The Kansas City Chiefs are in their first week of training camp and quarterback Patrick Mahomes and wide receiver Xavier Worthy have already turned heads in practice. For all of the excitement around the passing game, the Chiefs’ running game played a key role in their title defense in 2023. It figures to be a significant factor in 2024 too.
Running back Isiah Pacheco finished last season ranked 18th in rushing yards despite splitting carries. Now in his third season, Pacheco has also taken on the role of firing up the team.
Isiah Pacheco Taking ‘Unsatisfied’ Approach in Chiefs Training Camp
Chiefs RB Room Led by ‘Unsatisfied’ Isiah Pacheco
“That’s just who I am as a person,” Pacheco told reporters on July 23. “Every day I come in here unsatisfied. It’s getting 1% better every day and knowing that I have to find that edge. And for me to pick something to get better at each and every day, I’m gonna do it.
Pacheco finished the 2023 season with career-high marks of 205 carries for 935 yards and seven touchdowns.
He added another 244 yards and two scores on 44 receptions, all also career highs.
Pacheco will still share the workload. The Chiefs still have former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire as well as reserves Deneric Prince, and Keaonte Ingram, and undrafted free agent rookies Carson Steele and Emani Bailey.
But the ground attack will go as far as Pacheco takes it, and that is where his mindset could prove most beneficial even as he potentially sees less work during the offseason.
“I wouldn’t say that necessarily, not getting as much work,” Pacheco said. “If I’m not in, I’m on the sideline repetitioning. Just getting that extra rep in, whatever you do on the sideline. It counts, obviously. Being unsatisfied is just my mindset. Just coming into this 2024-25 camp being unsatisfied and knowing there’s a goal we have to reach.”
The Chiefs are the first team to repeat as champions since the 2004-05 New England Patriots.
No team has ever won three straight Super Bowls, but the Chiefs have not been shy about defending their crown in 2024. They have Mahomes, so they will be a contender. But even he had to become a game manager at times in 2023.
The Chiefs could do Mahomes – and their offensive line – a big favor by leaning on Pacheco, who is continuing to seek improvement from himself.
“Throughout my career, never really been satisfied throughout my situations. But now we’re looking to the future and being able to compete day-by-day and just taking it day-by-day. Not looking forward to what’s going on next month. Looking forward to what’s going on tomorrow and the install today so we can get the job done.”
And if that comes in the form of an 18-game schedule, as is seemingly imminent?
“Bring it on. Whatever you got,” Pacheco said about the idea. “We gonna play any team, anywhere, any time.”
Chiefs Changing Kadarius Toney’s Role
There could be another mouth to feed in the backfield, with former New York Giant Kadarius Toney learning some running back.
“I think that’s one of his strengths, is being able to move him around,” Head Coach Andy Reid told reporters after Tuesday’s practice. “He had some positive snaps for us at running back last year, and so I think he enjoys doing that. He’s pretty multifaceted there with what he can do, and we’re gonna try to utilize it to the best of his abilities.”
Toney had 11 carries for 31 yards in 2023, setting new career highs.
He began the season known for his drops. With Rashee Rice joined by Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown at the top of the depth chart this offseason, touches could be difficult to come by at wide receiver.
Main Photo: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
