2 hidden gems to help the Chiefs win the Super Bowl
Hidden gems who will help the Chiefs win another Super Bowl: Jerick McKinnon
Lately, McKinnon has been what the Chiefs have surely hoped Clyde Edwards-Helaire would become as a dual-threat, big play force. Edwards-Helaire (ankle) is eligible to come off IR after missing a minimum four games, but Reid said he’s not ready and even when he is he’ll come back to a minimized, insignificant role in the Chiefs’ backfield.
It’s clearly the McKinnon and Isiah Pacheco show now.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid touched on a couple of players currently on IR:
— Herbie Teope (@HerbieTeope) December 20, 2022
- On RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle): Reid says CEH is s close, but not ready.
- On TE Blake Bell (hip): Reid said "there's a chance" Bell could be available in wake of Jody Fortson's elbow injury.
McKinnon has seen two of his largest snaps shares of the season in the last two games. He has delivered big production, with four total touchdowns and more than 120 total yards in both. He was clearly already trusted as the Chiefs’ passing down back, and 24 of his 63 carries thus far have come in the last three games.
McKinnon has playoff experience, and he was a factor in last year’s postseason for the Chiefs.
Wild Card Round, vs Steelers: 12 carries for 61 yards; six receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown
Divisional Round, vs. Bills: 10 carries for 24 yards; five receptions for 54 yards
AFC Championship Game, vs. Bengals: 12 carries for 65 yards; three receptions for 30 yards
McKinnon’s total skill set out of the backfield adds a unique element to the Chiefs’ offense, and certainly none of their other running backs do what he can do (don’t overlook the fact he was an option quarterback in college). They seem to be revving him up just in time for a run to (and hopefully to win) another Super Bowl. But while Mahomes and Travis Kelce grab the headlines, he’ll operate under the radar.
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