KC Chiefs: Other running backs underutilized through first eight games

The KC Chiefs are an offensive juggernaut this year and some fans might think the run game is being underutilized. Why is that the case?

The Kansas City Chiefs‘ offense is putting up historic numbers. Patrick Mahomes continues to throw touchdowns like they’re going out of style and at midseason, Kareem Hunt is staking his claim in this high-powered offense. For Chiefs fans, it can be easy to forget that Kansas City maintains a good stable of running backs beyond Hunt.

Kareem Hunt’s breakout rookie season wasn’t supposed to happen. Just the year before, Spencer Ware rushed for 921 yards and looked to be Kansas City’s premiere running back heading into the 2017 season. Due to a preseason injury, however, that didn’t happen.

Had Ware not gone down with an injury, Chiefs fans likely wouldn’t have seen Hunt the rookie punish the New England Patriots to the tune of 246 yards from scrimmage. The worries about how the Chiefs would fare without Ware quickly disappeared after that. Hunt then went on to lead the league in rushing during that first year.

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Fast forward to 2018. Even with Ware returning from injury, there was no question who the number one running back was on the depth chart. Ware became the number two man followed by former Miami Dolphin, Damien Williams and rookie, Darrel Williams. After eight games, Hunt leads the team with 592 rushing yards, while the other backs combined have only gained 107 rushing yards together.

To some fans, it may seem like the Chiefs are underutilizing the talents of Ware and the other backs. Ware has 18 carries on the season, with eight of those carries happening while trying to grind out the clock in a 45-10 blow out win over the Cincinnati Bengals in week seven on Sunday Night Football. Damien Williams’ name has been called more on special teams while Darrel Williams has yet to suit up for a game this season.

Are the Chiefs really underutilizing these running backs? The old adage may apply best here, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” It seems like Kareem Hunt got off to a slow start for the season, but after the Denver game in week four, things picked up. One reason for the slow start could be attributed to a record-breaking aerial attack by Mahomes and company and the Chiefs having to throw the ball due to being in shootouts.

Though it may seem like the other running backs aren’t getting a fair share of touches, this may be beneficial to Kansas City as the season progresses. While the Chiefs continue to light up the scoreboard with other offensive weapons, it will keep the running backs fresh down the stretch. Also, as opposing teams plan for those other weapons, this may give Andy Reid a chance to create an unexpected play from Ware or Williams.

Even if it seems like the other backs on the depth chart aren’t getting their chance, Chiefs Kingdom should be glad that opponents have yet to shut down this high-flying offense. Barring any setback from the previous injury, Ware may still be capable of running for more than 900 yards if needed.

If this offense continues to dominate, hopefully, he nor either Williams will be needed though and that’s definitely a good thing.

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