Patrick Mahomes emerges as unexpected rushing star amid Chiefs’ backfield struggles
The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in a precarious position this season, where their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, is taking on an unexpected role as a primary rusher. While the franchise would prefer to minimize Mahomes’ scrambling, the reality of their situation has forced his hand.
Mahomes’ scrambling ability shines through adversity
Mahomes is not just a quarterback; he’s a formidable scrambler who can maneuver his way to crucial first downs or even reach the end zone when the situation demands it. His knack for improvisation has been spotlighted this season as he becomes a key player in the run game, a role that is far from ideal for a player of his caliber.
In an impressive display of athleticism, Mahomes has achieved a remarkable statistical feat. According to recent analysis, he is now part of an exclusive club alongside Cam Newton, marking a notable milestone in NFL history. Mahomes is the second quarterback since 1950 to outpace any teammate in rushing yards during the first two games of the season, boasting 123 rushing yards—double that of any other player on his team.
The Chiefs’ backfield woes
Despite Mahomes’ remarkable rushing efforts, the Chiefs are grappling with their running game. Ideally, they would rely on the talents of Isiah Pacheco or Kareem Hunt to shoulder the burden of the ground attack. However, both backs have struggled to make a significant impact.
Pacheco, although healthy, has not been able to maximize his limited opportunities, while Hunt has primarily served as a short-yardage and third-down option. This leaves the Chiefs searching for solutions to their rushing woes, hoping that Mahomes’ heroics do not become a necessity as the season progresses.
Looking ahead for the Chiefs
As the Chiefs sit at 0-2, the urgency for improvement is palpable. There are whispers of potentially integrating seventh-round rookie Brashard Smith from SMU into the lineup. However, his strengths lie predominantly in pass-catching rather than traditional rushing.
Mahomes’ determination to lead his team out of this early-season slump is commendable, but the Chiefs must also find a way to reinvigorate their running game. If they are to turn their fortunes around, they will need their running backs to step up and deliver when called upon.
