Why Isiah Pacheco’s production will increase significantly down the stretch of the season

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Having the best record in the AFC, you’d think it’d be sunshine and roses for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Instead, most of the talk surrounding this team has been around its offense, which has been inconsistent thus far.

While no one suggests they’ve been awful, they’ve not been as efficient halfway through the season as in past campaigns.

In 2022, the Chiefs ranked first in the league for offensive yards per game and passing yards per game.

This season, it’s not been quite as smooth for Patrick Mahomes and company, as they are third in passing and seventh in total yards-per-game.

Even the Chiefs would admit they’ve not performed to their usually high standards, mainly through the air.

So, what would be the best solution for them as they hit the reset button and get set for the second half of the regular season?

Kansas City Chiefs run game

Even though the offense hasn’t looked as potent as in past seasons, there are solutions, as offensive coordinator Matt Nagy recently said.

There’s the idea that perhaps they should not spread the ball around as much as they are.

Some suggest they need to give the youngsters more time to gel.

However, it’s not like the offense should be in a hurry to find a long-term fix.

That’s because the defense may be as good as we’ve seen in a long time.

Perhaps the solution is a lot simpler than anyone may think.

Outside of Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice, the Chiefs’ receiving crew has been relatively inconsistent.

So, if the passing game isn’t clicking, go to the run, right?

Enter Isiah Pacheco, who has often been a spark for this team.

He currently ranks eighth in the league in rushing yards (525), with a 4.2-yard average per carry and three touchdowns.

His angry running style could be just what the offense needs right now.

When your offense isn’t scoring as much, and the defense looks impenetrable, draining the clock with numerous running plays could be the easy solution for now.

Pacheco also showed in his 2022 rookie campaign that he can come up big when it counts.

He had 633 rushing yards between Weeks 10-18, averaging 5.0 yards-per-attempt last season.

If running the ball more is the route Andy Reid chooses to go, it would be a role reversal.

Traditionally opposing teams try to

The 24-year-old Pacheco is also complimented by some other talented runners in Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon, who’ve not been as productive this season but are suitable for a big run or to move the chains when needed.

He’s also been great at making opponents miss and has been an asset in pass protection.

He can also readjust his running lanes and has a lot of value in third-down situations.

At this point, handing it off to Pacheco more seems like a low-risk and potentially high-reward situation.