The Kansas City Chiefs edged out a 19-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday, marking the highly anticipated return of running back Isiah Pacheco.
Playing in his first game since sustaining a fractured fibula in Week 2, the third-year back showed flashes of his explosive potential, earning praise from head coach Andy Reid.
“It was good to get Pacheco some reps in there,” Reid remarked in his postgame press conference, as reported by ChiefsWire. “I thought he did a nice job when we had an opportunity to run.” After months on the sidelines, Pacheco stepped back onto the field at Arrowhead Stadium with determination, showcasing both resilience and skill.
Despite his limited carries, Pacheco made an impact, rushing for 44 yards on seven attempts, including a 34-yard breakout run. He matched Kareem Hunt’s workload, who had taken the lead role in his absence, but Pacheco’s higher efficiency underscored his value to the Chiefs’ offense.
While Reid expressed satisfaction with Pacheco’s individual performance, he was less enthused about the overall state of Kansas City’s rushing attack. The Chiefs leaned heavily on their passing game, only calling 14 running plays between Pacheco and Hunt. Reid explained his rationale, citing the Raiders’ defensive approach.
“They were bringing an extra guy. I felt like we were better off with a short passing game, which was working; we were going up and down the field,” Reid said. “We just weren’t doing very good in the red zone – we were struggling with the runs early, so that was a decision I made.”
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Kansas City’s lack of ground-game consistency is a point of concern for the team as they head deeper into the season. However, Reid’s confidence in Pacheco’s potential offers hope that the rushing attack can rebound as the running back regains full form.
For Pacheco, Friday’s game wasn’t just about stats—it was about proving he’s back and ready to contribute. During his postgame remarks, the 25-year-old expressed gratitude toward Hunt and Reid for their support throughout his recovery.
“Hats off to [Hunt] for stepping up,” Pacheco said. “It’s been a tough run. He’s been awesome leading the room. Most importantly for me, just pinpointing details in the meeting room for when I had the opportunity to get out and show my ability.”
He also opened up about the emotional side of his return: “It felt awesome just having that moment to get that contact again. I’ve been missing it. I’ve been backed up on anger, so being able to let that anger out on the field, it was a blessing.”
Pacheco’s raw energy and focus on improvement bode well for Kansas City as they push for playoff positioning. With Reid’s strategic guidance and Pacheco’s reintegration into the lineup, the Chiefs aim to balance their offensive scheme and capitalize on their talented backfield.
The win over the Raiders highlighted Kansas City’s resilience, but also revealed areas for growth. As the season progresses, the Chiefs will look to fine-tune their approach, ensuring both their passing and rushing games are firing on all cylinders.
For now, the spotlight remains on Pacheco, who made the most of his return. His performance serves as a reminder of his importance to the Chiefs’ offense and sets the stage for what could be a crucial role in the team’s postseason aspirations.