3 Chiefs who need to step up after Patrick Mahomes injury to return to Super Bowl

Patrick Mahomes needs Jerick McKinnon to be a big factor in the Chiefs offense

Once Mahomes returned to the field in the second half, one thing that was extremely evident due to the lack of quarterback mobility at that point in the game for the Kansas City star was that they were almost always trying to get the ball out quickly and that there was a bit more reliance on the rushing attack than there had been previously.

Isiah Pacheco undoubtedly did his part as the late-round rookie continued to shine with a nice overall performance, carrying the ball 12 times for 95 yards and also hauling in his one target for six yards. But given the way that the offense changed after Patrick Mahomes’ injury, it was surprising to see how ineffective Jerick McKinnon was as he didn’t have a catch or target and managed only 25 yards on 11 carries.

There’s no doubt that Pacheco deserves to see the bulk of the work in the run game but McKinnon has been a valuable and versatile weapon out of the backfield all season. Depending on how much Mahomes has recovered, getting the ball out quickly could be of the utmost importance once again, which will make the veteran that much more important as he’ll be a huge factor in the passing offense.

Again, Pacheco can step in and do a lot of good work for the offense. But the fact of the matter is that McKinnon has been reliable in his role as a complimentary piece to the rookie almost all season. Now, with a trip to the Super Bowl hanging in the balance, he can’t all but disappear from being that now that his quarterback needs him to provide that option more than ever.