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The Kansas City Chiefs are known for their high-octane offense fueled by the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, but is their running back room underappreciated heading into 2023?
In ESPN’s recent top-10 rankings, which polls NFL executives, coaches and players, Chiefs RBs Jerick McKinnon and Isiah Pacheco didn’t even receive a single vote. The cornerback position was similarly left out of ESPNs top-10 rankings, but they at least received a few votes. For the running back room, there were no honorable mentions for the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Pacheco finished the 2022 NFL season ranked 25th in rushing yards (830) despite starting only 11 regular season games. He had the second-most rushing scores among rookies behind only Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III. If you include Pacheco’s playoff yardage, he exceeded the 1,000-yard mark last season, all in addition to playing the starting kick returner role.
As for McKinnon, his role is equally nuanced. He played an outsized role in the pass protection schemes last season, often staying in the backfield to pass protect for Patrick Mahomes. He finished the season with over 800 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns. His contributions in the passing game were unmatched at the running back position in 2022.
Our friends at KC Sports Network pointed out earlier this offseason, McKinnon had more receiving touchdowns than some of the league’s best wide receivers. That group includes Vikings WR Justin Jefferson and former Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill.
Fun Fact: #Chiefs RB Jerick McKinnon had more receiving TDs in 2022 than the following wide receivers:
– Justin Jefferson (8 TD)
– Jaylen Waddle (8 TD)
– Tyreek Hill (7 TD)
– DJ Moore (7 TD)
– Tee Higgins (7 TD)
– Mike Evans (6 TD)
– Cooper Kupp (6 TD)
– DK Metcalf (6 TD) pic.twitter.com/YtZLAr8IB4— KC Sports Network (@KCSportsNetwork) June 28, 2023
The running game will probably never be the focus for the Chiefs during the Patrick Mahomes era, but it sure feels like these two are worthy of more recognition heading into the new year. What do you think, Chiefs Kingdom? Vote in the poll atop the page and let us know your thoughts on Facebook and Twitter.