KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Running back Isiah Pacheco stomped on the Kansas City Chiefs sideline, hands balled into fists, biceps flexing, his voice blaring through his demonstrative The voice emphasized his message.
“Heck, bring that damn energy!“Pacheco screamed to his attacking teammates, many of whom nodded in agreement. “Put that—! Put that—!“
Minutes later, the Chiefs began the second half of their divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, Pacheco’s first road elimination game in his young two-year career. Pacheco helped the Chiefs score touchdowns on back-to-back drives with the Chiefs trailing by four, and his performance has made him one of the most unique players in the NFL: Every time he touches the ball, he All will run with anger, intensity and savagery.
Pacheco’s running style helped the Chiefs advance to the AFC Championship Game for the sixth consecutive season. He led all players with 97 yards on 15 carries, a significant amount of which came after the first defender made contact with him.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, 60 percent of Pacheco’s carries ended in more than expected yards, the highest rate among qualified running backs in the divisional rounds.
deeper
How an explosive performance gave the Chiefs a chance to regain back-to-back Super Bowl titles
Pacheco’s 4-yard touchdown run proved to be the game-winner when he entered the end zone early in the fourth quarter, throwing passes to left tackle Donovan Smith and tight end Travis Kells shouted another message.
“They can’t be with us!” Pacheco said. When he reached the sidelines, he continued to encourage his teammates, saying: “Everything you get! Everything you get!“
“We must be quiet today!”
10 is our zone dubbing microphone🎙️ pic.twitter.com/bZOtjEYBz6
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 24, 2024
Pacheco backed up his promise with dominant performances in the Chiefs’ two playoff wins over the Bills and Miami Dolphins.
His teammates also stepped up their game. The Chiefs’ rushing attack was an offense that was inconsistent at times during the regular season but has been very good in the playoffs. The offensive linemen — Smith, left guard Joe Thuney, center Creed Humphrey, right guard Trey Smith, right tackle Jawan Taylor and backup guard Nick Allegretti — have been Best in the trenches. The Chiefs’ three tight ends — Kelce, Noah Gray and Blake Bell — have all improved their blocking ability.
“I’m proud of the resilience of these guys,” Humphrey said. “We had been through a bit of a down period but the guys kept the pressure on and we made progress which was really good to see.”
Heading into the playoffs, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and quarterback Patrick Mahomes acknowledged that the Chiefs offense needs to take a more streamlined approach to limiting turnovers in the postseason. The easiest way for coach Andy Reid and Nagy to accomplish this is to give Pacheco a bigger role in the offense by increasing his workload. Pacheco’s 39 rushing attempts in the playoffs were his most in two games this season. He was also efficient with those touches, racking up 186 yards and two touchdowns and eight rushes of 8 yards or more.
“I thought we were good during the (regular season) and had our chances, but (offensive line coach) Andy Heck did a great job designing the runs and these guys have executed them,” Reed said. “The offensive line takes a lot of pride in what they do. They know it starts with them and their blocking assignments are very accurate.”
deeper
Chiefs revel in road win in front of rowdy Bills fans: ‘It was a crazy environment’
Even in the fourth-coldest game in NFL history against the Dolphins at Arrowhead Stadium, when the temperature was minus 4 degrees at kickoff, Pacheco still ran through multiple defenders, including his 3 yard touchdown. His brilliant performance had many fans on social media making exaggerated comparisons while watching his performance.
Ahead of Wednesday’s practice, Pacheco shared his favorites.
“I think the funniest thing is they say I run like I bite,” Pacheco said with a laugh. “I’m not a zombie. Like, that’s crazy. I guess that’s a good opinion. For me, it’s just determination and understanding that I have a goal to achieve.”
happy @isiah_pachecoRB Know the memes about his running style😂 pic.twitter.com/LgA8WeN1bV
— NFL (@NFL) January 24, 2024
Just a month ago, Pacheco missed two games with another injury to his right shoulder, the same shoulder he injured in last year’s Chiefs playoff game. He underwent what Reid called “cleanup” surgery, known as arthroscopic surgery, before returning to the lineup on Christmas Day.
Since then, Pacheco has changed his post-practice routine to ensure he gets as much treatment as possible from the team’s medical staff.
“Last year was the longest season of my career, so this is year two, there’s no offseason for me,” Pacheco said. “I had surgery, so it’s an ongoing (process). I was in the building longer and was one of the last people to leave.”
deeper
How the Chiefs, 49ers, Lions and Ravens exorcised demons to reach conference championship game
Pacheco did not participate in Wednesday’s practice with a sprained toe, a decision Reid made out of precaution. Pacheco anticipates Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, knowing he’ll likely have two carries against the NFL’s No. 1 defense, which is allowing just 16.3 points per game.
“Protecting the ball is very important,” said Pacheco, who has only fumbled once in five playoff games. “That’s the most important part of the game, knowing the team knows you’re going to run it.”
This touchdown is 10/10 😤 pic.twitter.com/IErEnUKWkp
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 22, 2024
Pacheco knew the ideal situation for him and the offensive linemen heading into Sunday’s game: the final drive of the fourth quarter, tasked with a first down to secure the victory and send the Chiefs to Super Bowl XVIII.
Bills kicker Tyler Bass missed a potential game-tying 44-yard field goal on Sunday after the two-minute warning, but the Chiefs still need to get another first down to use up all their opponents’ timeouts. . Pacheco outran two defenders for an 8-yard gain on the first possession. The Chiefs got their final first down of the game on the next play, with Pacheco running for 3 yards up the middle.
“That’s what you want to do in situations like this, for coaches to be able to put it on our shoulders in front of us,” Humphrey said of the offensive line. “I’m very proud of the way they executed those two plays. Pop’s run was amazing as well.”
Pacheco’s final two carries looked just like his previous 13 in the game, full of determination, ferocity and hostility.
Before Pacheco left the podium Wednesday, a reporter asked a question he’d heard before: Are you? real Are you angry when you run with the ball?
“Absolutely!” Pacheco responded quickly. “I’m willing to do whatever I can to get the job done.”
(Photo: Catherine Riley/Getty Images)
