When naming the most frustrating Kansas City Chiefs players to start the 2025 season, Isiah Pacheco is near the top of every list. Last season's struggles were downplayed as Pacheco simply not being back to his normal self after dealing with injuries. However, those same excuses won't explain the dismal start to the 2025 campaign, as he has 47 rushing yards through two games and is averaging 3.1 yards per carry. There has been a noted lack of burst and an inability to fight through contact. Still, if there was ever a time for a breakout performance, it is Week 3.
Pacheco is going to benefit from facing a Giants defense that has been terrorized by the Commanders and Cowboys on the ground over the first two weeks of the season. Neither team was expected to have a dominant backfield, but each had zero issues running at will and controlling the clock. With the Giants hosting the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football, now is the moment for Pacheco to turn back the clock and prove that he isn't nearing the end of his career as a starter.
Chiefs' Schedule Handing Isiah Pacheco the Perfect Chance to Get Back on Track
New York is going to be focused on getting after Patrick Mahomes and playing the line of scrimmage tightly, daring the Chiefs to beat them over the top. Something Kansas City has infamously been unable to do consistently due to a lack of talent outside at the skill positions. With this in mind, the stage is set for at least one big Pacheco run. This is going to be the week that tells the story of where we are headed. If the back is completely healthy and cannot get rolling against the lowly Giants, it is officially panic time.
Whether this means a trade or hoping a surprise contributor emerges is up for debate. Regardless, the point remains that Pacheco couldn't ask for a more favorable match-up that gives the ground game a chance to come to life. Not only this, but with Xavier Worthy remaining out, there will be an even higher level of focus on getting the ground game rolling.
All this opens the door for Pacheco having the opportunity to turn back the clock to the 2023 version of himself, when it seemed the Chiefs had found a long-term answer at the position. Kansas City fans have reason to hold out hope that perhaps this will be the player who shows up in New York, ending the alarm around the ground game and giving Mahomes the help he so desperately needs.