In a scenario the majority of fans would have never thought to see play out, the Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 3 still looking for their first victory of the season. Even more surprising than the slow start to the season, though, is the fact that the offense has been stagnant.
Through two games, the rushing attack for Kansas City has been nonexistent. Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco have been unable to find their stride; the duo has combined for 28 carries for 94 yards and no scores, and rookie Brashard Smith has been an afterthought. This should be especially troubling for Pacheco as he is set to enter unrestricted free agency at the end of the 2025 season.
Now entering Week 3, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has made it known that none of these backs should be comfortable in their spot on the roster if this is the production they are going to provide. Given that Hunt is on the wrong side of 30 years old, Pacheco should be the one driving this rushing attack forward. That hasn't happened thus far, and it could lead to Pacheco being replaced.
Chiefs' Matt Nagy Suggests RB Isiah Pacheco Is Replaceable
"The running back position, guys can get hot...We don't have anything in particular where we want to get one or the other more carries," Nagy stated when asked about the state of the position, via Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports. "It's like a shooter, when you get hot, you want them to keep shooting."
This makes it clear KC doesn't view Pacheco as its lead back at all, as the team is happy to simply ride with whoever has the hot hand. Considering he entered 2025 needing to prove to the Chiefs that he's worth keeping around with this contract expiring, this only moves him closer to the exit, since the staff seems unbothered if it's someone else seeing the bulk of the work in the backfield.
After missing most of the 2024 season due to a fractured fibula, Pacheco has not been the same player who made a name for himself as a seventh-round pick in 2022. Since making his return to the lineup during Week 13 of the 2024 season, Pacheco has not rushed for more than 55 yards in a single game.
Whether it comes via trade before the league's deadline in early November, or after the season, the Chiefs will need to find an upgrade at the running back position if this is the best that their top option can provide. It is on Pacheco to change that narrative moving forward, as the picture being painted right now presents the group in an unflattering way.
If there were ever going to be a time for Pacheco to break out of his slump, it would be this Sunday night. The Giants have been horrendous against the run through two games, giving up 355 yards on the ground and four touchdowns.
If Kansas City can't get it together against a unit performing that poorly, then some wholesale changes may need to be made at the position to strengthen this team's hopes of contending.