Kansas City Chiefs' Struggles with the Running Game: A Season of Missed Opportunities

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing significant challenges in their offensive strategy, particularly regarding their running game. Head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes have historically relied on a pass-heavy approach, but this season's struggles have highlighted a critical deficiency in their rushing attack. The Chiefs' running backs are averaging only 3.8 yards per carry, prompting discussions about potential changes to personnel and strategy as the team approaches the end of the 2025 NFL season.

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Running back Isiah Pacheco's performance has come under scrutiny as the Chiefs have lost four of their last five games, including a recent 20-10 defeat to the Houston Texans. In that game, Pacheco managed just 30 rushing yards on nine carries, marking a troubling trend where he has failed to exceed 50 yards in seven of ten games this season. Critics argue that Pacheco's lack of explosiveness and vision, compounded by injuries, has rendered him ineffective as the team's primary running back.

Chiefs' Loss Moves KC Closer to Ending Failed Isiah Pacheco Experiment

The Chiefs' front office, led by general manager Brett Veach, has faced criticism for not acquiring New York Jets running back Breece Hall before the trade deadline. Reports suggest that the Chiefs could have secured Hall for a third-round pick, a move that many analysts believe would have significantly bolstered Kansas City's rushing attack. Hall is currently enjoying a career year, and his addition could have provided the Chiefs with the necessary balance to their offense, allowing Mahomes to operate more effectively under center.

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Field Yates of ESPN emphasized the Chiefs' need for a more dynamic running game, stating, "The Chiefs cannot force safeties closer to the line of scrimmage or lure heavier defensive personnel onto the field." This sentiment reflects a broader concern that the current offensive scheme lacks the necessary respect from opposing defenses, which hampers the team's ability to utilize play-action effectively.

Newsweek

Critics have pointed to the Chiefs' reliance on Mahomes and their pass-heavy offense as a fundamental flaw in their strategy. Ben Solak of ESPN noted that the Chiefs have the lowest explosive rush rate on running back carries since 2000, indicating a pressing need for a shift in offensive philosophy. Additionally, fans and analysts alike have expressed frustration with Pacheco's performance, suggesting that his time with the team may be nearing its end as he approaches free agency.

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As the Chiefs navigate the final stretch of the season, they face a nearly $43 million salary cap deficit for 2026, complicating their ability to make significant roster changes. With Pacheco's future uncertain and the team needing to reshape its offensive strategy, the upcoming offseason will be critical for Kansas City as they look to address their running game deficiencies and improve their playoff prospects.

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• “This is not worthy of a defense’s respect. The Chiefs cannot force safeties closer to the line of scrimmage or lure heavier defensive personnel onto the field.” — Field Yates, ESPN

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• “If the reports are true that general manager Brett Veach could have had [New York] Jets running back Breece Hall for a third-round pick at the deadline this year and passed, that was a serious misstep,” — Ben Solak, ESPN

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• “In 2025, Pacheco ranks third on the team in rushing yards (375), trailing both Mahomes (407) and Kareem Hunt (545).” — Analysis from KC Kingdom

Chiefs' Loss Moves KC Closer to Ending Failed Isiah Pacheco Experiment