Arrowhead Pride
In the NFL’s Week 12, the Kansas City Chiefs are hoping to snap a two-game losing streak with a win over the Indianapolis Colts, so the full participation of running back Isiah Pacheco in Wednesday’s practice was welcome news — although he was then a limited participant in Thursday’s session. Before missing the last two games, he was the leading team’s back; this season, he’s averaged more yards per game (41.1) and per carry (4.2) than backup Kareem Hunt.
But as far as running backs coach Todd Pinkston is concerned, Pacheco’s value to the team goes beyond that.
“I have a good room with a lot of leadership, with Kareem and the other guys in there,” Pinkston told local media on Thursday, “but Pacheco brings that energy to the room and on the field. It’s just another piece that we have to the puzzle to get everything we want to get accomplished this season. It’s good to see him back. We’re just taking these baby steps now; we’ll see what happens in the long run.”
Pacheco sprained his MCL in the Week 8 win over the Washington Commanders. The bye week allowed him to miss just two games as he recovered. But both matchups were losses; the offense was missing his energy and speed.
So it was fitting how Pinkston described Pacheco’s relentless nature.
“He and I talk about it all the time as far as it being a walkthrough or a jog-through, but he’s a Tasmanian Devil,” he grinned. “And Taz is never walking — so just think about that.
“That’s a good thing for him. One speed is his only speed — and [Head coach Andy Reid] always emphasizes playing fast. That’s what he does.”
Pinkston knows what Reid looks for in a player: he was a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles during the first five seasons of Reid’s tenure as head coach. He is now in his third season as Kansas City’s running backs coach and has a good feel for what skills the Chiefs’ top offensive mind wants from the position.
“[Being] versatile,” he declared. “Guys that are going to protect the quarterback — and guys that are just going to be themselves. What we have now is guys that can do all three things, if not more. I can remember back when we were in Philly — remember Brian Westbrook, Duce Staley, Correll Buckhalter — those guys can do multiple things, and that’s the type of back Coach is looking for.”
“Versatile” certainly fits rookie back Brashard Smith. The 228th overall selection in the NFL Draft has been deployed in creative ways all season. Pinkston indicated that Smith is “growing” — but is counting on the rookie’s teammates to bring him along.
“What we have to do is continue to trust the guys in the room to get him some good stuff to go by — as far as being a true professional and being a true running back,” explained the coach. “He has...
