3 causes for concern for the Chiefs in close win over Broncos

DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 11: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with fans after defeating the Denver Broncos 34-28 at Empower Field At Mile High on December 11, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 11: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with fans after defeating the Denver Broncos 34-28 at Empower Field At Mile High on December 11, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Oct 2, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) runs with the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) defends during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Chiefs need to run the ball more

It may sound ridiculous to ask Andy Reid to run the ball more when he has Patrick Mahomes at his disposal, but the ratio needs to be better than it was at times on Sunday.

Isiah Pacheco is rapidly emerging in the Chiefs downhill rushing scheme. If Kansas City is to survive deep into the AFC Playoffs this season, they’ll need a two-pronged offensive approach. Against the Broncos, they were far too predictable.

Pacheco ran for five yards a carry in the first half, but only had nine carries. One would assume Reid would use him more in the second half, no? Think again. Pacheco finished the game with just 13 carries overall, and 70 yards on the ground. With a 27-0 lead (at one point), wouldn’t Kansas City hope to increase their time of possession and drive length?

It’s an old-school way of thought, but even in the modern age where quarterbacks rein supreme, having a reliable rushing attack is beneficial to the best of teams. And the Chiefs are certainly in that category.

Pacheco is deserving of those carries, as he showed on the final drive to ice the game for KC.

https://twitter.com/theScore/status/1602095232925011971

We ought to see that approach a little more often.

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