Kansas
KC Chiefs’ Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon Can Provide a Major Boost in the Playoffs
The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs are getting into the common season’s last week with uncertainty surrounding the postseason. They are not positive which seed they’re within the AFC, who they are going to play, or when they are going to play. Nevertheless, when the playoffs do begin for them, they are going to be in a greater place offensively than they’ve been in years previous.
Whereas they may have had extra top-end expertise beforehand, they weren’t almost as balanced as this yr. Andy Reid and the Chiefs won’t ever have an precise 50/50 break up on run and move, however the truth that they’re incorporating their operating again expertise at the next degree this yr may assist propel them on a deep run.
Although he was on the group final season, the backfield assist begins with Jerick McKinnon. In 2021, folks forgot he was even on the roster till this identical week a yr in the past. In that sport, McKinnon had a season-high in dashing and receiving yards and scored his solely landing of the common season. That was only the start. He then took off within the playoffs, bringing a unique aspect to the offense. His burst and physicality between the tackles created additional yards to place the Chiefs in advantageous positions. McKinnon was an outlet for Patrick Mahomes out of the backfield and topped all his regular-season stats in simply three video games.
When it was introduced that McKinnon would return to Kansas Metropolis, many followers had been enthusiastic about what he may carry due to how sturdy he ended the season. The 2022 marketing campaign began gradual for him however after the teaching employees found out the items within the operating again room, he took off. Racking up eight whole touchdowns and 410 scrimmage yards, the veteran has been among the finest gamers on the group over the last 5 video games.
Rookie Isiah Pacheco is the opposite operating again who has come on sturdy to finish the season. Taken within the seventh spherical of the 2022 NFL Draft, Pacheco had little expectation initially. Then when coaching camp got here round, the hype went off the charts. Earlier than the bye, the rookie was a backup to former first-round decide Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Nevertheless, the Chiefs knew they wanted to make a change, which has paid dividends because it occurred. Pacheco is slightly over 100 scrimmage yards from reaching 1,000 on the season. Additionally, he solely wants 38 dashing yards this week to prime Edwards-Helaire’s profession excessive.
The duo of Pacheco and McKinnon is the proper one-two backfield punch for the postseason. They each are quick and bodily runners. There are not often any wasted actions once they carry the ball. With Mahomes at quarterback, the Chiefs do not want a operating again seeking to make the house run play each time. As a substitute, they want somebody to easily take what’s given. Doing this punishes opposing defenses who play gentle containers to decelerate Mahomes from beating them by the air. Lastly, this duo within the backfield ought to give the Chiefs’ teaching employees some confidence to play on the bottom.
Whereas having success on the bottom helps the stability of the offense, everybody is aware of that this offense is based on the passing sport. McKinnon and Pacheco are nice when receiving the ball out of the backfield. Whether or not on a test down within the flat, a display and even lining up out large, they’ve had success within the passing sport this yr. McKinnon has over 500 receiving yards on the yr and not less than one receiving landing in every of the final 5 video games. Early within the yr, the rookie wasn’t tremendous concerned within the passing sport however has had not less than one reception in every of the final six weeks.
Not utilizing the operating backs sufficient has been a part of the Chiefs’ shortcomings in prior postseasons. Final yr, when the passing sport was struggling, the Chiefs refused to run the ball although the Cincinnati Bengals dared them to. With this duo, they need to be assured to take what’s given and gash groups on the bottom.
Switching over to the passing sport, Mahomes naturally needs to take the “kill shot” however with the belief he has within the operating backs, he may very well be using them within the passing sport extra typically if a group does one thing just like what Cincinnati did final yr. Both method, the tandem that the Chiefs have within the backfield has the ability set and manufacturing to assist help this group all through their total postseason run.
Kansas
2 arrested after stolen vehicle leads Kansas City Police on high-speed chase
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Two men who led police on a high-speed chase through Kansas City in a stolen vehicle have been charged in connection to another stolen vehicle.
Jackson County, Missouri, Circuit Court records indicate that Trevon Perkins, 27, and Demont M. Vandunk, have been charged in connection to the armed robbery of a Corvette from a Kansas City detailer and a high-speed chase that followed.
A probable cause statement filed by the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department revealed that just after 5 p.m. on Dec. 20, emergency crews were called to a local parking lot with reports of an armed robbery. When they arrived, they found a local detailer who reported he had been working on a Corvette when it was stolen.
The victim told law enforcement officials that two men, later identified as Perkins and Vandunk, drove up in a black 2018 Camaro before they threatened to shoot him as they took his wallet, keys and belongings.
Investigators noted that Vandunk left the scene in the blue 2023 Corvette while Perkins returned to the Camaro and sped off. Later that night, the Camaro was spotted near E. 67th and Monroe Ave. However, when law enforcement officials attempted to pull the driver – Vandunk – over, he attempted to speed off and started a chase.
Law enforcement officials said they followed Vandunk and Perkins, who was in the passenger seat, down Meyer to Swope Pkwy. and onto Cleveland Ave. as they reached speeds of more than 100 mph. Vandunk lost control of the Camaro before it crashed into another vehicle near 40th and Cleveland.
KCPD said Vandunk and Perkins attempted to run but were quickly taken into custody. During the investigation, it was found that the Camaro had also been stolen out of Kansas City, Kansas. All of the property stolen in the earlier robbery was found and seized.
Vandunk was charged with accessory to robbery, armed criminal action and aggravated fleeing a stop. Perkins was charged with accessory to robbery and armed criminal action as a result. If convicted both could face up to life in prison.
As of Friday, Dec. 27, Perkins remains behind bars on a $75,000 bond. A bond review hearing has been scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, with a preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. on Jan. 22.
Vandunk remains behind bars on a $75,000 bond as well. A bond review hearing for him has been set for 10 a.m. on Tuesday with a preliminary hearing also at 2 p.m. on Jan. 22. No further information has been released.
Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Kansas
Titans Could Land Chiefs Star Defender
The Tennessee Titans spent a whole lot of money last offseason, addressing both sides of the ball in a free-agent frenzy.
One of the Titans’ signees was linebacker Kenneth Murray, who was viewed as a rather questionable addition from the start.
Well, now here we are in late 2024, and the Murray acquisition is largely considered a disaster.
As a result, Tennessee could stand to add another inside linebacker heading into the offseason, so why not pursue Kansas City Chiefs star Nick Bolton?
Bolton is one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL and has registered 106 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, a couple of fumble recoveries and six passes defended this season.
However, due to the Chiefs’ rather tenuous financial situation, it may prove difficult for Kansas City to bring the experienced defender back into the fold.
That opens the door for the Titans, who are set to enter free agency with solid cap room and can certainly afford to add Bolton.
Remember: inside linebackers are no longer valued like they once were, so they don’t typically make big money on the open market. That means Tennessee may be able to land Bolton on a palatable multi-year deal, and that would be a significant boon to the Titans’ defense.
Bolton joined the professional ranks as a second-round pick of the Chiefs in 2021 and immediately established himself as a force, posting 112 tackles during his rookie campaign.
The following year, the 24-year-old was even better, racking up 180 tackles, a pair of sacks and two interceptions.
Bolton has also been a member of two Super Bowl-winning Kansas City squads, so he brings ample big-game experience to the table.
While offense is certainly a bigger issue for Tennessee, it needs to address its defense, as well, and Bolton would represent a major get.
Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
Kansas
'We'll prevail again this year': Kansas City illuminates City Hall Menorah, celebrating Hanukkah
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas alongside local Jewish leaders Thursday night illuminated the City Hall Menorah to celebrate Hanukkah.
“We are reminded that we all have beloved traditions and even share cultural themes and values in common,” said Neta Meltzer, the interim executive director for the American Jewish Committee. “We all share this community and each of our thriving is tied to, and dependent on the thriving of others.”
Across the globe, 15.7 million Jews are celebrating Hanukkah, known as the “Festival of Lights.” In Hebrew, Hanukkah translates to “dedication.” The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
In 164 BC, a group of Jewish fighters, Maccabees, at the command of Judah of Maccabees engaged in battle with the Greek army, which captured the city of Jerusalem in 200 BC.
Judah and his fighters took back the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. They attempted to re-light their menorah, a then oil-based candelabra, used in Jewish worship.
The fighters found there was only enough oil to hold light for one day. In a miracle, the menorah remained lit for eight days.
Jews commemorate ancestral efforts in the annual Hanukkah holiday, celebrating freedom from injustice.
“The Jews have absolutely become a resilient people. Certainly back in the times of Hanukkah but so many different times during our history,” explained Jay Lewis, the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. “Now today and in the post-October 7th world, there is rising anti-semitism. Our resilience gets tested again and Hanukkah is a good reminder we are resilient, we are a strong people, and we prevailed many times and we’ll prevail again this year.”
The 2024 Menorah Lighting celebration at Kansas City’s City Hall has only taken place a handful of times. This year, it symbolizes the Jewish community’s presence in the Metro.
“We started it to make sure everybody knew they were welcome, from all faith communities in Kansas City. But certainly for our Jewish sisters and brothers, that you knew you always have a home here at City Hall,” Mayor Lucas told those in attendance.
For the first time since 2005, the first night of Hanukkah fell on Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Since 1900, the holiday’s first night has fallen on Christmas five times: 1910, 1921, 1959, 2005, and now 2024.
Judaism follows the 354-day-long lunar calendar, following the length of time it takes for the moon to revolve around the sun.
Hanukkah lasts eight nights. The shorter lunar calendar means each year, the holiday starts 11 days earlier and can begin as early as Thanksgiving.
“It’s a beautiful metaphor that Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are all right here at the same time. They’re all about light, warmth, and bringing more light into the world. The Jewish community feels totally integrated in the Kansas City Community,” added Lewis. “It’s not this way in every city. In Kansas City, we have multiple religions and cultures that can all be intertwined the way Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah are. The fact we can be inside City Hall having this kind of celebration, I don’t think it gets any better than that.”
Lewis says Jewish communities have remained safe in history during times of strife through their healthy relationship with elected officials and the government.
Thursday night’s display offered Marcee Levin, an Overland Park native, the chance to become more connected in her hometown.
“I just moved back home after being gone for 40 years,” Levin said. “This ceremony shows strength. Having city hall sponsor this shows the Jewish community in Kansas City is so strong and tight-knit.”
The first night of Hanukkah was Dec. 25 and the final night is Jan. 2. The 12-foot blue menorah located outside City Hall will illuminate a new candle each night of Hanukkah at 7 p.m.
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KSHB 41 reporter Ryan Gamboa covers Miami County in Kansas and Cass County in Missouri. Share your story idea with Ryan.
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