense who was also overlooked, like Perine. In 2022 McKinnon caught 56 passes, and scored an astounding eight touchdowns in a six-game stretch.
McKinnon also had a reputation for putting his body on the line in pass protection. Perine has filled McKinnon's role nicely, and although he may not put up the stats that McKinnon had in 2022, he can still be a weapon who catches defenses off guard during crucial moments of games.
Kansas City Chiefs add a veteran pass catcher to their practice squad
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