In a season where Patrick Mahomes’ passing prowess has taken an unexpected dip, the Kansas City Chiefs have found an unlikely savior in their rejuvenated ground game. The return of veteran running back Kareem Hunt has injected new life into the Chiefs’ offense, propelling them to an undefeated 7-0 record despite Mahomes throwing more interceptions than touchdowns for the first time in his career.
Hunt’s Homecoming Sparks Rushing Resurgence
When Kareem Hunt rejoined the Chiefs last month after a six-year hiatus, he had modest expectations for himself. “My goal was to get back in football shape and just go out there and give it everything I got, and any opportunity I get, make the most of it,” Hunt revealed. Little did he know that his return would mark a turning point in Kansas City’s offensive strategy.
Through seven games, the Chiefs are averaging a robust 122 rushing yards per contest, their highest mark since 2015 and a significant improvement over any season in the Mahomes era. Hunt’s bruising running style has been the catalyst for this resurgence, as he’s averaged a whopping 21 carries per game since his return.
Grinding Out Tough Yards
In Week 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Hunt’s stat line may not have been eye-popping – 59 yards on 21 carries – but his impact was undeniable. He scored the Chiefs’ first touchdown on a gritty one-yard plunge and consistently churned out tough yards between the tackles. As head coach Andy Reid noted, “There wasn’t a lot of room in there, so that’s OK. He pounds it in there and normally he’s going forward, so that’s a good thing.”
“We love where he’s at. He’s physical, and usually when we ask him to get three, he gets us four. And when we ask him to get four, he gets five.”
– Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy on Kareem Hunt’s impact
Shouldering the Load
Hunt’s heavy workload – he’s on pace for 336 carries this season – has taken some of the pressure off Mahomes and the passing game. With opposing defenses forced to respect the run, Mahomes has found more opportunities to connect with his receivers, even as he’s battled through an uncharacteristic spate of interceptions.
“He’s done a great job of getting what’s there and then making plays when his number’s called,” Mahomes praised Hunt. “That makes my job easier at the quarterback position and for the offense in general when you’re in those advantageous situations with down and distance.”
Depth and Diversity in the Backfield
Hunt isn’t the only unheralded back making an impact for the Chiefs. The team has found surprising contributors in Samaje Perine, a cast-off from the Broncos, and undrafted rookie Carson Steele. Together with Hunt, they’ve formed a diverse and effective backfield rotation that keeps defenses guessing.
They’re all actually different, but he has got that pound-it-in-at-you style and it’s helped us that way.
– Coach Andy Reid on Hunt’s distinctive running style
As the Chiefs look to maintain their perfect record and make another deep playoff run, their newfound commitment to the running game could be the X-factor that sets them apart. With Kareem Hunt leading the charge and a stable of hard-nosed backs behind him, Kansas City’s offense has become more balanced and unpredictable than ever before. If this trend continues, the Chiefs may just find themselves hoisting the Lombardi Trophy once again.
