The biggest issue currently facing the Kansas City Chiefs' offense is the lack of explosive plays. Opposing defenses simply have zero fear of getting beat deep or KC's running backs ripping off a long run.
Much of this is going to solve itself with Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy nearing a return. This obviously completely changes what Patrick Mahomes can do in the passing game and will bring this part of the offense back to life. Bringing us to Sunday night's results, which made it beyond clear that it is time to put Kareem Hunt in a lesser role.
Hunt's Week 3 was primarily positive, with the power back scoring his first touchdown of the season. However, the limitations as an explosive option continue to be clear, finishing the night with 10 carries for 34 yards. On the other hand, Isiah Pacheco had a far better night, averaging more than a yard per carry than Hunt and appearing to be the old version of himself. With this in mind, it is time for the Chiefs to make an obvious but difficult move.
Chiefs Have No Choice but to Bench Kareem Hunt Despite Improved Performance
Rookie Brashard Smith was given only two carries for 13 yards despite it being beyond obvious the big play ability. Smith brings more of a threat out of the backfield as a receiver and can put pressure on the second level of the defense. Hunt at his best right now isn't going ot do more than rumble for a short first-down run. You simply cannot continue to have Hunt and Pacheco as your featured backs and inspire any level of fear in opposing defenses.
The path for the Chiefs to return to having a dominating offense is simply waiting on the return of its receivers and putting Smith in the backfield. Pacheco should be getting the bulk of the carries as he continues to improve, with Smith taking Hunt's role as the secondary option. While there is a lot of love for what the veteran back has meant to the franchise, it is time to make a change. One that gives your offense a better chance of hitting big plays and puts Hunt into a reserve role.
Use the aging back only in short yardage situations where he remains incredibly productive. However, fans have had enough of the plodding rushing attack that inspires zero fear in the opposing defense. Putting Smith in the backfield won't instantly accomplish this, but it gives you a better chance of reaching your long-term ceiling.
Smith gives you the ability to find a complete explosive unit that Hunt simply will never offer at this late stage of his career. As difficult as it might be for head coach Andy Reid, it is time to make the difficult decision for the good of a struggling offense and bench Hunt in favor of the far more explosive rookie option.