The Kansas City Chiefs believe they’ve found gold in last year’s 3rd round draft pick, Kareem Hunt. A poor sophomore season would be detrimental.
The Kansas City Chiefs have a lot to look forward to this season. The first full season for Patrick Mahomes, the addition to Sammy Watkins, the return of Eric Berry, and the encore for Kareem Hunt’s stellar rookie season.
There are many who believe the Kansas City Chiefs won’t miss a beat with all the changes this offseason. There are also many that choose to think this season will be a dumpster fire. The truth is if Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Kareem Hunt, and Patrick Mahomes all stay healthy, it’s hard to imagine the Chiefs less than good.
Another concern for some fans may be the fear of a sophomore slump, or even worse, a flash in the pan as far as Kareem Hunt goes.
More from KC Kingdom
- Win $650 GUARANTEED Plus $100 Off NFL Sunday Ticket With Caesars, FanDuel and DraftKings Kansas Promos!
- This Plus-Money Bobby Witt Jr. Prop Bet is on Fire (Hit in 15/21 Games)!
- How to Bet on the Chiefs vs. Cardinals in NFL Preseason Week 2
- The Royals Need to Extend Bobby Witt Jr. Immediately
- The 3 Most Intriguing Games on the Chiefs’ Schedule
What if Kareem Hunt isn’t near the running back we all think he is? What if he doesn’t excel in Andy Reid’s new offensive schemes?
The running back group for the Chiefs is loaded with young talent. Veterans Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West are both still in the building. They both have plenty of field time to help lighten the load for Hunt. It was Ware’s starting job that Hunt overtook last preseason when Ware’s season ended due to injury.
Andy Reid and Brett Veach also brought in three Williams’ over the offseason. Damien, Darrel, and Kerwyn Williams all have a chance to make the final roster.
If Hunt struggles to make an impact this season, he probably won’t lose his starting position, but it will leave decisions to be made come season’s end. This is why it’s so important for the Chiefs brass to make the right decision when it comes to the final depth chart.
The running game absolutely has to be a force this season. It is vital that opposing teams aren’t allowed to focus on just one aspect of the game. This offense is built on each position being a subject that defenses have to key on, otherwise, this offense simply won’t find its potential.
Hunt has already raised eyebrows this spring with not one, but two physical altercations. He may still have 100% of Chiefs Kingdom behind him, but if the statistics fall, that support will dwindle fast, especially, if not only for his off the field issues.
Assuming there isn’t a decline in production from Hunt, the Chiefs should be comfortable come January. If Hunt isn’t who we think he is, the Chiefs might find themselves more one dimensional than they want to be.
Hopefully, the off-field concerns as described by sportingnews.com are just that, concerns. He has a bright future ahead of him if his rookie season is any type of preview.
Next: Top 15 Chiefs in rushing yards
If the 2018 Chiefs are as fragile as some say they are, Hunt will need to be a bright spot and an anchor. As Dick Vermeil might say, it’s time to take off the diapers and play some football.